A QUESTION ABOUT THE CATHOLIC RELIGION

@davii Said

Of course not

Is quite amusing when the religious folk go to town on each other though...

"Noooo! God wears a red hat!"

"Noooo! God wears a green hat!"

Where's that scene from Red Dwarf

@davii Said

It's from the first series, quite early on when they go through the Cat Bible I think.

Had a quick search, but no joy...

@chisa96 Said

Don't be dissing their hats. Those things are the single redeeming feature of the catholic church.

@MadCornishBiker Said

On the contrary Jesus guides all his sheep into his own fold, he doesn't scatter them around. That is what Satan's "lot" do.

Luke 11:23 He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.

@bob_the_fisherman Said

I love Red Dwarf, but don't remember that scene. I got some of my best lines from that show - "you dead tuft of rectal pubic hair" is one I use quite often...

@tariki Said

The Biker wrote the above in relation to the "narrow way" and also in respect of our need to "worship God in spirit and in truth"

Biker, this is NOT another "knock Biker" post. It is a post being made on a public forum, used ideally for discussion and debate. It is offered in that spirit.

In my opinion, to "worship God in spirit and in truth" does not mean to call the Divine by any particular name, be it Jehovah, Bob or Jim. Nor does it mean any necessity to subscribe to the teachings of any particular denomination of the Christian Faith, be it the Catholic, or the Jehovah's Witnesses or any other.

Ultimately, according to the teachings of many, we can only do so with the love of God "himself", and that this love is given as gift/grace to those who become as children, emptying themselves of all their own attempts at "justification". Just as a new born child who trusts that the milk will be there and asks no questions.

As has been said..."In giving us His love God has given us His spirit so that we can love Him with the love wherewith He loves Himself." (Eckhart)

Yes, it is a narrow way, and few there be that find it. However, such should not make us despair, for when the disciples of Christ exclaimed in response to one of His sayings...."Who then can be saved?" He simple said in effect that all things are possible to God.

Possible, because "His" ways are NOT our ways, however much we may seek to argue that they are, no matter our beliefs and our creeds, or whether or not "He" is one, three, six or seven.

I have found, in all my own searching in the various faith traditions of the world, that this is so because of Grace. Which is pure gift. Given, not earned or "attained". Not "attained" simply because it is "the light that lights all who come into the world" (St John's Gospel) and so is already there, as gift, if we can but get out of the way and let it shine through us in our mortal coil!

Or, as the Buddhists have it, "we do not attain emptiness, we are empty from the beginning."

@MadCornishBiker Said

Well it's your choice. You stick with your opinion if you wish. as long as you are both content, and prepared to be judged on your opinions, as we all will be, then that is your choice.

I'll stick with what God tells me. I would certainly rather listen to him than any man. For many reasons, most of which involve reasons for trust.

I was like that as a child, and will remain that way. I will allow nothing, and no-one to change my relationship, my friendship, with God and Christ.

@scooterbug1879 Said

I do not belong to any religion in particular or put myself or my beliefs into a box. I do believe in and love God/Jesus. I listen to all religious radio channels and research all also. I find things in all religions that I believe could be truth. I do have a question about the catholic religion though. Catholics call their priests father, but it says in the bible, very easy to understand that you are not to call any man Father....... Kind of curious as to why thy disreguard this part of the bible and do the exact opposite.

@scooterbug1879 Said

I do not belong to any religion in particular or put myself or my beliefs into a box. I do believe in and love God/Jesus. I listen to all religious radio channels and research all also. I find things in all religions that I believe could be truth. I do have a question about the catholic religion though. Catholics call their priests father, but it says in the bible, very easy to understand that you are not to call any man Father....... Kind of curious as to why thy disreguard this part of the bible and do the exact opposite.

@cisslybee2012 Said

Nothing in the bible is to be taken literally.

@crazylikeafox Said

I wouldn't say nothing. There's some things that are metaphores yes, but there's other things that are clearly historical fact. The biggest difference between the different denominations is probably just whether some things are 1 or the other.

@offbeat Said

i think it's to make you respect the guy who is keeping you in the fold .... which in the catholic faith is kinda weird because the priest can't get married and he certainly can't have children .. so i think father isn't a very appropriate word ... shepherd may be a better choice .

@BozieFozie Said

This. I wonder if the staunch supporters of The Koran, Torah or Upanishads defend them so BLINDLY as do Bible thumpers......

@crazylikeafox Said

I wouldn't say nothing. There's some things that are metaphores yes, but there's other things that are clearly historical fact. The biggest difference between the different denominations is probably just whether some things are 1 or the other.

@cisslybee2012 Said

Granted,

The Bible is indeed the truest history book there is.

But it's history most people don't want to know about, so it's all in allegory that has no intelligible meaning literally. So if you're not going to crack the codes to find out what it's really saying, then it's pure nonsense to any reader whether they believe it or not.

We live in what's called the world of shells because everything about us is wrapped in casings because most people don't want to know the truth. So every truth is told in codes that jibe with people's feelings.