Ask a Catholic

[Floatingaxe]

I think somehow you will notice that Mary will be surrounded with her many offspring and descendants--you won't get near her! To me, it is the religious mind that cannot believe that Mary's womb was fertile for other children. Why wouldn't God allow her to be blessed with children with Joseph? It is a command that we be fruitful and multiply. Why not Mary and why not Joseph? Was there something wrong with Joseph that he would be forced to be childless?

I have given the scripture before about Mary's other children. I will not waste it here, as you seem bent on misinterpretation through rose-coloured religious glasses.

And I have explained that it is you who are misinterpreting Scripture.

God bless,

Fiosh

Sorry, Fiosh, but I am not misinterpreting it one little bit. God would never ask Joseph to be childless and Mary's womb to not furnish her husband with children and heirs, according to God's first commandment.

With all due respect sister, while you attempt to speak with authority, it is still only your opinion. You do not know the mind of God in this matter; even most Protestants will admit that Scripture is not clear in stating whether or not Mary gave birth to other children.

You may be surprised to learn that the Church taught the perpetual virginity of Mary from the earliest times. Even Protestant reformers, including Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, accepted both the fact that Mary was "ever-virgin" and the "Mother of God".

Peace,

Fiosh

Well, the "Church" may have taught it, but the Scriptures oppose that.

Matthew 12:46

[ Jesus

[Fiosh]

How could the Catholic church presume to have the authority to change the very word of God, by changing the Sabbath from the 7th day to the first? The Catholic Mirror, for the whole month of Sept. 1893, boldly proclaims that from Genesis to Revelation, the 7th day Sabbath is upheld with no change. It even chastises Protestants who observe Sunday. Yet The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine - 1946, says that Saturday is the Sabbath, and when asked why we observe Sunday, says "the Catholic church transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday."

You have been misinformed, sister kat---probably by anti-Catholic tracts or websites. Have you actually read the Catholic Mirror article?

Catholics keep holy the "Lord's day"(Sunday), as the Church has been doing since the beginning.

The Sabbath recalls creation---"therefore God blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it" Ex 20:11. Then, Jesus rose from the dead on the "first day of the week"(Matt 28:1), ushering in the new creation. Early Christians began to worship on "the Lord's day", or Sunday. The Catholic Church did not invent the practice, it simply follows the precedent set in the New Testament and the early Church.

Peace,

Fiosh

Yes, I've read the entire Catholic Mirror article. I have it here in font of me. Sept. 2, 9, 16. and 23. Are you denying that these, and the quote from the Catechism, are true Catholic statements?

You are also, saying that the Catholic dhurch follows tradition as well as the Bible if you are saying that "Catholics keep holy the Lord's day, Sunday, as the church has been doing since the beginning." Sunday keeping came gradually. In fact, both days were kept for several centuries in early Christian history.

Why is Sunday "the Lord's day"? Where in Scripture does it say that the first day is the Lord's day, and that we should keep it for that reason?

RE: Catholic Mirror

I can't comment on something I haven't read. Can I find those articles on line?

Why do you say: "both days were kept for several centuries in early Christian history" ? On what do you base this assumption?

Are you a Seventh Day Adventist? I ask because the false belief that the RCC changed the Sabbath to Sunday is one of their teachings.

RE: "Why is Sunday "the Lord's day"? Where in Scripture does it say that the first day is the Lord's day, and that we should keep it for that reason?"

Compare:

Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

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Mar 16:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

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Mar 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

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Luk 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

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Jhn 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

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Jhn 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

WITH:

Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

The Bible does not waste words. They are repeated for emphasis.

Peace,

Fiosh

Do you realize that all those quotes above confirm the seventh day? They rested on the Seventh day, and continued their duties on the first.(otherwise they would have brought the spices and such on Saturday)

the last two scriptures you quoted above don't help your argument at all...

Jhn 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. (This was because Jesus rose that day. He rested in the tomb on Sabbath. The desciples were in fear that the Jews would persecute them and accuse them of stealing the body. Jesus never changed the sabbath.)

WITH:

Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

(this has nothing to do with the sabbath! People break bread every day when they eat. It is another way to say whaen they came together to eat.)

Nope. No offense, but you're just plain wrong, Tom.

The verses show that the Lord's Day is Sunday, because Jesus rose from the dead on that day. "Breaking bread" is commonly understood(even by Protestant scholars) to be a term used to indicate New Testament worship, specifically focused on Communion.

Peace,

Fiosh

[Fiosh]

Hi Bib,

Re: priests

Catholic priests can trace their priestly anointing back to the Apostles. There is an unbroken line passed on from generation to generation. In the New Testament, you will find reference to the Apostles appointing successors by "laying on of hands". This is the basis for the Catholic priesthood.......and it is why they have more authority to forgive than you do.

