Benedict has done little to appeal to an American flock that is in need of a serious spiritual catharsis.
Comment: It is sad to read such a great amount of bitterness and anger in someone's heart and words. It must be difficult to be objective having such a pesimistic view of the world.
Comment: why dont you read something else
Comment: This is an idiotic, lazy and slanted piece. Again, Newsweek totally botches a chance to take a fair, thoughtful look at religion. There's nothing new here, nothing insightful. And because some people didn't go to the festivities, that says something about his larger ability to lead the Catholic flock? Those stadiums looked pretty full to me. Miller came to this piece with an ax to grind, and grind it she did. This is almost as frustrating as the piece Loraine Ali wrote about Justin Fatica...without ever talking to him or even questioning whether there was more to his story than what got presented in an 80-minute HBO documentary.
Comment: I read this article on the day it was released. I thought it was pretty biased and still feel it's a lame attempt to sell magazines and note the "crisis" within the Catholic Church. Well, Mrs. Miller, the joke's on you--- particularly following the pretty AMAZING week of the Pope's American visit.
While there were many priests in attendance at Yankees/Nationals Stadium with the Pope, I'm glad there were many others who "stayed behind" to "tend to their flock"---- Faith, after all, doesn't take a day off..
Comment: I cannot believe the astounding ignorance of so many of these comments. Then again Miller's piece was pretty ignorant, too and in light of Benedict's humble, instructive and reflective week in the US (and the way America has responded to him so positively) she has egg on her face. She should ask the 25,000 kids at Dunwoodie if Benedict "connects" and how incredibly presumptuous of her to declare that Benedict "is the man for this job". Fool.the man" fo
Comment: I cannot believe the astounding ignorance of so many of these comments. Then again Miller's piece was pretty ignorant, too and in light of Benedict's humble, instructive and reflective week in the US (and the way America has responded to him so positively) she has egg on her face. She should ask the 25,000 kids at Dunwoodie if Benedict "connects" and how incredibly presumptuous of her to declare that Benedict "is the man for this job". Fool.the man" fo
Comment: I cannot believe the astounding ignorance of so many of these comments. Then again Miller's piece was pretty ignorant, too and in light of Benedict's humble, instructive and reflective week in the US (and the way America has responded to him so positively) she has egg on her face. She should ask the 25,000 kids at Dunwoodie if Benedict "connects" and how incredibly presumptuous of her to declare that Benedict "is not the man" for this job..
Comment: The Pope come to the United States basically to support Ted Kennedy who is a Catholic supporting Obama.
So his trip is for political purpose rather than religious one. Do Americans want its country and president control by the Vatican? AS TO THE TALK OF A GREEN POPE: It all sounded so sacred for the Vatican Pope Benedict to be green. Unfortunately and unknowingly he was betraying God by deflecting to his rivalry and enemy -- the Devil. I thought it was quite clear as the fundamental principal and demarcation that the Christian "God" is supposed to be sided completely with men, allow men to exploit nature -- the wilderness, wild plants and animal for the enjoyment of men. While the Devil is for nature, the survival of the wildeness and living organisms other than men. To limit the wastefulness of men and the survival of nature, the Devil favor the death and destruction of mankind so that nature can survive. God prefer men die and go to heaven or hell. The Devil will prefer death, rebirth and recycle. To put it quite simply, the Pope was confused abo ut religionand went to the wrong department. .
Comment: The timing of Lisa Miller's piece, released on April 19th and therefore formulated probably even prior to the pope's stepping foot in America, bespeaks quite a myopic bias on her part. To write a piece entitled "Why the Pope Doesn't Connect," before he has even had a chance to do so, suggests an arrogance & an immovable predispostion on her behalf which are as bloated as they are blatant. "Benedict is not the man for this job." Really, Ms. Miller? Too bad the powers-that-be didn't consult your vaunted authority first.
Come back down to earth, Ms. Miller, and leave idiocy to those who can be a little more subtle about it.
Comment: Popery is next to mopery, idling while the Church burns. The Pope should return to old practices of allowing priests to marry - each other if necessary, to prevent further sexual abuses.
