Comments (86)

Hitler was a confirmed Catholic his entire life. He never renounced his faith.
The Catholic Church never excommunicated him.
Why didn't they? I guess he was just the kind of person they gladly welcomed into their Church. I guess the Catholic Church just didn't know the difference between right and wrong. How ironic.

The Bible existed long before Catholicism started. Pick randomly one catholic priest and one evangelical child. Quiz both of them concerning the Bible. Im sure the child would beat the priest hands down. Ignorance of the bible is almost synonymous to catholicism even to their priests. They are more adept to their catechism which is man-made. Anything man-made is erroneous and that is what catholicsim should know.

The Bible is holy coz it is not man-made. If catholcism thinks otherwise, it's not a surprise coz it's a false religion.

"Much to your horror you will find that the Catholic Fathers of the Church settled on the canon of the Bible. "

What does that mean? Please clarify.

"The progressive Catholic faithful expected little from this Pontiff, given his previous reputation as the “Panzer Cardinal,” who had done so much to censure innovative theologians in the past."

For the correct spin, replace innovative with heretical.

To those of you who wonder if peter and paul made it to Rome, I ask this question. Was George Washington the first President? How do you know, it is not in the Bible. You were not there. What is the basis of your belief in this? Not all facts or all truth are in the Bible. Oh, and by the way, where did the Bible come from? Much to your horror you will find that the Catholic Fathers of the Church settled on the canon of the Bible.

Exchange of ideas is not in the interest of Catholicism or any false religions. Catholicism has not changed since its conception upto now despite the clear contradiction it has with the Bible.

My intention is for Catholics to see the contradiction and not to change the doctrine of Catholicism. It would never change.

If you're living in a house made up of garbage, you would be hurt if somebody tells you , "why are you living in a house of garbage?"

Im not full of hatred, Im just telling the truth. It's harder if you would realize that at the time of Judgment Day than before when you can still make amends.

There I go again, failing to fill in the "NAME" block on a posting. That's my response to PAUL C sent a few minutes ago, accepting his challenge for an exchange of ideas.

TO PAUL C, who wrote:

"...I will take your advice and save my comments for those that are truly interested in an exchange of ideas."

Dear PAUL C:

Good for you. Now:

1. Please see my post just below of April 26, in which I asked two other posters to provide the evidence that Peter or Paul was ever in Rome. So far, no answer. Could you help?
2. I have previously stated: "I have a right to be insulted and offended by the Pope's strong reiteration of the Catholic doctrine that only Catholics will go to heaven." Do you agree or disagree with my statement?
3. I believe that a religious belief that explicitly divides human beings into separate classes on the fundamental question of whether their immortal souls will or will not achieve eternal salvation contains the seeds of the holocaust. Do you agree or disagree?

Look forward to our exchange of ideas.

Exchange of ideas is not in the interest of Catholicism or any false religions. Catholicism has not changed since its conception upto now despite the clear contradiction it has with the Bible.

My intention is for Catholics to see the contradiction and not to change the doctrine of Catholicism. It would never change.

If you're living in a house made up of garbage, you would be hurt if somebody tells you , "why are you living in a house of garbage?"

Im not full of hatred, Im just telling the truth. It's harder if you would realize that at the time of Judgment Day than before when you can still make amends.

Juan Jaramillo:
You are right. Neither Anonymous or Spiderman2 (I suspect they are one in the same) are really interested in an exchange of ideas or rational discussion. Its just one steady stream of unsubstantiated hatred of Catholicism that no objective person can take seriously. I will take your advice and save my comments for those that are truly interested in an exchange of ideas.

This is an evil church. It teaches you vain repetitious prayers like robots and direct your prayers mostly to Mary, which is a sort of blasphemy in the eyes of God.

Jesus said "Woman, what have I to do with thee? " In plain english it means, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? What right do you have over me? "

despite those words of Jesus, they won't listen and continue to blaspheme. A devil's church this is and you can see them in its entire history wherein they murdered millions and sexually abused countless of little children.

