Many Anglicans Will Become Catholic This Easter

Keylem

BrianCalgary wrote: »

Unfortunate responses, but not unexpected and you would be chastised by the parishes I work with as being un Christ like.
For teh record I am neither protestant nor Catholic as both have their identity in Rome. My identity is wrapped up serving Jesus Christ.

The elitist attitude brings smiles onto the faces of Satans minions and disregards the message of St Paul in Corinthians.

I have seen the same attitude displayed by zealous protestant in their slamming of the RC's. Similarly un Christ like behaviour.

Who made you Judge?
Judge not lest you yourself be judged. (Matt: 7 1-5)

One of the Catholic Spiritual works of mercy is to instruct the ignorant:

It is not surprising, then, that St. Paul frequently exhorted his closest collaborators to make teaching the Gospel of Christ their first priority. For example, in his second letter to Timothy, he writes (4:1-5), “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient, convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.”

http://www.catholicsun.org/bishop/032008bishop.html

JimiTime

BrianCalgary wrote: »

Unfortunate responses, but not unexpected and you would be chastised by the parishes I work with as being un Christ like.

The question remains however, are they MORE representative of the RCC? We look at the elitist view that the RCC has had over history, and its role in shall we say, 'quieting' any church that was not in subjection to Rome.

So is it that the Christians within its walls are Christians IN SPITE of it, and that the hard-liners are actually MORE representative of it as an organisation?

For teh record I am neither protestant nor Catholic as both have their identity in Rome. My identity is wrapped up serving Jesus Christ.

A great way of putting it.

The elitist attitude brings smiles onto the faces of Satans minions and disregards the message of St Paul in Corinthians.

I have seen the same attitude displayed by zealous protestant in their slamming of the RC's. Similarly un Christ like behaviour.

Indeed, people use their religion (or atheism for that matter) as a one-upmanship position all the time, being puffed up with 'knowledge' rather than built up with Love. Its so easy to get sucked in (something i can't deny of myself at times btw). Its only when one realises that its a mercy, a gift, and not something you yourself can pat yourself on the back for, that you come to a more humble position. thats not to say that we can't or don't argue about knowledge, but getting puffed up about it is where we step outside the realms of acting as Christians.

JimiTime

Donatello wrote: »

That is quite a judgemental post. Some people, myself included, are zealous for the faith, and sometimes, we get it wrong in our approach. But to then declare a person, on this basis, as not a real Christian, is a bit much. We are all on a learning curve - learning to become perfect as Christ is perfect.

If by judgemental you mean that I am discerning that some of the more fervant are acting in something quite the opposite of Christian, then yes, I adjudge such attitudes as Pharisaical and far from Christ. Remember, before you mis-apply Christs words concerning being judgemental, that we are told to judge those in the body of Christ. Would it be 'judgemental' in the negative context you are using, to voice your disapproval of members of your clergy or church who are sexually immoral? Well, similarly we have the tools to see such Pharasaical behaviour, and call it far from Christian.

It's also quite horrible in the attitude expressed towards the Catholic Church.

Thats why it begs the question. Are the anti-Christian diatribes expressed on here, and elsewhere, representative of the RCC as an institution?

It's always the way that the person, be it on the web or in a parish, be he a priest or a layman, who upholds the Church teaching (usually on a matter of sexual morality) is rigid, un-pastoral, lacking in compassion, whilst the person who dissents from Church teaching, especially be he a priest, is labelled compassionate, despite the 'rigid and oppressive teachings' of his Church.

True compassion presents the truth, even if it is difficult, because people need the truth which Christ desired to give them.

I agree. Which is why I used the example of people patting folk on the back who say that they are Christian, but defend sexual immorality, and modern views on morality etc. Such people don't present the Christian position, but rather a position that some people want to hear. Similarly, I asked, is the RCC painted by Festus more representative of the RCC as an institution than those who I would call my RC Christian brethren? In other words, are my RC brothers Christian IN SPITE of the RCC, or is the RCC that Festus presents not a true picture?

