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Clarky all you have done is quoted Catholic apologetics website rhetoric which I have all heard before. Thankfully we have intelligent non-catholic scholars, theologians and historians who can and have debunked many of the Catholic myths using verifiable sources. Unfortunately in the face of such evidence all you can do is keep repeating your mantra "the Church is always right"! instead of the more logical and balanced conclusion "hmm, perhaps the Church is not right after all".
C
"It's true that the Church has prevailed but the question is which Church?"
Lutheran-1517, Church of England-1534, Presbyterian-1560, Congregationalist-1582, Methodist-1744, Unitarian-1774, Mormon-1829, Baptist-1605, Dutch Reformed-1628?
If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.
If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.
If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.
If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.
If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.
If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.
If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605.
If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.
If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.
If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy as its founder.
If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as 'Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel." "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past century.
If you are Catholic or Orthodox you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and it is still the same Church.
Lutheran-1517, Church of England-1534, Presbyterian-1560, Congregationalist-1582, Methodist-1744, Unitarian-1774, Mormon-1829, Baptist-1605, Dutch Reformed-1628?
If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.
If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.
If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.
If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.
If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.
If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.
If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605.
If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.
If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.
If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy as its founder.
If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as 'Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel." "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past century.
If you are Catholic or Orthodox you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and it is still the same Church.
Catholic or Orthodox , so there are two churches now ? Oh what division! Look at the division in the Church. I thought you said there was one church.
Clarky, if you are a Roman Catholic, according to a website which you probably quoted for the above list of dates, your church was formed in 1054 when the Pope of Rome considered himself to be the universal head of the Church...
quote
http://www.stjoseph-standrew.org/age.html
Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome broke away from the other four Apostolic Patriarchates (Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem), by unilaterally altering the original Creed of the Church and considering himself to be the universal head of the Church. Thus, your church was founded in the year 1054.
Clarky, if you are a Roman Catholic, according to a website which you probably quoted for the above list of dates, your church was formed in 1054 when the Pope of Rome considered himself to be the universal head of the Church...
quote
http://www.stjoseph-standrew.org/age.html
Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome broke away from the other four Apostolic Patriarchates (Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem), by unilaterally altering the original Creed of the Church and considering himself to be the universal head of the Church. Thus, your church was founded in the year 1054.
I really have no problem if you want to claim your Church is really really old which it is, but I think it is not right to claim your Church is the only right one when it is well known the Orthodox church has equal and valid claim to apostolic succession.
It is also not right for you to propose that the protestant reformation is something strange or new in terms of church splits and denominations when the first great schism in the church was the East-West schism which apparently was caused by your Pope claiming superiority over the others. The Orthodox tradition asserted that the character and rights of the church were fully present in each local community of Orthodox believers with its own bishop. According to Orthodox the Pope of Rome was never meant to be made into a universally authoritative figure within the larger church. Such status your Pope has claimed ever since.
So I'm afraid your Roman Catholic Church is already a split church and has been ever since the East-West schism. It would hardly be fitting for you then to claim that your Church is the original undivided church since 33 AD.
So, let's not be hypocrites and pretend that the Roman Catholic Church is THE one and only Church and protestant churches are not real churches as Pope Benedict has stated before.
It is also not right for you to propose that the protestant reformation is something strange or new in terms of church splits and denominations when the first great schism in the church was the East-West schism which apparently was caused by your Pope claiming superiority over the others. The Orthodox tradition asserted that the character and rights of the church were fully present in each local community of Orthodox believers with its own bishop. According to Orthodox the Pope of Rome was never meant to be made into a universally authoritative figure within the larger church. Such status your Pope has claimed ever since.
So I'm afraid your Roman Catholic Church is already a split church and has been ever since the East-West schism. It would hardly be fitting for you then to claim that your Church is the original undivided church since 33 AD.
So, let's not be hypocrites and pretend that the Roman Catholic Church is THE one and only Church and protestant churches are not real churches as Pope Benedict has stated before.
I agree there's different levels of Catholics. There's saved ones and unsaved ones. That's basically it.