The pope has come, and the pope has gone. To no discernible effect from my perspective. Apparently, according to the author of this article, the purpose of the trip was to marginalize the claims of victims of sexual abuse by priests. Whether it was successful on that basis, I don't know.

I think the real reason he visited was that church attendence has dwindled to such an extent in Europe such that there is no longer a prime pool of young boys to molest.

Also, Acts is a work of pure myth-making fiction, as opposed to the Gospels, which were allegorical literature.

Reply to two posters:

GEORGE in ALASKA, who wrote:
“Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar upon being arrested, where I forget - Jerusalem, I think. That meant that, as a citizen, he would be heard by Caesar and was then shipped off to Rome, where a little over 2 years later he was executed. He did have an audience with Caesar and demanded it ONLY so that he could the Gospel that far, to what was then the capital of the known world.”

SIS, who wrote:
“There are innumerable Biblical and ancient texts that point to the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. You can look them up or you can look for a more original argument to undercut the Catholic Church.”

Could both of you simply cite even ONE piece of evidence to back up your statements? For George specifically: What is the evidence for Paul appearing before Caesar?

For SIS: If they are innumerable, why not spend less words citing one or two rather than you did making a gratuitous comment? Just one Bible verse?

Anyone could write “there are innumerable Biblical and ancient texts that point to the mythology of the Resurrection story.”

Just stating it don’t make it so. What part of that do Catholics not understand? Are you at all familiar with the concepts of human reason, the scientific method, and empirical evidence? You know, the stuff that led Galileo to know more about God’s true arrangement of the universe than the infallible Pope and all the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and Catholics put together.

Can any catholic explain to me why they murdered those who tried to translate the Bible to their dialect?

Isn't that suppose to be the work of the church itself? But how come they prohibit it for centuries and stuck to a dead language and just a few were allowed to have a peek.

What is in those translation that they are afraid of? They are afraid that their devilish doctrines will be exposed because the Bible is the light.

This church is engulf in darkness and they don't want light to shine on it.

Paul C:
Both Anonymous and Spider2 vigorously critizice the Catholic Church and its teachings, and it seems like they do it so that people like you (and me, until today) present our points again, which gives them another opportunity to attack again, and so on. I'm not sure why they do it, but it doesn't seem to me like they really want an exchange of ideas. It seems like they pursue something else. So I have decided to stop explaining things to them. Maybe you should do the same...?

anonymous,
I'm trying to help you understand Catholic doctrine. If you are not willing to put a little effort in understanding what you are criticizing, it diminishes your credibility. How can you substantiate statements like "Catholicism uses the invisible "satan's bible"." This is not a credible statement and only sounds like hate. The Catechism explains in some detail how the sacraments came about and their linkage to scripture. In fact, all catholic doctrine is based on the teaching of Jesus as handed down to the apostles. The catechism explains those linkages. Please look at it prior to complaining about doctrinal errors that don't exist.

GEORGIASON:
Could someone review for the rest of us the evidence that Peter ever made it to Rome? Or Paul? Where is their arrival reported in the Bible?

Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar upon being arrested, where I forget - Jerusalem, I think. That meant that, as a citizen, he would be heard by Caesar and was then shipped off to Rome, where a little over 2 years later he was executed. He did have an audience with Caesar and demanded it ONLY so that he could the Gospel that far, to what was then the capital of the known world.

suicide bombing is an islamist way of good works. They think they are doing it for God. CAtholicsim has been murdering lots of people in its history and they are done in the name of "good works"

Good works follows after salvation or being born again. It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that produces good works and not our own definition og good works

Catholics believe we are saved by works because Jesus said so Himself, in Matthew 25: 31-46.

The sacraments are not taught in the bible and it's a man's invention. The same is true with Catechism.

The assumption, immaculate conception, the holy child, the rosary, etc are not in the bible.

Catholicism uses the invisible "satan's bible". They make their own rules thinking that "holy" men like their popes can create "doctrines of god". But man is not God. He becomes satan if he thinks he can make rules like God.