Donatello

JimiTime wrote: »

Thats why it begs the question. Are the anti-Christian diatribes expressed on here, and elsewhere, representative of the RCC as an institution?

You should ask the Pope.

JimiTime

Donatello wrote: »

You should ask the Pope.

have you got his number:)

BrianCalgary

Keylem wrote: »

Who made you Judge?
Judge not lest you yourself be judged. (Matt: 7 1-5)

One of the Catholic Spiritual works of mercy is to instruct the ignorant:

It is not surprising, then, that St. Paul frequently exhorted his closest collaborators to make teaching the Gospel of Christ their first priority. For example, in his second letter to Timothy, he writes (4:1-5), “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient, convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.”

http://www.catholicsun.org/bishop/032008bishop.html

No one made me judge. However God gives us the gift of wisdom to discern that which is unbiblical or foolishness.

The idea of not-judging anyone is referring to judging someones eternal salvation.

Your comment inplying my ignorance I think is a judgement, as I can't find anything I have said to indicate ignorance. :cool:

BrianCalgary

JimiTime wrote: »

The question remains however, are they MORE representative of the RCC? We look at the elitist view that the RCC has had over history, and its role in shall we say, 'quieting' any church that was not in subjection to Rome.

So is it that the Christians within its walls are Christians IN SPITE of it, and that the hard-liners are actually MORE representative of it as an organisation?

My experience is the hardline elitists are the minority.

Keylem

BrianCalgary wrote: »

No one made me judge. However God gives us the gift of wisdom to discern that which is unbiblical or foolishness.

The idea of not-judging anyone is referring to judging someones eternal salvation.

Your comment inplying my ignorance I think is a judgement, as I can't find anything I have said to indicate ignorance. :cool:

My comment didn't imply anything about YOUR ignorance, but ignorance in what certain people think the Catholic Church is. For instance:

What Is The Catholic Church ?
by Bishop Fulton Sheen

"There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church—which is, of course, quite a different thing. These millions can hardly be blamed for hating Catholics because Catholics “adore statues;” because they “put the Blessed Mother on the same level with God;” because they “say indulgence is a permission to commit sin;” because the Pope “is a Fascist;” because the Church “is the defender of Capitalism.” If the Church taught or believed any one of these things, it should be hated, but the fact is that the Church does not believe nor teach any one of them. It follows then that the hatred of the millions is directed against error and not against truth. As a matter of fact, if we Catholics believed all of the untruths and lies which were said against the Church, we probably would hate the Church a thousand times more than they do.

If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hates. My reason for doing this would be, that if Christ is in any one of the churches of the world today, He must still be hated as He was when He was on earth in the flesh. If you would find Christ today, then find the Church that does not get along with the world. Look for the Church that is hated by the world, as Christ was hated by the world. Look for the Church which is accused of being behind the times, as Our Lord was accused of being ignorant and never having learned. Look for the Church which men sneer at as socially inferior, as they sneered at Our Lord because He came from Nazareth. Look for the Church which is accused of having a devil, as Our Lord was accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils. Look for the Church which the world rejects because it claims it is infallible, as Pilate rejected Christ because he called Himself the Truth. Look for the Church which amid the confusion of conflicting opinions, its members love as they love Christ, and respect its voice as the very voice of its Founder, and the suspicion will grow, that if the Church is unpopular with the spirit of the world, then it is unworldly, and if it is unworldly, it is other-worldly. Since it is other-worldly, it is infinitely loved and infinitely hated as was Christ Himself. ... the Catholic Church is the only Church existing today which goes back to the time of Christ. History is so very clear on this point, it is curious how many miss its obviousness..." Bishop Fulton Sheen.

hinault

BrianCalgary wrote: »

One thing I found disturbing on this thread was the desire to have a seperate RC sub-forum. There-in lies the problem of Christianity in todays world.
Why the need to be seperate?