Believe it or not I attended Catholic church and celebrated mass for Easter and had the unpleasant experience of having to listen to the sermon of the Catholic Priest. Who despite being a Professor of Theology (that means they should know something right?) basically claimed that all religions lead to the same God and Christianity is but one of the possible routes to God!
But thankfully by reading my bible I know the bible says there is only one way to God and to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. That is the teaching of the apostles and that is not what is coming out of the mouths of some of these Catholic Priests.
Believe it or not I attended Catholic church and celebrated mass for Easter and had the unpleasant experience of having to listen to the sermon of the Catholic Priest. Who despite being a Professor of Theology (that means they should know something right?) basically claimed that all religions lead to the same God and Christianity is but one of the possible routes to God!
But thankfully by reading my bible I know the bible says there is only one way to God and to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. That is the teaching of the apostles and that is not what is coming out of the mouths of some of these Catholic Priests.
What Scripture says:
The teaching of the apostle Peter:
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Joh 5:23 so that all should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, He who hears My Word and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life.
What modern-day Catholicism says:
The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day. (841)
Look up Dominus Iesus,
Pope John Paul II on October 2 of that year emphasized that this document did not say that non-Christians were denied salvation: "This confession does not deny salvation to non-Christians, but points to its ultimate source in Christ, in whom man and God are united." John Paul II then issued on December 6 a statement to emphasize further that the Church continued in the position of Vatican II that salvation was available to believers of other faiths: "The Gospel teaches us that those who live in accordance with the Beatitudes - the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, those who bear lovingly the sufferings of life - will enter God's kingdom." He further added, "All who seek God with a sincere heart, including those who do not know Christ and his Church, contribute under the influence of grace to the building of this kingdom."
The teaching of the apostle Peter:
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Joh 5:23 so that all should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, He who hears My Word and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life.
What modern-day Catholicism says:
The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day. (841)
Look up Dominus Iesus,
Pope John Paul II on October 2 of that year emphasized that this document did not say that non-Christians were denied salvation: "This confession does not deny salvation to non-Christians, but points to its ultimate source in Christ, in whom man and God are united." John Paul II then issued on December 6 a statement to emphasize further that the Church continued in the position of Vatican II that salvation was available to believers of other faiths: "The Gospel teaches us that those who live in accordance with the Beatitudes - the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, those who bear lovingly the sufferings of life - will enter God's kingdom." He further added, "All who seek God with a sincere heart, including those who do not know Christ and his Church, contribute under the influence of grace to the building of this kingdom."
I
I agree that the catholic church is spreading false doctrine. I am sure that there are many in the church who have a relationship with Jesus and have salvation through His blood, but how many believe that they are saved because they were sprinkled by a priest as a baby? How come Jesus had to die to destroy the Holy of Holies if we still need a priest to mediate before God in our behalf? Jesus is my mediator, and I need no other!!!!!
My husband is a catholic, and he still holds to the idea that the truth is preached here. It scares me.
Go to a catholic site and read the catechism. It is interesting where some of their beliefs came from. No wonder they don't encourage Bible study and reading, as much of what they believe has no Biblical basis. As I often quote, God has quite a lot to say about those who lead others astray.
What is up with saying all of those "Hail Mary's"? I was at a rosary service one time. How can anyone get anything out of this as fast as it is done? How can anyone who believes in Jesus bow to another (Mary)? I don't get it.
I would love to discuss this with anyone at my blog: iamnotashamedthelist.com
THE LORD YOUR GOD is with you. HE is MIGHTY to SAVE. HE will take GREAT DELIGHT in you. HE will quiet you with HIS LOVE; HE will REJOICE over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
My husband is a catholic, and he still holds to the idea that the truth is preached here. It scares me.
Go to a catholic site and read the catechism. It is interesting where some of their beliefs came from. No wonder they don't encourage Bible study and reading, as much of what they believe has no Biblical basis. As I often quote, God has quite a lot to say about those who lead others astray.
What is up with saying all of those "Hail Mary's"? I was at a rosary service one time. How can anyone get anything out of this as fast as it is done? How can anyone who believes in Jesus bow to another (Mary)? I don't get it.
