Have your core beliefs ever changed?

[MoNiCa4316]

Not many. They could only confess to a priest and were not allowed to possess scripture. They were controlled by the Catholic Church, which had perverted scripture and added to it with false interpretation and newfangled traditions and idol worship.

do you realize you're talking to a Catholic? well you can say what you want it's your forum hehe

oki please don't report this post.. I'm not debating, just clearing things up..
when we confess to priests we confess to God. We always read Scripture, the whole Mass is Scripture. We're not controlled by the Church, we submit to it as the "pillar and foundation of all truth" (Bible) We don't worship idols.

As to the question..did Christians before Luther knew God..
I've read about some of the Catholic and Orthodox Saints.
They definitely knew and loved God. More than I do.
they're awesome, they were willing to die for Jesus and they loved Him more than themselves, and they served others selflessly.
They are the best examples of the faith I've ever encountered.

Peace

 

[Floatingaxe]

It is idolatry:

 

[MoNiCa4316]

We honour Mary as Christ's Mother, we don't worship her. We only worship God. We venerate Mary and the Saints. It may LOOK like worship to you, but we know that God looks at the heart, not external appearances

Since becoming Catholic, I've grown in my love for Mary. Yet I've never felt tempted to worship her. She has lead me closer to her Son.

Peace

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

That I can recall of my beliefs haven't really ever changed if anything I recieved or believe more in some things over the years. But too much haven't changed.

 

[Cassidy]

Isn't mary asleep?

 

[Cassidy]

While I also believe OSAS, the issue lies in IF a person is actually
born again to begin with.

We're warned to examine ourselves (unbiasely I'd add) and check it against the backdrop
of scripture teaching that defines God's commands and teachings - things
that define a genuine believer.

OSAS is supported in scripture- but so is the definition of an actual
believer. People preaching false doctrines & supporting sin aren't
practicing Christianity, they're practicing a self created religion they're labeling "Christian".

They may well hear Mat. 7:21-23

Yes I agree...but I more support the 'perserverance of the saints' rather than OSAS...cos that kind of has the negative connotations that we think it's ok to sin because we will always be saved - which is wrong.

But yes...certainly...those who leave or continue in sin prove that they were never sons of God

 

[Floatingaxe]

We honour Mary as Christ's Mother, we don't worship her. We only worship God. We venerate Mary and the Saints. It may LOOK like worship to you, but we know that God looks at the heart, not external appearances

Since becoming Catholic, I've grown in my love for Mary. Yet I've never felt tempted to worship her. She has lead me closer to her Son.

Peace

Veneration of Mary and saints is a form of worship.

Only Jesus should be venerated, worshiped and prayed to. I think of Mary as a blessed woman who gave birth to the Saviour with courage, and raised Him, but I wouldn't think of worshiping her! Jesus warned people of that.

Mary cannot lead anyone closer to Christ. Only one's obedience to Him and the Word of God can do that by the power of the Holy Spirit. Love Him.

We are to avoid the appearance of evil, aren't we????

 

[Nadiine]

Yes I agree...but I more support the 'perserverance of the saints' rather than OSAS...cos that kind of has the negative connotations that we think it's ok to sin because we will always be saved - which is wrong.

But yes...certainly...those who leave or continue in sin prove that they were never sons of God

I support BOTH - but my claim is that a saint WILL persevere becuz they ARE born again and God is working within them to hold & sustain them in the faith.
"he who began a good work in you will complete it..." (paraphrased)

Those with a form of faith are doing works in their own strength & willpower and eventually dwindle away.
But, I don't push OSAS on people - I think either view has merit biblically.

 

[Cassidy]

I support BOTH - but my claim is that a saint WILL persevere becuz they ARE born again and God is working within them to hold & sustain them in the faith.
"he who began a good work in you will complete it..." (paraphrased)

Do you remember where that scripture is BTW? I keep trying to find it at times then give up LOL

Those with a form of faith are doing works in their own strength & willpower and eventually dwindle away.
But, I don't push OSAS on people - I think either view has merit biblically.

Oh they do...speaking to the choir here mate

 

[Floatingaxe]

Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

 

[Nadiine]

thanks floating,
and then there's another verse where God is called
Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

 

[MoNiCa4316]

Veneration of Mary and saints is a form of worship.

Only Jesus should be venerated, worshiped and prayed to. I think of Mary as a blessed woman who gave birth to the Saviour with courage, and raised Him, but I wouldn't think of worshiping her! Jesus warned people of that.

