Ask Me Help Desk - Why some Christians will not recognize Cathoics?

It would be churlish of anyone to say that Catholics are not Christians, in exactly the same way that it is churlish to describe anyone who belongs to a Christian denomination as not being a Christian on specious theological grounds. That some Christians conlcude that they and they alone have the "Truth" is one of the burdens that those not of their number have to bear with as much equanimity as they can muster.

Being a Christian is a journey, not a destination. God and God alone will judge who is and who is not a Christian. Jack Chick will be out of work.

M:)RGANITE

Some denominations have drifted farther than others from first century Christianity. I see nothing wrong in pointing this out. In fact, it is every Christian's duty to point this out. Otherwise he would not be imitating Jesus who pointed out what he saw as deviations from the Mosaic law. The apostle Paul corrected the Apostle Peter because Peter was wrong in his initial attitude toward the Gentiles.

Galatians 2:10-12 (New American Standard Bible)
Peter (Cephas) Opposed by Paul

11But when (B)Cephas came to (C)Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

12For prior to the coming of certain men from (D)James, he used to (E)eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, (F)fearing the party of the circumcision.

Paul himself was reprimanded for his mistaken zeal against the Christian church. So keeping quiet in the face of error is not necessarily a virtue.

I think this thread would benefit from discussing the 'drifting' that you have observed. I hold the same opinion, but I could never bring myself to say that Catholics were not Christians.

The early church held within itself many singificant differences. In those days, heresies were normal, and what was heretical and what was orthodox changed as opinions and understandings changed, broadened, or collapsed.

Happy Easter.

M:)RGANITE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morganite

I think this thread would benefit from discussing the 'drifting' that you have observed. I hold the same opinion, but I could never bring myself to say that Catholics were not Christians.

The early church held within itself many singificant differences. In those days, heresies were normal, and what was heretical and what was orthodox changed as opinions and understandings changed, broadened, or collapsed.

Happy Easter.

M:)RGANITE

On an individual basis we have no authority to make a statement of knowing what a person's eternal destiny will be. Saul, AKA Paul, persecuted the Christians. How many of those persecuted Christians probably thought they knew what Saul's eternal destiny would be? Yet it turned out that he became one of the most zealous of the Apostles. The man who composed the song "Amazing Grace" was also at one time a slave buyer and seller and committed many injustices. How many Christians probably thought they knew his eternal destiny. Yet he repented and accepted the ransom sacrifice.

Organizationally, however, we can conclude which religious organizations God will not allow to continue on forever because in different degrees, they mislead. That we are allowed to do.

About the drifting, well, an extensive discussion on it would leave everyone involved with their original convictions. So I prefer to wait for God to remedy the present situation himself via his kingdom.

Catholicsm dates all the way back to st. peter!! There are no questions here. I live in Utah and the real question is are mormons christian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaddywanka

catholicsm dates all the way back to st. peter!!! there are no questions here. i live in utah andt he real question is are mormons christian.

Let's suppose that a person who has accurate knowledge, let's say an Adventist, or Baptist, or any of the other denominations whoes doctrinal beliefs are closer to what is right than, let's say, a Mormon's. Let's say that he claims to be Christian but lives a life that doesn't fit that. He attends church because he wants to socialize, gossips and backbites while there. He purports to be honest but given an opportunity he will steal from his own mother and take another man's wife if given the chance.

Then we have, let's say, a Mormon who sincerely believes he pleases God.
Does things according to his knowledge with his whole heart and soul because he truly respects what he considers God's laws. Lives a life far closer to being a Christian than the other who has more accurate knowlewdge.

Who do you think God is more pleased with?

Revelation 2:23
... And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve. ESV

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaddywanka

catholicsm dates all the way back to st. peter!!! there are no questions here. i live in utah andt he real question is are mormons christian.

I have never met a Mormon who was not a fine example of a Christian.

M:)RGANITE