There are millions upon millions of Christians who are not catholic and would never bow down to the Roman dictator. Still, the news media gives the catholic church and the pope such power. This is funny considering that the catholics I have known are the least religious on a daily basis, the most foul-mouthed and sinful in their daily habits. I am tired of hearing that the Pope did this or the Pope said that...
2007-12-27 01:33:22 · 17 answers · asked by lillegman46 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
yeah right...could care less what the pope has to say about anything....
the whore of Babylon is not the fount of information that is needed for the world....
2007-12-27 01:38:51 · answer #1 · answered by coffee_pot12 7 · 1⤊ 12⤋
First of all, the media slams the Catholic Church more than any "denomination." It is because of the wicked power of Satan behind the scenes and that the Catholic Church is united and is ONE, and the other 40,000+ "Christian" religions have no unity and cannot be picked on like God's true Church. What do you see more in the news, Wal-Mart or Mom and Pops Dime Store on the corner of 3rd and Main? The Bible tells us that the true Christians near the end times will be persecuted, and if you seem to notice - those who hold true to traditional Catholic beliefs, beliefs that have been taught for 2000 years, are considered "old fashioned" and archaic. It is only in the last 50 years that the world, through the spirit of modernism, has tried to poison and "protestantize" the true Faith, making it seem less offensive to our "seperated brethren," whom for 500 years before since the advent of Protestantism were known as heretics and schismatics, not "seperated brethren."
The Catholic Church is seen as the pinnacle of all things Christian because the Catholic Church IS Christianity. For the first 1500 years after the death and Resurrection of Christ Christians celebrated the Holy Mass. It wasn't until the Protestant heresey that Christendom was turned on its head and the souls of millions were harmed.
2007-12-27 12:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by Nic B 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Scriptures record the authority given by Jesus to the Church gathered around the bishop. We as Catholic Christians are obedient to that authority. Those without bigotry and hatred for Christ’s Church recognize this fact. But, of course, Jesus said that the world would hate us just as it hated Him.
We Catholics recognize that there are sinners and hypocrites among us. Can any ecclesiastical group legitimately claim differently? But, historically Catholics have been the most devout and faithful of all people to our Lord displaying the fruit of their faith in their love for others.
If you hate what Christ has created perhaps you should question the source of that hatred and division. Do you really think such a spirit of contention comes from God?
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
2007-12-27 02:05:59 · answer #3 · answered by cristoiglesia 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Amen, Veritas!
I grew up in an environment where that church was vilified, and I didn't even question it until I was in my 40's when I took the time to purchase a copy of the Catechism. An awful lot of wisdom in there.
I was particularly moved by the foreward from John Paul II. Now there's a man I Definately want to break bread with in Heaven.
I disagree with too many things the Church teaches to ever become a Catholic. But, it Is the Mother Church, and she'll always have a special place in my heart.
2007-12-27 01:48:48 · answer #4 · answered by Tolstoyevsky 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
It takes more than simply knowing Jesus is the Messiah to be saved; even the Evil One knows Who Christ is.
The Bible and the Catholic Church don't separate the "works of faith," preceded and caused by grace, from salvation . You can have all the faith in the world, enough to move mountains, but if you don't have charity, you are nothing.
The Catholic Church and Her Bible condemn the idea that one can work his way to Heaven on his own merit or that God "owes" a person for doing the right things.
All our works get their merit only from Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. We can do "works" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for the rest of our lives, but without Christ's grace, they are nothing. Works have no merit in themselves -- and faith without works is not enough. We are saved by grace alone -- a grace that we accept neither "by faith alone" nor "by works alone," but "by faith that works in charity" (Galatians 5:6).
2007-12-28 04:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by cashelmara 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What cannot be denied is that the Catholic Church is the oldest and largest Christian denomination in the world. Therefore, the Pope remains the most universally recognizable religious leader on the face of the earth.
These are facts. Try to accept them and calm down.
And remember Christian charity towards your brothers.
Oh, and the Pope is not a dictator that we bow down to. LOL. He is a sinner like the rest of us, and the servant of the people of God.
And I'm truly sorry you've seen such bad examples of Catholicism around you. I guess it's just a reminder that this is precisely the reason we need the Church and the Sacraments - because we are all sinners in need of God's grace!