Mary cannot lead anyone closer to Christ. Only one's obedience to Him and the Word of God can do that by the power of the Holy Spirit. Love Him.

We are to avoid the appearance of evil, aren't we????

I'm not going to debate since this isn't my forum, I'll just say that veneration=respect, and we don't worship Mary we respect her.
And she has lead me closer to Christ

Peace

 

[rushingwind62]

Deleted

 

[MoNiCa4316]

So, the way others have lived there lives is not an inspiration to you? God doesn't use their experiences and lives to draw others closer to Himself. I am not Catholic but my wife is. She has helped me a lot to understand that they don't worship Mary. You ask any Catholic and they will tell you they don't worship Mary or any of the Saints. They do ask them to intercede on their behalf, but that is it.

IMO it is your opinion that they worship Mary and the Saints. It is fine to disagree with Catholic doctrine. But if you disagree with them don't be a part of their fellowship and gatherings. I don't understand why so many hate and accuse them all the time. They do much throughout the world to help those in need and they do lead many to Christ. After all the Catholic church is the largest in the world.

Don't mean to derail the thread. I just wanted to give my opinion on this matter. Because we are all called to encourage one another, not discourage...God Bless...Rob

thank you for your post. God bless.

 

[rushingwind62]

As for the poll, I voted yes. I think we are constantly growing in Christ and as we grow, so does our understanding of God and His word. I started out as a Nazarene, but as I grew spiritually I needed more than they could offer. So I moved to Full Gospel, then Charismatic, to Non Denom. I use to be very closed minded about many thing, but because of life's experiences I am now very open minded to things and possibilities. IMO our core beliefs change and grow with us as we walk with the Lord....God Bless...Rob

 

[Floatingaxe]

So, the way others have lived there lives is not an inspiration to you? God doesn't use their experiences and lives to draw others closer to Himself. I am not Catholic but my wife is. She has helped me a lot to understand that they don't worship Mary. You ask any Catholic and they will tell you they don't worship Mary or any of the Saints. They do ask them to intercede on their behalf, but that is it.

IMO it is your opinion that they worship Mary and the Saints. It is fine to disagree with Catholic doctrine. But if you disagree with them don't be a part of their fellowship and gatherings. I don't understand why so many hate and accuse them all the time. They do much throughout the world to help those in need and they do lead many to Christ. After all the Catholic church is the largest in the world.

Don't mean to derail the thread. I just wanted to give my opinion on this matter. Because we are all called to encourage one another, not discourage...God Bless...Rob

I guess those you know aren't taking to heart all the writings of the "church fathers" that declare her a mediatrix, and co-redemptrix, and pray to her daily, using the rosary, and keep images of her around the house and in their churches etc. That's WAY MORE than respect. I suppose there are devout Catholics and then there are REALLY devout Catholics.

Largest in the world? Maybe as an institution. But there is only ONE CHURCH in all the world--those who have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord.

 

[rushingwind62]

[deleted

 

[Floatingaxe]

Sorry, but I am going to derail this thread any farther than it already is, by debating you. I would be happy to discuss theology with you concerning this matter in another thread or in the theology forums.......God Bless...Rob

I won't derail further either. But this is not something I will debate on purpose, as in looking for it.

 

[MoNiCa4316]

I guess those you know aren't taking to heart all the writings of the "church fathers" that declare her a mediatrix, and co-redemptrix, and pray to her daily, using the rosary, and keep images of her around the house and in their churches etc. That's WAY MORE than respect. I suppose there are devout Catholics and then there are REALLY devout Catholics.

Largest in the world? Maybe as an institution. But there is only ONE CHURCH in all the world--those who have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord.

This will be my last post here because I don't want to keep on derailing the thread either but... I agree with all the writings of the Church Fathers, I believe Mary is Mediatrix, Co-Redemptrix (but it doesn't mean she's a Redeemer or Mediator..it just means that she participates in Christ's ONE work of redemption and mediation, by being His Mother..the terms are sort of deceptive). I pray to her daily, I use the Rosary, and I have several images of her in my house.
But I do not worship her. I just love her as my Mother. I ask her to intercede for me to Jesus.
If this makes no sense to you, I am sorry. But it makes perfect sense to me. I guess Catholics and Protestants sometimes look at things from different perspectives and use different terminology.

God bless

 

[Floatingaxe]

Idolatry, according to the Word of God.

I love and respect my own mother.