In that case Pastors have the authority of forgiving sins on the same level as a Priest. For each Pastor is ordained by God and "appointed" to Minister by prayer and the laying on of hands.

RE: Jesus' "brothers"

The Greek word used for "brother" ---adelphos---as several meanings. We use the definition meaning close relative, friend, or Christian brother. That IS taking the word literally. Check it out for yourself in Strong's!

In each use of the word it is translated as it applies. In this case brothers, in others bretheren. When it means cousin it says cousin. Do you deny that Mary would not have been fulfilling her wifely duity to her husband by refusing him herself througout their marriage, thereby going against God's word and disobey God's order to be fruitful and multiply?

RE: idols

The RCC forbids idol worship. No one worships statues in my church. I give flowers to my mother---that doesn't mean I'm worshiping her.

Your mother is still alive, and Gods word says to honor your father and mother. Nowhere does Jesus teach us to pray in anyones name other than our Heavenly Fathers. Prayer to Mary or a saint is no different than to any other dead person.

RE: adding to Scripture

Using other sources to help you to understand Scripture and the practices of the Church is NOT "adding to Scripture" any more than using a study Bible or commentaries is.

RE: context

Yep!

John 20: 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. 13 The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit.

23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Our context should be the whole of scripture, not just the parts that we wish to use to suit our own needs.

Peace,

F

Hi Bib!

I'm enjoying our discussion. Thanks for your input.

RE:

In that case Pastors have the authority of forgiving sins on the same level as a Priest. For each Pastor is ordained by God and "appointed" to Minister by prayer and the laying on of hands.

Well..........not exactly. That would only be true if your Pastor could trace his anointing back to the Apostles.

RE: "In each use of the word it is translated as it applies. In this case brothers, in others bretheren. When it means cousin it says cousin."

No. It is only translated as such in Protestant Bibles, by Protestant translators, based on Protestant beliefs. However, even Protestant Biblical scholars will admit that the case can be made either way from Scripture.

RE: "Do you deny that Mary would not have been fulfilling her wifely duity to her husband by refusing him herself througout their marriage, thereby going against God's word and disobey God's order to be fruitful and multiply? "

Nope. This was a very special couple in a very special situation, living in total obedience and submission to God's will for them.

RE: "Nowhere does Jesus teach us to pray in anyones name other than our Heavenly Fathers"

I agree. And I don't.

Asking a saint to pray for me, is not "praying in their name".

RE: "Our context should be the whole of scripture, not just the parts that we wish to use to suit our own needs."

ABSOLUTELY! When will non-Catholics realize that???

Peace,

Fiosh

[Guest Biblicist]

Yes most definitely. If you grow up in the Catholic Church, You will be baptized as an infant. This is where the parents faith is affective for the child. But then as a child grows up they receive teaching so that they can understand and receive their own faith. We have sacraments that are very public that a child will participate in. Their first communion, the sacrament of reconciliation (repentance) and then confirmation. Confirmation is when a child declares in front of the entire Church what his/her faith is. this is preceeded by repentance, and much instruction/teaching so that the Child knows exactly what he/she is professing. If a person comes to the Church at a later time, the process is done at one time, first by good teaching, then baptism, confession, and public declaration and celebration with the Eucharist. \\But it doesn't stop there. That is the beginning. The Church also helps with the middle and the end.

God Bless,

K.D.

K.D.

You speak a lot of what humans do to receive salvation, getting baptized, sacraments, confirmation, public declaration and celebration with the Eucharist. The church helping with the "middle and the end"? Not sure what that means.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is a gift and there is nothing man can do to receive it.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do " (Eph. 2:8,9).

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:27,28)

Also, infant baptism. Baptize comes from the latin word bap-tid'-zo (from Strongs) 1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)

2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe

Christ was immersed when he was an adult [remember He is our example] and "those who accepted His message were baptized" (Acts 2:37-38,41-42). When we are baptized as Christ was, we mimic his death, burial and resurrection. Matthew 20:22, 23

I can understand parents having their child sprinkled in Baby Dedication, promising to raise their child in knowledge and understanding of Christ. Training them in the way they should go to salvation. It, in no way, replaces Believers Baptism. It, in no way, saves a soul. It does not change the childs heart status. An infant cannot express the repentance, faith and commitment necessary for salvation. It is not immersion. An infant does not have the intellectual understanding to understand what he/she is doing.

