Nearly 18 months after the controversial “Da Vinci Code” movie sparked widespread protests from the Christian community, the Catholic Church in India is once again up in arms – this time against Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”
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(Photo: Universal Pictures / Pool)In this image released by Universal Pictures, Cate Blanchett, right, and Geoffrey Rush appear in a scene from the film 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age.'
The church’s objection to the film – a loose rendition of events during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I – is that it portrays the Catholic Church in a negative light and sharpens the denominational divide.
The film’s director has denied claims that “Elizabeth” is anti-Catholic, telling reporters in Sydney earlier this month that the film was “anti [all] extreme forms of religion.”
According to Joseph Dias, general secretary of the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), however, the film shows the pope negatively and highlights the involvement of an entire congregation of priests and laity in plotting Elizabeth’s murder.
“In the 21st century, when we are talking about unity irrespective of caste or creed, we have people like Shekhar Kapur not only taking us back to issues that are no longer relevant but also rubbing salt over wounds,” said Dias.
A memorandum was sent to Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore and I&B (Information and Broadcasting) minister Priya Ranhan Dasmunsi asking for a preview before the film's release.
“We want a representative from the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (the top body of the Catholic Church in India) to be placed on a panel viewing this film, and to have a say in censoring objectionable scenes,” said Dias.
CBCI spokesperson Babu Joseph said “they have distorted the Catholic history of England. We do not approve or endorse it. The church has taken note of it, that they are portraying it in a bad light. We strongly disapprove of this tendency.”
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” which released in the United States on Oct. 12, hits theaters in India on Nov. 23.
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Studying the topics of justification and sanctification are essential to understanding salvation as a whole. Let us continue to revisit these subjects with humility and sincerity. I do appreciate the scriptural passages that you used and your responses concerning them. The Catechism was introduced because it is your final source of authority; is it not? As concerning the SDA church; in short it was certain doctrines that could not be supported by scripture. More specifically, it was their extra biblical teaching and position of Ellen White. Timothy George - a Baptist theologian said it best when he said, "We should speak where God has spoken and be silent where He has been silent". Talk to you soon or on our next CP article. Have a good one.
Well it could keep going back and forth, but in a way that wasn't the most important point. It was your comment that: "he has never supported his positions from scripture but has always quoted from other sources". Now I have not used the Catechism, it is you who introduced it. A Catholic can clearly defend their position from scripture. You might take exception to the scripture verses and feel that it means something different to you, but as I've done for the last few pages the scripture verses are clearly there. I just can't remember if I introduced the Catechism last time or if it was you. I guess we will have to agree to disagree like last time. I'd like one day to know why you left the SDA, but I realize that it was a personal choice and respect your privacy. All the best.
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1Peter 1:2
For it is God which worketh in you both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.
As you clearly highlighted in Hebrews 11; it was by faith in God which allowed these individuals to do what they did. God blessed these people and worked in their behalf because they trusted in him. Justification is what God does FOR US, while sanctification is largely what God does IN US. Philippians 2:13 says - it is God which works IN us (Ezekiel 36:26) and He alone deserves ALL the glory. This is why Protestants believe in salvation by grace alone apart from any meritorious works.
It is difficult to accept the quotation that you posted when the Catechism clearly states we can merit for ourselves and for others . . . . . etc.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church – second edition, 1994, 1997 – Article II Grace and Justification, section III Merit – p. 487- paragraph 2010 states:
Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, WE CAN THEN MERIT FOR OURSELVES AND FOR OTHERS the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the ATTAINMENT of eternal life.
This statement does not accurately describe the Protestant or Biblical position regarding sanctification:
The protestant belief is that if you "accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior," he declares you justified, though he DOESN’T REALLY MAKE YOU JUSTIFEID OR SANCTIFIED; your soul is in the same state as it was before; but you're eligible for heaven.
According to Scripture, it is the Holy Spirit which actually begins and finishes the process of sanctification and therefore does not leave the believer in the same state as you mentioned.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He THAT IS WITHIN YOU, than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 3:13.
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.
Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work IN YOU will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them WHICH ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH that is in me. Acts 26:18
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the SPIRIT and BELIEF of the truth: 2Thessalonians 2:13
Actually there is a Catholic link on this website and Fr. answered the question better than I ever could, he wrote:
the Catholic Church has NEVER taught the doctrine of 'justification by works' which repeatedly has been ascribed to us. We hold as inspired Scripture Saint Paul's Letters, especially Galatians and Romans. I would remind our enquirer that Paul's greatest Letter, Romans was written precisely to the Church in Rome-that Church with which all Catholics are still in communion! We have held Paul's Letter as well as the witness of his very life (he was martyred and buried in Rome) and maintain his teaching still. That teaching is this:(Romans 3.21-26)
I repeat, the Catholic Church has always taught the Gospel according to which God makes us righteous through the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Fr.'s answer is here:
http://www.askacatholic.com/AAC_AnswerDirectory/Answers_to_Questions/2006_09SeptemberQuestions/2006SeptemberWhyFaithAndWorksJustify.cfm
You mention Hebrews 10 but if you keep reading and reach Hebrews 11 then you will see faith in its completion.
Hebrews 11:17.
17. BY FAITH Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son
The significant of the verses Hebrews 11 shows that all works for God are done by faith, which is concluded in Hebrews 12:1-3.
1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Taking note that Abraham offered to his son to God as a result of Faith, we can effectively gain a conclusion from James 2:24.
18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
He sends you an actual grace, say, in the form of a nagging voice that whispers, "You need to repent! Go to confession!" You do, your sins are forgiven, you're reconciled to God, and you have supernatural life again (John 20:21–23). Or you say to yourself, "Maybe tomorrow," and that particular supernatural impulse, that actual grace, passes you by. But another is always on the way, God never abandoning us to our own stupidity (1 Tim. 2:4).
This is what Paul discusses when he instructs us: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain" (Phil. 2:12–16).
hmmm..bringing out the Catholic Catechism. Well then you realize from it that there are 2 types of graces.
Sanctifying grace stays in the soul. It's what makes the soul holy; it gives the soul supernatural life. More properly, it is supernatural life.
Actual grace, by contrast, is a supernatural push or encouragement. It's transient. It doesn't live in the soul, but acts on the soul from the outside, so to speak. It's a supernatural kick in the pants. It gets the will and intellect moving so we can seek out and keep sanctifying grace.
The protestant belief is that if you "accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior," he declares you justified, though he doesn't really make you justified or sanctified; your soul is in the same state as it was before; but you're eligible for heaven.
Catholics see it differently. If you sin grievously, the supernatural life in your soul disappears, since it can't co-exist with serious sin. You then cease to be justified. If you were to die while unjustified, you'd go to hell. But you can become re-justified by having the supernatural life renewed in your soul, and you can do that by responding to the actual graces God sends you.
I will be out for most of the day but will read your response this evening; have a good one.
The process of sanctification is also a process and a gift of God; without personal merit.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14
Good morning to you.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church – second edition, 1994, 1997 – Article II Grace and Justification, section III Merit – p. 487- paragraph 2010 states:
Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, WE CAN THEN MERIT FOR OURSELVES AND FOR OTHERS the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the ATTAINMENT of eternal life.
This friend is contrary to what the Scriptures teach; listen to the following passages:
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:5
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16.
The Scriptures teach that salvation is a GIFT, we cannot earn a gift – Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 9. Again the Bible teaches that there is no merit to be earned or gained by our works. These two views are polar opposites.
If it was a merit based system then Catholics would have to tithe a certain amount, attend pilgrimages, do a certain amount of missionary works.... The Catholic religion is completely voluntary. Actually a lot of protestants don't like that because Catholic Churches usually don't have all the requirements (social functions, etc.) as many protestant denominations.
Whereas I would say yes based on the verses I stated and the question/response we shared previously. Thus, I totally agree with your statement: We do not work FOR grace but FROM grace. That phrase is totally in line with my beliefs and the church...what's wrong with your statement? Grace/faith produces works...the two are connected.
The question is really not whether there are works. I agree that there are some works that the individual has to do along the way. The real question is whether our works are meritourious. I would say no; as indicated by my previous statements.
Again, our works are not meritorious; if this is true then Christ has died in vain. Philipians 2:21 says, "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if RIGHTEOUSNESS come by the LAW, then Christ is dead in vain."
That my friend is why the Church believes in Faith and Works. I think the Church would agree with what you wrote, but as my last question to you also emphasized there are some works that the individual has to do along the way. We do not work FOR grace but FROM grace. What's wrong with that? I'm not going to argue about that. Don't you remember what I wrote:
I am already saved through God's grace (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5–8), but I'm also being saved (1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9–10, 1 Cor. 3:12–15). Like the apostle Paul I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11–13)."