Halfway point between Catholic and Protestant. Is there a happy medium between the two?
What if someone agrees with some Catholic beleifs, and some protestant beleifs? Weather it’s more in one direction, or the other, is there anything that’s halfway between the two? What if you don’t agree 100% with any branch of Christianity?
Although I can appreciate the desire for peace in your answer, I think we have to explore the issue more deeply to find the right answer.
The divide between the two Christian categories isn’t simply a matter of Catholic-slash-Protestant, as if the Protestant side of the fence contains multiple denominations that all agree on and believe the same doctrines. They don’t. Every single Protestant sect exists because one side disagrees with the other. They each claim the Bible as their sole authority, but they ironically believe different things yet each one has God’s "true" teachings (because they were all inspired by the same Holy Spirit Who taught different doctrines to each one).
So if a person is trying to piece together different beliefs from each Protestant sect, and even from the Catholic Church, too, the only thing they would be accomplishing is setting up another different version of Christianity, the same thing that every other Protestant sect has done before them 30,000+ times since the Reformation.
The main issue between Catholics and Protestants is authority. Protestants stand by the Bible as their singular and only source of divine authority. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, operates on the authority given to Her by Christ. So for Protestants to leave their position, they would have to acknowledge, accept, and submit to the Pope; for Catholics to leave theirs, they would have to abandon 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition and Christian history by taking on the Lutheran doctrine of sola scriptura (Bible-alone), which in effect would make them #30,001+.
The fact remains, however – and the reason why I converted to Catholicism – is that the Bible-only doctrine is unscriptural, unhistorical, and illogical. It’s unscriptural because the Bible simply doesn’t teach it, nor did any of the early Christians believe or teach it either. It’s unhistorical for several reasons, one of which is the Church existed before the Bible, not the Bible before the Church. It’s illogical because it places interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures in the hands of the individual; when disputes arise, there is no definite way to resolve it because all attempts revert everything back to the opinion of the person, to what they think the scripture means; this causes denominational splits, which is concretely evidenced by the thousands of competing and conflicting Protestant denominations already described above.
The fact remains that Jesus founded one Church, taught one Gospel, and meant for all Christians to be one is everything: prayer, worship, belief, doctrine, etc. Protestantism contradicts His command.
I do keep in mind, however, that despite the differences between Catholics and non-Catholics, each and all are Christians. We are brothers and sisters in the faith, and should love each other as Christ commanded us to. Therefore, we should continue working and praying together and for each other so that one day, we can finally achieve the unity that our Lord intended at the beginning and still intends.
God bless.
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December 13 2009 07:09 am | Protestant
Spitfire on 13 Dec 2009 at 12:21 pm #
Aren’t they considered Episcopals? They’re somewhere in between I think.
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Jim on 13 Dec 2009 at 1:02 pm #
non-denominational.
Episcopalians (people in the Episcopal church are protestants)
Episcopal is just Anglicans outside of the UK.
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RoseRed2 on 13 Dec 2009 at 1:28 pm #
That is entirely up to you and God.
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Giant Flying Turtle For Fireball on 13 Dec 2009 at 1:40 pm #
That would be Anglican (also called Episcopalian in the US)
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PaulCyp on 13 Dec 2009 at 2:02 pm #
No. There is only one true Church, the one founded by Christ, the Catholic Church, and no unauthorized manmade church could even come close. What is a happy medium between true and false? Halfway between truth and untruth?
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myangels on 13 Dec 2009 at 2:42 pm #
Lutheran I believe that is the middle ground. If you don’t agree with any one 100% you would be non denominational.
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reporter on 13 Dec 2009 at 3:11 pm #
just give money to both.
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KOPY KAT on 13 Dec 2009 at 3:33 pm #
just tweek gods words to suit your opinion and you can’t go wrong.
that’s what all christians do
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Beastly (The Venerable Bede) on 13 Dec 2009 at 3:52 pm #
High Church Anglican, is considered (except by themselves, they call themselves the true Catholics), as Protestant, yet has all the rituals.
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tripageous on 13 Dec 2009 at 4:40 pm #
Protestants "protest" against strict Catholicism. Therefore, no, there is no middle ground. You are either catholic or not. If you are a christian that deviates from catholic rules at all, you are now a protestant.