As for being faithful to the gospel, the main tenet of Christianity is summed up very nicely in both the Nicean Creed and the Apostles Creed, which every denomination agrees upon. Everything else is secondary to Christian understanding.

I classify myself as an evangelical yet the ministry I do is in the Catholic school system. Here I work with very devout Catholics. I go to mass at one of the schools every week that it is offered and on Sunday I am at my evangelical church. I feel comfy in both and uncomfy in both at different times. Yet in both I encounter God.

The people I work with at the schools and myself share a common interest: helping teenagers grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sorry, but the one thing I can't stomach is the position of 'my denomination is the 'one' true denomination', it is a divisive stance and one that I dont think God would be very appreciative of as He has declared for His people to minister where He decides.

1 Cor 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

It was me who raised the issue of a Roman Catholic sub forum and let me tell you why I raised the issue.

I am a practicing RC and I would like to exchange thoughts and views with other RC's on this forum.
I do like to exchange views with other Christian adherents on this sub forum. But a separate sub forum contributed to by Roman Catholics solely would be a great addition to those of us who want to interact with fellow church members.

With the current sub forum, it can be difficult to discern the religious persuasion of many of the contributors.

Donatello

BrianCalgary wrote: »

My experience is the hardline elitists are the minority.

That is probably correct. The fact is, the Catholic Church is infested with the lukewarm whom God has said will be spat out in disgust.

I'm as guilty as any zealous Catholic of stepping over the line from time to time and engaging in 'Catechism-bashing', however, it must be understood that we are all on a learning curve on the way to becoming perfect Christians. Are we elitists? By no means. We are sinners. We try to follow Christ and we are obedient to the Magisterium He established.

It was the 'moderate Catholics' in the UK, for example, who decided to be 'nuanced' back in 1967 when the Abortion Act was introduced. They kept silent.

Catholics who are zealous for the Lord and the true faith are the loyal and obedient children of the Catholic Church. That we may be a little rough around the edges cannot be denied, but we are constantly learning.

It is the 'hardline Catholics' who are the ones trying to stop abortion coming into Ireland, who care about the Sacred Liturgy etc... while 'pastoral priests' and ex-nun feminists ruin the faith with their vile and poisonous dissent, their distortion of the Mass, and their scorn of the Church teachings. It's the moderates and the lukewarm who will be, in the end, spat out, whilst (hopefully) the zealous will have walked the walk of holiness to reach their final reward.

Keylem

Donatello wrote: »

That is probably correct. The fact is, the Catholic Church is infested with the lukewarm whom God has said will be spat out in disgust.

I'm as guilty as any zealous Catholic of stepping over the line from time to time and engaging in 'Catechism-bashing', however, it must be understood that we are all on a learning curve on the way to becoming perfect Christians. Are we elitists? By no means. We are sinners. We try to follow Christ and we are obedient to the Magisterium He established.

It was the 'moderate Catholics' in the UK, for example, who decided to be 'nuanced' back in 1967 when the Abortion Act was introduced. They kept silent.

Catholics who are zealous for the Lord and the true faith are the loyal and obedient children of the Catholic Church. That we may be a little rough around the edges cannot be denied, but we are constantly learning.

It is the 'hardline Catholics' who are the ones trying to stop abortion coming into Ireland, who care about the Sacred Liturgy etc... while 'pastoral priests' and ex-nun feminists ruin the faith with their vile and poisonous dissent, their distortion of the Mass, and their scorn of the Church teachings. It's the moderates and the lukewarm who will be, in the end, spat out, whilst (hopefully) the zealous will have walked the walk of holiness to reach their final reward.

Also, if you are not enthusiastic about both following and defending your faith, then being lukewarm will eventually lead you on the road to apostasy.

BrianCalgary

I appreciate and understand where you guys are coming from and admire your faith in Christ as here we are very similar.