Comment: Popery is next to mopery, idling while the Church burns. The Pope should return to old practices of allowing priests to marry - each other if necessary, to prevent further sexual abuses.
Comment: Popery is next to mopery, idling while the Church burns. The Pope should return to old practices of allowing priests to marry - each other if necessary, to prevent further sexual abuses.
Comment: Yeah, they need to get with the doctrines of the church or go join the enviroliberalism religion that seems to be the "in"religion these days.
Comment: This article is waaay off-base. Yet another journalist trying to claim that the Roman Catholic Church is somehow not relevant-even though it's the largest confessional in both the U.S. and the world (one billion strong) and has grown 30-45% in the last twenty years. As for you critics of the Church who spout venom against the faithful and yet call yourselves Christians, I say to you: in a few hundred years or less you will be forgotten and it shall be as though you never were. The Roman Catholic Church, however, 2000 years old and established by St. Peter himself, shall yet endure. Amen
Comment: I am thankful that the Pope ENDORSED OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT, for the hope of this country. That endorsement was a signal to our troubled nation and an answer to heal our nation. As a Roman Catholic I am voting for Obama. I believe Hillary supporters are bitter, and they are angry because the Pope did not bless Hillary but has given his blessing to Obama. CATHOLICS FOR OBAMA 08
Comment: I am a Roman Catholic, not an American Catholic--there's a big difference. I follow the rules of the Church. When I do wrong, I admit it and go on, I don't try to change the Church to make my wrong seem okay.
Comment: I apologize for the multi post. When I hit the "submit" button, I kept getting the message that it could not be submitted at that time and to try again later . . . so I kept hitting submit until it told me my comment had been submitted - then when I refreshed the screen, I see that it had actually submitted all of those times. Again, I am sorry.
Anyway, I agree smftp - we aren't going to agree and I'm certain neither of us will validate any of the points the other makes, no matter how factual or conclusive they may be. So, I am agreeing to disagree and moving on.
Again I refer to the 2nd commandment where Catholics have basically "idolized" a man.
smftp -
Comment: I think you should look up the pentarchy in a source like wikipedia-I think it might explain a few things-like how there are bishoprics that are established via apostolic succession. You can think what you want, of course, but the Roman church was established by St. Peter, a man initiated by Christ himself. I rather doubt whatever faction you hold to can make the same claim.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
* And don't forget the second commandment - you know, the one about worshiping idols.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
* And don't forget the second commandment - you know, the one about worshiping idols.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
* And don't forget the second commandment - about worshiping idols.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
* And don't forget the second commandment - about worshiping idols.
Comment: Wow, pull text from context from a translation to serve a current need.
Jesus appointed Peter. Where is that in your citations?
Not continuing this with you until you open up your head.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Comment: smftp - You are correct, the ignorance is amazing. Do you actually "read" your bible? I know Catholics are encouraged not to since the layman cannot possibly comprehend that which is contained within. However, this is what Jesus indicated about the need for human leadership of Christianity since the holy spirit is all that is necessary (2 instances):
Matthew 20:
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Acts 1:
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
---------
These verses show that the authority to bind and loose was not only given to Peter, but to the church:
Matthew 18:
17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church also, let him be to you just like the gentile and the tax collector.
18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Comment: The web is a perfect place for cowards. They can hide behind the anonymous nature of the web and say what they want. And the cowards have found another place to spew their venom and create turmoil. The reality of it is that in a couple of days when all this is over, no-one will remember this thread or what was said, so really your impact is minimal at best and confined only to this thread.
Disrespecting the POPE is wrong. A little kid can tell you that. But cowards like many in ths thread have no respect for anyone. I mean what can you say about the Pope? Yet, because of your own trauma (maybe daddy touched you when you were little, or incest was part of your upbringing) you take satisfaction in just disrespecting a holy man. Someone who does not deserve it. I am sure you would not do the same for Dalai Lama though! Regardless of your useless bashing, this Pope was greeted with the highest regards by the US, far surpassing any other dignitary before him. It shows his importance and status. This article as I stated in previous posts, is a FAKE, unfounded and biased to culmination. This POPE CONNECTS like few before him have. If he does not connect, it may be at personal level for Lisa Miller (of course), but it is surely a lie that he doesn't connect with the faithfuls at large. Listening to his words would be a lot more beneficial to you than wasting your timr here. Maybe you'll pickup on his message and try to change yourself.
