Results 221 - 240 of 407
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
221 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 26105 | ||
Ed I wish to thank you for posting this question. On this forum, we have had much discussion of the pro's and con's of the Catholic Church, but all attitudes and comments have been revealed only in bits and pieces. This question has given people the opportunity to clearly state their thoughts and opinions - and I personally have found that to be extremely enlightening. I urge all forum members to contribute your thoughts to this question, posed by Ed, in the constructive manner in which it was posted - and let's see how everything shakes out. This thread is not the place for defensive postioning - but for taking the first step of understanding. Again, Ed - thanks for taking the initiative for posting this valuable question. Brian |
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222 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25853 | ||
Joe It was a fine interpretation. Just one question: In your post, you listed the following paragraph: Conclusion: If we consistently treat every human being who crosses our path with the same self-sacrifice and compassion that the Samaritan demonstrated for the victim here, abandoning all thoughts of our own safety, going miles out of our way to render aid, thinking of our own finances as completely inconsequential in the interests of a stranger who has never even spoken to us (and under most circumstances, would have never spoken to us in the first place), and making sure that his/her future needs are taken care of by you personally, then you are fulfilling God's law. Raise your hand if that is your attitude toward every human being who comes across your path... Completely disregarding a mans religious affiliation - if one man, other than Jesus, could truthfully raise his hand (and, I assure you, it wouldn't be me raising my hand): How do you feel God/Jesus would respond to that man? Thank you for an excellent discussion. Brian |
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223 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25841 | ||
Hank Just a final thought... Always through Jesus - no disagreement, at all. We reach up to Jesus to lift us up into heaven. Jesus reaches down to pull us up into heaven. Thanks for your insight Brian |
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224 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25837 | ||
Joe I think the world is a better place having good Christians, like you. Brian |
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225 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25695 | ||
Hank I know that, it was a rhetorical question. But isn't that what we would attempt to be doing by denying this interpretation? What are your thoughts on this interpretation which I ran across.Do you feel it has any validity? If not, why Brian |
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226 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25666 | ||
Joe Prior to reading this interpretation, my understanding of the parable has always been as yours - salvation is through Jesus. Instead of us approaching Jesus for salvation - Jesus reached out and hand-picked the person He felt deserved salvation. Just as He embraced the Samaritan - would He embrace a non-Christian for salvation? Are we correct in attempting to deny God the right, to decide to whom He will offer heaven? I was hoping to gather a bit more food for thought here. Thanks Brian |
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227 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25545 | ||
There I would like to consolidate your post to me with this post to LisaMarie. First, Catholics do not require other Catholics to define whether we are Roman Catholic, etc. Catholic means universal and we accept and respect each other, without question. I would hope Lisa does not dignify your question with an answer. Second, people seem to forget that freedom from government domination - which we enjoy, but was fought for, in many battles, by the Catholic Church. In these battles, the Church did make compromises - but I feel the Church has corrected these compromises. Unfortunately, the memory of some of these compromises still exist. The history behind the compromise is gone, and the interpretation of the compromise is now out of balance to the facts. I assure you my confidence in John Paul II and the Catholic Church, is significantly higher than in Prince Charles and the English government. Next, today when people are learning, they can go to a Bible class, or a bookstore, and gain an education. When the Catholic Church was carving out Christianity, they were preaching to people who lived in caves and huts, and no concept of a written language. The same concepts which this forum debates - day-in and day-out - needed to be taught to these people, 1,000 plus, years ago. The concept had to be conveyed in a manner which could be understood, without altering the purity of the message. Tell me, in a world where infant mortality was 60 to 70 percent, people lived in huts, had no written language, sanitation and education were unknown concepts, no theology, picture Europe 1,500 years ago - how would you explain were a childs soul goes, if the child dies before they are baptised. The Church has long recognized that it must continuously adapt the method of conveying the message of Christ, to the community in which the message is being heard. Example, the Mass was changed from Latin, to the language of the community - English, Spanish, and so on. Today's method of teaching the word of God, would never have been comprehended 500 years ago. Let's look at Christian theology. Every Christian religion today is built upon the theological principles defined by the Catholic Church over the past 2,000 years. Was the theology completely correct - no, but the Church was constantly asking the questions, and still is, to fullfill its role. I don't mind discussion and debate. The Church is an imperfect and finite tool of God, it accepts questions of its role, and it can withstand any criticism coming from this forum. For the 'former' Catholics in this forum, while the Church may have done a poor job of teaching you, you did have the responsibility to try to understand the Catholic Church - above and beyond your grammer school education. I believe that, with effort on your part, many of the misconceptions brought out in this forum, could have been avoided. Brian |
