Religion Question:
- Thread starter BigBlueSean_rivals178247
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I've also heard it said that there's no salvation outside of the Catholic faith. So who ya gonna believe?
The foundation of it all is the confession, repentance and baptism. IMO if you got that you good...everything else is secondary.
Raised Catholic. Married a Baptist from one of those "Hay-el Farrrrrrrr and brimstone" churches.
We're both anti-religion now (I teeter between agnostic and atheist; she's firm in her atheism). Why?
Our extended families acted like we were marrying "wrong" because the Catholics thought Baptists weren't tr00000 Christians and vice versa. I have relatives who won't accept her, and she has relatives who won't accept me - all over who worships the correct sky daddy. It's been a decade you petty, petty ********. Not only did you drive us away from religion, you made us both actively despise it.
That was our cue that it's all a bunch of ******** and isn't worth wasting time on. (Basically, in the end, there's going to be so many "wrong" folks because their holy texts weren't the one and only faith like they thought.)
If I'm right, I become worm food like everyone else. If I'm wrong, I've got eternal front row tickets to the best damn Slayer show in existence.
We're both anti-religion now (I teeter between agnostic and atheist; she's firm in her atheism). Why?
Our extended families acted like we were marrying "wrong" because the Catholics thought Baptists weren't tr00000 Christians and vice versa. I have relatives who won't accept her, and she has relatives who won't accept me - all over who worships the correct sky daddy. It's been a decade you petty, petty ********. Not only did you drive us away from religion, you made us both actively despise it.
That was our cue that it's all a bunch of ******** and isn't worth wasting time on. (Basically, in the end, there's going to be so many "wrong" folks because their holy texts weren't the one and only faith like they thought.)
If I'm right, I become worm food like everyone else. If I'm wrong, I've got eternal front row tickets to the best damn Slayer show in existence.
You need to choose the path that makes you happy. That being said, why would how people behave have anything to do with whether or not you believe in God? One has little to do with the other.
Sean ... first, I will just say that Luther was right, and, second, that yes, there will be Catholics in heaven just like there will be some Protestants who won't. There are no doubt many people that overcome their circumstances that make it difficult to believe and know God, and are yet still saved by faith in Christ, and there are no doubt some that are deceived by their circumstances who think they are saved because they walked an aisle one day, or said a prayer, or said they believed when in truth they don't exhibit and live out that faith in any way that shows the evidence of the fruit of their faith and are thus self-deceived in the worst of ways.
As an aside to others, if you think about it, it is arguable (in an ironic way) that some of the bravest and boldest people you know are those that reject the Gospel. They have made the calculated decision that they are prepared to enter the grave presumably at peace with their decision that if they happen to have been wrong that it isn't going to be a good outcome. That's quite the gamble, if it you want to look at it in those worldly terms.
On the other hand, the reality that we are not in control of everything, and that we don't know all that there is to know, .and that we all struggle with life including not even living up to our own standards much less sinning against the standard of Christ.. ...thus yielding one's life over to the One who does and is able to save and redeem is a simple act of genuine faith that leads to a life that truly does give one peace upon entering the grave. Even from a worldly perspective, that's a gamble worth believing in.
As an aside to others, if you think about it, it is arguable (in an ironic way) that some of the bravest and boldest people you know are those that reject the Gospel. They have made the calculated decision that they are prepared to enter the grave presumably at peace with their decision that if they happen to have been wrong that it isn't going to be a good outcome. That's quite the gamble, if it you want to look at it in those worldly terms.
On the other hand, the reality that we are not in control of everything, and that we don't know all that there is to know, .and that we all struggle with life including not even living up to our own standards much less sinning against the standard of Christ.. ...thus yielding one's life over to the One who does and is able to save and redeem is a simple act of genuine faith that leads to a life that truly does give one peace upon entering the grave. Even from a worldly perspective, that's a gamble worth believing in.
Have not read the entire thread so take this with that in mind. To me, I really don't get all of the bickering about who is right or wrong because it seems to get away from the simple fact that Jesus teaches us to cast the first stone if we are guiltless. As humans, we tend to think that our take is the only one when referencing denominations but, if you take a step back, you will also see that in almost all cases (at least ones I have seen) even in the denominations we agree with you will find a lot of disagreement with the interpretations of the meaning of scriptures. This oft times leads to splits in the church and bickering among people who should only be there to worship God. My take is, if you are worshiping God, I don't care how you interpret the meanings, that is between you and God. To me, telling you you are wrong, would be as if I were speaking as God and that would be wrong, for I do not know what his response to you would really be.
I no longer go to church for this very reason. I study at home with my family. In any instance, May God bless you all.
I no longer go to church for this very reason. I study at home with my family. In any instance, May God bless you all.
Catholics get bashed a lot for various reasons. Mostly by people that think Jesus turned water into grape juice, so Catholics largely take those criticisms/judgments/condemnations with a grain of salt.