Comment: Well morningstar(how appropriate) for a name, I think that Ms. Miller hit it directly on the nail about what she said about your Pope. And i feel saD for you and your followers of the faith of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Catholic Church. You should be humbled by the fact that this article is so correct that this man of God is a servant to the people for the people as a represenative of Christ Jesus, If indeed he is. Also Bring Back The Church To Jerusalim, That is Where It Belongs. Amen. and Amen.
Comment: The web is a perfect place for cowards. They can hide behind the anonymous nature of the web and say what they want. And the cowards have found another place to spew their venom and create turmoil. The reality of it is that in a couple of days when all this is over, no-one will remember this thread or what was said, so really your impact is minimal at best and confined only to this thread.
Disrespecting the POPE is wrong. A little kid can tell you that. But cowards like many in ths thread have no respect for anyone. I mean what can you say about the Pope? Yet, because of your own trauma (maybe daddy touched you when you were little, or incest was part of your upbringing) you take satisfaction in just disrespecting a holy man. Someone who does not deserve it. I am sure you would not do the same for Dalai Lama though! Regardless of your useless bashing, this Pope was greeted with the highest regards by the US, far surpassing any other dignitary before him. It shows his importance and status. This article as I stated in previous posts, is a FAKE, unfounded and biased to culmination. This POPE CONNECTS like few before him have. If he does not connect, it may be at personal level for Lisa Miller (of course), but it is surely a lie that he doesn't connect with the faithfuls at large. Listening to his words would be a lot more beneficial to you than wasting your timr here. Maybe you'll pickup on his message and try to change yourself.
Comment: well, this is my second response.. I am happy that ms.Miller wrote her work the way she did. I feel sorry you feel dirferrently about it as well most of the Roman Catholics and Catholics; let me tell you why: This Pope is a servant to the people of the people for the people represenring Christ Jesus To the World. How less would the world recognize rightiousness if Christ Himself would show up. Not at all. So it is time for those of you to stop worring about how great your preacher or pope is because the real King of Kings and Lord of Lords is afforehand, ready to take his Bride(the church)(Body of Christ), So...get your heart ready and look to Jesus....As for the church..look to Jerusalem.
Comment: Wow, the ignorance is amazing.... Brian in St. Louis, ever heard of Apostalic Succession? Look it up.
Comment: Being an Atheist, this is all good theater to me.
Comment: Just for the record: I do not find his "visage" "unfortunate" at all, and I'm shocked and saddened by the phrase. I like the way he looks, and I can only hope to look that good at 81 years of age.
Comment: The newsweek editor should be fired for printing articles from the likes of Lisa Miller. Is this all you can do to attract attention? I am glad I did not subscribe from your magazine. You can do better than this guys. We need respectable writers who can express mature reflection with serious thought based on facts and appopriate logic, not a surge of pre-pubescent hormones. Newsweek magazine, please do the public a favor, train Lisa if you cannot get yourself a pool of respectable writers. We don't need out of school youth blog writers!
Comment: idiot lisa
Comment: What an unserious treatment of the Pope's visit and role in the Church and the Church's role in the world. Childish, whining, focusing on appearance, cherrypicking supposed Catholics who don't care about the visit or disapprove of this Pope, this author does what so many in the mainstream media do, diminish and demean the subject. Read what the Pope said at the White House: every generation must fight evil, must win freedom. Listen to what he said flying over here: pedophilia and priesthood cannot coexist and the Church is ashamed for this great sin done in its name. Grow up and get serious.
Comment: At 68 million the Catholics in the USA must be the largest religious denomination. They have given us some outstanding representatives in the Congress. However I can not help thinking that they are underrepresented in the congress. Witness the overrepresentation of the Jewish denomination in Congress, the executive branch, the financial sector, the entertainment sector and the media. How did that happen?
Comment: The Pope has redeemed himself by his rebuke of President GW Bush. I had initially wondered if the Pope was conferring legitimacy on a discredited President Bush. The Pope should come back to see us after we hopefully have replaced this President with a more rational choice. Whoever is next will be more rational. God save America indeed.