I appreciate your answers to my questions. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15)

In His Mighty Grip,

Bib

[Fiosh]

I think somehow you will notice that Mary will be surrounded with her many offspring and descendants--you won't get near her! To me, it is the religious mind that cannot believe that Mary's womb was fertile for other children. Why wouldn't God allow her to be blessed with children with Joseph? It is a command that we be fruitful and multiply. Why not Mary and why not Joseph? Was there something wrong with Joseph that he would be forced to be childless?

I have given the scripture before about Mary's other children. I will not waste it here, as you seem bent on misinterpretation through rose-coloured religious glasses.

And I have explained that it is you who are misinterpreting Scripture.

God bless,

Fiosh

Sorry, Fiosh, but I am not misinterpreting it one little bit. God would never ask Joseph to be childless and Mary's womb to not furnish her husband with children and heirs, according to God's first commandment.

With all due respect sister, while you attempt to speak with authority, it is still only your opinion. You do not know the mind of God in this matter; even most Protestants will admit that Scripture is not clear in stating whether or not Mary gave birth to other children.

You may be surprised to learn that the Church taught the perpetual virginity of Mary from the earliest times. Even Protestant reformers, including Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, accepted both the fact that Mary was "ever-virgin" and the "Mother of God".

Peace,

Fiosh

Well, the "Church" may have taught it, but the Scriptures oppose that.

Matthew 12:46

[ Jesus

[Fiosh]

"As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5

[Floatingaxe]

I think somehow you will notice that Mary will be surrounded with her many offspring and descendants--you won't get near her! To me, it is the religious mind that cannot believe that Mary's womb was fertile for other children. Why wouldn't God allow her to be blessed with children with Joseph? It is a command that we be fruitful and multiply. Why not Mary and why not Joseph? Was there something wrong with Joseph that he would be forced to be childless?

I have given the scripture before about Mary's other children. I will not waste it here, as you seem bent on misinterpretation through rose-coloured religious glasses.

And I have explained that it is you who are misinterpreting Scripture.

God bless,

Fiosh

Sorry, Fiosh, but I am not misinterpreting it one little bit. God would never ask Joseph to be childless and Mary's womb to not furnish her husband with children and heirs, according to God's first commandment.

With all due respect sister, while you attempt to speak with authority, it is still only your opinion. You do not know the mind of God in this matter; even most Protestants will admit that Scripture is not clear in stating whether or not Mary gave birth to other children.

You may be surprised to learn that the Church taught the perpetual virginity of Mary from the earliest times. Even Protestant reformers, including Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, accepted both the fact that Mary was "ever-virgin" and the "Mother of God".

Peace,

Fiosh

Well, the "Church" may have taught it, but the Scriptures oppose that.

Matthew 12:46

[ Jesus

[Fiosh]

Hi Bib,

That is an awesome question. Matthitjah would be proud of you.

Catholics and Protestants probably agree more than they disagree on the answer.

The Catechism defines salvation as " the forgiveness of sins and restoration of friendship with God, which can be done by God alone".

The def. of "Kingdom of God/Heaven is a bit more in-depth...

" The reign or rule of God...righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 14:17). The Kingdom of God draws near in the coming of the Incarnate Word; it is announced in the Gospel; it is the messianic Kingdom, present in the person of Jesus, the Messiah; it remains in our midst in the Eucharist. Christ gave to His Apostles the work of proclaiming the Kingdom, and through the Holy Spirit forms his people into a priestly kingdom, the Church, in which the Kingdom of God is mysteriously present, for she is the seed and beginning of the Kingdom on earth. In the Lord's Prayer ("Thy kingdom come") we pray for its final glorious appearance, when Christ will hand over the Kingdom to His Father."

So, Bib, those in the Church are already "in the Kingdom", in one sense, though not yet in its perfection.

As for salvation, like Kansasdad explained, its not an instantaneous event, but an on-going process. Nevertheless, it is only by the atoning Sacrifice of Jesus that any of us can attain salvation......"for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God".

Peace,

Fiosh

Fiosh,

Thank you for your kind sentiment, although I don't ask questions to please man. I feel that question was one The Lord would have wanted asked.

I am more confused than ever about your idea of Heaven. Do you not believe in a literal Heaven? Are you in essence, saying that Heaven/Kingdom of God are the body of believers?

The use of Romans 14:17 is out of context. The context, which The use of Romans 14:17 is out of context. A legalistic or spirit filled life. {hmmm wasn't there a thread dealing that somewhere?}

The Bible does teach that salvation is one defining moment in a persons life. The story of Paul on the Damascus road clearly defines this. For each one that believed in him there was a defining moment, such as the woman at the well, who saw their sins for what they were and turned from them. Naturally, we need to daily pray for strentgh and help to overcome the sin nature that still remains. But instead of being a slave to that sin nature, we have the power of Jesus Christ working within us to overcome it! Praise the Lord!

