Intriguing...

[DefenderOfPeter]

I am was told about your forum by a friend of mine.  I have spent a bit of time reviewing your recent threads.  Intriguing is the first thing that came to mind.  I was expecting to find a bunch chit-chat, but I am pleasantly surprised.

There have been some very good things said on both sides of the argument.  I have been a life long "Papist," or at least that is what I am called by most people, but I realy do not care what people choose to call me.

Polycarp and I believe his name is AnglicanFather (i am not sure) are providing some food for thought - If we as Catholics are not prepared to discuss these issues we should simply crawl back under the rock we came from.

I have dedicated most of my life defending this wonderful Church.  One thing to remember is that the Catholic faith will prevail despite even error among its people.

I believe that there are many groups out there that share the core tenants of the faith.  It is a shame that we Christians are so divided.  I used to be so interested in defining the "truth" as it has been called - that I did not see the forest for the trees.

We as Catholics are called by Christ to be light in this dark world.  If we spend so much time concerned about the language we use to the neglect of ministering to our brothers and sisters, then we may be missing the point.  Getting upset over dificult topics does not allow us to minister to those who disagree with our views.  We can not expect to persuade anyone if we do not do it in love.

John Paul II is a great example, worthy of imitating.  He has actively reached out to our seperated bretheren to help aid the process of reconciliation.  But he has not comprimised the Catholic faith, he allways reaches out in love.  We need not fear to live under his faithfull guidance, but we must not neglect our responsiblity to both KNOW and LIVE our faith.

I hope that Polycarp, Avila, and AnglicanFather (FatherRob) reconsider and stay with us.  I for one would like to work with them, listen to them, and try to understand where they are comming from.

Peace of Christ be with you all,

DefenderOfPeter

 

[Auntie]

Hello and welcome! I really like your post.

 

[Polycarp]

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[DefenderOfPeter]

Thanks Polycarp

I too think your handle is cool - it is appropriate for your message.

I am looking forward to speaking with you as well.  But I must offer the following - I have been defending the Church now for many years and I am prepared to back up what I say.

It appears that you are as well.

One note - the Church does not provide for the same guarantee of divine authorship as it does for scripture.  Just because the early church said it does not make it right.  If it does not ring true to scripture and other early church writings it should be cast aside.

I am looking forward to future talks as well - I feel we should set a couple of ground rules to begin with - so that we are on the same page.  I do not have a problem with being refered to as "Roman" Catholic, nor do I have a problem with acepting that you hold to catholic tenants. (note: Actually the Catholic church is comprised of many rites and the "Roman" or "Latin" rite is just one of those rites.) Second I would like to make sure that we are working from the same version of scripture - as you know, there are inconsitancies in translation.  I am willing to use either the NAB or KJV.  But I will not work with versions that use inclusive language for the sake of being inclusive.  I would also ask that we stay away from several topics for the time being - Divorce and Remarriage, "What makes a church Catholic," and any discussion surrounding the use of the workd "Roman."

Other than that I think that we will get along just fine.

 

[Polycarp]

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[DefenderOfPeter]

just a side note: I like the email feature of this website it is very convienent.

To Polycarp:

You seem to be a very reasonable person - I agree to use the KJV. If I understood correctly you are a personal friend of AnglicanFather(FatherRob).

I hope that he will join us in our discussions.

I to need to be going for a bit - I will be posting later this afternoon after I get home from work.

 

[panterapat]

I have named my guardian angel "Peter". Peter, you are a rock and upon this rock I shall build my church.

In christ, Patrick