Can we have a positive thread about Catholicism?

[PadgettsDream]

There is currently a thread running where there is a lot of criticism of the Catholic Church which is in many cases fair enough and it needs to be discussed but that thread in my opinion often strays into outright anti-Catholic sentiment and even bigotry against Catholics and Catholicism in general.

So I wonder if anyone would like a space to talk about the positives of the Church? I myself was raised Catholic, went to a convent School and it was wonderful really. I did not have any bad experiences and the Church has always been a source of strength and comfort for me. It doesn't dominate my life, I'm not brainwashed by it but its been an important foundation for me and I am thankful for it. In my own family history the Church stepped in and helped when nobody else would.

Any other positive stories?

Read the title of the thread and move on- there’s an alternative thread if you want to discuss different denominations

@LlynTegid yes, and in some communities the only way to become a teacher or a nurse, was to do it through a religious order. My friend had a theory that some of the abuse committed was due to the frustration of being a nun when they didn't have a vocation for it.

Actor Shia LaBeouf stayed with Franciscan Brothers in California while researching the life and spirituality of beloved 20th century Catholic Franciscan saint Padre Pio.

He experienced a radical conversion to Christ living among this genuine brotherhood and recently was Baptised and received his First Holy Communion with Bishop Robert Barron presiding at Mass.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DeWD_vO4VrM

Shia describing his experience earlier in his journey a year ago. In Catholicism you are well prepared spiritually and intellectually as an adult before making the free decision to be baptized, so you understand the life change this will mean by choosing Christ. Just as in the Early Church.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxKG4mR3U4&pp=ygUVc2hpYSBsYWJlb3VmIGNhdGhvbGlj

Having a positive thread about Catholicism is to feed the human ego.

Reading the Holy bible against The Catechism of the Catholic Church- which is more sacred than the bible in the life of a Catholic unfortunately says it all. 😢

Just read the Holy Bible- fast and pray and ask God, in the name JESUS CHRIST, not Mary, by the Holy spirit to guide you in revelation.

@adiposegirl2 you are misinformed the Catechism is NOT more important than Scripture. If you would like to critique Catholicism please start your own thread.

why? ( on all 3 paragraphs) what church are you part of (going to take a wild guess- it involves much waving of hands in the air and guitars with brightly coloured straps and a preacher who is slightly too charismatic)

a preacher who is slightly too charismatic

@Kdtym10, how can a preacher (or priest) be too charismatic?

www.etymonline.com/search?q=charisma+

😉

Just read the Holy Bible- fast and pray and ask God, in the name JESUS CHRIST, not Mary, by the Holy spirit to guide you in revelation

@adiposegirl2, nothing wrong with asking in the name of Jesus but what is wrong with asking in the name of those who have complete unity with Him?

I don't pray with/to Mary but often remember her. In most churches is she not considered 'without sin'? Thus in complete unity with God?

Awe inspiring indeed!

Lol. I was using this definition

Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
adjective
adjective: charismatic

1. 1.
2. exercising a compelling charm which inspiresdevotion in others.
3. "he was a charismatic figure with great appeal to the public"
4. Similar:
5. charming
7. fascinating
9. full of personality
10. strong in character
11. magnetic
13. mesmerizing
15. captivating
17. bewitching
19. beguiling
21. attractive
23. appealing
25. alluring
27. hypnotic
29. magical
31. glamorous
33. 2.
34. relating to the charismatic movement in the Christian Church.

• (of a power or talent) divinel

Then yes it’s very easy for a preacher to be too charismatic- it’s then a fine line between preacher and cult leader! Before you know it you’re on top of a mountain waiting for God to beam you up at the end of times!

@Kdtym10 you forgot (our previous conversation) you were talking to a linguist. I find it hard to switch off that side of me! 😂

But joking aside, in real life, how do we know which definition applies?

It's interesting, considering your background that the definition you were applying alludes to the magical, bewitching and mesmerising but you would not trust that...Although 'beaming up' doesn't sound (at) all bad!😁

I am simply a bible believing Christian.

I thank the God of Abraham, Moses and Jacob that I have been set free from the unbiblical yoke of 'denomination'

Matt 12 ;26 says
If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

Christian denominations by definition are divided against themselves so just how does the Kingdom of God stand?

Jesus Christ and the disciples were of one accord. Denominations all claim theirs is the correct accord. In doing so, all denominations are preaching a different gospel.

Following the Holy bible allows me to share in the fullness of the faith. By HIS grace shall people see his fruit in me.

Following

Now that sounds nice and all,

it is written Luke 11:1-4

Jesus instructs the disciples on HOW to pray. Absolutely no mention of Mary, just the Father, who is in Heaven.

Oh there’s nothing wrong with etymology. I was just clarifying my usage to the word in this context.

in response to your last paragraph - I would say choose your gods carefully and protect yourself from those whose intentions might be bad.

to quote Blake

“the truth that’s told with bad intent , beats all the lies you can invent”

And what exactly do you believe about the bible? By rejecting all denominations, aren’t you simply just reflecting that division?

@adiposegirl2, I am not exclusive to one denomination. So no division here. And regarding the way I pray, did you understand what I said properly? I said I don't pray to/with Mary rather I do remember her. What is wrong with remembering Saints?

Although, as I said on the thread regarding substantiation, remembrance is rather special. It involves a transformation like transubstantiation does. As we remember, the thought manifests in our mind and changes us psychologically and physiologically. The spiritual manifesting into the physical. Thoughts change brain chemicals causing new connections to form and as the brain governs the body affects our body and actions too.

in response to your last paragraph - I would say choose your gods carefully and protect yourself from those whose intentions might be bad.

@Kdtym10, I only recognise one God. 😉 Although I don't disagree with the Blake quote.

And this thread as per all Catholic threads is hijacked by non-Catholics, some making critiques showing their ignorance of Catholic beliefs, teachings, history and practices.

When I have the time I will start one with a clear definition of what will be discussed. I never see any other faith community treated this way on MN.

In fairness @Narratoritis nearly all threads about Islam on here seem to end with a thread deletion following lots of criticism of the religion, particularly when it comes to women's rights.

Erm, i don't know what you mean about 'reflecting division' I have no interest in the tradition of man- that's the reason Jesus said 'My people perish through lack of knowledge'.

His people as in those who have accepted him as their Lord and Saviour but lack understanding on biblical principles, precepts and spiritual laws. Not the doctrines of religion that have been constructed by the various Elders of denominations. it is written Mark 7:13 so you nullify the [authority of the] word of God [acting as if it did not apply] because of your tradition which you have handed down [through the elders]. And you do many things such as that.”

On our judgement day, ignorance of Gods word will not be sufficient defence. Please meditate on the word and show yourself reproved. Ask Him, in the name of JC, by the holy spirit for revelation and discernment and HE WILL grant it to you, As He is a God who cannot lie.

Im not here for a fight, just discussion. I truly want no one who has accepted JC to be tricked into the lake of fire due to ignorance. We live in an age where the Holy bible is accessible. We MUST put aside the time to work out our own salvation with God, the only God you wants us to seek Him and have a relationship with us. His Law literally tells us what his requirements are to get into his home

And this thread as per all Catholic threads is hijacked by non-Catholics, some making critiques showing their ignorance of Catholic beliefs, teachings, history and practices.

@Narratoritis what if you are not non-Roman Catholic but simply not exclusively Roman Catholic? Am I allowed to comment at all? Sorry if anything I said offended you. I'd welcome your correction of any ignorance of mine where you see it. 🙂