Catholicism is worshipping the devil and they don't know it. The devil is very cunning.

anonymous:
Its obvious that you have some fundamental misunderstandings of what the Catholic Church teaches on Justification and on the sacrements.

Ii think if you study a little more closely, you will find the Catholic teaching is much closer to your position than you think. The authoritative source for true Catholic teaching is the Catechism of the Church. If you google: "Catholic Catechism online" you can access it readily. It has a good table of contents and is organized in a way that is relatively easy to use. Section 1 decribes what we believe by going through the aposte's creed step by step. Section 2 decribes each of the 7 sacrements in detail. Section 3 describes catholic moral teaching and section 4 describes a life of prayer.

For specific discussion on the Catholic teaching on justification : See Part 3, section 1, chapter 3 Article 2: grace and justification.

Apostle Paul and Peter believes in Ephecians 2: 8-10. Catholicism don't. Both are not catholics. Catholicism was established 300 years later with man-made invented doctrines like infant baptism, the rosary, mary worship, etc.

There are innumerable Biblical and ancient texts that point to the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. You can look them up or you can look for a more original argument to undercut the Catholic Church.

Hey - your whole article is a spin genius. The liberal media is amazing - they spin everything. This guy is a joke.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, CREATED in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 8-10)

Faith saves a person and good works follows. With Catholicism, it's the sacraments like infant baptism, confession to the priests and penance, holy communion, confirmation, etc. (Not of works like these can a man be saved)

Anonymous,
You are on very shaky ground saying that the Catholic faith is not the real faith of the apostles because it does not believe in justification by Faith alone.

It IS true that the Catholic faith doesn't believe in justification by Faith alone. It believes that your faith must be demonstrated by the works you do. Your error is to assume that the Apostles did not believe that. Of course they believed that you had to have Faith to be saved. The quotes you have in your note are testament to that. However, it does not stop there. In ADDITION to faith you have to have WORKS. This is said very explicitly in Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 7:21:"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

How can it be any more explicit than that. However, if you want , look at the 2nd chapter of James 14-26:

14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day,
16
and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?
17
So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18
Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
19
You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble.
20
Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?
21
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?
22
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works.
23
Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called "the friend of God."
24
See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25
And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?
26
For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Therefore, without selective editing, you can not say that the Aposgtolic faith was based on Faith alone. Such a position is not justified by scripture

Could someone review for the rest of us the evidence that Peter ever made it to Rome? Or Paul? Where is their arrival reported in the Bible?

Now you know how catholicism rear it's ugly head when it finds opposition. There'll be lots of this in the future.

spiderman2 is fighting monsters just like in the movies

Beware, a clone of spiderman2 has come out.

I thought I'd let you know I'm writing a book titled "Mindless but Not Godless", due out in November '08 (in time for the elections); thank you Simon and Schuster, for your support.

There I said it, I appreciate all the material, I couldn't of made it up if I tried.

Juan Jaramillo, I'll say a prayer for you...

God bless this fool who thinks I created a Son (who's actually me according to Roman Catholicism)who died for you; but he's actually me.

It goes around and around...

Spider2:
Look, it's OK. We disagree, and (at least as far as I am concerned) it is OK. I do respect your beliefs. They seem to be strong and you seem to love Jesus a great deal. When you have a chance, if it's OK with you, say a prayer for me, that I move closer to the truth. And I'll do the same for you. Take care.

Proud Catholic wrote " the screening potential seminarians go through is one of the most rigorous of any vocation or profession today. Not only is there the criminal background checks but also an extensive psychological examination as well. "

They entered as sheep and after indoctrination they end up as wolves.

Proud Catholic " It is very clear that there is a lot of misinformation about what the theology of the Catholic church is and isn't."

Like what misinformation? Please enumerate? Like Jose Rizal said that it's a stupid religion and so the Philippines made him the national hero? Was he misinforming his people?

