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PreachtheWord you can not make a blanket statement like that. While I believe that most catholics are lost, I also believe that a few are saved. I was raised in a catholic home and there are a few I know who certianly show the fruits of being saved. If they are or not is only known by God.Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Catholics are lost - across the board. It is no wonder the CBF is so friendly to them.
Not something that I would assert, but such can be heard from some Baptists, unfortunately, from which I have heard since I was a little boy. Since Vatican II, Catholic theologians, for example, Dulles, Rahner, Tracy, von Balthasar, Merton, Ruether, and Schillebeeckx, have contributed some of the best theology of the twentieth century. We are the richer for it.Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Bible Believing Bill, I can make that statement just as sure as you can make yours. Give me one Scriptural reason as to why you believe they are saved. Profession of faith is the primary indicator that we can use. Their "faith" is rooted in idolatry, paganism, and works. It matters not what kind of fruit you think they show or not. Let us face it. The popes are in hell.
KJV Col 1:5-6 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Both of these verses tell us that we will bear fruit when we believe in Christ Jesus.KJV John 15:4-5 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
These verses tell us that a courpt (unsaved) person will not bear good fruit.KJV Luke 6 43:45 43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
You need not me to explain their positions (it is a quite lengthy assignment, I might add); I suspect you are capable of reading these theologians on your own. However, before one offers an assessment of another's theology, it behooves one to have read the other, don't you think? Or perhaps you have read these people? However in terms of idolatry, you ask a good question. Why do Catholics, Baptists, you or me hold to idolatrous beliefs? When we reify a conception of God that was originally a(n) (incomplete) conception that sought to help us understand the mystery of God we are engaged in idolatrous beliefs (that is, we allow a(n) (incomplete) conception to encapsulate God (that is, again, we allow the finite to grasp, manipulate, and control the infinite and the understanding of the infinite). When we speak of God, I think we do well to say, "yes, but, however, I am open, but for now this is where I stand" or something like that.Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Preach says:
How have they contributed in their theology? Their "theology" is dictated by outside sources and not the Word of God. Explain to me how someone can believe in a salvation that is faith + works and still be saved. Why do they practice idolatry?
I think it is great that you are not ashamed of the gospel (and am unaware that my previous comment speaks against one embracing the gospel with their being), and that you have a complete understanding of the mystery of God is commendable, too. For many people the theological task has been achieved.Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Norm, When you can point out where any of the New Testament writers ever hinted at such a thought, let me know. Until then - Romans 1:16
Scott, one has to bear in mind that many of the great lumiaries, like Augustne, did not believe much of what current RCism teaches regarding the Papacy, mary, etc. They died catholic, yes, but Roman Catholic? That is not the case.Originally posted by Scott Bushey:
PTW,
What does one do to reconcile the fact that there are many great hitorical Christian men who died in the ranks and file of the Roman church prior to the reformation, i.e Augustine of hippo (City Of God), Origen, St. Thomas Aquinas, Chrysostom, Justin Martyr, Polycarp, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Ignatius.
I was churched as a child in Roman theology; I attended parochial schools. Keep in mind, the average RC does not have any idea they are involved in heresy. There is a question to whether they are truly involved in heresy because they have no foundation to which they can glean from knowledge to compare for error; the priests do not suggest studying the scriptures. They have essentially no biblical knowledge. Roman doctrine in light of the scriptures, is not taught. Many who attend, do love Jesus and are following that which they believe to be true.
Prior to the reformation and Wycliffe's(sp) bible being transliterated into the common language, no one had access to the scriptures.....do you want to tell me that for that extended period of time, no one went to Heaven?