I would love to discuss this with anyone at my blog: iamnotashamedthelist.com
THE LORD YOUR GOD is with you. HE is MIGHTY to SAVE. HE will take GREAT DELIGHT in you. HE will quiet you with HIS LOVE; HE will REJOICE over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I realise Clarky it is hard for you to hear the truth about your church. But it will be hard for you to accept correction from non-catholics since you think yourself to be in the right Church which is never wrong and that your church is apparently above correction.
But let me tell you that all your talk about the Church never being wrong etc is completely false because I know from experience time and time again the Priests of your Church are not teaching the full truth. Although occasionally you get one who is on the mark according to Scripture. So it's strange for you to claim that your Church is right when so often your Priests are not, and so I won't be fooled by your rhetoric.
I also think your behaviour calling me a "waste of time" , "stupid" , 'bozo" , "slow", "flunky", "bigot" is probably a reflection of your spiritual condition as a Catholic rather than a Christian because it's not very Christ-like or polite at all. It's a clear sign of someone getting a bit bit hot under the collar and defensive when faced with the truth. But don't worry I forgive you.
But let me tell you that all your talk about the Church never being wrong etc is completely false because I know from experience time and time again the Priests of your Church are not teaching the full truth. Although occasionally you get one who is on the mark according to Scripture. So it's strange for you to claim that your Church is right when so often your Priests are not, and so I won't be fooled by your rhetoric.
I also think your behaviour calling me a "waste of time" , "stupid" , 'bozo" , "slow", "flunky", "bigot" is probably a reflection of your spiritual condition as a Catholic rather than a Christian because it's not very Christ-like or polite at all. It's a clear sign of someone getting a bit bit hot under the collar and defensive when faced with the truth. But don't worry I forgive you.
L
WOW! Much of these posts are extremely anti-catholic and much of the Catholic beliefs mentioned here is not what the Catholic Church or Catholicism teaches. As for the above mentioned items: Mary, Praying to the Dead, Rosary, The Crucifixion of Peter, the Trinity and Purgatory. I’ll try to shed some light on these topics, but I’m not going to duel over bible verses, only show where in scripture references to these topics reside. This will be by no means exhaustive.
MARY: 1. Catholics do not worship Mary or Statues for that matter. Catholics only worship God and his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Although Mary plays a pivotal role in the Church, mostly because of the Grace and Blessing that God gave Her to carry the Son of Man. Let’s not forget that Christ was born of a Woman. (LK 1:26-38)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, * the Lord is with you!" * 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30* And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31* And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33* and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34* And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35* And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born * will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37* For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. RSV CE
It is through Mary’s YES to Gabriel, a messenger of God, that the Savior is brought into the world; it is a part of the humility of Christ, humility of God, to be born of a woman as a man to share in the totality of humanity. God could have found other ways to bring about our Salvation, but the fact that he chooses an insignificant maiden who was probably all of about 15 years old. This is an example of God bringing high the low and exalting the humble. (LK 6:20) RSV CE The even greater part of this story is that Mary freely and willingly says YES. She is not forced (LK 1:38) RSV CE This is our example of agreeing with and cooperating with the will and grace of God even when it is not understood. (LK 1:34)
Other reasons that Mary holds a special place is that she is present at many of the major events of Christ’s ministry and after: Let’s also remember, he came to die for us.
The Wedding at Cana (JN 2:1-11) RSV CE
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the temple (LK 2: 41-52) RSV CE
Mary waits and prays with the Apostles (ACTS 1: 12-14) RSV CE
Mary at the Foot of the Cross (JN 19: 25-27) RSV CE
Also the, Hail Mary, prayer is taken straight from Scripture:
http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/mary3.htm
Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with Thee (LK 1:28)
Blessed art thou amongst Women and Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. (LK 1:42)
Blessed Mary, Mother of God Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. See this link for an explanation of this last part of the prayer: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07110b.htm
PRAYING TO THE DEAD: If prayer is a form of communication and you should not be praying to the dead, what is Christ doing at the Transfiguration? (MATT 17:3) Moses and Elijah certainly are not on earth. What Christ prohibits is the conjuring of Spirits NOT speaking with those of us who have fallen asleep, (1 COR 15:18) or asking for the intersession of those of us who have gone before us.