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dictionary.com
fefe4faith on 13 Dec 2009 at 5:26 pm #
there is no halfway point with God. If you believe in him that is all that he asks
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clusium1971 on 13 Dec 2009 at 6:14 pm #
Well, there is a halfway point between Catholic and Orthodox(ie: Eastern-rite Catholicism), so there may be a halfway point between Catholic & Protestant too.
How about a halfway point between Sunni and Shiite….?
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bon_iccal on 13 Dec 2009 at 6:23 pm #
No one that I have ever met believes 100 percent in any denomination. If you read the Bible denominations are condemned by the Apostles. The Holy Spirit reveals Himself differently to each individual who receives Him. One of the most common revelations of the Holy Spirit I have seen is a freedom of tradition. Moses actually stated that God the Father Himself hates tradition. And the Catholic Church will teach you that tradition is equal to scripture.
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Randy G on 13 Dec 2009 at 6:38 pm #
You could try being Anglican (A.K.A.: Episcopalian in the U.S.). They are pretty much Catholicism without the pope.
But the Episcopalians are on the verge of a denominational split, because they have elected two gay bishops, and many conservatives in the Episcopal church don’t believe in it. If you don’t want all that drama, try the Greek Orthodox church. It is Episcopalian without the gayness.
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Dr. Truth on 13 Dec 2009 at 6:57 pm #
Lutheran or Episcopal
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simpleman on 13 Dec 2009 at 7:26 pm #
I believe the Bible is the word of God. I would rather aim at understanding the message of the Bible than choosing between different churches.
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krazyabouthim on 13 Dec 2009 at 7:51 pm #
Focus on Jesus and not the church, this is how the devil divides us. Seek Jesus for almost all churches teach Jesus, after that some vary. so keep your focus on Jesus, the devil has you almost out do not let him win. Seek Jesus now and harder for the end of times in ahead.b
bless you.
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GraceM on 13 Dec 2009 at 8:15 pm #
You didn’t say what you agree with and what you don’t. There are different types of Catholic Churches besides the Roman Catholic Church. You can just attend different churches until you find one that has beliefs you agree with.
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Khalil Ullah on 13 Dec 2009 at 8:51 pm #
Catholics and Protestants are getting closer in ideology. More Catholics nowadays read the Bible, and understanding the entire Bible reconciles various denominations. Jesus is cleansing them all as the verse below stating.
Eph 5:25-27, NKJV
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
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robert C on 13 Dec 2009 at 9:24 pm #
one cannot compromise on truth
the protestant beliefs have ballooned out to nearly 40,000 denominations
the catholics have not added or deleted one word of "faith and morals." no matter how they have behaved.
the catholic faith is the only one guaranteed to never fall to the ways of satan. the holy spirit is with the church
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XAndrewX on 13 Dec 2009 at 10:14 pm #
Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
The fullest truth is found in the Catholic Church.
Protestants all believe different things, none can agree with the other.
Non Biblical beliefs of Protestants.
Salvation by Faith Alone
Once Saved Always Saved
The Bible is the Only Authority
The book of James tells us that Faith without works is dead, Jesus and 2John tell us we can lose our reward, St. Paul tells us that the Church is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth.
James 2:24
See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
1Timothy 3:15
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth
Matthew 10:42 "And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."
2John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
Peace be with you
<<<Devout Catholic>>>
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liwmld on 13 Dec 2009 at 11:02 pm #
we read the Bible from our own perspective, each taking into account our own life experiences as we read. one verse may mean 20 different things to 20 different people. God may reveal a meaning to someone and not reveal it to another; it may be contingent on how it fits with His plan for their life.
i may not agree with everything taught in my church; as a matter of fact, i don’t agree with everything my minister says. but the things i’m not sure of or disagree with are so miniscule that it would never deter me from attending. i doubt there is a church out there that agrees 100 percent with my understanding of God and the Bible, and i doubt that anyone goes to a church and wholeheartedly agrees with everything the minister/priest says. for example, one time in a study group, i brought up how i had read something that said we could sin in our dreams, and what i read was backed up by scripture. it seemed very convincing to me. my pastor said that’s not accurate, that we don’t sin while we are asleep. see, little things like that i may not necessarily agree with my pastor about, but what does that really matter?
in regard to a happy medium between catholicism and protestantism, i think there are some protestant churches that are very similar to catholicism, such as the lutheran church. you don’t have to agree 100% with any church you attend, and i doubt you could find such a church anyway.