Jesus said "Woman, what have I to do with thee? " In plain english it means, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? What right do you have over me? "

Jesus made the miracle of the wine not becuase Mary said so but because it was the right thing to do. Jesus made all the miracles because He wants to do it and not because somebody ORDERED Him to do so.

Catholicsim makes very stupid conclusions. Rizal said it's a stupid crowd. He calls them "the weak and the ignorant".

If the dog can talk and ORDERED Jesus to turn water to wine, surely they would worship the DOG.

Juan Jaramillo wrote "Spider2:Also, when Jesus calls her "woman" it doesn't mean that He never called her "mother". "

Well, as long as the Bible is concerned, He never did.

Juan Jaramillo wrote " All it means is that at several important points He called her "woman", which many theologians believe is a reference to Genesis---"I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed".

Wrong interpretation. The Vatican thought those people who want to propagate the bible are the serpent's seed so they murdered them. What stupid interpretation.

Juan Jaramillo wrote " Really...Jesus could have become human without having to go through a pregnancy in Mary. He CHOSE to "

He chosed to be subject to a natural born sinner he created? The Potter subject to a pot? The Creator of the universe has a mother? God treats everybody equal. He said that anybody who's my children are likewise my mother and my brothers and nobody is more special.

That's the whole fallacy in Catholicism. They magnify favoritism and that's the reason you have high ranked officials like the pope, cardinals, bishops,priests that are considered as "higher" in position in the eyes of God.

That is the source of the Stupidity --all the inequality in every catholic society.

THAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE STUPIDITY -- ALL THE INEQUALITY THAT IS FOUND IN EVERY CATHOLIC SOCIETY, THE DICTATORSHIPS AND THE POVERTY.

Some idiot is using my name so i have to use anonymous for now, but address me as spiderman2 so I'll reply.

It is very clear that there is a lot of misinformation about what the theology of the Catholic church is and isn't.

One thing I can add is that the program that the screening potential seminarians go through is one of the most rigorous of any vocation or profession today. Not only is there the criminal background checks but also an extensive psychological examination as well. The Pope was serious when he said they want to do everything to prevent this happening in the future, to the extent you can predict human behavior, and his words are exemplified in the actions of the Church in the rigourous pre-screening of seminarian candidates.

This screening is about as rigourous as it gets except for the high level CIA and Intel clearances.

It is certainly much more rigourous than teachers, dentists, doctors, and other professions today who continue to have serious problems with child molestation and have not implemented even limited screening.

Humans sin, we should pray for victims, for priests, for our communities, and for the future. Human existence is a gift, not created by man, but by God. And in Christ is our Hope.

I for one plan to go online to read and meditate on what the Pope actually said, not what some commentater thinks he heard the Pope say. Perhaps by reading his messages to us and the world words of wisdom will resonate with me on how I am living my life, and treating my neighbors, colleagues etc. After all we are all made in the image of God, and so I should strive to treat each person as if they are Christ. I fall short of doing this, but it doesn't mean I'm not supposed to try.

To Juan Jaramillo:

I hope you go back to whatever crap-hole country you're from (where they're all gullible Catholics, I'm sure).

The U.S. needs more Catholics, we simply don't have enough!

I don't agree with the whole content of the article, but agree with the main point--Benedict outsmarted a lot of people. And while not as charismatic as JP II, he did pretty good. The abuse issue is huge, however, and we Catholics hope and pray that these statements and actions are just a beginning of more specific actions that will help to permanently erradicate abusers from the Priesthood.

Spider2:Also, when Jesus calls her "woman" it doesn't mean that He never called her "mother". All it means is that at several important points He called her "woman", which many theologians believe is a reference to Genesis---"I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed". Could there ever be a higher enmity for satan than that of Jesus---and who is Jesus seed of ?---Mary, "the woman". He also called her "woman" at Cana, saying that his our had not yet come (an apparent "NO"), and He STILL performed his first public miracle, a huge and beautiful one, only because she said "they have no wine"---and He produces a more than generous amount of wine, of the best kind. Think about it...prayerfully...

