How long will there be division?

[ps139]

Let me ask you this would you be happier if a former catholic became a protestant or if he/she turned her back on the church all together?

This is what happened with my father. After a few years of practical agnosticism he became a fundamentalist. Now he comes and tells me these absolutely ridiculous things about the Catholic Church! Sometimes I laugh at them, they are the whoppers we sometimes deal with here. I am glad I can say, "no dad, we don't do that." Considering he was Catholic for 30+ years I think he either didn't really know a thing about the Church (not out of the realm of impossibility) or was brainwashed by the high population of bitter antii- and ex- Catholics at his church. Either way, I am glad he has some sort of relationship with Jesus right now. So yes, situation being as it is, I'm happy he is a Protestant.

 

[Rising_Suns]

Let me ask you this would you be happier if a former catholic became a protestant or if he/she turned her back on the church all together?

Protestants are our brothers and sisters in Christ, first and foremost, and should likewise be treated as such. The Church actually considers them part of the [universal] Catholic Church, even thought they are not in full communion with the visible Church.

"One cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers .... All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 818]​

 

[PeterPaul]

Protestants are our brothers and sisters in Christ, first and foremost, and should likewise be treated as such. The Church actually considers them part of the [universal] Catholic Church, even thought they are not in full communion with the visible Church.

"One cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers .... All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 818]​

I just hope, and this isn't to you specifically Rising, that we can treat our SSPX brothers with the same respect.

 

[geocajun]

I just hope, and this isn't to you specifically Rising, that we can treat our SSPX brothers with the same respect.

and Old Catholics, oh and don't forget - Catholics for a Free Choice.

 

[ZooMom]

It isn't neccessary to sacrifice the Truth in order to show respect and affection. Or vice versa.


Peace be with you.

Sandy

 

[PeterPaul]

It isn't neccessary to sacrifice the Truth in order to show respect and affection. Or vice versa.


Peace be with you.

Sandy

No, but validation does.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Love the sinner, hate the sin.

 

[PeterPaul]

Love the sinner, hate the sin.

Yes, but sometimes on this board, we are selective when using that term.

 

[Anthony]

Yep, got a problem with that?

The opinions of men never cause me any problems. I wonder how the Orthodox feel. I guess they would be semi-heritics, using the same logic.

 

[Rising_Suns]

It isn't neccessary to sacrifice the Truth in order to show respect and affection. Or vice versa.


Peace be with you.

Sandy

I think there is a time and a place. In environments of fellowship, it is not through preaching that is our ministry, but through loving. Patience is always virtuous here, because eventually, a door will always be opened for the absolute best opportunity to witness our faith.

Our first step should always be love, but truth should never be sacrificed.

May the Lord give you His peace!

-Davide

 

[ZooMom]

No, but validation does.

Validation of what?

"One cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers .... All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 818]


If anyone here is validating more than this, please point them out.

​

 

[Rising_Suns]

The opinions of men never cause me any problems. I wonder how the Orthodox feel. I guess they would be semi-heritics, using the same logic.

No, the Orthodox are schismatics, not heretics.

Also, it's not the opinions of man, but Christ's Church.

 

[ZooMom]

I think there is a time and a place. In environments of fellowship, it is not through preaching that is our ministry, but through loving. Patience is always virtuous here, because eventually, a door will always be opened for the absolute best opportunity to witness our faith.

Our first step should always be love, but truth should never be sacrificed.

May the Lord give you His peace!

-Davide

I don't disagree with you, Davide, except to say that every step should be in love. If we are to present the Truth, there can be no deterioration of the love of Christ while we are doing it. If we are going to witness for our faith it should be at every opportunity, not just the best one. Even when we aren't aware that the opportunity is there.


Peace be with you.

Sandy

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

This thread is closed for the moment.

While under OBOB staff review.


JeffreyLloyd