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Donald on 13 Dec 2009 at 11:13 pm #
You have not said what things you agree with and what you do not. In the end all of us work out our
own beliefs concerning God. I do not think a person has to buy a pre-packaged brand of theology hook line and sinker, yet that is what most do. Churches all list their doctrinal beliefs but just because you are sitting in that pew doesn’t mean you need to subscribe to everything that is said and done within any given denomination. You are there to worship Jesus Christ in spirit and in truth, as He gives you light and understanding, worship Him and pray for wisdom. He’ll listen. Read and learn, talk to ministers and priests, then you will start to find out where you fit in. It’s a process, but God will give you light. What is good is that you are trying to sort things out for yourself, it’s called a spiritual journey. We are all on that road, welcome fellow traveler!
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Danny H C.A.B. on 13 Dec 2009 at 11:53 pm #
Although I can appreciate the desire for peace in your answer, I think we have to explore the issue more deeply to find the right answer.
The divide between the two Christian categories isn’t simply a matter of Catholic-slash-Protestant, as if the Protestant side of the fence contains multiple denominations that all agree on and believe the same doctrines. They don’t. Every single Protestant sect exists because one side disagrees with the other. They each claim the Bible as their sole authority, but they ironically believe different things yet each one has God’s "true" teachings (because they were all inspired by the same Holy Spirit Who taught different doctrines to each one).
So if a person is trying to piece together different beliefs from each Protestant sect, and even from the Catholic Church, too, the only thing they would be accomplishing is setting up another different version of Christianity, the same thing that every other Protestant sect has done before them 30,000+ times since the Reformation.
The main issue between Catholics and Protestants is authority. Protestants stand by the Bible as their singular and only source of divine authority. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, operates on the authority given to Her by Christ. So for Protestants to leave their position, they would have to acknowledge, accept, and submit to the Pope; for Catholics to leave theirs, they would have to abandon 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition and Christian history by taking on the Lutheran doctrine of sola scriptura (Bible-alone), which in effect would make them #30,001+.
The fact remains, however – and the reason why I converted to Catholicism – is that the Bible-only doctrine is unscriptural, unhistorical, and illogical. It’s unscriptural because the Bible simply doesn’t teach it, nor did any of the early Christians believe or teach it either. It’s unhistorical for several reasons, one of which is the Church existed before the Bible, not the Bible before the Church. It’s illogical because it places interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures in the hands of the individual; when disputes arise, there is no definite way to resolve it because all attempts revert everything back to the opinion of the person, to what they think the scripture means; this causes denominational splits, which is concretely evidenced by the thousands of competing and conflicting Protestant denominations already described above.
The fact remains that Jesus founded one Church, taught one Gospel, and meant for all Christians to be one is everything: prayer, worship, belief, doctrine, etc. Protestantism contradicts His command.
I do keep in mind, however, that despite the differences between Catholics and non-Catholics, each and all are Christians. We are brothers and sisters in the faith, and should love each other as Christ commanded us to. Therefore, we should continue working and praying together and for each other so that one day, we can finally achieve the unity that our Lord intended at the beginning and still intends.
God bless.
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Marz †SFECU† pray4revival on 14 Dec 2009 at 12:16 am #
We all believe in the trinity, prayer and heaven and hell. Of course, we all believe the word of God is Holy which it is, but they don’t interpret it the same way entirely—in some cases, yes. We also all believe there is a devil, and angels. Other than that, I’m not sure exactly what is the same.
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Sage on 14 Dec 2009 at 12:57 am #
The Roman Emperor Constantine produced the bible and he was a pagan not god!!! He also organized Christianity into the Holly Roman Catholic Church!! Not in Israel or any of the countries of supposed origin but entirely ITALIAN!!
That started the split and Christianity has now been split into over 35,000 different denominations, sects and cults setting christian against christian and christians against everyone else!!
God’s work? Hardly!!
It must be the Devil and the Antichrist working together to divide, conquer and destroy christianity from the inside!!!
It is a sad fact that modern christians are intolerant of anyone who thinks even slightly differently to themselves and this is no where more apparent than within the religion itself!!
