Catholic Religion [Archive] - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

lesliem14

05-14-2001, 12:38 AM

I am Catholic so here's a few point.

Not all Catholics say the "Holy Mary" when they enter Church. It is customary to dip your fingertips in the Holy Water and make the sign of the cross.

The rosary is a strand of beads that can be mistaken as a necklace. For each bead you say a different prayer. It is stated how you say the rosary, but it is a little confusing so I will just skip that.

I was always taught that there were three big differences between the Catholic religion and other religions:

1. During the Eucharist the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ and not just a symbol of the body and blood of Christ.

2. The Trinity-Catholics believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the same being and not three seperate beings.

3. As already stated, the emphasis on the Virgin Mary.

And just because I feel like saying it to clear up other perceptions if a Catholic enters a Protestant church THEY WILL NOT BE STRUCK DOWN AT THE CHURCH'S DOOR!! I went to a Luthern church once last summer and I'm still here.

lesliem14

05-14-2001, 12:38 AM

nancysbiggestfan

05-14-2001, 01:37 PM

I also believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is one being not three.

And just in case anyone is wondering my religion is Baptist.

Does anyone else have anything to add?

I have another question.
Is there different 'types' of the Catholic religion? I have no idea about this.
Just in case you don't understand what i am meaning, do some Catholics believe on thing but another believe basically the same except one thing or is there some stuff that Catholics don't have to do or believe.

does that even make sense? Well anyway any info on this would also be appreciated.

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nancysbiggestfan

05-14-2001, 08:31 PM

Can someone help me with my last question?

I would really appreciate it!

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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lesliem14

05-14-2001, 10:12 PM

I'm going to try to answer this in the least-confusing way I can.

In 1056 (that year seems to stick out in my mind although I'm not completely sure about it) the Catholic church in Rome and the Eastern Orthodox church based in Constantinople split. I do not know the exact differences between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox church except they are very similar and I can't remember why the church split.

Fast-foward to the Reformation in the 16th century. Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife so he could have a male heir. The Pope would not give him the divorce because the Catholic church does not believe in divorce. At this point you the Catholic church splintering and Henry VIII decided to create the Anglican church better known as the Episcopal church here. Henry VIII appointed himself head of the church and kept everything from Catholicism except you could get a divorce in his church. I hope that helped you out.

nancysbiggestfan

05-15-2001, 10:15 AM

Thanx a lot lesliem14. That did help.

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~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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nancysbiggestfan

05-15-2001, 11:48 AM

I just thought of another question for whoever can answer it.

Do Catholics read the Bible? Or do they have something else they go by? Do they take just parts of it?

Any info, again, would be appreciated!!

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lesliem14

05-15-2001, 03:03 PM

We do read the Bible. I have a "New American Bible for Catholics". The "King James" Bible is commonly known as a Protestant Bible, but personally it's the same story.

nancysbiggestfan

05-15-2001, 03:14 PM

Is there any difference in the "King James" Bible and the one you have?

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nancysbiggestfan

05-15-2001, 07:47 PM

Can someone please help me with that last question??!?

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Bootsy Whoosh

05-16-2001, 04:04 PM

Hi there, I've been lurking around here for a few days and have finally stopped being lazy and registered.

I think I can answer your question.

The King James Version of the Bible is merely one translation of the Bible. It refers to the translation commissioned by King James I, completed in the 1600s. Basically, it is just the most widely used translation of the Bible because people felt it was well written and easy to understand.

As for whether the Catholic Bible is different from the Protestant Bible... I am by no means an expert, but how I understand it is this:

Both Bibles contain the New Testament. Both Bibles contain the Old Testament...however...
in the Protestant Bible the Old Testament consists of the 39 books of the Jewish Bible, whereas in the Catholic Bible, the Old Testament consists of these 39 books PLUS an additional 7 books.

These additional 7 books are sometimes published as an appendix in the Protestant Bible, they are called the Apocrypha by Protestants. Protestants do not recognize these books as canonical, whereas Catholics do.

I am not sure if you are aware of this or not, but Catholocism and Protestantism are basically different sides of the same coin. Perhaps that anaolgy is over-simplified, however, Catholics and Protestants both fall under the umbrella of Christianity, and hold many of the same beliefs.

I think that I can probably come up with some more information for you but I need to go back and read the questions again!

nancysbiggestfan

05-16-2001, 05:39 PM

Thank you soooo much Bootsy Whoosh!! I hope you do find the time to read the other questions and give me more info.

And thanx in advance for the help.

