Two types of Catholics

[ripple the car]

Your question above is actually a reflection of where you are along the road to becoming a Catholic.
As such it is a reflection of your observation from outside the Church Catholics, and also of your experiences so far in your journey.

So what you said above is more truly a blend of Catholic and Protestant beliefs at this time, rather than a true reflection of Catholic beliefs as the Church teaches them.

Yeah, maybe that's true. Kind of a reverberation of "are you saved? / do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?" only in a Catholic context.

I do, though, also see some Truth in what he has written. There are some who seem very, very culturally Catholic, or deeply uninformed about what the Church teaches, or why it matters.

 

[charsan]

As far as your op, I tend to see salvation as a journey not just a one time event.

Exactly

 

[PJ76]

But one thing I would like to know - is there a way you (in the general sense) can have more assurance of your salvation?

I heard a catholic priest say that living a virtuous life is our assurance. I agree. We can't know for sure of our salvation until the day we appear before Christ. I know the protestants would beg to differ, but that is the whole point of practicing virtue. Anyone care to chime in?

 

[PJ76]

If they are just going through the motions, then yeah I can see what you think that, but they could be doing those things out of love for the Lord.

Since Jesus searches our hearts and knows our intentions and even our deepest secrets. If someone is just going through the motions, then Jesus would know.

 

[ripple the car]

I heard a catholic priest on YouTube say that living a virtuous life is our assurance. I agree with that priest. My understanding is that we can't know for sure of our salvation until the day we appear before Christ. I know the protestants would beg to differ, but that is the whole point of practicing virtue. Anyone care to chime in?

It's a journey. This has been, for me, one of the things that feels truest as I look into the Catholic Faith. Other things do, too, but there's something special about how the Church views salvation. We keep going.

 

[PJ76]

Other things do, too, but there's something special about how the Church views salvation.

Yes there's something special and very down to earth.

 

[PJ76]

So what you said above is more truly a blend of Catholic and Protestant beliefs at this time

I actually think that most of the protestant theology are a bunch of garbage. Please excuse me for being so blunt, but just speaking from my heart.

 

[ripple the car]

Yes there's something special and very down to earth.

Yes, and wonderfully merciful, and practical. Love God, have faith, do stuff, love others, let God save you, walk it out. Fall, get up, keep going. It's not set and done yet.

My husband is a Protestant Christian, and I think he struggles sometimes with the question of "am I saved?". For him, it's a yes or no, already done question, and when he stumbles, has a rough patch, struggles with anger or doubt, he flounders.

 

[PJ76]

My husband is a Protestant Christian, and I think he struggles sometimes with the question of "am I saved?". For him, it's a yes or no, already done question, and when he stumbles, has a rough patch, struggles with anger or doubt, he flounders.

Yeah most (not all) protestants think that being saved is instantaneous and just like that, by saying a magical prayer, you are saved instantly and for eternity

 

[ripple the car]

Yeah most (not all) protestants think that being saved is instantaneous and just like that, by saying a magical prayer, you are saved instantly and for eternity

I hear you. It's tough. Just keep doing the best you can to shine light, answer questions, learn, and enjoy everything that the Church can give you. You're on an awesome adventure, PJ.

One thing that I am trying really, really hard to do, is to give Protestants the benefit of the doubt, as fellow Christians. They are trying. The ones on CF, you can really tell that they have a zeal for Christ and for Scripture, and for holiness, and they're doing the best they can with the Bible and prayer, and that's it.

It's easy to become annoyed over error, but the best steam roller for that annoyance, for me, seems to be prayer. That helps.

 

[Michie]

As Paul said, it is a race to be ran.

Scripture speaks of working out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Picking up our crosses and following Him.

 

[charsan]

I actually think that most of the protestant theology are a bunch of garbage. Please excuse me for being so blunt, but just speaking from my heart.

I agree though I would say most evangelical theology is garbage and throughout CF and other forums heresy abounds in spades

 

[Lady Bug]

I actually think that most of the protestant theology are a bunch of garbage. Please excuse me for being so blunt, but just speaking from my heart.

The main problem with Protestant theology is that in terms of works, it speaks out of both sides of its mouth. It says that you aren't saved by works, but the signs of a truly saved person are that they bear good fruit (which is works). That is, "works don't save you but if you don't have the works it means you aren't saved." The theology wants to have its cake and eat it too. I was watching a YouTube video and I'm hesitant to name the pastor, but he was essentially saying that the hallmark of a true believer is if they "produce" anything. Yet they deny works...I can't take it...

 

[Lady Bug]

It's easy to become annoyed over error

I was just guilty of doing this in my post above, my bad lol.

 

[pdudgeon]

Personally, I think that there's a link between salvation and works that protestants are missing big time, and that is the reason/motivation behind their works. That's the whole key in a nutshell.

Salvation is wonderful, but it's only the first stop, and not the end of a beautiful train ride.

 

[Michie]

Bumping up the conversation.

 

[Michie]

Bumping up the conversation.

 

[PJ76]

The main problem with Protestant theology is that in terms of works, it speaks out of both sides of its mouth. It says that you aren't saved by works, but the signs of a truly saved person are that they bear good fruit (which is works).

I've heard the same nonsense from protestant pastors. Some will condemn works since they claim to be saved by faith alone. While others say good works is just an "option" and has no bearing on salvation. So much heresy in Protestantism that's its unbelievable.

 

[PJ76]

I was just guilty of doing this in my post above, my bad lol.

I call it a loving constructive criticism

 

[PJ76]

Personally, I think that there's a link between salvation and works that protestants are missing big time, and that is the reason/motivation behind their works. That's the whole key in a nutshell. Salvation is wonderful, but it's only the first stop, and not the end of a beautiful train ride.

A link? Absolutely. But Protestants claim the link is not in the bible. So I'm not sure what bible they are reading since my bible shows the link, loud and clear.