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Have You Ever Attended...

Novelist

Member
So the mode matters, even if you don’t believe baptism does anything?

For us the formula matters because we believe baptism is regenerative.
The mode matters and baptism does do something. It shows and demonstrates that a person is saved and is a follower of Christ. Baptism itself is not regenerative. Stop trying to put words in my mouth as it does not work.
Joe
 
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Novelist

Member
The best Catholic depiction of Jesus is His burial shroud which captures the exact moment of His Resurrection.
Are you kidding me? The shroud is no proof at all. It has been contested too often as being a hoax. Read Matthew 26: 47-50. Jesus looked like every other citizen at the time, and they were not blue eyed long haired blonds. If Jesus looked different, then why did Judas have to kiss him to show that he was the one they were looking for?
Joe
 

Cathode

Well-Known Member
Not putting words in your mouth, just asking questions. Never had this answered before other than it was just an ordinance or something to that effect.
 

GentleGospeller

Active Member
So, are you saying that pouring and sprinkling are acceptable (which they are not) forms of baptism?
Joe
I have not said that. I was simply exhibiting the various Catholic names for the things you had mentioned. This thread is about attendance to a Catholic church service - (as per OP - Have You Ever Attended... ), and not specifically about Catholic doctrines / practices and whether any specific one of them is right or wrong; as for that another thread could be made to specifically address those other things more specifically. I did not perceive this thread to be a discussion of those things in and of themselves, but merely sharing about one's personal experiences at such services.
 

Novelist

Member
I have not said that. I was simply exhibiting the various Catholic names for the things you had mentioned. This thread is about attendance to a Catholic church service - (as per OP - Have You Ever Attended... ), and not specifically about Catholic doctrines / practices and whether any specific one of them is right or wrong; as for that another thread could be made to specifically address those other things more specifically. I did not perceive this thread to be a discussion of those things in and of themselves, but merely sharing about one's personal experiences at such services.
In my OP, I asked "What was your take on it?" So, that being said, one's "take on it" can and will lead to some of the discussions that have come about here. I see no problem with that.
Joe
 

GentleGospeller

Active Member
The paintings I have seen in Catholic churches are wrong. Jesus is depicted as a blond haired blue eyed Swede, which he actually was not. He looked like any other middle eastern citizen of that time.
Joe
The various depictions of Jesus will vary from place to place in the Catholic Dioceses / Parishes. Not all Catholic churches / Cathedrals / Basilicas / offices have the same depictions of Jesus. Jesus was obviously not a "Swede", and I know of no Roman Catholic who thinks He was, since He had to be of the tribe of Juda (Gen. 49:10; Mat. 2:6; Heb. 7:14; Rev. 5:5), a Jew, an Israelite, an Hebrew. What Jesus exactly looked like is up to some speculation, as the scriptures only give some generalized details.

However, there is a known image (several basic likenesses which follow after available online) which is purported (by some) to be a likeness based on a sketch from an etching in an Emerald:

THE LEGEND-MYTHOS (Unsubstantiated)​

  • "... From the only authentic likeness of our Saviour, cut on an emerald by command of Tiberius Caesar, and given later to pope innocent VII from the treasury at Constantinople, by the emperor of the Turks, for the ransom of his brother, then a captive of the “Christians”. ..." - Painting of Jesus
  • "... The Emerald Cesar (Jesus of the Emerald) Portrait was last seen in Constantinople and was traded by the Ottoman Sultan to Pope Innocent VIII. ..." - The Potrait of Jesus: What Christ Looked Like
  • "... So, in early 1986 a letter was written with a copy of the likeness to the Pontifical University of Rome. A couple months later I received this response:
    • 2 June, 1986
      • Mr. Clever, from my rector of the University Fr. Navarrate I received your letter of March 23 of this year. On your question I can answer as follows:
      • The emerald with the portrait of Christ (similar to your foto) was given by the Sultan Bajazid II to the Pope Innocent VIII (+ 1492). The Emerald disappeared probably with the sack of Rome (1527). But the same profile-image of Christ appears on papal medals, as of the Pope Julius III. There exists also paintings of the flemish school. The illustration of such a painting and further information you will find in: Pauline Hinze, Deus Homo, Vol. I, Evangelische Verlagsanstalt Berlin (Eastern Germany), Berlin 1973, fig. 8, page 28 f.
      • Sincerely yours,
      • Fr. Heinrich Pfeiffer, S.J.
      • Pontifical Universita Gregoriana
      • 00187 Roma - Piazza Della Pilotta, 4 ..." - What Did Jesus Christ Look Like? presented by Charles & Tish Clever
Spurious Letter of Lentulus - Letter of Lentulus - Wikipedia
Bayezid II - Bayezid II - Wikipedia
Innocent VIII (Giovanni Battista Cybo) - Pope Innocent VIII - Wikipedia
See also - https://www.ansichtskartenversand.c...ichtige-Bild-unseres-Heilandes-Jesus/?&lang=2
See also - https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...wxrGHHGW1TwO2H7T3fOXw-1Wdb-fSIGsA&oe=6890C4DE