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Bootsy Whoosh

05-16-2001, 08:53 PM

I am going to say straight off that I am by no means an expert on Catholicism or any religion in general. In fact, I am agnostic, but I was raised Catholic, and went to Catholic schools, so I still know about it. Plus, I do have an academic interest in all religions, so I try to learn about them anyway. That being said, I hope you don’t take what I say as absolute truth, although I have tried to be as accurate as possible and would never purposely mislead you, I cannot be sure if absolutely every detail I have presented here was correct. So if you are really interested, I suggest looking into it yourself a bit, the best place to start would probably be a good old fashioned encyclopedia, or else talk to anyone you might know who is Catholic.

Here is kind of a general overview of Catholicism. Many people have already answered some areas of this, so I will try not to repeat too much, or at least try to expand upon what has already been said if I do.

One thing I think is important to note is that in most religions, there are basically 3 levels. First is dogma, which is the set of beliefs which unite everyone in the religion. Second is doctrine, and the third is the practice or tradition associated with that religion. There is a very subtle difference between dogma and doctrine which may be hard to grasp. For one thing, dogma does NOT change. However, doctrine can and does, though usually not very often. I think you can look at it this way: Catholicism and Protestantism share the same dogma, in that they are both Christian and therefore share a certain core of beliefs. However, the doctrine of the two churches differ, an example would be that they use slightly different Bibles. And the practices and traditions differ. Differences in doctrine and practice are what separate all the various Protestant sects from each other too.

Roman Catholics are in fact the largest Christian body, and when someone says they are Catholic, chances are very good they are Roman Catholic. In fact, I am not positive, but I don’t think there is any difference between a “Catholic” and a “Roman Catholic.”

Roman Catholics believe in the supreme authority of the Pope when it comes to matters of faith. Catholics believe that they are the one true faith and that their God is the one true God. Of course this should come as little surprise since most religions think they are right. However Catholics also believe that they are the one true Church, and that God’s love is mediated to the world through the authority of the Church.

I won’t go into it much, but there is a hierarchy present in the structure of the Church. I don’t think it is very important to know about it, other than to know that it exists. Of course the Pope is the Top Banana, so to speak, followed by Cardinals, Bishops and the clergy (priests).

Catholics put more of an emphasis upon Saints than other Christian sects. This is probably why Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary whereas, as I understand it from you, Protestants do not. It is important to make the distinction that Catholics do not worship Mary or any of the Saints, but pray to them, asking them to act as a mediator between themselves and Jesus.

Catholics are taught that you can pray to God at anytime, anywhere, however, you are generally expected to attend a Mass every Sunday, and on certain other Holy Days throughout the year. At the Mass Catholics celebrate the Eucharist. As stated before, at Eucharist Catholics believe they are actually ingesting the body and blood of Christ, through a process called “transubstantiation” which happens when the Priest consecrates the bread and wine.

Catholics observes 7 sacraments. They are baptism, reconciliation (penance), Eucharist (holy communion), confirmation, holy orders, matrimony, and anointing of the sick.

There are certain other practices or traditions associated with the Catholic Church. The Rosary is one of them, as is fasting, which is not done very often anymore. Catholics also believe in Purgatory, which is a “place” in between Heaven and Hell. Basically if you’re not good enough for Heaven but not bad enough for Hell, you go to Purgatory for a while.

Catholics do believe that Christ will someday return to Earth, the Second Coming. As already mentioned, the Church did split (though the correct date is 1054). This split is known as The Great Schism, and there were 2, and then 3 popes that were claiming legitimacy. The result was the split of the Church, which helped to bring about the Protestant Reformation, which I’m sure you know all about.

I think that Catholics are generally perceived as being stricter than Protestants, but that is really just a matter of opinion of the practitioners. Officially, Catholics are against abortion, capital punishment, unnatural birth control, etc. However, I did read in a newspaper several months ago that some high-ranking Cardinal in the Church did make a public statement saying something to the effect that spreading the scourge of AIDS was a greater sin than using a condom. So, while I don’t believe the Church has yet to officially change its position, it is somewhat responsive to the needs of modern society.

If you have any other question feel free to ask and me or someone else will try to answer them!

nancysbiggestfan

05-17-2001, 12:38 PM

You said that i probably know all about the Protestant Reformation, well i have studied it a little, but don't know much about it. If you could tell me a little more about that i would appreciate it.

Also, you understood from me that Protestants do not pray to the Virgin Mary, we don't pray to her.

I have another question. What is the process that Catholics go through to get "saved" or to become a "Christian". I am not sure what you would Catholics call that.

I think someone said that Catholics do not believe that Jesus has risen yet, but believe he will some day. Is this true?

What do Catholics believe happen to peolpe who are not "saved" or a "Christian"?

I really appreciate everything you have told me so far!!

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Bootsy Whoosh

05-17-2001, 03:46 PM

I understand that Protestants do not pray to Mary.