Comment:
What Catholics believe
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Comment: Reading the comments posted here, I never expected to find so much hate and vitriol, especially from those who profess to be followers of Christ. I see a mob rushing to crucify the Son of God all over again. Or, if not to crucify Jesus, at least rushing to hurl the first stone at the woman caught in the act of adultery. My prayer is that Catholics, Protestants, and non-believers alike, will all hold their piece and open their ears, if not their hearts, to hear the message. Maybe, we don't know so much as we think we know? Maybe, there are things we can learn? Maybe the things that the Pope will say are not so crazy or idolatrous or impractical as we assume? Maybe, they will not be so far from the truth we sense in our own hearts? Let him who has ears to hear, hear.
Comment: The pope, as the spirtual leader of a billion Christians, is the only person on earth with the political and moral clout to challange the "excesses" of Islam. The Christian world is slipping into a critical confrontation with Islam and all we get from the Pope is platitudes.
Comment: CATHOLICS UNITE AND STOP THE ATTACK NOW.
CATHOLIC BASHING IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND PAGANS BECAUSE WE ALLOW IT. WOULD JEWISH PEOPLE ALLOW IT? WOULD ISLAMICS ALLOW IT? EVEN JESUS DISPLAYED HIS ANGER AT THOSE WHO DESECRATED A TEMPLE. IS OUR CHURCH NOT ALSO A TEMPLE?
Comment: What Catholics don't realize is that, to the rest of the world, the pope is just a man. Nothing special except that a hundred or so priests got together a few years ago and decided he was the best one among them and "appointed" him the leader of the church. Catholics may be a billion strong, but there are 7 billion people on the earth. You are sorely outnumbered so sit down already - the rest of us are tired of your "pomp and circumstance" and all the faux formalities surrounding his position.
Comment: What is wrong with pomp and circumstance. If it is not for you, stay home. Besides, it is the Pope!
Comment: Hey Good point! Let's follow Jesus' example and cleanse the Roman Catholic church. Should we first destroy all the icons that the second commandment (Exodus 20) forbids or flog the priests for their pedofilia?
Comment: How about we start with you? Where are ya, brave one behind the keyboard? Yea, big mouth fundy.
Comment: How about we start by teaching you what Catholicism is all about? How about we start by educating you as to the endoctrination of hate you have probably heard your whole life from other fundys. Up fo it? Did not think so... Big mouth, that's all.
Comment: I'm sorry ,but I was responding to your comment on cleansing the 'temple'. Are you at a loss to answer my question? Name-calling is not becoming for a defender of reason and faith. And quoting your own sources within your own circle (RCC) will not convince ANYBODY that you have the truth. Or are you simply following suit with all your pedecessors in using brute force (language) to demand submission on your subjects. To get the truth in any matter one needs to take an objective view AND NOT BE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH. Hey, it's gonna win in the end anyway - so get over it.
Comment: You have made one intelligent --ONLY ONE -- intelligent statement: The "truth will win out in the end."
--and lucky for you and your buddies, God may forgive the insults to the Catholic faith.
Comment: Miller is just stating her observation about the current which not far from the truth. It seems that he is not worthy in the eyes of the American Catholics of true reverence.
Comment: Not by deeds alone....Faith with out works is death...a few of the things the Bible has to say about faith.
Catholics fully believe it is by faith that you are saved. Catholics just point out that deeds play a part. It is assumed if you have real faith, deeds should follow.
Therefore deeds need faith, but what is Faith with out deeds.
Comment: The roots of Rome and her progression to a so called "Christian Religion" are found in paganism. Rome is paganism clothed as christianity. Let us call her by her true name.
Comment: If a pagan was silent in prayer as a sign of respect. Then converted to Christian. Then as a Christian was silent in prayer. This does not make silent prayer pagan, it is just human expression.
In addition, it took a council of early Orthodox and Catholic leaders to put together the books of the New Testament. Does that make the Christian Bible, that was written in Greek (pagan language) pagan because of the pagan roots?
Comment: The names of the popes may change but Rome never changes. She is the same as she was in the dark ages, a murdering, self-serving religion full of intolerance and idol worship.