And there is no technicality associated with catholics being the first Christians. I'm sure most of these bozos don't know who Martin Luther is.
The illustration depicted in this thread paints a picture that displays division. The Catholic and the Protestant had no issues going to war together, fighting in the trenches like brothers to defeat Hitler's evil ***. There is a special glow that emanates from people that have Jesus in their hearts. When he truly lives inside, that light shines, it don't matter what denomination's your associated with.
None of this is accurate. No egregious grammatical errors, though. So you win the debate.
But you haven't given a reason why it's a bad idea. You've just said you don't believe that it's true.
I've often observed that people spend their entire life fulfilling their childish desires and then when all of the chips sit in the center of the table and the last hand is about to be revealed, they seek salvation. Why not just save 50 years of rejection and accept Christ into your heart right now? I know why. Because deep sacrifice isn't easy for most to accept.
Many people worship their own knowledge. Oblivious to what the are incapable of "knowing."
On the other side, Christians often come from a position of righteousness. I am deeply flawed and deeply hypocritical. But that gives me a chance to reaffirm my faith daily.
The sound of the buzzer when the wrong response is given sounds like--- annnhgggghhhhhh!!
Hey really though, come on now, shape up a lil bit would ya? Get some blood flowing in your deflated wrinkliness.
Hey really though, come on now, shape up a lil bit would ya? Get some blood flowing in your deflated wrinkliness.
- extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant: an egregious mistake; an egregious liar. Synonyms: gross, outrageous, notorious, shocking. Antonyms: tolerable, moderate, minor, unnoticeable.
No reference page in apa format, but my discernment is on point.
There are certain believers, however, who have the spiritual gift of discerning spirits—that is, the God-given ability to distinguish between the truth of the Word and the deceptive doctrines propagated by demons. We are all exhorted to be spiritually discerning (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1), but some in the body of Christ have been given the unique ability to spot the doctrinal “forgeries” that have plagued the church since the first century. This discernment does not involve mystical, extra-biblical revelations or a voice from God. Rather, the spiritually discerning are so familiar with the Word of God that they instantly recognize what is contrary to it. They do not receive special messages from God; they use the Word of God to “test the spirits” to see which line up with God and which are in opposition to Him. The spiritually discerning are diligent to “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15) the Word of God.
There are certain believers, however, who have the spiritual gift of discerning spirits—that is, the God-given ability to distinguish between the truth of the Word and the deceptive doctrines propagated by demons. We are all exhorted to be spiritually discerning (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1), but some in the body of Christ have been given the unique ability to spot the doctrinal “forgeries” that have plagued the church since the first century. This discernment does not involve mystical, extra-biblical revelations or a voice from God. Rather, the spiritually discerning are so familiar with the Word of God that they instantly recognize what is contrary to it. They do not receive special messages from God; they use the Word of God to “test the spirits” to see which line up with God and which are in opposition to Him. The spiritually discerning are diligent to “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15) the Word of God.
Yeah, I'm just not prepared to make the deep sacrifices Hinduism demands of me, but when the last hand is on the table maybe I will find myself crying out to Shiva.
Interested to know where you disagree because I have simply stated the fundamental divide between Protestants and Catholics that even a rudimentary reading of theological/church history confirms.
Some things in the Bible are difficult to understand...the fundamental teaching of redemption is not:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph 2:8-9
Rom. 4:5, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,"
Rom. 10:9, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;
Rom. 11:6, "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace."
I don't care what you call yourself Catholic, Baptist whatever...if you are trusting in Christ alone, not in your works, your baptism, your goodness then the Bible says you are saved.
I think there are Catholics who trust in Christ alone for their salvation, however, they eventually see the contradiction between Catholic tradition and Biblical teaching and often leave Roman Catholicism. On the other hand, there are a lot of Baptists who think they are saved because they go to church, their family is "Christian" or they're just good people...not Biblically saved.
Are you counting on your baptism, your attendance of mass, your confession? Or are you trusting in the finished work of Christ alone by the grace of God to reconcile you to Himself?
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I agree with what you are saying. But I have rarely come across anyone in the Catholic Church who solely think their acts of going to mass etc. Are what is going to get them into heaven. The large majority of Catholics I know think what gets you into the kingdom of God is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their savior and through that receiving his grace. The acts you are talking about are done in attempt to be closer to God and life a life that is pleasing to him.... Just as Protestant Christians go to church, tithe, partake in communion, ask for forgiveness and repent, participate in outreach/Bible study.
I was raised Christian was baptised and have no converted to Catholicism. I am saved only by the grace of God and the acceptance of his son as my Savior. I go to Mass, do communion, confession etc. in effort to show him I am trying to do better and live like him for "faith without works is nothing".
If he's a cracker you can eat him and drink his blood.