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voyc4rmwldrns on 14 Dec 2009 at 1:05 am #
Many confuse telling the truth (offends many) with hate but God doesnt compromise the truth that stands 4ever unchanged. Catholics (Cc) did a worse Biblical chop job than some Protestants but any combo will only make things worse. 4 40 yrs I studied the whole Bible, some parts many times. Sadly, most of what the Cc/Oc practice isnt Biblical (paganism relabeled Christian) so the Cc/Oc isnt Christian (dictionary def. doesnt = God’s Standard). I almost became Catholic & found it NO BETTER than Protestant churches I grew up in (many dont stick 2 the Biblical truth). Many wont find Jesus, the truth (i.e. No Christian goes 2 Heaven until the 2nd Coming, the dead 1rst then the living @ that time [1 Thes 4:15-17] – only 3-4 exceptions – not Mary/real saints).
The Bible severely warns us not 2 trust humans, not even ourselves, clergy/churches/scholars/scientists (Jer 10:2-5,23; Is 2:22; Job 12:11; Prov 14:12; Acts 17:11). So carefully think over what I say. Dont just believe or dismiss what I write. It might save u from making the mistake many made, getting caught up in religious beliefs having nothing 2 do with knowing God (poisoned tree/its fruit).
Rituals hv no meaning under the NT Covenant. Hebrew rituals were by instruction of God (b/c of bondage 2 sin) the best 1 could do under God’s Law (None in NT). Other religions (even many Christian) either copied or invented rituals (the best humans could invent within limits of being human). Jesus’ perfect sacrifice canceled the need 4 all rituals/priests (doing them calls God a liar as it makes it appear Jesus failed His mission – Jesus is the only Priest now). The closest thing 2 a ritual is Communion but its not 2 b treated as a ritual as its 2 b treated most seriously (not Jesus’ actual body/blood – Cc belief).
Many dont know the diff. btwn a ritual done as a ritual & genuine "remembrance" – not possible without knowing Jesus’ actual Biblical instructions – absent in Cc teachings (the Cc didnt write any of the NT [not a Cc text - NT was written by 1rst century Apostles {NT Gospels/letters preserved the truth 4 all ppl not the Cc}, full Cc possession was not until 4th century] which contradicts their claims. Jesus is about being 1 in Spirit & truth not rituals – God allowed them 2 produce the Bible despite their wrong teachings (only 66 Bible Books r legit) like He allowed Romans 2 fulfill prophecy without their knowledge (happening again today). A teaching can hv a truth but the action taken is superficial – The Cc/others, like the Pharisees, know how 2 clean the outside of the cup but dont understand how the inside is 2 b cleaned with respect 2 Jesus’ actual message. Having an altar @ the center of church practices is 1 clue of their being about rituals not the truth.
Problem is theres many religions/subset varieties. 1 day I realized they cant all b right (i.e. theres 1 Bible, why so many interpretations? – II Pet 1:**19-21). Most religions came thru ppl who thought up things 4 a God they/others liked. Some realized religion could b good 2 control the masses/other agendas – but, religion cant teach u much about God (they cant teach what they dont know). Who knows more about a house the Builder or those moving in later?
4 Christians, trouble began when the Apostles/disciples were killed off or died during the 1rst century (Christianity was illegal @ that time). Over the next century others, whom either didnt know Jesus or were less informed than Jesus’ 1rst generation of believers &/or (un)intentionally added in their own ideas/agendas, replaced the original believers. By the time the Cc religion became a "state – Jn 18:36" recognized organization in Constantine’s reign (about AD 325), most of what Jesus taught & original Apostles practiced were no longer present.
The Cc mixed in Pagan religious practices 2 please & draw in ppl, thus, creating a new religion they labeled "Christian/Catholic". The Cc’s, like other religions’ agendas (some mayve been well-intentioned), was mostly 2 control masses & 2 influence politics (II Tim 2:*4; I Jn 2:*15-17; Col 2:*8; Jer 10:*2-5). The Cc claims they didnt give out Bibles 4 over a century b/c ppl couldnt read so why didnt they teach ppl 2 read?
God & Jesus hv never been about pleasing man. In fact, the Cc, RCc & Oc made religions just like the Pharisees, which Jesus flat out stated was an abomination b/c they were about pleasing man not God (Mt 23:15; LK 16:15). Even when Protestants/others split off from the Cc they kept the same wrong Cc format.