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228 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | Not Specified | Brian.g | 25509 | ||
I would appreciate comments on this interpretation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan The Good Samaritan Main characters: · Levite – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Priest – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Samaritan – from a community, which was considered, at the time, to be the equivalent of satanic religion (John 8:48, demonstrates the general opinion of Samaritans). This could be compared to modern day attitudes towards Muslims. Comment, this parable: 1. Presents characters representing the extremes in their formal relationships with God 2. Can be focusing on Church attitude, as much as individual attitudes Location of the Parable 1. In Luke 10 – According to the introduction of Luke in the New American Bible, Luke was written for the Churches: with concern for the continuity between the historical ministry of Jesus and the ministry of the apostles is Luke's way of guaranteeing the fidelity of the Church's teaching to the teaching of Jesus. Basic Theme of the Parable 1. The two members of the community most expected to have helped the injured man, did not. 2. The least likely person (perceived to be the furthest in a formal relationship with God) actually helped the person 3. The person, who most exemplified Gods desire for mercy and compassion, was the person who was perceived as being the most distanced from God. This is the person who had no formal training in or introduction to Scripture – or in today’s world, not introduced to the Gospel. Comments 1. The person, who, by all formal measures, should not be eligible for heaven, is in fact, by his actions (although not by his profession of creed), the one closest to what God desires from man. 2. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church ("Outside the Church there is no salvation”) CCC: 847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation Summary 1. It is our sincere actions (as opposed to ‘good works’), which pleases and honors God, more than our knowledge of Gods Law Application of this Parable By the actions of the Samaritan, which today can be equated to a Muslim, and Jesus’ subsequent approval of the Samaritan, we can conclude that in today’s world, even a Muslim, can also be pleasing to God. Therefore, it is within God’s plan that a Muslim (non-Catholic, non-Christian) can receive salvation. With this, in Vatican II, the Catholic Church has accordingly embraced a relationship with non-Christians, as discussed in CCC 839-845. |
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229 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25539 | ||
I would appreciate comments on this interpretation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan The Good Samaritan Main characters: · Levite – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Priest – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Samaritan – from a community, which was considered, at the time, to be the equivalent of satanic religion (John 8:48, demonstrates the general opinion of Samaritans). This could be compared to modern day attitudes towards Muslims. Comment, this parable: 1. Presents characters representing the extremes in their formal relationships with God 2. Can be focusing on Church attitude, as much as individual attitudes Location of the Parable 1. In Luke 10 – According to the introduction of Luke in the New American Bible, Luke was written for the Churches: with concern for the continuity between the historical ministry of Jesus and the ministry of the apostles is Luke's way of guaranteeing the fidelity of the Church's teaching to the teaching of Jesus. Basic Theme of the Parable 1. The two members of the community most expected to have helped the injured man, did not. 2. The least likely person (perceived to be the furthest in a formal relationship with God) actually helped the person 3. The person, who most exemplified Gods desire for mercy and compassion, was the person who was perceived as being the most distanced from God. This is the person who had no formal training in or introduction to Scripture – or in today’s world, not introduced to the Gospel. Comments 1. The person, who, by all formal measures, should not be eligible for heaven, is in fact, by his actions (although not by his profession of creed), the one closest to what God desires from man. 2. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church ("Outside the Church there is no salvation”) CCC: 847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation Summary 1. It is our sincere actions (as opposed to ‘good works’), which pleases and honors God, more than our knowledge of Gods Law Application of this Parable By the actions of the Samaritan, which today can be equated to a Muslim, and Jesus’ subsequent approval of the Samaritan, we can conclude that in today’s world, even a Muslim, can also be pleasing to God. Therefore, it is within God’s plan that a Muslim (non-Catholic, non-Christian) can receive salvation. With this, in Vatican II, the Catholic Church has accordingly embraced a relationship with non-Christians, as discussed in CCC 839-845. |
