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#141
07-20-2007, 11:40 PM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] The odds are quite good with that Bluff's lumping of Catholicism/Orthox/Coptic Traditions is correct, since each has direct and provable lines of successors dating back to the 12 Apostles (Apostolic succession, we call it). Protestants have no such claim to apostolic succession. Lack of apostolic succession is a compelling argument to throw Protestantism out the running for Faith most likely to be true." [/ QUOTE ] Ridiculous, apostolic succession, as presented in this post, is no more than self justification by the big boys. But it just doesn't seem that the Pope is condemning the Protestants in our time for their historical apostasy. If you're brewing for a fight among the various denominations it is worthwhile to remember that Christ is not about contention no matter what the issues.The fight is secular, political, but definitely not Christ. [/ QUOTE ] I think it's perhaps more ridiculous of how dismissive you are of apostolic succession and its importance. We owe the Church's ability to maintain its core teachings (our creed, scripture, and cathecism) thanks to the unbroken line of bishops that began with the 12 apostles. It provides great confidence that the Church has accurately preserved and continues to preach the authentic teachings of Christ through Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Our story hasn't changed for 2000 years and don't expect it to during the next 2000. As a Catholic, I'm not left to "figure it out on my own" as if I were a Protestant with nothing more than a Bible to read. I have the appointed successors of Christ's Apostles to teach and guide me. In fact, I consider it a small miracle that our separated brothers in Protestant denominations can practice coherent religion at all given the numerous interpretations many apply to an enormously complex collection of Scripture readings within the Bible. [/ QUOTE ] Your entire post can be dismissed simply: Christ said, "I will build MY Church". That leaves you... And everyone else this planet ** on the sidelines **. 
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#142
07-20-2007, 11:58 PM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
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It seems to me that God would feel the same way. If he wants people to know about him I would think it would be because it would help them achieve happiness and satisfaction in many areas. I doubt he wants people to waste their lives trying to figure out what he eats for breakfast. [/ QUOTE ] If one views the fact of 10,000 Christian denominations logically... It's obvious that an all-powerful God planned it this way... Ensuring this end with a ** complex and opaque Bible **... Unless one takes the view that God is a fool. Since God planned 10,000 denominations... The difference between them is irrelevant... And the > 90% of "Christians" that devote much energy... To conflict and debate and division and being "right"... Have completely missed the point. Christ addressed this (Mk 9:38-40)... Commanding about members of other sects: "Do not stop him... whoever is not against us is for us". It's all a BIG TEST. People can use the Bible to divide... And play the oldest game - "I am the greatest disciple"... Or people can humbly use the Bible to love and unite. One can go through this thread... And easily pick out the Sheep from the Goats.
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#143
07-21-2007, 12:04 AM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
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[ QUOTE ] even if only to say he will have to study the matter more and respond late [/ QUOTE ] What matter? [/ QUOTE ] LOL what a tired tactic. I guess you just skipped my previous posts.
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#144
07-21-2007, 12:09 AM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
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LOL what a tired tactic. I guess you just skipped my previous posts. [/ QUOTE ] This response is plenty excuse not to debate you.
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#145
07-21-2007, 04:52 PM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
Which is all you were looking for.
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#146
07-21-2007, 08:16 PM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
I think Subfallen already took care of the Catholic vs. Protestant debate in this thread against NR, and did a superb job of explaining Catholic doctrine, despite claiming not to have faith.
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#147
07-24-2007, 04:07 AM
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Re: The Not Ready-Catholic Dillemma
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Go read The Selfish Gene. Seriously. Puke all you want about The God Delusion and his more recent television appearances, but this book is nothing like that. It's probably the most fascinating book I've read in years, and it doesn't say anything about how evil christianity is. [/ QUOTE ] ditto. the selfish gene is amazing. be sure to read the sequel, the extended phenotype
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