Second, someone else explained this before, but….Catholics DO believe that Christ rose on the third day after His crucifixion. Catholics celebrate Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday and all that, and recognize that He ascended into Heaven. But they also believe that he will someday return to Earth again in human form; this is called the Second Coming. I’m not positive what the Second Coming is all about for sure, but I always kind of got the impression that on the Second Coming, everyone would be judged, and if you are deemed good, you go to Heaven, if not, you go to Purgatory or Hell. Therefore, it is prudent to be a good Catholic and a good person everyday of your life, since no one knows when the Second Coming will be. But as I said I am not sure about all that, hopefully maybe someone else can confirm this.

To become a Catholic one needs to be baptized. As for how a Catholic becomes “saved” there is not really one thing you have to do. Going to Mass and being a good person are a start, though. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Basically you just have to be a good Catholic, following and observing Catholic beliefs and traditions. Catholics believe (I think) that only Catholics will go to Heaven, so people of other faiths will not.

As for the Protestant Reformation….well it’s a long involved story and many factors lead up to it, but I will try to be concise…

For starters, throughout the entire reign of the Roman Empire, there existed a constant struggle between the Emperors and the Pope, as to who would be deemed to be in authority. Basically, the Pope always won. This resulted in many bruised egos and ruffled feathers. Many countries in Europe resented that they had to pay taxes to and be under the authority of the Pope in Rome, which back then seemed to be worlds away.

Around this time, the Catholic Church was perceived as being terribly corrupt. The highest-ranking officials in the Church were seen as greedy and immoral. The Church was selling “indulgences”. Basically, Church officials were telling people that they could buy their salvation by paying money to the Church.

John Wycliff, an Englishman, was the first person to really speak out against the Church. To reach out to the common man, he translated the Bible into English and gave sermons in English (instead of the traditional Latin).

Then, in the 1300s, The Great Schism of Popes occurred. There were 2 Popes, one in Rome and one in Avignon (France) which were claiming to be in authority. This effectively weakened the Church since some people supported the Pope in Rome, whereas others supported the Pope in Avignon.

Then, in 1517, Martin Luther published his 95 theses speaking out against the practice of selling indulgences. Luther nailed these theses to the church doors at Wittenberg, so the congregation would see them as they entered the church.

The Church told Luther to retract his theses and to submit to the Church. This only pushed Luther more into calling for reform. Luther felt that religion should be based only on individual faith based on guidance found in the Bible.

The Pope sent Luther a notice of excommunication from the Church. Luther publicly burned this notice, along with other Church documents. This caused a great deal of stir, to say the least. In an effort to stem the tide of revolt, political and Church officials of the day held the Diet of Worms, in 1521. Here, they ordered Luther to recant; he refused.

Luther went into hiding for a while, but continued to publish documents calling for reform. Although they were illegal, his papers were still widely available and read. Luther’s writings were a great force in separating Germany. On the one hand were the Church and German officials yearning to maintain the status quo; on the other were peasants, who saw reform as a means to gaining more religious and economic freedom. In 1524 open warfare broke out between the two sides (the Peasants’ War).

Luther was not pleased that the peasants were using his writings to wage war and attempt to bring about sweeping economic reforms, and he did in fact, publicly condemn them for doing so. The peasants were defeated, but basically, things had gone too far to ever go back to the way they were. The divide between the Church and the Lutherans was too great.

A Lutheran Church and creed were established after 1530. At the time, the German princes were too busy with wars with the French and the Turks to turn their military forces against the Lutherans. However, in 1546 they did, and there was a series of civil wars. In 1555 a peace agreement was reached, and the Lutheran Church was finally officially recognized. With this recognition, the concept of a unified Church under the authority of the Pope was destroyed.

callmetootie

05-17-2001, 03:48 PM

Boy, if Archie Bunker saw this topic posted on a sitcoms website, he'd have a fit!

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Andrew Carden

nancysbiggestfan

05-17-2001, 05:56 PM

Thanx so much for that info. So Catholics DO believe that He rose on the third day after the crucifixtion.

I thought of another question while reading what you wrote.
Do Catholics ask the Pope or the head of their Church to forgive them from their sins or do they pray to God?

I as i said am a Baptist and we pray to God to be forgiven from our sins.

Also, if you can do you know the differences between Protestants[Baptists] and Catholics? If so can you outline those for me?

And again thanx sooo much for the info and the troubles.

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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Bootsy Whoosh

05-19-2001, 02:45 PM

Catholics to not ask priest to forgive them for their sins…only God can forgive you for your sins. However, Catholics DO tell their sins to their priests, and the priest usually recommends something for them to do after they confess. (In my experience, they like to tell you to pray the Rosary many times. But while you’re doing the Rosary you’re supposed to be reflecting on what you’ve done and asking God for forgiveness.)

As far as outlining the differences between Protestants and Catholics…I don’t think I can really do that. I only know a little bit about Protestantism. I assumed that since you were Protestant, if I described Catholicism to you, you would be able to pick out the differences. And I know nothing at all about the various sects of Protestantism, as I said I only know general info about it.

nancysbiggestfan

05-19-2001, 05:36 PM

Thanx for that info.