Even tho these churches got rid of some of the Cc nonsense they still didnt know much about Jesus (most skipped over Biblical instructions 4 various agendas) nor did they go 2 the Bible 2 find out all Jesus’ instructions [a huge mistake, as they're fulfilling prophecies against their practices (Amos 8:*11; Jr 12:*10: Is 5:*9 (large houses r churches - Mt 24:*1-2); Hos 4:*6: Mk 7:1-23 (John 3:*3,5 & Ez 36:24-27,*26); Lk 16:**15 (see Rv 21:27; Jr 10:**2-5; Is 1:*11-15)].
2 Major Cc lies:
1. The CC claims 2 b the 1rst church & since they r the longest existing church, they r the only "official" church. Jesus’ Apostles never named their church catholic (not in the Bible nor in line with God’s message that never changes) nor did they ever practice Cc religious rituals. There was nearly a 240 yr gap btwn Jesus’ original Apostle’s church & the start of the official Cc – so the Cc was never a part of or the true 1rst Christian Church (Neither a label, title, name, its history, # of members, amount of time it existed or claims made about them means anything (u can call anything anything). Whats practiced makes them either the whole truth or a lie. A dictionary def. doesnt necessarily encompass God’s full definition/usage of a word (or His exceptions thereof). I.e. Jesus & Biblical prophets were never muslims no matter what Islam claims & the Cc’s claim of veneration of saints/Mary is a form of idolatry no matter what they claim (calling a dog god [or pope] doesnt make it God [or a pope]).
2. Peter was never a pope nor was he/other Apostles ever members of the Cc (not in the Bible = no apostolic succession) the use of the word pope is a Cc invention – the Bible instructs us not 2 go beyond whats written (I Cor 4:6; Rv 22:18-19 – Cc claimed *oral* teaching isnt in nor Biblical). Peter was never a Cc bishop (he died nearly 240 yrs b4 the Cc became a church). Peter wouldnt call himself a pope nor b a member of the Cc b/c calling 1self "holy" Father/other Cc teachings r abominations (combo of rituals/false "human" priesthoods – Paul meant he was like a father not a holy Cc father). Even the devil knows Jesus is God’s Son so 1 would b wise not 2 trust any church ahead of whats in the Bible. Calling urself a Christian/saying u believe in Jesus doesnt make it true – recital of words means nothing (Mat 23:2 says do what they say not what they do [they were under Pharisee rulers] – now we know Pharisee practices r wrong so we follow Jesus’ Biblical teachings [u can leave the Cc - Luke 10:16 - He who rejects Jesus/His Biblical teachings rejects Christ - if a person/church isnt listening 2 Jesus then we dont listen 2 them]).
Religion is built on what man likes, not on Jesus’ instructions so few will b saved thru most of them (u cant save urself by ur own initiative nor will good deeds save u – theres no good in any man – Rom 1:23). 1 must b very careful not 2 get sucked in or going 2 various denominations (especially if u dont hv a good handle on whats actually written in the Bible) as it’ll add 2 ur confusion.
B/c religions made many fatal mistakes doesnt mean God doesnt know what He’s doing. Many missed this: Jesus is the only 1 in history who said no1 can find our real God except thru Jesus (Jn 14:6; 5:39; 10:1,7; Acts 4:11). This means "the" truth was complete & finished thru what Jesus did. So, all so-called new teaching/other religious beliefs r invalid & cant lead u 2 God. The truth is either the whole truth or its a lie. Either Jesus told the whole truth or He’s a false prophet, among many, who should b disregarded. It would also mean God must not exist either (He either knows what He’s doing or He cant b God).
Jesus couldnt hv done nor said what He did unless He fully knew the entire OT (NT didnt exist @ the time of Jesus – the only way Jesus couldve known the whole OT is if God sent Him). The Apostles couldnt write the NT unless Jesus allowed them 2 know & remember His purpose (Lk 24:25-27,45). Only God could cause it.
No matter how much well-meaning ppl (religious or not) read the Bible they cant find Jesus without going 2 Him thru His Biblical instructions (Jn 5:39; 10:1,7; 3:3,5). God outsmarted man – the Bible is the only 1 that cant b properly understood without Jesus (Jn 14:6; II Cor 3:14, Is 29:11-12 – If Jewish ppl cant pierce the veil over the OT without Jesus then 4 sure all gentiles cant) – why theres many interpretations/many thinking its fairy tales (Jesus came with the sword of division).
