Rapture

[Tari]

Hey Pax,

I went to a Catholic school for 8 years growing up. We never once read anything from the Bible. I can remember in fourth grade, they took all the bibles out of the church. This was in a small midwestern town. I hope it's not like that at other Catholic churches. Hopefully they encourage reading the Bible.

[stevehut]

If you knew God was coming back tomorrow, your should go see a Priest and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Get back into a state of grace.  This would help you more than anything.

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Isn't that something that good Catholics do anyway, just to be in good standing with God? Or is this something that you would only do when you think the end is coming soon?

[stevehut]

Have you actually read these verses, outside of thinking about the rapture?

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Actually, I've read through the whole Bible three times. Sometimes I study with certain toipics in mind, such as the Rapture, or the End in general. Other times, I read a whole book through at once.

[Tari]

See when your reading, your thinking about the rapture. That is where the problem lies. Because if you read about the return with an open mind, rather than a preconcieved rapture in mind, you will percieve what your reading entirely different.

[stevehut]

Because if you read about the return with an open mind, rather than a preconcieved rapture in mind, you will percieve what your reading entirely different.

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Tari, I do not have a particular opinion on the matter. Never have. I have read dozens of theories, and I try to understand their biblical basis. And thus far, I am unconvinced of any of them. This is why I am asking.

But one day the world will indeed come to an end. I think we can all agree on that, can't we?

So in anticipation of that final act, what should I begin doing now, that I'm not supposed to be doing already?

[Tari]

I would pray, and continue to read the Bible regularly. Try to be more like Jesus in your walk. Keep your life centered around God. Try to not have sin in your life or your thoughts. Of course we are all only human, so sin is sometimes just an obstacle. The more you practice daily at your personal relationship with the Lord, the stronger you will become.

[stevehut]

I would pray, and continue to read the Bible regularly. Try to be more like Jesus in your walk. Keep your life centered around God. Try to not have sin in your life or your thoughts. Of course we are all only human, so sin is sometimes just an obstacle.

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Isn't this what we should all be doing anyway, with or without any consideration of doomsday?

[Pax]

Steve,

Yes, Catholics should receive the Sacrament Reconcilation (confession) as much as needed. The reason I told you to do this, is because you were Catholic. I am assumming that you were Baptised Catholic, and since you left the Church, you would first have to receive Reconcilation for leaving the Church. This would put you in a state of grace, thus increasing your chances of obtaining salvation.

Tari: That's to bad your Catholic school took all the Bibles out of the classroom. Reading the Bible is one area that on a whole, Protestants seem to do a better job at than Catholics. But I do know of some Catholics who spend much time reading scripture, and if one wants to engage a Protestant in a discussion on apologetics, than this has to be approached through the Bible. Were you Baptised Catholic?

Edited June 10, 2005 by Pax

[eric]

I think that's a reasonable question, Steve,

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[Tari]

Absolutely and just continue to do so. Be watchful for the return, know the signs that will come to pass. The plan God has for us is basic. Yet it is not as easily said than done. It does take time and patience. God has a narrow and straight path that leads to him.