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NASB | James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror--they have seen His wrath]! [Deut 6:4; 11:13-21; Mark 12:29] |
Subject: Have we chosen freely? |
Bible Note: The Catholic Church most definitely still holds the doctrine of purgatory, where one pays the price of the *punishment* for their earthly sins, becoming cleansed and ready to meet God (we will become like Him when we see Him, 1 John 3:2). Whether one can be a Catholic and not believe in purgatory is an interesting question. As I talk to more and more Catholics (which I am currently one) about their beliefs, I find that there is a wide range of acceptance of the RCC doctrine. Yet they all fully consider themselves Roman Catholic. My experience has been that this is especially true with RCIA Catholics (adult converts), the many with whom I have spoken fully consider themselves Catholics, but do not believe in many of the RCC-unique doctrine such as purgatory, praying to saints, the rosary, etc. At first, I thought that this was appalling - how can one be a Roman Catholic without believing in all of the Roman Catholic doctrine? Shouldn't those people find a church in which they can believe all of its doctrine? I am softening my thinking now, as I learn and read more, I become more and more confused. reilly |