Comment: Actually this is pretty amusing. Didn't we hear and read similar things about John Paul II on each of his visits to the USA? Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. Only the names are different.
Comment: There is no hope for PROTESTANT America if she opens her arms to the pope of Rome. When you remove the very foundation of our country, which began with PROTESTING Rome, then you remove our future. We have forgotten the bloody history of the papacy and her many martyrs.
Comment: Redbandito : i do educate myself
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, following historic Christian theology since the time of the early Church Fathers, refers to the Catholic Church as "the universal sacrament of salvation" (CCC 774???776), and states: "The Church in this world is the sacrament of salvation, the sign and the instrument of the communion of God and men" (CCC 780).
Many people misunderstand the nature of this teaching.
Indifferentists, going to one extreme, claim that it makes no difference what church one belongs to. Certain radical traditionalists, going to the other extreme, claim that unless one is a full-fledged, baptized member of the Catholic Church, one will be damned.
The following quotations from the Church Fathers give the straight story. They show that the early Church held the same position on this as the contemporary Church does???that is, while it is normatively necessary to be a Catholic to be saved (see CCC 846; Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 14), there are exceptions, and it is possible in some circumstances for people to be saved who have not been fully initiated into the Catholic Church (CCC 847).
Notice that the same Fathers who declare the normative necessity of being Catholic also declare the possibility of salvation for some who are not Catholics.
These can be saved by what later came to be known as "baptism of blood" or " baptism of desire" (for more on this subject, see the Fathers Know Best tract, The Necessity of Baptism).
The Fathers likewise affirm the possibility of salvation for those who lived before Christ and who were not part of Israel, the Old Testament People of God.
However, for those who knowingly and deliberately (that is, not out of innocent ignorance) commit the sins of heresy (rejecting divinely revealed doctrine) or schism (separating from the Catholic Church and/or joining a schismatic church), no salvation would be possible until they repented and returned to live in Catholic unity.
Comment: Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation IN ANY OTHER (than Jesus): for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 1:12 But as many as received him (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall NO flesh be justified.
Comment: Pagan roots have roots that were not pagan . The whole roots conversation is factual, but really proves nothing. Maybe a pagan was silent in prayer as a sign of respect., Then the pagan converts. As a Christian the former pagan is silent in prayer. This does not make silent prayer pagan. It is just human expression.
As for Christians who call Catholics pagan. Just be careful in this thought. It was the Catholics and Orthodox who combined the books of the Bible together and determined what would be the new testiment. If Catholics are pagan, then so is the Bible.
Comment: So I know this Catholic Priest, and he once told me this story:
"I was heading in on a Sunday for Mass and I walk back to my chambers, and sure enough, plain as day, there's Father Mulligan ripping a choir boy up the @$$ with a god d@mn pool cue. I was like, "Where did this *** get a god d@mn pool cue?" you know?
I was pretty angry that he was doing that. I screamed at him and pulled him off the kid. The kid ran off, crying, of course. I slapped Mulligan in the mouth and said, "What the hell, Mulligan? We have RULES about this kind of thing! If you're gonna rip a choir boy up the @$$, you use your god d@mn *** for f*ck's sake!"
And see? That right there is the problem. Nobody cares about vaules anymore. Traditions, whatever...
Comment: Redbandito : yes i do know james' teachings and just as he said the body without thew spirit is dead so is faith without works. but by true faith you will produce fruit ie works. im not attacking you please do not ataack me i do follow up on most things i say. if i say somthing wrong or hurtful i am sorry.
Comment: Redbandito : i'm not just blowing hot air i do reserach: and yes my bible did come from above: and if you think jesus came to this earth to esthblish religon you arewrong he came to bring peace, grace,mercy and teachings
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.
The Second Vatican Council???s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ???For it is through Christ???s Catholic Church ALONE, which is the universal help toward salvation
Comment: This message board 'aint big enough for the both of us "faithandreason"
Comment: Faith&Reason needs some "Fairness&Research". If the Holy Roman Catholic church was the ONLY church around before the protestant reformation, who in the world were those 'heretics' that they were burning alive?