Spiderman2:
You listen selectively. Elizabet said those words "filled with the holy Spirit". It was NOT her voice---how could she know that Mary was pregnant (Mary had only spoken a greeting that Elizabeth heard), how could she know the nature of the conception of Jesus, how could she know that the Angel used the words "son of the most high" ? Seriously... When Jesus says "who is my mother", is it not possible that rather than rejecting Mary (and in so doing breaking the 4th commandment) He was rather saying "you are all related to me, if you do my Father's will" ? "As related to me as my very own mother is" ? Really...Jesus could have become human without having to go through a pregnancy in Mary. He CHOSE to...He then gently invited Mary to participate...She then accepted, in an unprecedented may, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord...". When has ANY BODY ever answered the Lord in such a beautiful and elegant yet humble way ? With absolute faith ? (unlike Elizabeth's husband). Really.....

The Church Jesus Christ Built

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I say unto thee (referring to Peter), that thou art Peter (petro or stone or rock), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In Acts 15:7 Peter said, " ...Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice (or selected) among us, that the Gentiles (or we the people who are not Jews) by my mouth (or thru his preaching) should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."

In verse 9 & 11, he continues, " And put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith ... But we believe that thru the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

If we read the whole of Acts 15, those words of Peter were made to clear up matters in which some of the members of the church (newly converted Pharisees) want to include the law of Moses in order to be saved.

Prior to this event or dispute, Apostle Paul and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles the salvation of souls thru faith in Jesus Christ . In Acts 14:27 it says, "... and how He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Also in Acts 13:39 it says " And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

In the midst of the debate, Apostle Peter, whom Jesus Christ had first chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, stood up and confirmed the teaching of Apostle Paul that indeed salvation is by grace thru faith in Jesus Christ which is made possible thru the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, nobody can satisfactorily follow the "unveiled" law of Moses unless dwelt upon by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. One of the "veiled" law of Moses is circumcision of the foreskin but its true or unveiled meaning is that of the "circumcision of the heart" or being "born-again" in other words (Romans 2:29).

It was taught upon the Catholic people that their church was started by Peter. Many believe it and for this reason many choose to stand by this church and defend "what Peter had started".

But in reality, the Catholic Church has been a fierce enemy to the doctrine propagated by Peter, Paul, the other Apostles and of Jesus Christ. When Martin Luther (a former priest) floated the idea of "justification by faith", which the apostles especially Peter and Paul had long ago preached to the Gentiles, all hell broke loose and it caused many terrible wars and massacres done by the church just to suppress that doctrine. If Peter and Paul were present during those time when Catholicism was at its peak of power and had they changed their names to avoid recognition, they too could have been burned at the stake also for preaching "justification by faith".

Despite the tremendous power of the Roman Catholic Church during that time, it didn't succeed to extinguish that holy doctrine coz as what Jesus Christ had said, " the gates of hell shall not prevail against it ". As what Martin Luther had said, "the body they may kill : but God's truth abideth still". And true enough it still abides today and even gave birth to a great nation (In God We Trust) and it will continue to abide even to the end of time. [ But this nation will suffer or be punished because of the foolishness (rising atheism, sexual promiscuity, gay marriage, garbage music, TV programs & movies centered on sex) which some or many of its people, who are ignorant of that holy doctrine, are promoting. With Catholicism, liberal Protestantism, atheism and other false religions slowly "invading" it, God won't spare parts of that nation to feel the brunt of

For a very long time upto now, the salvation doctrine of Catholicism has been the sacraments like infant baptism, confession to the priests and penance, holy communion, confirmation, etc. Some even consider the role of Mary in their salvation plan. It just couldn't stop of thinking what really could save a person coz in reality, they really don't know and that explains why they have so many ways.

Justification by faith was never a part of their salvation doctrine and anybody who espoused that idea during those dark centuries were properly dealt with.