I think i can pick the differences now. From what you said, Protestants and Catholics are sorta the same, but sorta not. [Does that make since?] What i mean is, there is not a lot of big differences. One of the ones that does stick out to me is Some Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary,oh and when Protestants[or at least Baptists] get "saved" or become a "Christian" they pray to God and ask Him to forgive them of there sins and that they believe Jesus is the Son of God and He [Jesus] died on the cross for their sins and rose again.From what i understand Catholics don't do this exactly, but do believe it[right?]. Then Protestants get baptized. They do this because Jesus also did this as an example and want to follow in the example He lead.

And thax again!!

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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Bootsy Whoosh

05-19-2001, 08:01 PM

That sounds right, what you said. Catholics usually get baptized as infants, so there's no way you could do all that (stating you believe in God, ask for forgiveness, etc.) as a itty bitty baby.

However, one of the sacraments Catholics observe is called Confirmation. You usually get confirmed when you're like 12-14, but there is no resiquite age or anything. Basically what confirmation does is allows you to state all that stuff (beliveing in God, asking forgiveness) and also saying that you are going to continue to be Catholic.

nancysbiggestfan

05-21-2001, 12:52 PM

The church thing Catholics go to is called Mass, right?

We [Baptists] just call it church.

Could you tell me what Catholics do in Mass?
You know, like do they pray, sing, etc.?

Thanx in adavnce!!

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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nancysbiggestfan

05-21-2001, 06:30 PM

Just bumpin' this up.

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~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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nancysbiggestfan

05-22-2001, 05:06 PM

Could someone [possibly Bootsy Whoosh] help me with my last question.

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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FolFanatic151

05-22-2001, 07:02 PM

Maybe I can help. Just on a couple of comments on previous things: not all Catholics now believe in Purgatory and "Catholic" means "universal" so I think that like all people can go to Heaven. Okay, now on Mass: would you like me to tell you everything that happens or just the parts of the Mass (we had a test on it in Religion at the beginning of the year)?

nancysbiggestfan

05-22-2001, 07:13 PM

Anything you can tell me about Mass.

And thanx soooo much!!

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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[This message has been edited by nancysbiggestfan (edited 05-23-2001).]

nancysbiggestfan

05-23-2001, 03:50 PM

Please help me with my last question.

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

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FolFanatic151

05-23-2001, 05:58 PM

This is just what happens at Mass at my church so it may differ between parishes and regions. Okay, at Mass everyone comes in and stands in the pew. The priest, altar servers, lector, and possibly deacon come down the main aisle to music like some kind of church song depending on where we are in the Church year. The priest greets the people, everyone makes the sign of the cross, and he says an opening prayer. Then the lector gets up and reads the First Reading. This is almost always from the Old Testament. Then there is a responsorial psalm (usually sung). The lector gets back up and reads the Second Reading which is usually from the New Testament. Everyone is sitting during this. Then everybody stands and sings Alleluia while the priest gets up to go read the Gospel. After the Gospel we sit, and the priest gives the Homily. In the Homily he explains the Gospel and usually relates it to life today. Then we have the General Intercessions. We say the Prayer of the Faithful and sometimes the Nicene Creed. Up till then is the Liturgy of the Word. The next part is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The altar servers prepare the altar and the priest goes up to it while everyone kneels. He consecrates (blesses) the bread and wine changing them into the Body and Blood of Christ. We have the Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen, say the Our Father (Lord's Prayer) and the Sign of Peace. Everyone receives Communion and goes back to the pew. The altar severs clear the altar. The priest says a closing blessing and he, the altar servers,and lector leave to the recessional hymn. I hope that helps,and I hope I didn't leave anything out.

Bootsy Whoosh

05-23-2001, 06:20 PM

Ok here is what I remember. It has been several years since I have gone to church, so I might not get everything exactly right, so maybe FOLFanatic 151 can add some input too.

When you first walk inside the church you dip your fingertips into Holy water and do the sign of the cross. Then you proceed to a pew, take a seat, and wait for it to begin.

I think you start out singing a song or two. (You do this standing up).

Then the priest does his homily, which is basically a speech or teaching or whatever of insights from the Bible, how to live your life, etc.

Then I think there's some more singing (while standing).

Then the priest begins to prepare the Eucharist. I can't remember whether the congregation is sitting or kneeling for this. I think they sit. Then you go up and take the Eucharist. At my church you could have both bread and wine, though I have heard at some churches you can only have one or the other. The priest says "This is the body of Christ..." and then you say "Amen" before he places it on your tongue. You walk back to your pew but before entering it you turn and face the tabernacle (where the bread and wine are stored), kneel on one knee, and do the sign of the cross. Then you go to your seat, kneel and pray.