(REV 5:8) Golden bowls full of incense with are the prayers of the saints.
http://www.catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp
ROSARY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13184b.htm
There is so much information about the Rosary it would be extremely difficult to go through all of it.
THE CRUCIFIXTION of PETER: When Peter was Martyred for his faith in God and Christ and the Holy Spirit, he was asked to be Crucified upside down as he believed himself to be unworthy and not as humble, loving and forgiving as his Lord. This has nothing to do with Satanic rituals. What ever interpretation has been spun on this is nothing Satanic from Peter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion_of_St._Peter_(Caravaggio)
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm#IV
TRINITY: Biblically the Trinity is no stretch. GEN 1:2,(third Person of the Trinity) the Spirit of God is moving over the waters in creation. GEN 1: 3, and God (First Person of the Trinity) said let there be light. We all know that God’s Son is Christ(Second Person of the Trinity). And we can determine that three are one and the one are three, by the references in Scripture of when God created the world and he says: Let US go down and do this or that. GEN 1:26. Just read your bible and it will become apparent to you.
PURGATORY: When Christ dies, he opens up Heaven, Heaven was not opened before the Death and Resurrection of Christ. Places that are mentioned before Heaven is opened are Ghenna and Sheol. Gehenna is actually a garbage heap outside of the city of...I believe it is Jerusalem, and can also refer to Hell. Sheol on the other hand is not Hell. Sheol is Hebrew, is translated more as a place for the dead and is the place that is also called Hades, in the Greek and in the Latin called Purgatorio or Purgatory. So this is not some concept that Catholic Churhc makes up. It is already something that is within Jewish writings and Traditions. Also, a Gospel reference to Purgatory is the Bosom of Abraham in LK 16 more precisely (Luke 16:22-23) RSV CE
22* The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheol
http://www.catholic.com/library/Purgatory.asp
I know that much of this is not overly in-depth, but scripture references have been made and numerous links to more information. With Catholicism is it important to remember that much of what is done, especially the Mass and the interpretation of Scripture refers back to Jewish sources. It is a Judeo-Christian and keeps to scripture and tradition (2 THESS 2:15) Maybe in the future some more intensive study can be had on the subject.
http://www.catholic.org/ - Catholic News
http://www.zenit.org/ -Catholic News from Rome
http://www.catholic.com/ -Catholic Apologetics: Type your topic in the search area in the upper left hand right corner and hit enter, sufficient materials and biblical references will be found.
http://www.geocities.com/sacra_scriptura/eng_bible_index.html -RSV CE: Catholic Version of the Bible that is used in the CCC
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ -CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church, The text that explains and includes the beliefs of the Catholic Church
MARY: 1. Catholics do not worship Mary or Statues for that matter. Catholics only worship God and his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Although Mary plays a pivotal role in the Church, mostly because of the Grace and Blessing that God gave Her to carry the Son of Man. Let’s not forget that Christ was born of a Woman. (LK 1:26-38)
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, * the Lord is with you!" * 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30* And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31* And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33* and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34* And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35* And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born * will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37* For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. RSV CE
It is through Mary’s YES to Gabriel, a messenger of God, that the Savior is brought into the world; it is a part of the humility of Christ, humility of God, to be born of a woman as a man to share in the totality of humanity. God could have found other ways to bring about our Salvation, but the fact that he chooses an insignificant maiden who was probably all of about 15 years old. This is an example of God bringing high the low and exalting the humble. (LK 6:20) RSV CE The even greater part of this story is that Mary freely and willingly says YES. She is not forced (LK 1:38) RSV CE This is our example of agreeing with and cooperating with the will and grace of God even when it is not understood. (LK 1:34)
Other reasons that Mary holds a special place is that she is present at many of the major events of Christ’s ministry and after: Let’s also remember, he came to die for us.