It must be noted that no Apostle ever performed infant baptism; no Apostle had a confession booth and gave penance; no Apostle performed the holy communion for the salvation of souls and neither was "confirmation" used by them. Also, no Apostle prayed to Mary for intercession to God. Whatever Catholicism has been teaching their flock like lighting candles, praying the rosary, praying to the saints, reciting prayer books, getting their properties blessed with "holy water", no Apostle ever did those things coz they are just purely Catholicism's own inventions. And as always, man's inventions especially if it pertains to godliness always fall short with God's standards. No person can ever make his own way to Heaven. It's either God's way or no way.

Catholicism was not the church Jesus Christ built in which Peter and the rest of the Apostles was tasked to propagate. On the contrary it is the church which persecuted and tried to destroy God's true church.

Jesus Christ had said, "upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This said church is already present with us and its not Catholicism, nor liberal Protestantism, nor Judaism, nor Islam, nor Hinduism, nor Taoism, nor Buddhism nor any other big or small religion that may name Christ but has other ways of salvation other than the simple faith in Jesus Christ which He personally gives to whoever He sees fit to receive it.

The Church Jesus Christ Built

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I say unto thee (referring to Peter), that thou art Peter (petro or stone or rock), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In Acts 15:7 Peter said, " ...Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice (or selected) among us, that the Gentiles (or we the people who are not Jews) by my mouth (or thru his preaching) should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."

In verse 9 & 11, he continues, " And put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith ... But we believe that thru the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

If we read the whole of Acts 15, those words of Peter were made to clear up matters in which some of the members of the church (newly converted Pharisees) want to include the law of Moses in order to be saved.

Prior to this event or dispute, Apostle Paul and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles the salvation of souls thru faith in Jesus Christ . In Acts 14:27 it says, "... and how He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Also in Acts 13:39 it says " And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

In the midst of the debate, Apostle Peter, whom Jesus Christ had first chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, stood up and confirmed the teaching of Apostle Paul that indeed salvation is by grace thru faith in Jesus Christ which is made possible thru the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, nobody can satisfactorily follow the "unveiled" law of Moses unless dwelt upon by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. One of the "veiled" law of Moses is circumcision of the foreskin but its true or unveiled meaning is that of the "circumcision of the heart" or being "born-again" in other words (Romans 2:29).

It was taught upon the Catholic people that their church was started by Peter. Many believe it and for this reason many choose to stand by this church and defend "what Peter had started".

But in reality, the Catholic Church has been a fierce enemy to the doctrine propagated by Peter, Paul, the other Apostles and of Jesus Christ. When Martin Luther (a former priest) floated the idea of "justification by faith", which the apostles especially Peter and Paul had long ago preached to the Gentiles, all hell broke loose and it caused many terrible wars and massacres done by the church just to suppress that doctrine. If Peter and Paul were present during those time when Catholicism was at its peak of power and had they changed their names to avoid recognition, they too could have been burned at the stake also for preaching "justification by faith".

Despite the tremendous power of the Roman Catholic Church during that time, it didn't succeed to extinguish that holy doctrine coz as what Jesus Christ had said, " the gates of hell shall not prevail against it ". As what Martin Luther had said, "the body they may kill : but God's truth abideth still". And true enough it still abides today and even gave birth to a great nation (In God We Trust) and it will continue to abide even to the end of time. [ But this nation will suffer or be punished because of the foolishness (rising atheism, sexual promiscuity, gay marriage, garbage music, TV programs & movies centered on sex) which some or many of its people, who are ignorant of that holy doctrine, are promoting. With Catholicism, liberal Protestantism, atheism and other false religions slowly "invading" it,

The Church Jesus Christ Built

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I say unto thee (referring to Peter), that thou art Peter (petro or stone or rock), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In Acts 15:7 Peter said, " ...Men and brethren, ye know how that a good whil e ago God made choice (or selected) among us, that the Gentiles (or we the people who are not Jews) by my mouth (or thru his preaching) should hear the word of the gospel, and believe."

In verse 9 & 11, he continues, " And put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith ... But we believe that thru the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

If we read the whole of Acts 15, those words of Peter were made to clear up matters in which some of the members of the church (newly converted Pharisees) want to include the law of Moses in order to be saved.