Then I think there's some more singing, standing, and probably kneeling. Then the priest says his final words, and they usually make some announcements about things happening in the community. Then you leave.

I'm sorry that this is not very accurate and detailed, but as I said it's been awhile. I know there are prayers all throughout the mass but I don't know exactly where. But I answered to the best of my ability, now maybe someone else can provide details.

nancysbiggestfan

05-23-2001, 06:35 PM

Thanx FOL Fantic 151 and Bootsy Whoosh!

If there is anything else either of you could offer i would appreciate it!

You both have helped me so much already!

------------------
~~<nancysbiggestfan>~~

Nancy and Jo and Jinny Rox!!

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nancysbiggestfan

04-23-2003, 10:23 PM

Just thought I would ~bump~ this up b/c some ppl had questions about the Catholic Bible..thought it would help. :-)

~*Hannah_Lee*~

04-23-2003, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by nancysbiggestfan
I also believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is one being not three.

And just in case anyone is wondering my religion is Baptist.

That's what I believe, and I am Baptist too.

¤I Love Clay Aiken¤

04-23-2003, 11:19 PM

Originally posted by ~*Hannah_Lee*~

That's what I believe, and I am Baptist too.
Ditto.

Liza

04-24-2003, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by lesliem14
Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife so he could have a male heir. The Pope would not give him the divorce because the Catholic church does not believe in divorce. At this point you the Catholic church splintering and Henry VIII decided to create the Anglican church better known as the Episcopal church here. Henry VIII appointed himself head of the church and kept everything from Catholicism except you could get a divorce in his church. I hope that helped you out.

I'm sorry - but this is one of my biggest pet peeves - when the Catholics say that my church was created just so Henry VIII could get divorced. I'm an Episcopalian (Anglican) and I just feel the burning need to remind you that Henry VIII lived and died a Catholic. The split between Protestant and Catholicism had occured before, what Henry did was to create it so that the king would be the head of the church of England, not the Pope. This was mostly done for his son, Edward, who was Protestant. When Edward died he left the throne to his cousin, Lady Jane Grey (a very famous Protestant martyr), who was beheaded by another great Catholic, Bloody Mary. It wasn't until Mary died and her sister, Elizabeth I took the throne that the Anglican church was founded.

Being raised Anglican, I've always had some real problems with the Catholic church. In my church, we accept the beliefs of all Christians (and Jews). The Catholic church does not accept the beliefs of any church but their own. They believe that only Catholics are saved. (Correct me if I'm wrong here, but this has always been my experience.)

In my church, and in most protestant churches, any baptized christian is allowed to take communion. In the catholic church, only catholics are allowed to take communion. Another BIG difference I can name is that the Catholic priests are all men, and are not allowed to marry. Let me just take a minute to say in my church, one of my priests is gay, another is female. At my old church my priest was married and the father of four. :lol:

Kristen

04-24-2003, 02:01 PM

Since I was raised Catholic, let me add my comments (Sorry if I repeat anything-I didn't read all the posts all the way through). Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary was concieved without original sin. Although, in my book, I don't see what the big deal is whether she was or not. I tend to think she was though.

Catholics go to confession and tell the priest what they've done wrong and he gives them a penance to do (Usually I just had to say a prayer). The prayer that most Protestants call the "Lord's Prayer" ("Our Father, who art in Heaven...") we usually just call the "Our Father". That's what I grew up calling it.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think Catholics don't take the story of the Creation literally. I think it's taken more as a warning of what could happen if people disobeyed God. Again, I'm no expert, but I remember reading that somewhere.

Hope that helps!
Kristen

Liza

04-24-2003, 03:27 PM

Originally posted by Kristen
Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary was concieved without original sin. Although, in my book, I don't see what the big deal is whether she was or not. I tend to think she was though.

I'm a little confused. Mary was conceived without sin? Meaning her parents didn't have sex? Or do you mean that she remained a virgin her entire life?

My faith is that Mary conceived Christ without original sin, but she didn't remain a virign forever, because she and Joseph had children together.

