Subject: "Once Saved Always Saved" |
Bible Note: Well, I'll tell you, the version I'm looking at - the official version - does not say what you've typed here. It only says church, not Roman Catholic Church. What is meant by this? That man need a group. Unity. It is better for us to reach out to God together. You guys sure got busy. Excellent debates going on here. But I think Dear Charis brings up a very excellent point in dropping denominational differences. I asked Hank some questions because he is thoughtful and open to it. He articulates very well. It was not my intention to stir up such a bees nest of debate over dogma. Back in the 60's Catholics went through a BIG change. The Vatican II reformation. Prior to that, a lot of what is still said of Catholics was true. We believed ourselves to be the end all be all way to get into heaven. Then the Pope through open the windows and proclaimed, "Children! Boy we messed up!" Lots of Catholics are still wrestling with that. This is the elitism I was whining about earlier. Blech. Denominations change. Church of England (Angelicans) were founded on divorce and murder. When the Pope refused to grant Henry the VII a divorce from his non-heir-producing wife, Henry declared himself sovereign of church and state. Church of England was born. No commandments. No values. He divorced his wife(s) and murdered a few. After him, King James came along and decided to put on the image of morality by taking the (then) official Catholic bible (and remember back then they were the only denomination) Douay Rheims Bible and making his own version. King James Version. Did they add morals? Nope. But they HAD a bible... Is the Church of England still immoral? NO WAY! Along came a queen who whipped them into shape. The point of my story? Don't judge us (Catholics) based on past mistakes. We've made them, and we've made a lot of them. And INDEED there are still Catholics out there seemingly IGNORANT of the reformation. I'll grant you that. So you keep on reading that book and pointing out "our" errors. Hopefully that will prompt a few more of them to investigate current church doctrine. Be Well, Lisa |