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230 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24928 | ||
Kalos My point to Hank was that I believe Hebrews 6:4-6 specifically is referring to people who have never been saved in the first place, because of the poor leadership and training by the minister. These people were never saved, in the first place. As such, this reference was not relevant to this point GloriaLynn was making. Brian |
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231 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24915 | ||
Kalos As a novice, I think you're doing a fine job! One thing that was drilled into my head early on, was that when reading the Bible, try to understand to whom, the writer was orignally speaking, the environment in which the writer was in and the circumstances which may have prompted the writing (other than motivation by the Holy Spirit). For example: in Paul's letters to Timothy (2 Timothy): The tone here is more personal than in First Timothy, for this letter addresses Timothy in vivid terms (2Ti 1:6-14; 2:1-13) and depicts Paul's courage and hope in the face of discouragements late in the course of his apostolic ministry (2Ti 1:15-18; 3:10-17; 4:9-18). Indeed, the letter takes on the character of a final exhortation and testament from Paul to the younger Timothy (2Ti 4:1-8). Paul is portrayed as a prisoner (2Ti 1:8,16; 2:9) in Rome (2Ti 1:17), and there is a hint that Timothy may be in Ephesus (2Ti 2:17). The letter reveals that, with rare exceptions, Christians have not rallied to Paul's support (2Ti 1:15-18) and takes a pessimistic view of the outcome of his case (2Ti 4:6). It describes Paul as fully aware of what impends, looking to God, not to human beings, for his deliverance (2Ti 4:3-8,18). It recalls his mission days with Timothy (2Ti 1:3-5; cf Act 16:1-4). It points to his preaching of the gospel as the reason for his imprisonment and offers Timothy, as a motive for steadfastness, his own example of firmness in faith despite adverse circumstances (2Ti 1:6-14). The letter suggests that Timothy should prepare others to replace himself as Paul has prepared Timothy to replace him (2Ti 2:1-2). Paul urges him not to desist out of fear from preserving and spreading the Christian message (2Ti 2:3-7). It presents the resurrection of Jesus and his messianic role as the heart of the gospel for which Paul has been ready to lay down his life (2Ti 2:8-9) and thus not only to express his own conviction fully but to support the conviction of others (2Ti 2:10-13). This letter, like the preceding one, urges Timothy to protect the community from the inevitable impact of false teaching (2Ti 2:14-3:9), without fear of the personal attacks that may result (2Ti 3:10-13). It recommends that he rely on the power of the scriptures, on proclamation of the word, and on sound doctrine (2Ti 3:14-4:2), without being troubled by those who do not accept him (2Ti 4:3-5). The letter poignantly observes in passing that Paul has need of his reading materials and his cloak (2Ti 4:13) and, what will be best of all, a visit from Timothy. |
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232 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | Brian.g | 24865 | ||
Kalos Please accept my apology for joining, I did not realize that this was a private thread Brian |
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233 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | Brian.g | 24859 | ||
Kalos Hebrews is a letter (some think written by Paul) intended to reinvigorate a dying church, and chapters 5-10, are specifically addressed to the priests of that church and their sacred responsibilities as teachers. With that thought in mind, I would like to invite you to read the continuous text beginning with Hebrews 5:11 all the way to Hebrews 6:6. Hebrews 6:4-6, Here, salvation is lost by sin. But because the priest has lost his church for lack of his enthusiasm, commitment and the improper teaching of the members of his church who have left his church without fully understanding the message of Jesus. AND - it will be twice as hard for the next priest/teacher to try to re-introduce Christianity to these same people. Not everyone who listened to the first teacher, will listen to the 2nd - and those who will not listen to the 2nd teacher - will have lost salvation because they are no longer a member of the Church of Christ. This is the same message which Jesus gave to Peter about heavens loss, in Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." The teacher must teach the exact message of Jesus. This is why a priest/minister/teacher will be judged harsher by God, because his lack of thoroughness can prevent people from entering heaven. Brian |
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234 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24855 | ||
