Do my Catholic friends that called me a fellow Christian think differently since your Pope said I am not?

Question

I read the artical in my paper twice, because I could not believe what he was saying about ALL Protestants. Don't Catholics miss Pope John Paul? He was a man respected by most Christians, regardless of denomination. I think the words sent the RCC back to the middle ages, and wonder why he chose this time in history to make such an announcement.

I do not want to get in a sword fight here, I have researched it and turned to the Catholic Channel and watched a pathetic attempt to do a "spin" in words. I have read more of the thousands of pages of the RCC Statement of Faith than any Catholic I have personally met. Apostalic claims are spurious when history shows many Popes were not only in error, they were in states of great sin, and no more than political power-mongers. What has bewitched you so?

Answer 1

My understanding is >>> The Catholic Church believes that THEY ALONE have the true faith and true religion, and unless you BELONG AND ARE FAITHFUL TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH EXCLUSIVELY, THEN YOU ARE NOT A TRUE CHRISTIAN AND ARE NOT SAVED.

Please correct me with facts and not just your opinion.

dave

EDIT ADDED >>>

"Christ “established here on earth” only one Church and instituted it as a “visible and spiritual community”[5], that from its beginning and throughout the centuries has always existed and will always exist, and in which alone are found all the elements that Christ himself instituted.[6] “This one Church of Christ, which we confess in the Creed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic […]. This Church, constituted and organised in this world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops in communion with him”.[7]"

reply >>> points to the Catholic Church ALONE.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

"Nevertheless, the word “subsists” can only be attributed to the Catholic Church alone precisely because it refers to the mark of unity that we profess in the symbols of the faith (I believe... in the “one” Church); and this “one” Church subsists in the Catholic Church.[10]"

reply >>> says "can only be attributed to the Catholic Church alone"

THEY CLAIM EXCLUSIVE CORRECTNESS AND DOMINION OVER ALL CHRISTIANS.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

ADDED >>>>

"these venerable Christian communities lack something in their condition as particular churches.[17]"

reply >>> They say that something is lacking BUT DO NOT STATE WHAT THAT SOMETHING IS for those outside of the Catholic Faith.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

ADDED

"According to Catholic doctrine, these Communities do not enjoy apostolic succession in the sacrament of Orders, and are, therefore, deprived of a constitutive element of the Church. These ecclesial Communities which, specifically because of the absence of the sacramental priesthood, have not preserved the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic Mystery[19] cannot, according to Catholic doctrine, be called “Churches” in the proper sense[20]."

reply >>> States that if you do not follow the practices of the Catholic Church >>> THEN YOU ARE NOT EVEN CALLED CHURCHES !!!!!!!

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

Answer 2

I am a protenstant, so I can't say for sure.
I don't believe that there is one correct way of thinking, quite frankly we probably all have it wrong in some way or another.
Pope John Paul didn't influence me as a Pope (I'm not Catholic) but he did strike me as a good, just, and thoughtful man. He embraced all Christian and made a personal apology to the Jews for things that had been brought upon them by the church. I miss having stories about men like that, and not the ones about hate and discrimination.
Those feelings of superiority, on the part of every Christian denomination and other religion or belief system is simply unjust.

Answer 3

Don't get me wrong, I definitely don't know everything about either religions you mention. However, Protestants do not take Communion every week do they? They also allow for divorce don't they? That's why the Pope said that. A requirement of the Catholic church is participating in Holy Communion every week, and a true Christian could not belong to any religion where divorce is allowed. When you think about it, divorce would be people turning their backs on an act that God has performed.
He would choose this time because A) people are leaving their faiths in record numbers, and B) almost half of all marriages end in divorce.

Answer 4

I think it's one big non-issue, myself. Like da Pope said, the document simply reaffirms what has been Church doctrine for centuries--if you aren't Catholic, you cannot have salvation, and if you are a protestant, you are going to Hell.

What I think is odd (and a little depressing) are the attempts by some people to claim that the document doesn't say that or that the articles about the document were wrong and somehow "anti-Catholic". I've seen these people misquoting the document, quoting parts out of context, or splitting semantic hairs.

The document is quite clear: Only the Church provides the means for salvation. Protestant denominations are not Churches. Therefore Protestants have no chance for salvation.

Answer 5

>>I read the artical in my paper twice, because I could not believe what he was saying about ALL Protestants.<<

You need to read the actual document. The media has really distorted what it says.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html

>>Don't Catholics miss Pope John Paul? He was a man respected by most Christians, regardless of denomination.<<

I actually like B16 better, but that is just me. Are you aware that in 2000, JPII approved a document that said pretty much the same thing?
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000806_dominus-iesus_en.html

Answer 6

There are many Christians thought in the world. And it's begun from early century.

Both Catholic and Protestant believe in Trinity. But there are others Christians thought that believe in monotheism and they think Jesus as human being. Like Aryan.

But 'power' make history. Right?

So, which is the right one? It's back to: who have a power.

Answer 7

The Catholic church has always said that the fullness of revelation given by Jesus Christ is with the Catholic Church alone. What Benedict says is nothing new, but what has always been taught by the Church. The newspapers have a way to sensationalize issues. Protestants and Orthodox are Christians too and our brothers in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May the divisions of the second millennium dissapear in this third millennium.

Answer 8

I could be totally wrong on this, but isn't being Christian means you believe in Christ? I'm also pretty sure the Catholic church is just one of many " brands" that consider themselves Christian.

Does the "Brand" matter or does the product itself? I was raised Catholic and when I attend Church it is at my wife's Church, Lutheran. So I suppose, I am really bad because I went with the original "Protestant " church.

I think Christ knows whats in our souls. I also think there may be a rude awakening when Christ comes back. Many that feel their "brand" is the only one, may be wrong.

It's silly to think " My Christ is better than your Christ". More division amongst Christians is not what is needed. I say bless all who have Christ.

Answer 9

megapieix...i think that's right, i'd like to say that the church is not the way to salvation, it's definitely Jesus Christ! Last night i envisioned people in a pit, some were struggling to climb out, and others were falling, and still others were standing on top of the pit, completely out of it. The people trying to climb out of the "pit", which could be seen as trying to evade death, kept trying, but couldn't make it. I see these people as self-righteous people who try to attain their salvation. Another kind of people are the people who are falling, they've let go of the wall, and have either decided to take a nice fall, and enjoy it, or have let go and don't know what to do. Now the last and wonderful kind of people are the people who have been saved from "the pit." Some might have been falling, others might have been trying to climb, but we miss one of the most important parts, we must let go of all the crap of this world, and the sin, and turn from it, so that we can grasp Jesus' hand's and he can save us from eternal damnation. It's not about what church, not about what denomination, i can't believe what some people are writing on here! Look in the word of God, and it will show the absolute truth. Ephesians 4:4-6 says: There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Amen.

Answer 10

Don't know what was in your paper, but I also read the document and it doesn't say that. I am wondering why other churches and media groups are trying so hard to discredit a religious leader that they stoop to misquoting him.
BTW, not a Catholic, it's just when I read something I find improbable, I do a little research.