Prior to this event or dispute, Apostle Paul and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles the salvation of souls thru faith in Jesus Christ . In Acts 14:27 it says, "... and how He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Also in Acts 13:39 it says " And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

In the midst of the debate, Apostle Peter, whom Jesus Christ had first chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, stood up and confirmed the teaching of Apostle Paul that indeed salvation is by grace thru faith in Jesus Christ which is made possible thru the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, nobody can satisfactorily follow the "unveiled" law of Moses unless dwelt upon by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. One of the "veiled" law of Moses is circumcision of the foreskin but its true or unveiled meaning is that of the "circumcision of the heart" or being "born-again" in other words (Romans 2:29).

It was taught upon the Catholic people that their church was started by Peter. Many believe it and for this reason many choose to stand by this church and defend "what Peter had started".

But in reality, the Catholic Church has been a fierce enemy to the doctrine propagated by Peter, Paul, the other Apostles and of Jesus Christ. When Martin Luther (a former priest) floated the idea of "justification by faith", which the apostles especially Peter and Paul had long ago preached to the Gentiles, all hell broke loose and it caused many terrible wars and massacres done by the church just to suppress that doctrine. If Peter and Paul were present during those time when Catholicism was at its peak of power and had they changed their names to avoid recognition, they too could have been burned at the stake also for preaching "justification by faith".

Despite the tremendous power of the Roman Catholic Church during that time, it didn't succeed to extinguish that holy doctrine coz as what Jesus Christ had said, " the gates of hell shall not prevail against it ". As what Martin Luther had said, "the body they may kill : but God's truth abideth still". And true enough it still abides today and even gave birth to a great nation (In God We Trust) and it will continue to abide even to the end of time. [ But this nation will suffer or be punished because of the foolishness (rising atheism, sexual promiscuity, gay marriage, garbage music, TV programs & movies centered on sex) which some or many of its people, who are ignorant of that holy doctrine, are promoting.

The Church Jesus Christ Built

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I say unto thee (referring to Peter), that thou art Peter (petro or stone or rock), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In verse 9 & 11, he continues, " And put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith ... But we believe that thru the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

If we read the whole of Acts 15, those words of Peter were made to clear up matters in which some of the members of the church (newly converted Pharisees) want to include the law of Moses in order to be saved.

Prior to this event or dispute, Apostle Paul and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles the salvation of souls thru faith in Jesus Christ . In Acts 14:27 it says, "... and how He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Also in Acts 13:39 it says " And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

In the midst of the debate, Apostle Peter, whom Jesus Christ had first chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, stood up and confirmed the teaching of Apostle Paul that indeed salvation is by grace thru faith in Jesus Christ which is made possible thru the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, nobody can satisfactorily follow the "unveiled" law of Moses unless dwelt upon by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. One of the "veiled" law of Moses is circumcision of the foreskin but its true or unveiled meaning is that of the "circumcision of the heart" or being "born-again" in other words (Romans 2:29).

It was taught upon the Catholic people that their church was started by Peter. Many believe it and for this reason many choose to stand by this church and defend "what Peter had started".

The Church Jesus Christ Built

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "And I say unto thee (referring to Peter), that thou art Peter (petro or stone or rock), and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In verse 9 & 11, he continues, " And put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith ... But we believe that thru the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

If we read the whole of Acts 15, those words of Peter were made to clear up matters in which some of the members of the church (newly converted Pharisees) want to include the law of Moses in order to be saved.

Prior to this event or dispute, Apostle Paul and Barnabas had been preaching to the Gentiles the salvation of souls thru faith in Jesus Christ . In Acts 14:27 it says, "... and how He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Also in Acts 13:39 it says " And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."