Can you see how the approach of the one true church all else are damned is very damaging to Christianity as a whole?

In the past I would not have been allowed to do what I do in the Seperate (Catholic) schools here in Calgary.

What we now have is a Christian club in the school that was started by 3 students: 1 RC, 1 Baptist and 1 Sally Ann. It is attended by students of many denominations.

The common denominator: A love for Christ and a desire to grow in their relationship with Him. A much better set-up than in the past.

Donatello

BrianCalgary wrote: »

I appreciate and understand where you guys are coming from and admire your faith in Christ as here we are very similar.

Can you see how the approach of the one true church all else are damned is very damaging to Christianity as a whole?

The Church does not teach that. I have not advocated such a position, nor have any of the others, as far as I can see, and I've been on this forum for some years now. The Church teaches that it is ordinarily necessary to belong to the Catholic Church, and that refusing to remain in it or join it, knowing full well it is the true Church, one could not be saved, but at the same time acknowledging that it is possible that non-Catholics can be saved through the graces of Jesus Christ which function even outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church but rightly belong to Her and tend towards Catholic unity.

BrianCalgary wrote: »

In the past I would not have been allowed to do what I do in the Seperate (Catholic) schools here in Calgary.

What we now have is a Christian club in the school that was started by 3 students: 1 RC, 1 Baptist and 1 Sally Ann. It is attended by students of many denominations.

The common denominator: A love for Christ and a desire to grow in their relationship with Him. A much better set-up than in the past.

That's great, but there is always the real danger in these things that the Catholic faith is downplayed in order to bring on board the Protestants. It is almost always, if not always, the case that in any of these ecumenical ventures, it is the Catholic faith that is diminished.

PDN

Donatello wrote: »

That's great, but there is always the real danger in these things that the Catholic faith is downplayed in order to bring on board the Protestants. It is almost always, if not always, the case that in any of these ecumenical ventures, it is the Catholic faith that is diminished.

If you listen to the likes of Paisley then it is the Protestant faith that is being diminished. Extremists of different stripes tend to be remarkably alike in their attitudes when it comes to warning of the dangers of Christians getting together to share fellowship.

BrianCalgary

Donatello wrote: »

The Church does not teach that. I have not advocated such a position, nor have any of the others, as far as I can see, and I've been on this forum for some years now. The Church teaches that it is ordinarily necessary to belong to the Catholic Church, and that refusing to remain in it or join it, knowing full well it is the true Church, one could not be saved, but at the same time acknowledging that it is possible that non-Catholics can be saved through the graces of Jesus Christ which function even outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church but rightly belong to Her and tend towards Catholic unity.

That may be what the Catholic church teaches. Mormons and JW's teach the same thing. I also know of a church in Veneteo, Italy who claim that true salvation is obtained by being baptized in their church. So, no, I dont belive nor do I know full well that the RC church is 'the one true church'.


[/QUOTE]That's great, but there is always the real danger in these things that the Catholic faith is downplayed in order to bring on board the Protestants. It is almost always, if not always, the case that in any of these ecumenical ventures, it is the Catholic faith that is diminished.[/QUOTE]

None of the students mentioned are protestants, they are Christian. Their identity is rooted in Jesus Christ and not in the protestation of the authority of the church in Rome.

The Catholic faith does not get diminished at all. The students who choose to worship there have an increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as do those who choose to worship in other denominations.

It is about being transormed by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Donatello

PDN wrote: »

If you listen to the likes of Paisley then it is the Protestant faith that is being diminished. Extremists of different stripes tend to be remarkably alike in their attitudes when it comes to warning of the dangers of Christians getting together to share fellowship.

Your not so subtle attempt to label me as an 'extremist' is duly noted.

If believing in Jesus Christ and in everything His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church teaches makes me an extremist, then so be it.

The Church has been abundant with 'extremists' from the very beginning:

"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . . They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes" (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2–7:1 [A.D. 110]).