webuster

04-24-2003, 04:06 PM

In Ireland, there is alot of hate over religion. When it all boils down, it is just about politics and personal grudges with religion used as a cover. No one truly knows why a Portestant is a Protestant and Why a Catholic is a Catholic. Until a few years ago, i wouldn't have known the difference, which is why I don't condemn any religions (In fact, once - someone who doubted God's existence in our school was called a 'protestant' by someone else- this pissed me off that people are so stupid.
Anyway- i studied this recently.
First- methods of Baptism are different, Catholics either Use Immersion or Transpersion (I think that's the names) While Protestants who are Baptised always use Dispersion. Second- Catholics believe in Complete Free Will, Protestants believe god has life mapped out pretty much, I don't believe this, because then God wouldn't plan anyone to go to hell, thus giving Satan some minions. I still have my exercise book, with something about Protestant beliefs that contradict this.
You'll also notice the difference in places of worship, Protestant churches don't have crucifixes, and are much plainer, Catholic churches highly decorated. Protestants don't believe in original sin. Also, I can't remember this fully, but I think the reason Protestants don't pray to Mary is because Catholics, believe mary was ascended to heaven, and given a coronation, and didn't truly 'die'. Protestants don't believe this. I'm not sure how they stand on Mary born free of sin. Then Protestants, some divisions, only give out Eucharist Twice a year, some once a month, but it is never unlimited like the catholic faith. Martin Luther who founded Protestantism had 99 Theses on the differences of his religion nailed to a door, I'm not sure where you can find a copy of this though. It actually all started because of this thing, 'Indulgences' In which the Pope, looking to raise money to build a new Cathedral, sent money collectors around countries, selling certificates signed by the Pope, gaining whoever buys one, immediate entrance into heaven, Othe rinduglences included religious artefacts, holy water, all which people sold to make money. Protestants don't have as amny Holy Books because of this rweason.

webuster

04-24-2003, 04:19 PM

People, think cos you're a Catholic you believe in EVERY single Catholic belief. It's not true, i don't believe in all of them, but not enough to start a new religion. There's this thing in our history class about Martin Luther being tormented by demons or something.

Nanyfan- The ceremony Catholics go to is a Mass, the building is a Chapel. Protestant building is a Church, I'm not sure of the ceremonies name. The King James Bible is said to have been adjusted to king James own beliefs.

The Bible, is somewhat misleading, about Jesus brothers and sisters, who are mentioned I think once. You see, some people, disciples, sometimes Jesus himself, may have spoke metaphorically, or in much more vague terms, so when the passage, being redescribed to someone who didn't witness it, may have been confused, and thus the evangilists, authors of the gospels, wrote it down incorrectly. Perhaps Joseph, who was older than Mary had children from previous marriages, because even at Jesus crucifixion, no siblings are present with Mary. I also think Jesus feeds the Five Thousand was a mislead story and metaphor.
Mary was just exempt from sin at birth.
Also- most traditions, such as Crism at baptism and water, to drown sin, and leave a reminder of original sin, are man-made, so to disobey may not be against god, because Jesus hardly ever gave instructions of worship, people presumed this just.

Also- Catholics don't as much pray for forgiveness, they pray to prevent them from sinning again. This is called 'REPENTANCE' and Catholics also pray to be forgiven for sinful acts, but instead usually just go to a confession box. In times, hundreds of years ago, Protestants hunted catholics who secretly practiced their religion, so basically they couldn't practise confession, which is why I believe most rituals are unneccessary. Jesus said something about how anywhere can be a place of worship. The courts of Law also force people to, and do commit sins too. Jesus once said- Don't swear by anything, by yourself or on someone else or by him, so Swearing to tell turth so help yuo god is an act against Jesus preachings though. Religion is indeed complicated, too many loop holes.

webuster

04-24-2003, 05:19 PM

Martin luthers 95 theses- Complicated to understand. To see them go to- http://bible.crosswalk.com/OtherResources/Luthers95Theses.html

Kristen

04-24-2003, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by Liza

I'm a little confused. Mary was conceived without sin? Meaning her parents didn't have sex? Or do you mean that she remained a virgin her entire life?

My faith is that Mary conceived Christ without original sin, but she didn't remain a virign forever, because she and Joseph had children together.

We believe she remained a virgin all her life, but what I meant was, Mary was concieved without original sin, unlike the rest of us. Therefore, so was her Son. That's just what I've been taught.

Kristen

Liza

04-25-2003, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by Kristen

We believe she remained a virgin all her life, but what I meant was, Mary was concieved without original sin, unlike the rest of us. Therefore, so was her Son.

That's really interesting. I've never heard that before. So Mary's mother was a virgin too? I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but how is that possible? As a Protestant, we believe that Mary was born like everyone else, but God chose her at a young age (as a virgin) to give birth to his son. After Jesus was born Mary and Joseph were married and had other children.

Kristen

04-25-2003, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by Liza

That's really interesting. I've never heard that before. So Mary's mother was a virgin too? I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but how is that possible? As a Protestant, we believe that Mary was born like everyone else, but God chose her at a young age (as a virgin) to give birth to his son. After Jesus was born Mary and Joseph were married and had other children.

It's hard to explain....I guess God decided that b/c she was going to bear His child, He created her without original sin. He's God, He can do things like that. ;)

Kristen

Liza

04-25-2003, 01:23 PM

LOL, Good Answer! :lol:

RWCTV

04-26-2003, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by nancysbiggestfan
Here is my question. Okay, i am not Catholic and i wanted to know what exactly their religion is. I HEAR Nancy McKeon may be Catholic and just wanted to know.