The following are replicas or copies or fascimilies based on the said etching in the Emerald. Take them with a grain of salt, and whether it is or is not the case is no matter to me. Just sharing for the info:

Jesus - Emerald - Painting 01.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 02.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 03.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 04.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 05.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 06.jpeg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 07.jpg
Jesus - Emerald - Painting 08.jpg
 

GentleGospeller

Active Member
In my OP, I asked "What was your take on it?" So, that being said, one's "take on it" can and will lead to some of the discussions that have come about here. I see no problem with that.
Joe
It's your thread, do with it what you will, as I was trying to stay as close to the wording of the OP as possible, so as not to offend. :)
 

Novelist

Member
The various depictions of Jesus will vary from place to place in the Catholic Dioceses / Parishes. Not all Catholic churches / Cathedrals / Basilicas / offices have the same depictions of Jesus. Jesus was obviously not a "Swede", and I know of no Roman Catholic who thinks He was, since He had to be of the tribe of Juda (Gen. 49:10; Mat. 2:6; Heb. 7:14; Rev. 5:5), a Jew, an Israelite, an Hebrew. What Jesus exactly looked like is up to some speculation, as the scriptures only give some generalized details.

However, there is a known image (several basic likenesses which follow after available online) which is purported (by some) to be a likeness based on a sketch from an etching in an Emerald:

THE LEGEND-MYTHOS (Unsubstantiated)​

  • "... From the only authentic likeness of our Saviour, cut on an emerald by command of Tiberius Caesar, and given later to pope innocent VII from the treasury at Constantinople, by the emperor of the Turks, for the ransom of his brother, then a captive of the “Christians”. ..." - Painting of Jesus
  • "... The Emerald Cesar (Jesus of the Emerald) Portrait was last seen in Constantinople and was traded by the Ottoman Sultan to Pope Innocent VIII. ..." - The Potrait of Jesus: What Christ Looked Like
  • "... So, in early 1986 a letter was written with a copy of the likeness to the Pontifical University of Rome. A couple months later I received this response:
    • 2 June, 1986
      • Mr. Clever, from my rector of the University Fr. Navarrate I received your letter of March 23 of this year. On your question I can answer as follows:
      • The emerald with the portrait of Christ (similar to your foto) was given by the Sultan Bajazid II to the Pope Innocent VIII (+ 1492). The Emerald disappeared probably with the sack of Rome (1527). But the same profile-image of Christ appears on papal medals, as of the Pope Julius III. There exists also paintings of the flemish school. The illustration of such a painting and further information you will find in: Pauline Hinze, Deus Homo, Vol. I, Evangelische Verlagsanstalt Berlin (Eastern Germany), Berlin 1973, fig. 8, page 28 f.
      • Sincerely yours,
      • Fr. Heinrich Pfeiffer, S.J.
      • Pontifical Universita Gregoriana
      • 00187 Roma - Piazza Della Pilotta, 4 ..." - What Did Jesus Christ Look Like? presented by Charles & Tish Clever
Spurious Letter of Lentulus - Letter of Lentulus - Wikipedia
Bayezid II - Bayezid II - Wikipedia
Innocent VIII (Giovanni Battista Cybo) - Pope Innocent VIII - Wikipedia
See also - https://www.ansichtskartenversand.c...ichtige-Bild-unseres-Heilandes-Jesus/?&lang=2
See also - https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...wxrGHHGW1TwO2H7T3fOXw-1Wdb-fSIGsA&oe=6890C4DE