As for the Pope, Jesus said it best.
"Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
Matthew 15:12,13
Comment: No, he doesn't connect - thanks for helping me get that straight, Lisa. That's why his Wednesday audiences continue to break attendance records, and every event of the next few days has been sold out for months, with millions disappointed that they weren't able to get tickets. All to see a man they just can't seem to connect with...sigh...
And just a word to you "non-denominational" Christians who claim that all you need for salvation is faith in the Bible and that it somehow leads you to believe the Catholic Church is false: where do you think that Bible came from? That it just dropped out of the sky? I've heard a saying before that goes something like this: "If Protestants cared about history, they'd all be Catholic." The Catholic Church is the only reason anyone has a Bible in its final form at all! This is what makes the idea of non-denominational "truth" somewhat obsurd. The one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church existed BEFORE the finalized New Testament! Written tradition (the Bible) is only one-third of the equation. It must be read in light of the other two elements: oral tradition (the passing down of the faith through the ages) and the magisterium (the apostolic teaching authority passed on from the Apostles to their predecessors; i.e. the bishops and the Pope).
The authentic non-denominational form of Christianity rests in the Catholic Church (which was originally simply known as Christianity itself) - denominations didn't exist until the Protestants came along 1,500 years later, at which point the Church founded by Jesus Christ began officially calling herself Catholic to dinstinguish from the dissident groups that were popping up all over northern Europe.
Not that I'm expecting this short explanation to change the minds of any Protestants, but it needs to be said.
Comment: I couldn't agree more with what you say. The Pope is not a Pop Star nor is Religian a Rock Club one belongs to. Faith is Reason not "feelings". Pope John Paul II said "don't be afraid (non avette paura) and this one is saying "stand by your believes". Deus Caritas Est is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.
Comment: Enter Your Comment >Good. It is me again! And I will try to be as to the point as possible: I give you the (Timeline Of Christian History) first:AD30Jesus executed(MathewChapter27 verse51and, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;)AD49Coucil of Jerusalim establishes that Christians do
not have to be JewishAD90Council of Jamnia marks break between Christanity and JudiasmAD190Osrhoene becomes the first officially Christian stateAD330Constatinople founded as the Christian capital of the Roman empireAd380's Emporer Theodosius effectively establishes Christianity as the official religion of Rome AD393 A Council at Hippo establishes the canon of the Bible AD484Roman synod excommunicates Acacius of Constantinople over the Henoticcon, marking the first official break between the two churches,, 1054AD'Great Schism' between Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches
1414AD Coucil of Constance resolves 'Great Schism', restores Papacy to Rome, and condems Jan Hus(fwd)1870- First Vatican Council condems the syllabus of errors and affirms Papal infallibility-1871'Old Catholics' establish their own church, rejecting the first Vatican Council- 1929 Lateran Pacts establish Vatican City as an independent state.
Now you gotta pay attention- when Christ Jesus was on the cross with two condemmed men on both of his sides one man mocked Jesus and the other man asked Jesus to remember him when Christ entered His Kingndom. Jesus' reply was today you will be with me in paradise. Ok one more scripture: Romans Chapter4 verse23-31 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Comment: can i give a reply>
Comment: Dear "Faithand Reason', try some 'further-reseach'. If the Holy Roman Catholic church was the ONLY church around before the 1500's, then who in the world were the 'heretics' that they were burning alive?
Comment: I appreciate the comments of Southernboy; "faith without works is dead" from what we read in the Bible. Being a Christian is not about going to a house of worship, is about to libe accordingly of what Jesus taught, our lifestyle must be in line with it, without hypocrisy, otherwise what is the point of doing it? God sees everything and everyone and he will judge accordingly of what we do
Comment: Take care all and God bless!
Comment: i claim no religon no pope, preist, pastor, rev, bishop, any man. not a church or religon can give me salvation. I am a god loving and fearing christian who has sinned and fell short of gods glory. i have been bought and paid for at the highest of prices by my lord and saviors blood jesus christ who died on that cross for me and my sins. he gave me life on this earth and he will raise my soul when this earthly body dies. this is somthing him and him alone could do!!
