Dealing with Anti-Catholicism
There is no Scripture which invalidates the claims of the Roman Catholic Church. Many of the posts atvthis Blog were in response to an anti-Catholic bigot, and thus the tone may be more harsh and apologetic than usual in interfaith discussions.
The infallibility of the Catholic faith as realized in the protection of the Holy Spirit over the Magisterium (Pope and bishops in union with him) and over revelation, as revealed in Scripture and the life of the Church (tradition) has been proven time and time again. The subject of this safeguard is faith and morals. It does not include all the various secular and scientific truths, upon which the Church's leaders and membership might make human judgments.
Many will offer a donation, called a stipend for a Mass. However, it is a gift and even without monetary help, the sacraments are free-- even if we have to find resources elsewhere to pay for the upkeep of our facilities and materials. Protestant churches also "pass the basket" so this material side cannot be used to harass the Catholic Church. Yes, we pray for the dead, not to hear ourselves talk, but to manifest our continued unity with our beloved deceased who may still be on their way to paradise. It is true that the price for their entry into heaven has been paid by the blood of Christ. However, we must be made perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Those in heaven do not need our prayers and those in hell cannot benefit from them. At least upon this much, the anti-Catholic fundamentalist and the Catholic might agree.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Church in the world. Catholics have taken seriously their commitment to love God and neighbor. Catholic schools and hospitals abound throughout the nation. Catholic Charities is one of the largest charity and social assistance on the globe and second only to the U.S. Government. We follow Jesus who is the Way and the Truth and the Life. He gave us the Church as his special family and the breaking of his kingdom into the world. It is unfortunate that despite the Church's incredible contributions to society that there should still be a few who hate and malign her.
The infallibility of the Catholic faith as realized in the protection of the Holy Spirit over the Magisterium (Pope and bishops in union with him) and over revelation, as revealed in Scripture and the life of the Church (tradition) has been proven time and time again. The subject of this safeguard is faith and morals. It does not include all the various secular and scientific truths, upon which the Church's leaders and membership might make human judgments.
Many will offer a donation, called a stipend for a Mass. However, it is a gift and even without monetary help, the sacraments are free-- even if we have to find resources elsewhere to pay for the upkeep of our facilities and materials. Protestant churches also "pass the basket" so this material side cannot be used to harass the Catholic Church. Yes, we pray for the dead, not to hear ourselves talk, but to manifest our continued unity with our beloved deceased who may still be on their way to paradise. It is true that the price for their entry into heaven has been paid by the blood of Christ. However, we must be made perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Those in heaven do not need our prayers and those in hell cannot benefit from them. At least upon this much, the anti-Catholic fundamentalist and the Catholic might agree.
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Church in the world. Catholics have taken seriously their commitment to love God and neighbor. Catholic schools and hospitals abound throughout the nation. Catholic Charities is one of the largest charity and social assistance on the globe and second only to the U.S. Government. We follow Jesus who is the Way and the Truth and the Life. He gave us the Church as his special family and the breaking of his kingdom into the world. It is unfortunate that despite the Church's incredible contributions to society that there should still be a few who hate and malign her.
posted by Father Joe Jenkins at 3:36 PM
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