In the midst of the debate, Apostle Peter, whom Jesus Christ had first chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, stood up and confirmed the teaching of Apostle Paul that indeed salvation is by grace thru faith in Jesus Christ which is made possible thru the enlightening of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, nobody can satisfactorily follow the "unveiled" law of Moses unless dwelt upon by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. One of the "veiled" law of Moses is circumcision of the foreskin but its true or unveiled meaning is that of the "circumcision of the heart" or being "born-again" in other words (Romans 2:29).

It was taught upon the Catholic people that their church was started by Peter. Many believe it and for this reason many choose to stand by this church and defend "what Peter had started".

But in reality, the Catholic Church has been a fierce enemy to the doctrine propagated by Peter, Paul, the other Apostles and of Jesus Christ. When Martin Luther (a former priest) floated the idea of "justification by faith", which the apostles especially Peter and Paul had long ago preached to the Gentiles, all hell broke loose and it caused many terrible wars and massacres done by the church just to suppress that doctrine. If Peter and Paul were present during those time when Catholicism was at its peak of power and had they changed their names to avoid recognition, they too could have been burned at the stake also for preaching "justification by faith".

ESTEFAN,

Peter was the first leader of the Christians. As you well know Jesus said he would build his church on Peter, the Rock. He may not have had the title, Pope, but that was his role. This is not made up. It is a fact of history.

There were 300 years worth of popes who followed Peter before Constantine. Instead of killing others as you suggest, many of them were martyred. It's a direct line that can be traced to Jesus, someone whose theology of love still resonates today.

Intolerance, murder and cause of many world problems?
Millions of people, Catholic and non-Catholic, have been helped by Catholic organizations, hospitals, schools and clergy throughout the centuries. How is Mother Theresa's care for the poor, the sick and other needy people the cause of the world's problems?

GEORGIASON,

Even with my limited Catholic brain, I know the Pope does not consider himself God.

The Church does not blame the Jews for the death of Christ, and has explicitly said so. In fact the Church has stressed the common history of the two religions, and Popes Benedict and John Paul visited synagogues in Europe, Israel and the US in an effort to advance ecumenism. Benedict did not tell the good people of Park East Synagogue they would not go to heaven, as you imply. He hugged the rabbi - a holocaust surviver - and exchanged gifts.

Most Catholics believe the Church is its People, and is manifest in humanitarian work, giving to the neediest among us, and following Jesus' teaching that helping others is helping Him.

The "superstitions" I believe in are the teachings of Jesus; love, tolerance, forgiveness, unselfishness, reconciliation, non-violence, and peace.

If these beliefs are insane, I'll take that insanity over a diatribe
of hate any day.

peace,
SJS

" DCite:

"Cardinal Law in the Tower of London? Hardly. If the Pope wants to show he is willing to punish those who aided and protected abusive clergy, he would strip the Cardinal of his rank and place him in the most austere monastery in the church with orders to pray and repent. But he won't. Law was doing what he thought, at least, the Vatican wanted him to do, and it's unlikely that documentation will ever be published to show whether or not he was acting on the Vatican's orders."

Let's not forget, in fact, that he was also placed on the council that *elected* Ratzinger to the Papacy. That's a bit sticky, ennit?

Juan Jaramillo wrote " Check out Luke Chapter 1 ... 'How does this happen to me...that the mother of my Lord should come to me ?"

If you give too much weight on this verse to supercede all the verses that I qouted, it just shows that Jose Rizal was right. A man from the hill could easily deceive you..

When Elizabeth said those words, it was just her observation -- an ordinary person's idea. Just like the people who told Jesus "your mother and brothers desire to speak with thee" but Jesus replied "Who is my mother? ".

If Jesus have a voice in Mary's womb, He would have replied too, "Elizabeth, WHO IS MY MOTHER ? "

What I don't understand is how a religious institution receives this much political attention. Aside from the Vatican being a sovereign state, it remains a religious organization. Moreover, the Catholic Church has based its existence in a made-up tale of Peter as the first pope in Rome.

It manufactures theology in order to win adepts, and it has manipulated the Bible to fit its interests.

It has also killed millions of people through it's history (which only goes back to Constantine), and it is the cause of the intolerance that has led to so many world problems.