Extremists, in your book obviously, are those who hear the word of God, believe it, and strive to act on it, without protest, without compromise, without watering it down to make it more palatable to the world.

PDN

Donatello wrote: »

If believing in Jesus Christ and in everything His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church teaches makes me an extremist, then so be it.

No, it doesn't. I have met many committed Roman Catholics who firmly believe the teachings of their church, but they also manage to be friendly, non-judgemental and courteous to Christians of other denominations. They are not extremist at all.

I have also met many Protestants who also hold their views very firmly, yet come across as being very different to the Paisleyites.

Extremists, in your book obviously, are those who hear the word of God, believe it, and strive to act on it, without protest, without compromise, without watering it down to make it more palatable to the world.

No, extremists, in my book obviously, are those who constantly feel the need to attack and belittle those who express their faith differently.

Donatello

PDN wrote: »

No, it doesn't. I have met many committed Roman Catholics who firmly believe the teachings of their church, but they also manage to be friendly, non-judgemental and courteous to Christians of other denominations. They are not extremist at all.

I have also met many Protestants who also hold their views very firmly, yet come across as being very different to the Paisleyites.

No, extremists, in my book obviously, are those who constantly feel the need to attack and belittle those who express their faith differently.

That's a completely unjustified character assassination of the many good Catholic members on this forum. It's also judgemental, a sin you are seemingly blind to.

I've been on this forum quite a bit over the last number of weeks, and I've not seen anything which would fit the criteria you have given of posts which 'attack or belittle'.

ArtSmart

Keylem wrote: »

As a devout Catholic I rejoiced at the news, why would you cringe? It wasn't meant to be inflammatory. :mad:

As this is a Christian Forum, and no seperate Catholic Forum, I thought I would post it here.

From what I gather Anglican ministers were unhappy with the way their church was going, SS marriage, women clergy etc., so they left!!

http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-anglican-priests-to-join-catholic.html

no. they right.


in fairness to the CC, we'll take anybody.

anybody at all.

homer911

Donatello wrote: »

I've been on this forum quite a bit over the last number of weeks, and I've not seen anything which would fit the criteria you have given of posts which 'attack or belittle'.

Hi Donatello

I appreciate I am treading on dangerous ground here, but posts by you, keylem and maybe some others (but not by any means all the RC posters) contain various statements that attempt, from my perspective anyway, to lord the RC faith over any other Christian Faith.. Inwardly I say "here we go again" every time it happens, but I try to accept your perspectives where they differ from mine and are not contrary to biblical teaching

What I dont understand is your parallel criticism of the RC church in so many ways (you will probably say you are critiquing certain members/priests of the church, not the RC church itself, but I dont really see any distinction - the church is the people). No church is perfect - they never will be.

alex73

homer911 wrote: »

Hi Donatello

I appreciate I am treading on dangerous ground here, but posts by you, keylem and maybe some others (but not by any means all the RC posters) contain various statements that attempt, from my perspective anyway, to lord the RC faith over any other Christian Faith.. Inwardly I say "here we go again" every time it happens, but I try to accept your perspectives where they differ from mine and are not contrary to biblical teaching

What I dont understand is your parallel criticism of the RC church in so many ways (you will probably say you are critiquing certain members/priests of the church, not the RC church itself, but I dont really see any distinction - the church is the people). No church is perfect - they never will be.

As Catholics we believe that the Church is holy and perfect as the mystic body of Christ. Now that's not to say all its members follow this. But religion will always be a point of contention, There has been endless spinoffs of Christian church's and what you have today are some Christian Church's with Lesbian/Gay pastors, No disrespect to any gay people, but the central teaching the the church as passed to it by the apostles has been diluted and watered down.