The following are replicas or copies or fascimilies based on the said etching in the Emerald. Take them with a grain of salt, and whether it is or is not the case is no matter to me. Just sharing for the info:

View attachment 14366
View attachment 14367
View attachment 14368
View attachment 14369
View attachment 14370
View attachment 14371
View attachment 14372
View attachment 14373
I know that Jesus was not a "Swede" and I never said he was. Many catholic portraits depict him as looking like a Swede and are not meant to say he was a Swede. As for these portraits presented here, none of them are accurate. Not one of them portray Jesus as being Middle Eastern in appearance. Does it matter? Yes it does. If Catholic churches are wrong on this point (and I believe they are), then they can be just as easily wrong on many other points. But, if they disregard the Bible as being the only and final word of God, and that there are other factors regarding their beliefs such as tradition and later added Bible books, and non-biblical teachings passed down from previous generations, then anything could have been made up and added to their beliefs along the way. This is what happened and they just believe what they want to believe with no basis on truth and what the Bible actually teaches.
Joe
 

GentleGospeller

Active Member
I know that Jesus was not a "Swede" and I never said he was.
Not to offend, but you seem a bit agitated in your responses, or at least that is how it is coming through for me. I did not say you said Jesus was a "Swede" either. I was simply responding to the fact, that the Catholic church has varying depictions of Jesus, as do most denominations that accept him. Even the Jehovah's Witnesses have their imagery of Jesus (albeit differing than most depictions found).

Many catholic portraits depict him as looking like a Swede
Generally, I would assume, it is so that others in that local area who look after a certain fashion might mentally relate more closely to Him Whom they read (and hear) of in scripture. It is possible, genetically speaking, for Jesus to have blue eyes among the Jews, and to have lighter skinned and hair complexion, even though most would accept a more normalized brown complexion, eye color and hair.

and are not meant to say he was a Swede.
Yes, I understood that. I was simply saying that Catholicism was not attempting to depict Jesus as being a "Swede". Some take license with their art and others think they have evidence to their imagination of Him.

As for these portraits presented here, none of them are accurate.
Oh? How did you determine this? With what standard are you comparing these images to?

Not one of them portray Jesus as being Middle Eastern in appearance.
Those images are of a middle eastern man. The history attests to this, even if it is not actually of Jesus Himself.

Does it matter?
Depends on what you mean by asking the question. All truth matters of course. Some things, such as this, are no real reason to 'disfellowship' over. In other words, among the various doctrines / practices for Christians in scripture, it is not really something to argue over too much.

Yes it does.
All truth matters of course. How big a deal is this issue among the many that exist?, however is a far greater question.

If Catholic churches are wrong on this point (and I believe they are), then they can be just as easily wrong on many other points.
Being "wrong" on art is way down on the list of things to worry about (like depicting Jesus on a pole / palisade as the WTS does, rather than a cross with patibulum / crossbar; should such be considered in the light of the Bible and history? Sure, but think about how important it is to get the instrument of suffering right as opposed to the suffering of Christ right). Yet, even so, you have not demonstrated why such imagery is "wrong" in the first place. You have made several claims, but have not backed them up with anything of substance, other than you are citing 'you'. I do not mean to be too forward or rude here to you, in the least. I am simply asking, that if you are going to be so bold on this issue, as to have some evidence, as like I presented, on the matter to judge by. So far, I have not even seen a single scripture, let alone an historical source from you, about this subject. It does not mean you do not have any, but you have not yet produced any in backing the claims made.

Not to defend Catholic (or any denominational) images of a blond-haired, blue-eyed Jesus, but even a rudimentary Google query will give an affirmation to the possibility of blue eyes, and lighter complexion of some Jews even during the times of Jesus' day, even if it was more rare complexion. Remember that Jesus' bloodline has members which are not of Israel, but of Gentiles as well. Not really that big a deal one way or the other. I would think the WTS depiction of Jesus on the pole more concerning than this in matter of art.