voyc4rmwldrns
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The Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Spirit, the Bible, careful research & observation & personal experience provided by the Most High – He who has the Son has the Father also but he who doesnt hv the Son doesnt know the Father either – it shall b sheer terror 2 understand the real message – God doesnt respect any man or his religions. It comes down 2 do u want 2 know who our real God is? Theres many ways that seem right 2 man but its end = death (theres only 1 path [not many] 2 God & thats thru Jesus). Biblical knowledge in & of itself wont save u. Borrowing true knowledge from others wont help u – if u hv a good meal poisoned with arsenic adding better quality food (patching it) wont cure the problem but it may prolong ur inevitable death but it’ll b death nevertheless – its still part of the poisoned tree. Its useless 2 try 2 patch a tire thats full of holes (adding a little truth [usually stolen] 2 a lie only makes it a bigger lie).
Whoever seeks Jesus Christ with all his heart & soul will find God & His real Kingdom (u shall know the truth & it’ll set u free). But why should God want u 2 live with Him 4ever if u dont want 2 know Him His way (reason 4 free will – Jn 1:12-13)? The truth of God remains 4ever unchanged while things of a man dies with him, including his religions/gods made in his image.
On 1 hand, God hates us b/c of our sins – neither being a good person as judged by men or religion can save u. On the other hand, God loves us dearly enough 2 send His Son 2 die 4 our sins – so that thru Jesus our sins could b 4given if we sincerely turn 2 Him – Theres eternal hope only in the real Jesus Christ & His Bible.
***If Jesus came from God as His only Son as stated in the Bible then the Quran (doesnt agree with the Bible), the Book of Mormon (BOM) [no such thing as "another testament"], JWs (rewrote some Bible verses – New World Translation) & other religions r wrong about Jesus b/c they demote Jesus 2 just a prophet or good man (1 way or another). If Jesus Christ isnt God’s Son (false prophet) then the Bible & all others r wrong. We cant hv it 2 ways. Theres only 1 Jesus & there can only b 1 true Gospel (II Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6,9; I Tm 6:3). If Jesus is whom He says He is then Muhammad (muslim = follower of Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormon = Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints – LDS), Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs = Watchtower, Awake), most Catholics, many Protestants, Ellen White (7th Day Adventists), Mary Baker (Christian Scientists), the moonies (Unification church – Rev Moon), Church of Scientology (Dyanetics – L Ron Hubbard), Buddhism, Hinduism & others presenting other teachings/practices r the false prophets & teachers & should b disregarded. But I can assure u the truth is in the Bible (where Jesus was coming from in everything He did & said).
Many (see above par.) claim they believe Jesus is the Son of God (even the devil knows who Jesus is) but having read the entire Bible, some parts many times, I state with authority that those listed above dont know God or Jesus. If ur foundation of teaching is wrong it cancels out all ur other claims = a house built upon sand. Jesus wasnt speaking out of 2 let alone 1000s of the sides of His mouth [emphasis added] (He isnt the author of confusion – God’s fixed order of all things Biblical).
Whatever is loosed on earth is loosed in Heaven still must adhere fully 2 the Bible truth, what Jesus taught & 1 must hv right belief in Jesus 4 it 2 mean anything (what the Cc & others dont understand – i.e. Jesus is the only High Priest [God is the only 1 allowed 2 b called "Holy Father" so theres no valid "human" priesthood/rituals after Jesus' resurrection] – when the OT covenant ended [many like the Cc kept the OT format] – NT is about God’s Spirit & the physical relationship with the full Spiritual truth of righteousness [NT reinforces/explains OT & OT shows NT validity] not mechanical type religious rituals/practices & human traditions).
Religion is about a loosely defined generic god (spirit of religion) not what Jesus taught about our real God. He who would b wise gets away from all religion & seeks the 1 who came from God. Many ppl make the mistake of trusting a church "authority" over the Bible (where God & Jesus wrote the actual truth). If u dont know whats actually written in the Bible u cant tell if the church is on or remaining on the right path (Jesus isnt in2 how many or how well u can do rituals – even a machine can b programmed 2 do rituals – God doesnt want human robots).
A church thats very serious about finding the Biblical truth, understands what being Born Anew is about, might b able 2 help u but no1 can save u except Jesus (Jn 3:1-14 – note: Nicodemus was very religious but Jesus flat out told him he had missed the 1rst most important step, that he must b Born Anew or no matter how religious or good he thought he is he couldn’t go 2 Heaven (Jn 3:3,5; Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12). No1 can live without breaking God’s Law = sin – separates us from God (why we need 2 b Born Anew the right way).