Like for instance do Catholics believe Jesus died on the cross for everyones sins.
I was just wonderin'. If anybody could feel me in on this it would be appreciated.

Wow, I was actually debating with a Catholic person the other day, in person.

I have many Catholic friends, and have gone to their sermons. In 1997, I went to a big Catholic convention with a friend that invited me and I have this to say.

Mary was in fact a sinner. The reason God chose Mary to give birth to Jesus was because Mary carried the blood from king David. In Bible Prophecy, God said that the seed of David will rule forever. That will happen when Jesus returns.

Jesus did die on the cross and rose again: If you do not believe in the resurrection, then you cannot be totally saved, because then you are not believing that that Christ overcame death. In other words, When Christ arose from the dead, he sent the message that through him you could have eternal life. He has proved that he is God in the flesh (God in him and him in God). If he had just died, then why would he be worshipped for centuries following? You would have to classify and compare Jesus Christ to Ghandi, Budda, and others who have "religions". Also, you would have to ignore the fact that many disciples as well as others have seen the marks in his hands and feet after the death and ressurection and you would have to ignore the fact that in the Bible, he ascended in a cloud. You would be basically ignoring the Bible itself and going along with the doctrines that the Pharisees and the High Priests, whom did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God the first time and who also endorsed the crucifiction of Jesus Christ.

Catholics believe that works get you into heaven: My mother was raised Catholic and has shared things with me on this subject matter. When I went to that major convention in 1997, a leader from the "Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart" announced "Join us, as we work our way to heaven!" The audience stood up and applauded while I told my friend "See, this is what I have been telling you about." I was shocked that I heard the exact words live, for myself, being confirmed with such impact. On works, the bible says "For by grace are ye saved through faith, AND NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

As for Confession to a priest, there is no need for it.
Think about this: The person confessing is a sinner telling another sinner their problems. We should confess our sins to Christ in prayer, not to some sinner in the flesh who contains certain levels of corruptness as we all have. In one way or another, we all have a degree of corruptness and that is only human.

Read I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If you go back three versus you will see that the "he" mentioned is Jesus Christ, and not your local priest.

Another thing to observe in Roman Catholicism is the fact that when you attend a Catholic church, many go through readings. When I have visited a Catholic church, I have observed the lax way people just "recite" the prescribed words that some believe will save their soul. Now if you recite a set of words like the sinners prayer, and you believe it with all your heart, then that is a different story. Every time I have went it was a blabbering of the same words over and over again.

Also consider this: What about beer gardens?
Catholic churches serve beer to raise money for the church and have gambling type games to raise money as well. Now, I do not object to having a drink or gambling a little, but I do object to such things being used by the church to raise money. In fact, isn't that why Jesus was so pissed in the temple when people were making money in a place of worship?

Read this:
Matthew 21:12-13
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
And said unto them, it is written, My house sall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of theives.

Take that, and add it to drunkeness and you have the Catholic church supporting sin in exchange for money. The preists do not necessarily see things this way, because they consider themselves leaders of a RELIGION, and not true leaders guided by faith in the Holy Spirit.

There is a difference between being a leader of a RELIGION, which Catholic priests use as a BUSINESS and people who are guided through the Holy Spirit, through salvation, who are given legitimate offerings from people who support them and who do not exort to business efforts to drum up the bucks.

Now I want people to know that this is the experience I have seen first hand. There may be different ways of handling things in different Catholic churches. I do not condemn Catholics, but as you saw here, I definately question some of their motives that do not agree with the Bible itself.

Czas na Zywiec

04-26-2003, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by RWCTV
Also consider this: What about beer gardens?
Catholic churches serve beer to raise money for the church and have gambling type games to raise money as well. Now, I do not object to having a drink or gambling a little, but I do object to such things being used by the church to raise money. In fact, isn't that why Jesus was so pissed in the temple when people were making money in a place of worship?

All the parishes that I've beloinged to has never done such a thing and neither of the neighboring parishes have either, so it must just be a regional thing.

Kitt

04-26-2003, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by RWCTV
Another thing to observe in Roman Catholicism is the fact that when you attend a Catholic church, many go through readings. When I have visited a Catholic church, I have observed the lax way people just "recite" the prescribed words that some believe will save their soul. Now if you recite a set of words like the sinners prayer, and you believe it with all your heart, then that is a different story. Every time I have went it was a blabbering of the same words over and over again.Well if you have a problem with that then what was the big stink over the importance of "blabbering" the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools all about? Isn't "blabbering" all that kids are really doing when they blah their way through the pledge everyday?

Why do you go into Catholic churches over and over if not only to share with us how mundane you think it is in Catholic churches. If you don't get what it's about, and don't seem to want to get what it's about, then don't bother visting Catholic masses. You seem to be only trying to reinforce your predjidices and pass them along to others. You don't learn about Catholicism by cynically visting Catholic masses.