But, if they disregard the Bible as being the only and final word of God, and that there are other factors regarding their beliefs such as tradition and later added Bible books, and non-biblical teachings passed down from previous generations, then anything could have been made up and added to their beliefs along the way.
I think it is quite a far stretch to go from a depiction of Jesus, which may or may not be closer to the reality (and where is the standard to determine all else from) in your personal opinion, and then to go to the extreme position about other matters unrelated to it (Bible, Canon, teachings, &c.). I know of no official Catholic teaching that dogmatically states that Jesus had blue eyes and blond hair. It is just an image in some of their places of worship that some like aesthetically. Some who go to those places may not even like that depiction at all. Whomever hangs it, and allows it to stay has the authority there.

This is what happened and they just believe what they want to believe with no basis on truth and what the Bible actually teaches.
Not everything that Catholicism does is in error. As an ex-Roman Catholic, I can say, there is a lot of things which are found in scripture itself that are present in doctrine and practice.

Nice to meet ya Joe.
 

Novelist

Member
Not to offend, but you seem a bit agitated in your responses, or at least that is how it is coming through for me. I did not say you said Jesus was a "Swede" either. I was simply responding to the fact, that the Catholic church has varying depictions of Jesus, as do most denominations that accept him. Even the Jehovah's Witnesses have their imagery of Jesus (albeit differing than most depictions found).


Generally, I would assume, it is so that others in that local area who look after a certain fashion might mentally relate more closely to Him Whom they read (and hear) of in scripture. It is possible, genetically speaking, for Jesus to have blue eyes among the Jews, and to have lighter skinned and hair complexion, even though most would accept a more normalized brown complexion, eye color and hair.


Yes, I understood that. I was simply saying that Catholicism was not attempting to depict Jesus as being a "Swede". Some take license with their art and others think they have evidence to their imagination of Him.


Oh? How did you determine this? With what standard are you comparing these images to?


Those images are of a middle eastern man. The history attests to this, even if it is not actually of Jesus Himself.


Depends on what you mean by asking the question. All truth matters of course. Some things, such as this, are no real reason to 'disfellowship' over. In other words, among the various doctrines / practices for Christians in scripture, it is not really something to argue over too much.


All truth matters of course. How big a deal is this issue among the many that exist?, however is a far greater question.


Being "wrong" on art is way down on the list of things to worry about (like depicting Jesus on a pole / palisade as the WTS does, rather than a cross with patibulum / crossbar; should such be considered in the light of the Bible and history? Sure, but think about how important it is to get the instrument of suffering right as opposed to the suffering of Christ right). Yet, even so, you have not demonstrated why such imagery is "wrong" in the first place. You have made several claims, but have not backed them up with anything of substance, other than you are citing 'you'. I do not mean to be too forward or rude here to you, in the least. I am simply asking, that if you are going to be so bold on this issue, as to have some evidence, as like I presented, on the matter to judge by. So far, I have not even seen a single scripture, let alone an historical source from you, about this subject. It does not mean you do not have any, but you have not yet produced any in backing the claims made.

Not to defend Catholic (or any denominational) images of a blond-haired, blue-eyed Jesus, but even a rudimentary Google query will give an affirmation to the possibility of blue eyes, and lighter complexion of some Jews even during the times of Jesus' day, even if it was more rare complexion. Remember that Jesus' bloodline has members which are not of Israel, but of Gentiles as well. Not really that big a deal one way or the other. I would think the WTS depiction of Jesus on the pole more concerning than this in matter of art.


I think it is quite a far stretch to go from a depiction of Jesus, which may or may not be closer to the reality (and where is the standard to determine all else from) in your personal opinion, and then to go to the extreme position about other matters unrelated to it (Bible, Canon, teachings, &c.). I know of no official Catholic teaching that dogmatically states that Jesus had blue eyes and blond hair. It is just an image in some of their places of worship that some like aesthetically. Some who go to those places may not even like that depiction at all. Whomever hangs it, and allows it to stay has the authority there.