The Wedding at Cana (JN 2:1-11) RSV CE
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the temple (LK 2: 41-52) RSV CE
Mary waits and prays with the Apostles (ACTS 1: 12-14) RSV CE
Mary at the Foot of the Cross (JN 19: 25-27) RSV CE
Also the, Hail Mary, prayer is taken straight from Scripture:
http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/mary3.htm
Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with Thee (LK 1:28)
Blessed art thou amongst Women and Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb Jesus. (LK 1:42)
Blessed Mary, Mother of God Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. See this link for an explanation of this last part of the prayer: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07110b.htm
PRAYING TO THE DEAD: If prayer is a form of communication and you should not be praying to the dead, what is Christ doing at the Transfiguration? (MATT 17:3) Moses and Elijah certainly are not on earth. What Christ prohibits is the conjuring of Spirits NOT speaking with those of us who have fallen asleep, (1 COR 15:18) or asking for the intersession of those of us who have gone before us.
(REV 5:8) Golden bowls full of incense with are the prayers of the saints.
http://www.catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp
ROSARY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13184b.htm
There is so much information about the Rosary it would be extremely difficult to go through all of it.
THE CRUCIFIXTION of PETER: When Peter was Martyred for his faith in God and Christ and the Holy Spirit, he was asked to be Crucified upside down as he believed himself to be unworthy and not as humble, loving and forgiving as his Lord. This has nothing to do with Satanic rituals. What ever interpretation has been spun on this is nothing Satanic from Peter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion_of_St._Peter_(Caravaggio)
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm#IV
TRINITY: Biblically the Trinity is no stretch. GEN 1:2,(third Person of the Trinity) the Spirit of God is moving over the waters in creation. GEN 1: 3, and God (First Person of the Trinity) said let there be light. We all know that God’s Son is Christ(Second Person of the Trinity). And we can determine that three are one and the one are three, by the references in Scripture of when God created the world and he says: Let US go down and do this or that. GEN 1:26. Just read your bible and it will become apparent to you.
PURGATORY: When Christ dies, he opens up Heaven, Heaven was not opened before the Death and Resurrection of Christ. Places that are mentioned before Heaven is opened are Ghenna and Sheol. Gehenna is actually a garbage heap outside of the city of...I believe it is Jerusalem, and can also refer to Hell. Sheol on the other hand is not Hell. Sheol is Hebrew, is translated more as a place for the dead and is the place that is also called Hades, in the Greek and in the Latin called Purgatorio or Purgatory. So this is not some concept that Catholic Churhc makes up. It is already something that is within Jewish writings and Traditions. Also, a Gospel reference to Purgatory is the Bosom of Abraham in LK 16 more precisely (Luke 16:22-23) RSV CE
22* The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheol
http://www.catholic.com/library/Purgatory.asp
I know that much of this is not overly in-depth, but scripture references have been made and numerous links to more information. With Catholicism is it important to remember that much of what is done, especially the Mass and the interpretation of Scripture refers back to Jewish sources. It is a Judeo-Christian and keeps to scripture and tradition (2 THESS 2:15) Maybe in the future some more intensive study can be had on the subject.
http://www.catholic.org/ - Catholic News
http://www.zenit.org/ -Catholic News from Rome
http://www.catholic.com/ -Catholic Apologetics: Type your topic in the search area in the upper left hand right corner and hit enter, sufficient materials and biblical references will be found.
http://www.geocities.com/sacra_scriptura/eng_bible_index.html -RSV CE: Catholic Version of the Bible that is used in the CCC
http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ -CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church, The text that explains and includes the beliefs of the Catholic Church
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As an Eastern Christian who is in communion with the Roman see, such a view of the tragic events in 1054 is a vast simplification that doesn't begin to touch on all the levels of what led to the split. Today both the Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox are working hard to heal the schism. From a Catholic standpoint, Orthodox churches are in slightly less then full communion with the Roman Pontiff and many of their canonized saints have been considered Saints by Catholic Churches. For instance, in my church (the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church) we commemorate St. Seraphim of Sarov and St. Gregory Palamas as saints despite being canonized by the "schismatic" Orthodox Church. Both Churches hold the same beliefs but simply express them in different languages (the roman in ways based off of latin legalism, and the east based off of Greek though) and once both sides overcome their pride and see this the schism will be healed.
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