Did you all know religion was started by rulers that wanted people to be more easily led/docile. It's a societal stabilizer giving people a code to live by that was made by someone else. I'll hang up and listen
I'm a baptist born and raised reborn on septet 2nd 2013. Best decision I ever made in my life. I am a protestant. That being said we are all Christians expect for the so called terrorist groups who are out to kill all Christians. IMO we are once in the same widen it comes to your beliefs in Christ. Yes Mary played an important specifically for the sake of christianity. This is what I believe, if you put your heart and souls into living your life as a Christian the best way you can and that goes for anyone no matter if you're a cathlotic. I don't believe that on judgement day god will single you out for not putting Christ first while celebrating christianity. Most of us are Christians and no matter what god sees that in you and I feel on judgement day god knows all about you and when you meet him on judgement day.. as someone who mentioned it earlier if you live your life the celebratimg the the best you gain a md ask for forgiveness you will be forgiven. Hell Charles Manson could beg for for forgiveness and still enter the pearly gates but that is between him and god. As someone mentioned above John 316 basically sums up the importance of having Christ as your personal savior. He will forgive if you truly mean it
That's cold blooded lol. But he very well of pooed with god and a chance to enter his kingdom
It's like you have no idea of history or the bloodshed over this idea. I mean, just a war that went on for 150 years...or the modern conflicts in Ireland, it numerous events.
I know, shocking this dude completely left out half a millennia of war between the two, but man, feelings.
My entire family is Catholic. I chose to go to a nondenominational church in my twenties because I felt compelled. As I have grown older I've learned there are bad people in every church. So no reason to rage against the darkness. Probably should go back where I belong.
With that said, if I go to heaven and find out my father can't come because he was/is Catholic I pray I have the courage to refuse going without him. My father and friends would need my help elsewhere and that's where I would want to be.
Sean they don't know in my opinion. That's just me though.
Perhaps it is just those scriptures they see as the ones that explain it to them. There are many things in the Bible that leave unanswered questions for me but, there are scriptures that also tell me that all things will be answered in Gods time and I just need to wait and trust in him. Knowing that I cannot explain it to unbelievers. I simply leave it to God and hope they eventually will come around. In the end, it is up to us whether we believe or not, free will being one thing we all have to make the decision with.
Sounds like a particular political party out there that tells certain groups (poor people, minorities, etc....) that they are on their side but, keep them down just to keep them voting for them. Weird huh?
I like your approach. And my faith has grown very much over the years, just seems arrogant to say you're the one interpreting scripture correctly and others aren't. I agree the answers you seek are there, but it's much more complicated.
160 years ago, people thought they were interpreting 1 Timothy correctly, to justify slavery.
Gotta love the born again religious people. I kind of like that little loop hole with religion. If I don't feel like following every detail, I can just start having faith again and ask for forgiveness and just start over with a clean record. I can have sin as much as I want and if things start to look too bad and death is coming sooner rather than later, I can still get a ticket to heaven so I can party it up with the coolest angels. Just wondering out loud here, but exactly how many times can I get away with this trick before God figures out my wicked plan? Wouldn't want to risk my plan of wild parties with the crazy angels in the afterlife. I would also hate giving up my lifestyle of having sex with as many women as money can buy just in case it turns out it's all just a bunch of bs and there is no heaven or any afterlife. I would feel so cheated if none of it was true and I didn't get to have fun while alive. Its tricky. If I were you guys, I would just use my plan and get the best of both worlds. With the way these religious threads turn out, I think we're safe with this plan. No way God clicks these religious threads on this forum, even if the rumor is really true and the big guy from the sky is a Kentucky basketball fan.
Bad plan son, the Bible makes it clear that those who have truly been born again will have new desires and produce the fruit of salvation of a changed life...hence James 2, faith that doesn't produce good works is not saving faith. By the way, the "fun" life you described is a miserable life without God. We were made to live for Him and enjoy Him forever. The pleasures of this world are but shadows of that grand reality.:
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:1-4
As I previously said, it not so much about what you call yourself it's about whether or not you and/or your father is trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
I respect your love and admiration for your father but I would caution you that if you are loving/trusting the judgment of your father more than you are loving/trusting Jesus then you may not be following the Jesus of the Bible.
Matthew 10:34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Should say I would ask to be allowed to go with my father. No worries, my father is a better man so if he doesn't make in the gates neither would I. Have a good night.
That's my point brother...it's not about being a good person. God requires perfection, therefore none of us have a chance outside of Christ. We need HIS perfect righteousness to enter Heaven. He takes our sin on the cross and give us His righteousness...what grace!
If you're concerned about your father, your friends, or people around the world not entering Heaven then our duty is to share THIS Gospel with them.
My father is the one who helped me find Christ. It's not that I am worried. It is the honesty that I don't have all the answers. God will judge us in time. We will see. Just in case I have my father's back. Hell or not if possible.
You do have the answer. God has clearly revealed His only means of salvation in His Word. Jesus says "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6.
Trust the Word just like you were hearing the very Words of God in person, for that, in fact, is exactly what the Bible is. The Spirit breathed infallible Word of God.
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