Pax Vobiscum+
(Peace be to you all)
2007-12-27 01:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by Veritas 7 · 11⤊ 3⤋
The Catholic Church is the only Christian church which can trace its roots straight back to Jesus and the Apostles. Most Protestant Christians can trace the roots of their particular religion to Martin Luther or even to a pastor who may have founded a church 20 years ago.
Everyone seems to forget that there was only one Church for the first @ 1,500 years of Christianity. As such, that Church is the depository of the fullness of faith and tradition. That Church is the Catholic Church.
For those who may have a problem with "tradition" (as in, "If it's not in the Bible, it's not true."), consider how very many people believe in other traditions that are not written down anywhere -- how many people have family stories, traditions, handed down for a few generations (for example, maybe a family has the story that great-great-great grandma after being widowed rode out west on a stagecoach and settled in Indian territory), which they have no problem believing although there is not a shred of proof, only oral tradition.
As to the Pope being a dictator -- that is simply not true. He is our shepherd, the chief earthly shepherd and the representative on earth of our Good Shepherd, Jesus the Lord. Jesus created the Papacy when He appointed Peter as the rock upon which He would build His Church:
From the 16th Chapter of Matthew:
"(Verse 18)[Jesus speaking] ...'And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (19)I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'"
Thus was Peter appointed as the first Pope. All subsequent Popes have been Peter's legitimate successor.
What is a legitimate successor? Imagine you are the CEO of a corporation founded by your grandfather, who passed the company on to your father, who passed it on to you. You plan on passing it on to your son (your legitimate successor), who already works in the company, and wishes to one day pass it on to his son. One day, at your retirement party, as you are thanking all your loyal employees and assuring them that your son will now be the new CEO and will continue to run the company with the same care and concern as you have done, a total stranger barges in and declares that he is now taking over the company and will be the new CEO. That stranger is not a legitimate successor.
The news media does not give the Catholic Church nor the Pope power. The Catholic Church and the Pope are newsworthy because of their prominent position in the world. Kind of like President Bush. You might not like him; you might disagree with everything he says and does... but he is still the President and because of that, he makes the news quite often.
That you have encountered Catholics who are poor examples of the faith they profess is sad, but not surprising, because just believing does not change the fact that we are all sinners. No matter how hard one is trying to live by Gospel principles, it doesn't change the fact that we are all sinners in need of God's mercy. In addition, just because one professes the Catholic faith doesn't always mean that they have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Another factor about the Catholic Church that you may wish to consider: If the Catholic Church does not contain the fullness of faith, then why do folks such as satan worshippers break into Catholic Churches in order to steal and desecrate the tabernacle containing the Holy Eucharist. They don't break into Lutheran churches, nor Presbyterian churches, nor Evangelical churches, nor Pentecostal churches, nor any sort of storefront Iglesia de Dios churches. No, they break into Catholic Churches. WE MUST HAVE SOMETHING THE OTHERS JUST AIN'T GOT!
2007-12-27 02:26:18 · answer #7 · answered by GemmaRose 2 · 7⤊ 2⤋
It is true that many cradle-Catholics can call themselves Catholic, but you have to understand that many of them lead secular lives. They don't really believe as much as they think they do.
The Pope is popular because he's still a very important religious leader. Don't forget, there are 1.1 Billion Catholics in this world, and many other people still respect the position and the person in power.
2007-12-27 02:31:31 · answer #8 · answered by papadego 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Well being that the catholic church is the only true christian church for starters is one thing, secondly american media loves to slaughter the catholics name anytime they get a chance.
wisen up dear friend, lest ye be taken for the idiot you seem bound and determined to prove you are
2007-12-27 03:51:21 · answer #9 · answered by Adam of the wired 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Very simple answer. All other Christian religions are watered down versions of catholicism.
2007-12-28 08:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Veritas said it so well. As a recent convert to the Catholic Church, I gladly call her home. I'm sorry that my Catholic brothers and sisters have been such a bad example to you. It should not be that way. Please pray for them.
God bless, and Merry Christmas.
2007-12-27 01:52:35 · answer #11 · answered by Danny H 6 · 6⤊ 3⤋