God said in the Bible, I think quoted from Jesus in the new testament, that everyone had the chance to meet God. No matter what condition they may be in, everyone here's about God at least once. And when they do, his magic set's in and opens there curiosity to Him. You don't know how many times I have seen new christians that became because of this.
You thing God is so mean that he would allow those people to not hear him and goto hell? You think our God, the loving God, would go so far as to do that? The one who sent his son to earth to die because of something we did?
You know why Mormons and Witnesses live good lives? Because they are told that in order to get to heaven, you must 'earn' your way there. Which is of course a load of bs, and is why I have no sympanthy for them.
One of the biggest things God gave us was the freemdom to choose. You choose to doubt Him. You choose to believe in what ever you want. Right now you know He is out there, and yet you are doubting it. It's those kind of people that are the ones that goto hell.
I don't believe catholics as christians because of the fact they worship mary. Not once in the Bible does it say anything about worshiping her, or her being any sort of divine being.
... *opens mouth* *closes* You read like a Church bulletin. Honestly. Are you even thinking about this or do you just have an FAQ booklet open ready to type?
Firstly, what is wrong with wanting to be a good person and helping people and wanting to earn your way into heaven? You're basically saying that you can kill, lie, and steal, and then shrug and say "well I'm Christian," and have a better chance of getting into heaven than some heathen Mormon who hopes to please God by leading a good and pious life, and going to church and basically having no ill feelings about anyone. Great. Lovely. That's one fun religion.
I chose not to blindly follow anything because there isn't one scrap of evidence which holds the Bible as higher authority than any other religion with a religious text in the world - period. They all have beliefs and traditions and miracles and a spirit of brotherhood towards people joining in their religion, and they all share the treasure of having a hope and a purpose driving them towards being better people. Why why why must you place yourself above them?
Also, even putting aside what I believe is common sense and returning to my past, when I had not come to terms with doubt. If God wanted me to believe, why wouldn't he listen when I was young and prayed to him to please show me the way to believe? When I was younger than ten I cried and cried because I wasn't moved like other people in church and I ached for the feeling that other people felt and I pleaded with God to let me feel it too. I was not doubtful or spiteful or holier-than-thou. I was a kid, dumb but lonely, afraid of going to hell and afraid of not being fulfilled by missing out on my savior. Don't think you know my past, Alias. I'm not filled with doubt of your lord, I'm filled with lust for knowledge. I want to know about your faith as well as the faiths of others, to know where my light is. I'm different now than I was then, sure, but I still am open to any persuasion any deity wishes for me to stumble upon.
Catholics don't worship Mary. They may pray to Mary as well as other saints as patrons in small matters and confessions, but she is not a part of God nor is she very far above other saints (She's called the Queen, but really that's nothing).
If Catholics have nothing to do with the New Testament, then why are more than half of our sermons from the New Testament? Riddle me that.
Unfortunately, Jesus did not directly start any churches. Rather, his Apostles did.
And in addition to the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Gnostics also have the claim to fame of being started by Apostles, although they died out in the fourth century.
And thus you show your ignorance of the Catholic faith.
You should try to learn and respect the other Christian faiths. You're really all in this together.
Aha, I was sure there was another one, thanks for reminding me.
You're fun.
Edited by jillian, 02 January 2006 - 07:08 PM.