Many dont know that God is fully aware many would [un]intentionally twist & pervert His Word so He invented a system in the Bible that will never change (Just like God & Jesus – more visible in word 4 word [with the right amount of the literal method] versions).
Regarding Bibles I recommend the English Standard Version (ESV) as its an easy 2 read but more accurate version than what others will suggest. Its very important 2 understand the most accurate Bibles r those that r word 4 word or a combination of word 4 word + the right amount of literal translation (4 readability). Presently, theres 30+ versions of the Bible (generally popular 1s – many shouldnt b called Bibles). Only a few r translated close 2 whats in the original text. The ESV adheres 2 the word 4 word method while making it easy 2 read (literal method) – the best accurate Bible 4 the younger crowd – but its good 4 parents, children & others 2 b reading the same Bible 4 good communication (get 1 with verse references so u can easily look up related text).
**Dont get a Catholic Edition b/c they include the Apocrypha or "lost" books that rnt Biblical (theres ONLY 66 genuine Bible Books – the standard Bible Books) as they duplicate, dont hv the same foundation/structure, contradict &/or cant b authenticated – relying on anything written in them is a waste & leads 2 paths that rnt Godly nor will u know the real Jesus Christ (1 of the reasons Cc teachings r even more of a mess than Protestant teachings – although they also must purge some of their own teachings).
Many well-meaning ppl will suggest using the King James Version (KJV), claiming its the only "authorized" version (authorized by a human king not God). The trouble is that the KJV (& all Old English versions) is in older English (which was good in its day) thats not been spoken 4 over 130 yrs so its obsolete (u almost hv 2 learn a new language, why many stop reading it). Other versions add in their own style/ideas or rewrite sentences obscuring the truth & the power of God such as the AV, ASV, NAV, DR, RE, NEV, [NASB], NKJV, NRSV, GNB, CEV, NCV, HCSV, JB, NJB, NLB, NIV, NIRV, NLT, Living – Way, Message & Paraphrased (click on my ID & look 4 questions about Bibles & my answers 4 more info).
More Cc wrongs:
Mass (not in the Bible) is full of non-biblical rituals, Statues (God isnt in2 dead things – non-living things can’t help or save any1 – praying 2/using them r abominations), the Rosary & beads, mother Mary (virgin 2 Jesus’ birth) as interceder (Jesus is the only way 2 God – not His Apostles/disciples – Jn 14:6; 5:39; 10:1,7; Acts 4:12; IS 1 – Mary was a sinner & had children after Jesus – Mt 12:46-50), candles, incense, the cross (its a symbol of the curse rather than Jesus & 4 the same reasoning against statues), making the sign of the cross, holy water, stations of the cross, the pope’s/other leader’s garb they wear, confirmation, trinity, the Cc creed/other documents, raising ppl (especially dead ppl) 2 the status of "saint" (only God/Jesus hv such authority), nuns, monks, purgatory, catechism, devotionals, sacraments, holy eucharist, penance, traditional/repetitive type prayers & other things they do rnt in the Bible – cancels any truth they know.
Huge hint that what I’m telling u is true: Neither Peter, Jesus nor any of the original Apostles ever sat on a throne on earth. A lawyer once said, "Whats said orally cant b verified the way what is written can b scrutinized. Whatever the Apostles told their followers (they used the OT which is where Jesus was coming from & standing on in all His teachings [Jesus fully understood the entire OT]) & all the Apostles spoke was clarified in what became the NT – why it is written 2 b careful not 2 go beyond whats written. So-called Cc oral tradition neither comes from nor is verified in whats written in either the real OT or NT. U cant teach whats a lie & the truth – its only a bigger lie in God’s eyes – u make ur followers twice as much children of Hell. Ur only correct option is 2 get out & seek the real Jesus Christ 4 light has nothing 2 do with darkness & theres a permanent chasm btwn the 2 that can never b crossed.
pepgurli on 14 Dec 2009 at 1:34 am #
Not really, protestants are just Catholics that don’t know they’re Catholic. There is only one church established by God protestants are just Catholics that are a little bit lost and confused but they are christian and are part of the Catholic (universal) church.
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Jehoel disciple of Jesus on 14 Dec 2009 at 1:52 am #
Its like saying you can be halfway between God or Satan. Either you worship God or you worship Satan. There is no middle ground.
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