Comment: Southernboy,
Those are two separate questions. 1) The religion you follow. 2) Who is responsible for your salvation. I don't deny the second one. But your answer to the first is a bit confusing. If you don't believe in religion, where did you get that Bible you possess? Surely it didn't fall from the sky, leather bound and gold embossed.
Comment: jesus' teachings are summed up in one word LOVE!! the core of the whole word is love and unity read 1st corthians 13 this expalins AGAPE (gods love) the unconditonal love all christains need. the word christian actually means little christ. we all calim to be one but do we walk the walk or do we talk the talk.
i strongly think that denomantions and religons are the greatest tool of satan. they divide us the make us fight over whos is more wright or better or who follows the bible properly. in turn we fall from gods will which makes satan so happy. it is all about unity and love. read the word pray daily form that relationship with christ then and only then will the father reval his plan for you. i would never disregard any teaching of christ for my plan but i do beleive that if we fllow his teachings properly then unity and love will follow
Comment: First this Benedict guy is just a person. He is from Germany, developed white country. Most of the worlds catholic are neither German, nor caucasian, but rather Latin Americans. In fact there are more Catholics in Spain than Germany. His face does not not look soothing or holy by any stretch of the imagination. His appointment had a political twinge, should there be a black or latino pope? Americans for the most part are more economical catholics than devoted catholics. Americans are catholics because it is like to being Irish, a style or something of that nature and not in depth. Let people save themselves, why let another mortal stand in the way of you and God.
Comment: David, there doesn't seem to be any logical links to your premise and your conclusion. In other words, you take an opportunity for an ad hominem attack on a very holy man and then conclude we should save ourselves. What does one have to do with the other? Furthermore, if man could save himself, we would not have needed God to become man, suffer, die, and resurrect.
Comment: the problem is not the pope it is denominations in a whole. they divide and put walls between CHRISTIANS. we need to break down the walls of religon and all come together in love like christ intended. the pope teaches the only way to be saved is through the door of the catolic church. nothing could be further from the truth. JESUS is the only way!! The church is not a denomination or a building it is the PEOPLE in the building. the structure is going to perish along with everything else. only the ones in Christ will survive not the ones in some religon taught by some man. We all need to study gods word for ourseleves. we need to do it daily and pray about it daily then and only then will Gods plan come to us through the father himself and not some pope or some pastor. My prayer is that this world would learn about AGAPE (gods love) then put it into our everyday lives then and only then will we see gods face. This is not a attack on catholics or anyones faith but more of the message of CHRIST. don't get caught up in false teachings but seek god through his word and prayer daily. love like he loved you UNCONDITIONALLY!! ask Jesus into your heart form a personal reltionship with him. only then will you live forever in eternal peace. Church, Mass, Good deads these are all good things but they will not get you into heaven. when you stand before your maker and he ask you why should i let you in my heaven. the answer won't be cause i went to church or i did what the pope told me. there is only one answer and it is that father i new you son personally he was my lord and savior and i loved him. only then will jesus turn to his father and say father this is why my blood was shed. I urge any who reads this message stop and pray right now if you are unsure about your life. to ask Jesus to come into your heart and clense you of your sins. if you do that and you begin to build that personal realtionship you will find a peace that passes all understanding. i love you all and God bless.
Comment: Southernboy,
No offense, but you are completely wrong about this. Neither the Pope, nor the Catholic Church, teaches that one must attend a Catholic mass to be saved. Before you speak anymore on this issue, please educate yourself. This is the document you keep referring to. Read it, and then tell me what you think. It is entitled Suprema Haec Sacra. You could also read this link by Fr. Ray Ryland, a convert. http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea3.asp
Finally, nobody denies Christ's redemptive work is complete and sufficient. Yet, we are called to participate in this. In fact, James rejects your idea of "faith alone" theology in the most clear fashion one could possibly do so. James stated, "You see that a person is justified by what he does and NOT BY FAITH ALONE" (Jam 2:24). In other words, the idea that all we have do is make our altar call and we are irrevocably saved is not testified to by the Scriptures. In fact, James says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that???and shudder" (Jam 2:19). Our initial faith is the beginning of our journey, not the end. We must "persevere til the end" (Mt 24:13) to be saved.