Hank I believe that you may have taken Hebrews 6:4-6 out of context. In Luke 17:1-4, Jesus taught the Apostles (and us) forgiveness is infinite - with true repentence. Luke 17: 1 Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him. ---------------- Hebrews is a letter intended to to reinvigorate a dying church, and chapters 5-10, are specifically addressed to the priests of that church and their sacred responsibilities as teachers. With that thought in mind, I would like to invite you to read the continuous text beginning with Hebrews 5:11 all the way to Hebrews 6:6. Hebrews 6:4-6, Here, salvation is lost by sin. But because the priest has lost his church for lack of his enthusiasm, commitment and the improper teaching of the members of his church have left him. AND - it will be twice as hard for the next priest/teacher to try to re-introduce Christianity to these same people. Not everyone who listened to the first teacher, will listen to the 2nd - and those who will not listen to the 2nd teacher - will have lost salvation because they are no longer a member of the Church of Christ. This is the same message which Jesus gave to Peter about heavens loss, in Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." The teacher must teach the exact message of Jesus. This is why a priest/minister/teacher will be judged harsher by God, because his lack of thoroughness can prevent people from entering heaven. This truly is a sacred responsibility which each minister has accepted from God and it must be done right. Brian |
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235 | About the Forum | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24677 | ||
To all on the Forum: Please accept my apology for straying from the intent of this forum. You are correct. Brian |
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236 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24670 | ||
Norrie I'll end this discussion with a thought. As I mentioned earlier, the Catholic Church isn't even close to finding the new expanded boundaries created by Vatican II - there is much opportunity for us to open the Church to more people. You were around during Vatican II. I am around to implement Vatican II. You lost something when the Mass was changed from Latin to the language of the community - Catholics all over the world gained, when they could now understand and participate in the celebration. A child likes the melody of the language - an adult values the content. Brian |
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237 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24669 | ||
I believe that Martha, your story, reinforces that it is responsibility and duty of every parent to be actively involved in our childrens lives. For a 9 year old girl to be sent out a religious education class, and not even know that she didn't make it - for the months of time required to prepare for first communion - is terrible. It is obvious that your parents did not allow God into your home. And then, to put that same 9 year old into a situation in which she makes an adult decision to leave any church and wonder aimlessly until adult. Why Martha - it just proves that when parents abandon their responsibilities - anything can happen Thank you for sharing your story with us. Brian |
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238 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24646 | ||
Norrie I do believe you received all A's in religion in grade school. But, at that time in your life you were learning about God, the way a child learns about God. It was taught to you, the child, as a child. To a child and to some adults, Jesus and God, at times, seem so large and sometimes, beyond reach. To these people, the Church presents Christians who have gone before us and Mary, as role models. Not as figures to be worshipped, but role models. Because of a child's relation with their own mother, sometimes it is easier for the child to relate to the mother of Jesus - which in turn, gently brings the child in Jesus' world. Some children need this, some don't. The Saints, well - I like to think of them as the super heroes of Christianity - they are great role models for children to look up to. By seeing how these role models have applied there Christian values to their own lives, gives a child an opportunity to understand Christianity in more human, and easier to understand ways. This does bring the child closer into the world of Jesus. Again, some children need this extra step in understanding Christianity, some children don't. What becomes a problem, is when children become adults, but they still continue to view these role models, the relationship with Jesus and their responsibilties, through the eyes of children. As an child, I should look up to these role models of the Church, to help develop my relationship with the Father. But, as an adult, I should be living my life as a peer to those that came before me; I should now be the role model for the next generation of children. It is a difficult, when an adult still looks through the eyes of a child. Their understanding of their religion is incomplete, they tend to glorify saints beyond the high-level of respect to which they are entitled and in general, their understanding and perspective is very limited. Commandment #4 being #5 - to the adult, the important part is that people know the 10 commandments. To the child, the order is equally important. Norrie, I am happy you have found a relationship with Jesus - that is the important thing. I sincerely hope that it is giving you the peace and happiness within your life, which you deserve. Brian |
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239 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24618 | ||
Joe If I did that, then it would significantly reduce my chances for a Council of Brian, and I really liked the idea. Talk to you soon. Brian |
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240 | Catholics and Evangelicals | Rom 4:5 | Brian.g | 24613 | ||
Nolan LOL I'll tell you what, e-mail me at brian.g@mail.com and I promise not tell anyone Brian |
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