Difference between Christian and Catholic

[Scarletprayers]

As for the other posts...some of what you all write is just too deep for me to get. I am new to this and haven't even finished the Bible yet. When I have a question, I usually ask for a simple answer because honestly I just don't get those long drawn out responses about this and that...I am just not there yet. It's fine to debate it back and forth among yourselves, but of course I am not going to respond to something I don't get.

Jolene, you're not alone.

I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for 17 years, taught Sunday School and have ministered to men in jail for the last 8 years. I have read the Bible cover to cover a few times and have to stay in the Word to prepare for my weekly Bible classes that I teach.

...and you know what? I'm still learning AND I don't get a lot of what some folks post here either. I mean it. Don't sell yourself short. If your heart is right with God (and it appears it is), He will make Himself known to you and with each passing day, you will be transformed in the likeness of Christ reflecting His glory. In other words, as you grow, people will see less of your old self and more of your new self in Christ Jesus. So like I said...you're not alone.

Stay in His Word and never cease praying in the spirit.

May the Lord Bless you richly,

wayne

I find it remarkable how many times you can read something and its just there, but the next time you read it....................BINGO, somehow it opens up for you and the light comes on and it just staggers you...........I just started reading thru the NT again, I'm in Luke right now, and this time I'm using the King James, and now that I've gotten back into the flow of it, it is just so soothing and brings me such peace.

Pray without ceasing.............oh yeah Wayne, oh yeah!

[hr.jr.]

Keep in mind that the Catholic Church was also used by God to give us the New Testament we hold today, what books were in, what books were not, what actually constituted the New Testament of the Bible was determined in the fourth century by Catholic Church Councils. There was no such thing as Baptist, Lutherans, Pentecostals, and Church of Christ and on until about 400 years ago, very recent considering we have a 2000 year Christian history. Prior to that time there were two Churches for all of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Churches in the West and the Orthodox Churches in the East. I am not Catholic I disagree with some of their doctrines, but for around 1500 years all Christians were Catholics or Orthodox, they are the original Christian historical Church, warts and all. So we can't just write them of wily nilly.

The Church brought us the Bible as we have it today. At that time, the Church was the true Church. When it became apostate, the protestant movement left the church and took the True elements of the Church with it.

In YOUR opinion.

In the opinion of any protestant who knows Church History.

Do you think Paul Sold indulgences?

Do you think he believed any of this trash below from Cathecism 1994?

[hr.jr.]

Yeah I am a Protestant and thus I think I am right!

My only point is that we can't simply say the entire Catholic Church is some strange cult that popped up in the middle of nowhere. Historically they have been used by God for many things. I think they are wrong on some things I don't think this means they are not Christian though.

Simply because the Catholic church started out true does not mean it can not become apostate. It has most definitely become apostate. The fact that the church became apostate led to the reformation. Simply becaust the Catholic church has a long history does not mean it is not apostate. The catholic church has elevated the pope to a position of greater authority than the written word of God. In my opinion, that makes them a cult. They have elevated Mary to a position almost equal to Jesus. This is further evidence they are a cult. Mary was not sinless as the Catholic church teaches. If she were sinless, she was divine. Mary is not divinity.

[forrestkc]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

[Scarletprayers]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

I also love the "The HS told me it was okay" even when you can PROVE that it goes directly againist scripture!

[hr.jr.]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

The charismatic belief of the modern prophet is much different than the Pope. The Pope has all autority on scripture. He can not be challencged or over ruled. He has the power to in essence re-write scripture if he so chose to do so. The Charismatic view of the prophet is vastly different. The prophet is to be judged by the prophets. The prophecy given may never counter or contradict scripture. The prophecy most definitely can not change scripture.

[Scarletprayers]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

The charismatic belief of the modern prophet is much different than the Pope. The Pope has all autority on scripture. He can not be challencged or over ruled. He has the power to in essence re-write scripture if he so chose to do so. The Charismatic view of the prophet is vastly different. The prophet is to be judged by the prophets. The prophecy given may never counter or contradict scripture. The prophecy most definitely can not change scripture.

Yeah, my belief is good...................yours is bad...................

[hr.jr.]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

The charismatic belief of the modern prophet is much different than the Pope. The Pope has all autority on scripture. He can not be challencged or over ruled. He has the power to in essence re-write scripture if he so chose to do so. The Charismatic view of the prophet is vastly different. The prophet is to be judged by the prophets. The prophecy given may never counter or contradict scripture. The prophecy most definitely can not change scripture.

Yeah, my belief is good...................yours is bad...................

Please show in written doctrine of the Charismatic churches where the prophet has "papal" type authority.

[forrestkc]

I never could understand the difference between the Catholic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Holy Tradition", and charismatic notions of Faith, Scripture, and "Modern day Prophets". It seems to me that both groups are essentially saying the same thing, in that they are both saying that revealed truth did not end with the last word of the Bible.

Right?

The charismatic belief of the modern prophet is much different than the Pope. The Pope has all autority on scripture. He can not be challencged or over ruled. He has the power to in essence re-write scripture if he so chose to do so. The Charismatic view of the prophet is vastly different. The prophet is to be judged by the prophets. The prophecy given may never counter or contradict scripture. The prophecy most definitely can not change scripture.

I think you are mischaracterizing the Catholic position there. They would argue that the Vatican might interpret scripture or expound on it, but never contradict it. For example, all of the footnotes in the Catholic Bible and the translation itself is the result of both Catholic and Protestant theologians. Moreover, even the most ridiculous of Catholic doctrine is more in line with scripture than some of the word of faith heresies being promoted by some charismatics.

I would also point out that Catholic Charities and Relief are by far the world's largest Christian Charities and Relief Organizations, feeding and helping more people worldwide than any other organization other than the U.N. World Food Program. In terms of doing God's work here on earth, no other church even comes close.

My point is that Martin Luther would be as disturbed with some of the practices and teachings being promoted by some protestant churches today as he was with the pre-reformation Catholic Church. The Catholic Church certainly has its flaws, enough for me to leave it, but it is a Christian Church and does make a positive contribution to the world. After all, there are not to many rolex wearing, 2000 dollar suit word of faith leaders out there stepping up to fill the late Mother Theresa's shoes.

[WayneB]

Honestly saints? I think the original poster got the advice he was looking for. He was not asking for a WOF vs. RCC debate. Those debates are reserved for the Soap Box. If any of the two of you would like a Soap Box debate, just submit your request to any of the 7 moderators. Otherwsie, I'll close the trhead now since the OP seems to be satified with the response to his question.

Be determined to be Blessed,

wayne