Sign of the Cross

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by <><
It wouldn't surprise me if they did many unscriptural things in common with them.

If it's unScriptural, why has it been practiced since the 2nd century?

http://www.cin.org/mateo/9107301.html

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm

 

[vegan]

Originally posted by Br. Max
Funny how the groups that reject the sign of the Cross also reject suffering as well. . . . They deceive themselves into thinking the Christian walk is one of hearts and flowers with no pain. They refuse to identify with the sign of the Lords own suffering.

From my observations, this is simply untrue.&nbsp; I am attending a Southern Baptist church and although we don't have a big crucifix in our church like the one I grew up with in my Catholic upbringing, Jesus' suffering is central to our teaching.&nbsp; It is because of JEsus' suffering we are saved. We acknowledge this when we pray.

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[chelcb]

Hi, I am new here so I don't know if this has already been said but I think Lutherans do make the sign of the cross.

When Catholics sign themselves it is a reminder of their baptismal vow.

 

[dignitized]

vegan: I work in close concert with several Baptists churches in many community outreaches. You cannot however deny that a great many protestant denominations want to fly past calvary and the cross and straight to the resurrection. They want their walks to be all hearts and flowers and view suffering themselves with contempt.

 

[vegan]

Originally posted by Br. Max
They want their walks to be all hearts and flowers and view suffering themselves with contempt.

This can also be said about the RCC church.&nbsp; In fact, it is something very similiar to what i said WHILE i was a CCD-teaching devout Roman Catholic.

Catholic traditions are different than Baptist services.&nbsp; In the words of the singles pastor at my church, "get over it" (said nicely, by the way )&nbsp; Yes, there are differences between denominations.&nbsp; Blood has been spilled over it.&nbsp; Finger pointing doesnt help much.

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[chelcb]

Br. Max

Some want a cross with out Christ, and Christ with out a cross.

Sad that our separated brothers don't know the value that suffering has.

 

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by Br. Max
vegan: I work in close concert with several Baptists churches in many community outreaches. You cannot however deny that a great many protestant denominations want to fly past calvary and the cross and straight to the resurrection. They want their walks to be all hearts and flowers and view suffering themselves with contempt.

I've been to dozens of Southern Baptist services. It appears as though the main focus is on achieving a happy emotional high, at least in the more contemporary services. It's very seldom that I see any sort of focus on Christ's suffering.

Ironically, it is usually only the hellfire & brimstone evangelist types that meditate on and talk about Christ's suffering.

 

[dignitized]

vegan: Of course there are differences between denominations. Some of those differences are not good ones though. We as Christians MUST walk in balance. You cannot know JOY until you first know pain.


BTW: I will remind people AGAIN: I AM NOT ROMAN CATHOLIC (said nicely)

 

[vegan]

What is your point?&nbsp; Catholics=Good, everyone else=Fall from Grace?&nbsp; If you don't mind, my question has been answered.&nbsp; Now I understand why the moderator made a very quick premptive warning not to let this thread degenerate into insults.&nbsp;

You made your point.&nbsp; Baptists don't practice Christianity as well as Catholics because we gloss over, ignore, or otherwise do not dwell on the suffering of Christ to your satisfaction.&nbsp; THey have failed in your eyes, I get it, thank you very much.

 

[SUNSTONE]

Originally posted by humblejoe
I've been to dozens of Southern Baptist services. It appears as though the main focus is on achieving a happy emotional high, at least in the more contemporary services. It's very seldom that I see any sort of focus on Christ's suffering.

Ironically, it is usually only the hellfire &amp; brimstone evangelist types that meditate on and talk about Christ's suffering.

Hmmm

Paul said rejoice always, he even did it while shackled in a jail cell. And an angel led him out of the jail. But I agree there are times to think about Christs suffering, like communion.

 

[chelcb]

Br. Max,

I am a little confused. What are you?

 

[chelcb]

Vegan,

Why did you leave Catholicism, if you don't mind telling me?

 

[vegan]

Originally posted by chelcb
Vegan,

Why did you leave Catholicism, if you don't mind telling me?

Bunch of reasons.&nbsp;

1. The R.C. church didnt offer much to new church-members, especially singles.&nbsp; I think they take for granted that people will go becasue it is the only catholic church around, so they never did much to keep me.

2. I felt spiritually unconnected.&nbsp; AS my mother said, the Hold Spirit revealed himself to me within the Evangelical church.&nbsp; I think she regrets this decision by the Holy Spirit

3. I felt a lack of an emphesis on having a personal relationship with Jesus in the RCC.

4. I was bored with what I felt was a redundant church service.&nbsp; The bible studies and fresh sermons of the Baptist Church attracted me.

Please note that i prefaced each comment with "I felt."&nbsp; These are my personal experiences vocalized because someone asked why I left the RCC.&nbsp; I dont need 300 replies accusing me of bashing the RCC.&nbsp; NOr do I need 300 replies telling me I can find all the things I am looking for in the RCC.&nbsp; Yes, I know they are there; i just didnt find them.

 

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by SUNSTONE
Hmmm

Paul said rejoice always, he even did it while shackled in a jail cell. And an angel led him out of the jail. But I agree there are times to think about Christs suffering, like communion.

And yet Paul was still experiencing suffering. What he meant by "rejoice" is how we respond to suffering, so indeed, he was still suffering, he just wasn't complaining about it.

 

[chelcb]

Originally posted by vegan
Bunch of reasons.&nbsp;

1. The R.C. church didnt offer much to new church-members, especially singles.&nbsp; I think they take for granted that people will go becasue it is the only catholic church around, so they never did much to keep me.

2. I felt spiritually unconnected.&nbsp; AS my mother said, the Hold Spirit revealed himself to me within the Evangelical church.&nbsp; I think she regrets this decision by the Holy Spirit

3. I felt a lack of an emphesis on having a personal relationship with Jesus in the RCC.

4. I was bored with what I felt was a redundant church service.&nbsp; The bible studies and fresh sermons of the Baptist Church attracted me.

Please note that i prefaced each comment with "I felt."&nbsp; These are my personal experiences vocalized because someone asked why I left the RCC.&nbsp; I dont need 300 replies accusing me of bashing the RCC.&nbsp; NOr do I need 300 replies telling me I can find all the things I am looking for in the RCC.&nbsp; Yes, I know they are there; i just didnt find them.

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Vegan,

Thank you for answering.

I will pray for you.

May I give you some food for thought?

Do you think all those things that the Baptist church gives you is worth trading the Eucharist for?

And your Mom is right, the "Spirit blows where he wills." I believe you did have an encounter with the Holy Spirit in a protestant Church, maybe that was the only way God could get your attention. Now that he has it maybe you can find him in Catholicism. He did put you there for a reason, don't you think?

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[MizDoulos]

With the continued deepening of accusations and disharmony created by both sides, this thread is closed. I see no reason to keep it open. Besides, I've received a couple of complaints regarding this thread.