If you are looking at which churches have preserved the original teaching of the apostles then its really only the Roman Church and the Eastern Orthodox. (East of course not accepting the Popes Primacy and Filioque, but they do believe in the Bishop of Rome being primus inter pares)

This is an opinion of faith... I respect everyone's right to their own religion. But the reality is that many Anglicans who look to deepen their faith often times result in returning to Rome which has the fullness of the Original Faith. The Church's original teachings are not open to democratic changes, its a faith that has been passed down and which we follow if we want.

homer911

alex73 wrote: »

This is an opinion of faith... I respect everyone's right to their own religion. But the reality is that many Anglicans who look to deepen their faith often times result in returning to Rome which has the fullness of the Original Faith. The Church's original teachings are not open to democratic changes, its a faith that has been passed down and which we
follow if we want.

These are some of the types of statements that are irritating to non-RCs - small groups of anglicans choosing to switch their allegiance to the RC church are not "many anglicans", neither are they "returning to Rome" - they were not alive when the reformation took place and never left the RC church - they have chosen to join the RC church - in the same way that many RCs choose to leave the RC church and join a different denomination - for whatever reason

Saying that the RC faith has the fullness of the Original Faith is equivalent to saying that no other church does - these kind of statements are hardly helpful

I guess we all need to put ourselves in the shoes of our brothers/sisters before we pass comment. There is so much that we do agree on!

Keylem

alex73 wrote: »

As Catholics we believe that the Church is holy and perfect as the mystic body of Christ. Now that's not to say all its members follow this. But religion will always be a point of contention, There has been endless spinoffs of Christian church's and what you have today are some Christian Church's with Lesbian/Gay pastors, No disrespect to any gay people, but the central teaching the the church as passed to it by the apostles has been diluted and watered down.

If you are looking at which churches have preserved the original teaching of the apostles then its really only the Roman Church and the Eastern Orthodox. (East of course not accepting the Popes Primacy and Filioque, but they do believe in the Bishop of Rome being primus inter pares)

This is an opinion of faith... I respect everyone's right to their own religion. But the reality is that many Anglicans who look to deepen their faith often times result in returning to Rome which has the fullness of the Original Faith. The Church's original teachings are not open to democratic changes, its a faith that has been passed down and which we follow if we want.

Well said Alex!!

There is a consequence of creating faith systems based on what people desire rather than on Eternal Truths. Luther regretted that the Protestants of his time were breaking away from the faith he founded and following their own whims. One wonders if he ever had enough insight to realise that he did the same thing, and by his own actions taught others that if they didn't like what was taught in the church, then the answer was to find one that did teach what they liked, or better still, start your own church.

Donatello

homer911 wrote: »

These are some of the types of statements that are irritating to non-RCs - small groups of anglicans choosing to switch their allegiance to the RC church are not "many anglicans", neither are they "returning to Rome" - they were not alive when the reformation took place and never left the RC church - they have chosen to join the RC church - in the same way that many RCs choose to leave the RC church and join a different denomination - for whatever reason

Saying that the RC faith has the fullness of the Original Faith is equivalent to saying that no other church does - these kind of statements are hardly helpful

I guess we all need to put ourselves in the shoes of our brothers/sisters before we pass comment. There is so much that we do agree on!

I understand why you would feel that way. The Catholic claim is either preposterous and arrogant, or it is true. The Catholic Church is not a denomination.

We must remember that Christ promised the Holy Spirit to guide the Church into all truth. The Catholic Church is the Church Christ established and so we cannot deny our divine mission with false humility based on a denial of reality so as not to cause offense. A light on a hill cannot be hid, nor should it be.

I advise all non-Catholics to check out paragraphs 8, 14, & 15 of Lumen Gentium, a document of Vatican II on the Church. It is not long but explains the Catholic Church's outlook on non-Catholics and their relation to the Church. It is too long for me to post here but I would encourage all to read these sections, which are not long.

virmilitaris

Hehe delicious division.

On a serious note I have to agree with some of the previous posters. Fundamentalism is the enemy of all humanity. You can find them in any and all shades of beliefs, in this case catholics and protestants.