Not everything that Catholicism does is in error. As an ex-Roman Catholic, I can say, there is a lot of things which are found in scripture itself that are present in doctrine and practice.


Nice to meet ya Joe.
I stand by all of what I have written. Nice try in taking what I have written piece by piece and then trying to rebut it all, but it doesn't work. BTW, you call yourself a "non-Baptist Christian" which explains a lot. I can understand why you take the views you take, and I completely disagree with you. You have not seen a single scripture? If you will look back some, you will see that I have. Try Matthew 25: 47-50.
Joe
 
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GentleGospeller

Active Member
I stand by all of what I have written. Nice try in taking what I have written piece by piece and then trying to rebut it all, but it doesn't work. BTW, you call yourself a "non-Baptist Christian" which explains a lot. I can understand why you take the views you take, and I completely disagree with you. You have not seen a single scripture? If you will look back some, you will see that I have. Try Matthew 25: 47-50.
Joe
You take offense that I am a non-Baptist Christian? Perhaps you would like to start another thread on that, and I would be happy to join you there to discuss why I am not a 'Baptist'.

Matthew 25:47-50? There is no such text in scripture. I assume you meant Matthew 26:47-50 and simply made a common mistake as we all do on occasion.

I saw where you cited in response to Cathode, Matthew 3:15 - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 23:9 in general - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14, 2nd Timothy 4:2, Matthew 24:14, Isaiah 52:7, and Luke 14: 23. about "Altar Call" - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 26: 47-50. in response to Cathode about the shroud of Turin - Have You Ever Attended...

Here are the texts:

Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Mat 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

What do these texts have to do with the subject of Jesus' likeness in complexion, looks? The context is that they are literally in a garden just outside the city, at night, in the darkness, with only a full moon for light, and possibly torches, and everyone wearing a cloak or clothes to keep warm, as it was cold that night, even as Peter tried warming himself by a fire in a central courtyard.
 

Novelist

Member
You take offense that I am a non-Baptist Christian? Perhaps you would like to start another thread on that, and I would be happy to join you there to discuss why I am not a 'Baptist'.

Matthew 25:47-50? There is no such text in scripture. I assume you meant Matthew 26:47-50 and simply made a common mistake as we all do on occasion.

I saw where you cited in response to Cathode, Matthew 3:15 - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 23:9 in general - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14, 2nd Timothy 4:2, Matthew 24:14, Isaiah 52:7, and Luke 14: 23. about "Altar Call" - Have You Ever Attended...

I see where you cited Matthew 26: 47-50. in response to Cathode about the shroud of Turin - Have You Ever Attended...

Here are the texts:

Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
Mat 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

What do these texts have to do with the subject of Jesus' likeness in complexion, looks? The context is that they are literally in a garden just outside the city, at night, in the darkness, with only a full moon for light, and possibly torches, and everyone wearing a cloak or clothes to keep warm, as it was cold that night, even as Peter tried warming himself by a fire in a central courtyard.
Yes, you are correct in that I did make a typo on the verse. It is Matthew 26 and not chapter 25. As far as everything else you wrote, I have to politely disagree. I still stand by what I have written. Just go back and read what I have written, read the verses I have referred to, think about it, apply those thoughts to what I have written and you will see what I have meant. Do that instead of just trying to prove me wrong on all points. No, I am not offended by you referring to yourself as a non-Baptist Christian, I just understand where you are coming from. Please stop taking everything I say out of context.
Joe
 

GentleGospeller

Active Member
Yes, you are correct in that I did make a typo on the verse. It is Matthew 26 and not chapter 25. As far as everything else you wrote, I have to politely disagree. I still stand by what I have written. Just go back and read what I have written, read the verses I have referred to, think about it, apply those thoughts to what I have written and you will see what I have meant. Do that instead of just trying to prove me wrong on all points. No, I am not offended by you referring to yourself as a non-Baptist Christian, I just understand where you are coming from. Please stop taking everything I say out of context.
Joe
I think I will move on to other threads.
 
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