Posted on 04/09/2018 6:00:54 PM PDT by marshmallow
Agreed. Once I became an adult and studied the Bible, it was blindingly obvious that the Catholic Church had put layers on top of the faith that were both wrong and almost laughable. Papal infallibility, Mary as the “co-redemptrix” alongside Jesus, Mary as a perpetual virgin, subdividing sins into mortal and venial, etc. Probably 20 more. I’ve never looked back.
Well then, the big question to you then is — is the current pope flawed? Are his proclamations shifting the faith correct?
I don’t harbor ill will towards Catholics or their religion. I simply think it is an offshoot of Christianity that went down the wrong path (IMO)
I grew up Catholic. I have plenty of personal reasons to hate and detest the Catholic Church but I don’t, because I know there are and have been good people in it.
I am trying to find my path to God, but it won’t be down that path...
Hint:
Global Warming is NOT a matter of Faith or Morals.
He has proclaimed nothing Ex Cathedra.
His words have created confusion, requiring clarification, nothing more.
His proclamations are NOT “shifting the faith”.
A serious Catholic would know that there is no “elsewhere”.
You want to stay in a “catholic” church that embraces gay marriage and abortion, go for it. Those are deal-breakers to me.
If there are no lines you will not cross, then you actually believe in nothing.
Right. I don’t dislike the Church, and I happen to think that Catholics are saved in spite of the huge untruths of the official dogma.
I too was raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools, etc. But God gave us a head so we can use it, and once my eyes were open I made my adult choices.
When other Christians ask me about it, I use the parallel with the Jews and the Books of Moses and the Torah. The Books of Moses were their Law and the Torah was the 2,000 pages that resulted because of well-intentioned measures to interpret that Law. Ditto with Catholics. As they struggled to create a worldwide church they made many human, albeit flawed, interpretations. Some invented out of whole cloth, by the way.
Good luck with your own journey. It sounds as if you’re still trying to find your way.
Well, then, here is some advice for the Holy Father.
First, shut up because you are pissing off millions of the people you purport to lead.
Second, stop being such an arrogant prick, thinking that because the Cardinals elected you, you have more wisdom than anyone else. Honestly, the believing Catholic in rural Philippines has more wisdom than the man who claims to be the Vicar of Christ.
Third, your words sound more like the politics of the left than the words of a man of God.
Jesus taught us that no one comes to the Father but through Him, and that ALL men are sinful, and none of us are worthy of heaven except for his sacrifice. Also, that no man is closer to God than any other. Francis is just another man, another sinner, elected to lead a large flock. He appears to be one of the most flawed in recent time.
As for “shifting the faith,” those aren’t my words but the words of many Cardinals I read about. Bring that matter up with them. But the Catholic Church’s “Holy Father” is acting more like “holy mackerel” every time he opens his mouth and something unedited leaves it.
Said my peace.
I am. I am. I have never read the Bible, and have started. I need to find a church and begin attending.
I need God.
I’ll rush this right over to him........
Nice to have your “informed” unbiased assessment......
Check your freepmail.
Of course there is. Thousands of evangelical Christian churches that do not compromise the faith are most surely "elsewhere." The typical evangelical church is comprised of 30% former Catholics or cultural Catholics.
I have long had serious problems with Catholic dogma, since I became an adult and thought critically about my faith. I have been an evangelical Christian for 30 years now.
But what I have most appreciated about the Catholic Church over this time has been its unyielding, unbending adherence to tenets of the faith like the sanctity of life, the sanctity of marriage, the consequences of sin; e.g., those very issues that some of the evangelical community get so squishy about. Some of our best friends are evangelical Catholics who are on fire for God. Some of our favorite radio programs are hosted by Catholics who deal with relationship and intimacy topics that evangelicals are afraid to deal with because they might lose church members. Catholics? They were fearless in their unwillingness to compromise on the things that mattered.
What I see Francis doing is unraveling all that in the interest of seeking the approval of the world. It is exactly what happens in the evangelical community -- something you are probably not aware of -- every day with preachers who preach that all people ascend to heaven, the prosperity gospel, etc.
The Bible teaches us that we are not of this world. That we should not seek the approval of the world, especially if it conflicts with the Truth. For my entire life, Catholics have adhered strictly to the truth, but not Francis.
So I'll open your eyes to what the rest of Christianity says about him -- "moron," "socialist," "idiot," "divider," "clown," "moral relativist," etc. That last one ought to give you pause. Any man who divides so much does not deserve to hold any leadership role, much less the purported title of "Vicar of Christ." He ought to quit, like his predecessor.
Psalm 109:8 -- "May his days be few; may another take his office."
1 - I don’t need your help “opening my eyes”.
2 - I’ve been critical of many of Pope Francis’ statements, I’m just not gross about it.
3 - Look at the world around us and see the lack of faithful compliance among those calling themselves Catholic.
4 - If you followed faithful Catholic publications you’d see there is plenty of pushback from faithful Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, and lay leaders.
5 - What is needed is increased prayer, more self-correction, and less despair among the faithful.
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