While I'm an atheist and disagree with the lot of you, the older I get the more I see that its possible to live alongside religious people as long as they aren't fundamentalist in their views.

Thankfully the fundies are usually greatly outnumbered here by the moderates, both catholic and protestant.

JimiTime

virmilitaris wrote: »

Hehe delicious division.

On a serious note I have to agree with some of the previous posters. Fundamentalism is the enemy of all humanity. You can find them in any and all shades of beliefs, in this case catholics and protestants.

While I'm an atheist and disagree with the lot of you, the older I get the more I see that its possible to live alongside religious people as long as they aren't fundamentalist in their views.

Thankfully the fundies are usually greatly outnumbered here by the moderates, both catholic and protestant.

I think the words 'fundamentalist' and even 'extremist' are poor descriptions of the negative connotations their users seek to bestow. I would say that any Christian who follows Christ and the core tenets of Christianity is a fundamentalist by definition. Also, to be an 'extremist' in a Christian sense means what exactly? To be extremely Christian? People would describe someone like Phelps and extremist, but his extremism is nothing to do with Christianity. I think they're media words that allow people to point at the bad guy. I think they are probably borne out of ignorance. I would see the guy who forfeits his own self and lives for Christ, helping the poor and needy and preaching the gospel as a 'fundamentalist, extremist' Christian. Those who seek to spread hate, or do violence to others, well there's words for such people, and I don't think that just because they may align themselves with religion or atheism or whatever, should their hate etc be automatically referred to in the context of said religion.

Moderate is a filthy word to a Christian, or at least should be. i mean, a Christian should be insulted by the term 'moderate' or at least be moved to realise that they are doing something wrong. Fundamentalism in relation to Christianity should be set upon the Golden rule, Love God, Love your neighbour. Bringing this to the 'extreme' should be a very positive thing.

Maybe it sounds pedantic, but i just think such words are so loose that they can be rendered useless. They become a tool of the Pejorative army. Lazy terms that allow people to point fingers. Anyway, I digress...

philologos

What people commonly call fundamentalism I call distortionism. Fundamentalism if it is actually related to the fundamentals of Christianity can only be a good thing.

JimiTime

Jakkass wrote: »

What people commonly call fundamentalism I call distortionism. Fundamentalism if it is actually related to the fundamentals of Christianity can only be a good thing.

Another 'ism'! Noooooooooooooooo

alex73

homer911 wrote: »

Saying that the RC faith has the fullness of the Original Faith is equivalent to saying that no other church does - these kind of statements are hardly helpful

I guess we all need to put ourselves in the shoes of our brothers/sisters before we pass comment. There is so much that we do agree on!

Look there is no point me lying. I do believe the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church, and so to most traditional Catholics. I'm sure it offends other Christian Churchs to hear it, but its true. I have many Orthodox friends and they tell me all the time Their Church is the true Church not mine... But it does not stop us being friends. Infact I have incredible admiration for them and their traditions. (most of the faith is the same shared faith, bar some parts)

But other Christian Church's have changed the faith so much that you can't say is the same.

Donatello

alex73 wrote: »

Look there is no point me lying. I do believe the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church, and so to most traditional Catholics. I'm sure it offends other Christian Churchs to hear it, but its true. I have many Orthodox friends and they tell me all the time Their Church is the true Church not mine... But it does not stop us being friends. Infact I have incredible admiration for them and their traditions. (most of the faith is the same shared faith, bar some parts)

But other Christian Church's have changed the faith so much that you can't say is the same.

I agree.

I have tremendous respect for Evangelicals (in particular). They, along with all who do not hold fast to the Catholic faith, are wrong about many very important things, and they even condone certain sins (which is really bad), but I do admire their convictions and their strength of faith in Jesus Christ.

Would I be a friend to the Evangelical Christian by pretending that there are not important things they've got wrong? We do what we can to share the fullness of truth and faith in a spirit of charity, respecting the freedom of individuals.