Again thank you for answering my questions. My father would have been interested in these answers.

In His Mighty Grip,

Bib

RE: "Thank you for your kind sentiment, although I don't ask questions to please man."

I was teasing; that was said tongue in cheek, in reference to something Matthitjah said earlier about questions.

RE: heaven

Yes, I believe in a literal heaven.

The kingdom of God/Heaven is found in Jesus. All those who are in Him, are in the Kingdom. The Kingdom is being built, and exists in an imperfect state, here on earth. It already exists in heaven with the saints and angels. And will be brought to perfection, when heaven is joined with earth, when Christ returns.

In the Mass, within the Holy Eucharist, heaven comes to earth in a foretaste of that glorious day!

RE: "The use of Romans 14:17 is out of context"

Not at all. It is used precisely in context. Romans 14 speaks to how to live for Christ. Living for Christ is part of living in the Kingdom.

RE: "The Bible does teach that salvation is one defining moment in a persons life."

In the first generation of Christians this was necessarily the case as Jesus had JUST died and risen. In later generations, it was, and is, possible to hold this belief all through life---as in my case as a "cradle Catholic". That is not to say that one's faith does not deepen as one matures in Christ...it can and should. And, it is possible to have awesome moments of union with God throughout one's faith journey.

RE: "Naturally, we need to daily pray for strength and help to overcome the sin nature that still remains. But instead of being a slave to that sin nature, we have the power of Jesus Christ working within us to overcome it! Praise the Lord!"

AMEN, PREACH IT, SISTER!

Peace,

Fiosh

[Guest Biblicist]

Hello my dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Obviously the Bible is unclear as to the perpetual virginity of Mary. I admit, I wonder why it does not speak of Joseph "knowing" his wife to conceive another child. Apparently, it is not important unto salvation. As many things that are not mentioned in God's Word. I believe that Mary was not much more important than the men who were used by God to pen His word. Each was a vessel, a willing servant, who carried the Word of God. She is worthy of our admiration. But not our worship. Just as the first Eve brought sin into the World, Mary, the second Eve, brought salvation through her selfless act of allowing God to use her body. She was blessed among other women, not just because she carried Jesus, but because she was such a faithful servant of God that he knew he could use her in such a way and she would not balk at the idea. Praise God for his preparation of her. God prepares us each for a service to Him, a special purpose for His glory. This was Mary's, and she accepted it with grace.

Are we willing to accept with grace the purpose God has for us, even if we have to leave home, being threatened with stoning and suffer persecution? Even if we know that purpose will create great heartache in the end? I can not imagine Mary standing at the foot of that cross, watching the life ebb from her beloved son, and Saviour, the life that she gave. Even knowing he would raise again, the pain she must have felt at seeing what those people had done to him. Knowing that if she were the only person on earth, He would be hanging there for her.

Yes, Mary was truly special. Important in the history of Jesus life. But arguing over whether or not she stayed a virgin only does one thing, take the focus of her son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am certain, if she could, she would ask us to stop and only consider what her son came here to do for us. The sacrifice HE made on the way to Calvary and on the cross for our sins.

In His Mighty Grip,

Bib

[Live4Eternity]

Hello my dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Obviously the Bible is unclear as to the perpetual virginity of Mary. I admit, I wonder why it does not speak of Joseph "knowing" his wife to conceive another child. Apparently, it is not important unto salvation. As many things that are not mentioned in God's Word. I believe that Mary was not much more important than the men who were used by God to pen His word. Each was a vessel, a willing servant, who carried the Word of God. She is worthy of our admiration. But not our worship. Just as the first Eve brought sin into the World, Mary, the second Eve, brought salvation through her selfless act of allowing God to use her body. She was blessed among other women, not just because she carried Jesus, but because she was such a faithful servant of God that he knew he could use her in such a way and she would not balk at the idea. Praise God for his preparation of her. God prepares us each for a service to Him, a special purpose for His glory. This was Mary's, and she accepted it with grace.

Are we willing to accept with grace the purpose God has for us, even if we have to leave home, being threatened with stoning and suffer persecution? Even if we know that purpose will create great heartache in the end? I can not imagine Mary standing at the foot of that cross, watching the life ebb from her beloved son, and Saviour, the life that she gave. Even knowing he would raise again, the pain she must have felt at seeing what those people had done to him. Knowing that if she were the only person on earth, He would be hanging there for her.

Yes, Mary was truly special. Important in the history of Jesus life. But arguing over whether or not she stayed a virgin only does one thing, take the focus of her son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am certain, if she could, she would ask us to stop and only consider what her son came here to do for us. The sacrifice HE made on the way to Calvary and on the cross for our sins.

In His Mighty Grip,

Bib

Amen