*Marilyn Monroe*

04-26-2003, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by RWCTV

Another thing to observe in Roman Catholicism is the fact that when you attend a Catholic church, many go through readings. When I have visited a Catholic church, I have observed the lax way people just "recite" the prescribed words that some believe will save their soul. Now if you recite a set of words like the sinners prayer, and you believe it with all your heart, then that is a different story. Every time I have went it was a blabbering of the same words over and over again.

When was the last time you went to a church that recites the Lord's Prayer? You cant tell me that everyone says that like they "believe it with all their heart." Because most dont. They just say the words because they were memorized as a kid. My point I'm trying to make is that it's not just the Roman Catholic religion that just recites the words with no meaning.

Liza

04-26-2003, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by *Marilyn Monroe*
it's not just the Roman Catholic religion that just recites the words with no meaning.

A very good point, Marilyn Monroe! I have to agree. Many of the things said in my church service (Episcopalian though I am) are a permanent part of the service - like the Lord's Prayer. For me, anyway, when we say it over and over, sometimes my whole heart and soul are in it, and sometimes not at all. I'll admit it, sometimes when I'm reciting the Lord's Prayer my mind is on what I'm doing for lunch, when I'm going to finish my homework, etc. I think it's just part of going to church, no matter what religion you may be.

RWCTV

04-28-2003, 03:07 AM

Originally posted by Kitt
Well if you have a problem with that then what was the big stink over the importance of "blabbering" the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools all about? Isn't "blabbering" all that kids are really doing when they blah their way through the pledge everyday?

Why do you go into Catholic churches over and over if not only to share with us how mundane you think it is in Catholic churches. If you don't get what it's about, and don't seem to want to get what it's about, then don't bother visting Catholic masses. You seem to be only trying to reinforce your predjidices and pass them along to others. You don't learn about Catholicism by cynically visting Catholic masses.

Reply to the first paragraph: You're right. Kids do "blab" the pledge every day. However, there are some kids that proudly recite the pledge and some kids that just say it without any real interest. Did you know that the Pledge of Allegience's meaning today is actually opposite of what it was originally intended to be?

For the second paragraph: You are misinterpreting what I am saying. As a true believer, I have gotten some fulfillment from Catholic masses before. I originally went to them because my friends wanted me to go to them and I did. This was in the 90's, long before I even thought I would use the internet to tell of my experiences in the past, so me "cynically visiting Catholic masses" is inaccurate. When I said the thing about being a believer and getting fulfillment from masses that I have attended, then what about the people who are not being taught the simple way to heaven and making people think that it is a lifelong struggle of doing works to get to heaven? Are some going just to go because they think that attending a service once a week will get them in heaven?

The main point I'm trying to make is that if someone is coming up with things that is not scriptural, then what is the point of going to church at all?

My dad told me that he had a Catholic friend who said "Don't read the bible, it will only confuse you."

My dad asked him, (and I was talking to him about this subject yesterday on account of this post) without telling the man he was a born-again, he asked the guy "What do you think it takes to get into heaven?"

The man said: "Bob, you have to go to church every Sunday, you have to pray the rosery, and you have to be good."

The two had a levelheaded talk about the subject, with scripture as the back reference.

The bible has been under attack for so long, but why has the message stayed alive for thousands of years and counting? Why and how did it survive through World War II when Hitler wanted every bible destroyed? The bible cannot be ignored when teaching about God in a church, and that's the main thing.

RWCTV

04-28-2003, 03:18 AM

Originally posted by *Marilyn Monroe*

When was the last time you went to a church that recites the Lord's Prayer? You cant tell me that everyone says that like they "believe it with all their heart." Because most dont. They just say the words because they were memorized as a kid. My point I'm trying to make is that it's not just the Roman Catholic religion that just recites the words with no meaning.

I agree. It's like what Kitt said about the Pledge of Allegience. Not everyone is going to recite that pledge.

Want to know something? When I was a teen, I used to sneak my electronic Battleship handheld videogame with the sound off and played it in church. I was not at that time interested in what the preacher was "blabbing" (Blabbing in my mind), and some people do not mean what they say in reciting certain things because they are simply not interested. They want to get out of church and some recite the words of certain things so that their parents do not yell at them, or some may recite words to make their spouse happy. There are many reasons, but it definately exists in every faith.

Now 2 weeks ago, I went to my church (Which I haven't in a while) and got something out of it bigtime. The preacher, who is filling in from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago until my church gets a permanent pastor was talking about how people mistake a passage in Hebrews for "losing one's salvation". After going on, he provided so much to where I can never be enticed to have such inaccurate doubts like that again. I realize that my faith was being tested by the evil one, but when God says you're sealed, your sealed. Maybe me being older makes me want to pay attention more now, but it was definately the best week to go and the timing was perfect.