The Conference of Major Superiors is an association that has no authority or influence and this is just one person's opinion. While some bishops are liberals and don't see the forrest for the trees, we always have the infallible authority of the Pope with those bishops in communion with him which is the vast majority. There is only a small minority of bishops who think homosexuals can function as...more

The Conference of Major Superiors is an association that has no authority or influence and this is just one person's opinion. While some bishops are liberals and don't see the forrest for the trees, we always have the infallible authority of the Pope with those bishops in communion with him which is the vast majority. There is only a small minority of bishops who think homosexuals can function as good and holy priests, but none of them would ever condone homosexual activity.less

Islam is of the Devil, and Christianity of God. I think another Crusade to defend Christians is a good idea. Wait, I got a better idea. How about the US stop paying the United Nations our 20billion a year, which goes to nations like Muslim countries who hate us. Stop sending these countries money, develop our own natural resources away from oil dependence and see the Muslim countries fall. P...more

Islam is of the Devil, and Christianity of God. I think another Crusade to defend Christians is a good idea.

Wait, I got a better idea. How about the US stop paying the United Nations our 20billion a year, which goes to nations like Muslim countries who hate us.

Stop sending these countries money, develop our own natural resources away from oil dependence and see the Muslim countries fall. Pretty easy.less

Funny point Rhi Bran, except the last part. While Muslims may think that we started the Crusades out of nothing, history on both sides paints a different picture since it was Muslims who regularly hunted down innocent men, women and children on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Crusades were but a reaction to quell the indiscriminate killing of Christians by Muslims and to make a safe path for Chri...more

Funny point Rhi Bran, except the last part. While Muslims may think that we started the Crusades out of nothing, history on both sides paints a different picture since it was Muslims who regularly hunted down innocent men, women and children on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Crusades were but a reaction to quell the indiscriminate killing of Christians by Muslims and to make a safe path for Christians to visit the Holy Sites of Christ.

As usual the Muslims always start the conflicts, and it is the Christians who won't put up with it and people call us agressive.less

No, women may not have headship over men and therefore may not be ordained. Women may serve the children and other women, but not in an ordained capacity. Ordination of women is unbiblical and against God's will. Let us all use our gifts as God intended them to be used.

Over 900 Anglican/Episcopal Priests have entered the catholic church since 1998, and these priests were all conservative and orthodox. two catholic priests who were excommunicated, became episcopals-one was gay and wanted to be with his lover and the other was an adulterer who fathered 2 illigitimate children. i'd take this trade any day!

I have put my trust in Jesus alone. As He is my only savior, my only Lord, etc, etc. Thank you for your concern, but my trust is in Jesus alone.

I'm glad to see Christianpost identified evangelicals who properly interpret scripture concerning Israel, unlike Hagee. So many Christians in Israel are persecuted, but Hagee thinks only of the Jews and not fellow Christians.

When you are not connected to the Apostolic Church of Christ founded 2,000 years ago, you have to make up things to make your year interesting for members. OR you can just get on the same Christian Calendar as the majority of Christians who celebrate Lent, where we fast, abstain and give alms during the entirety of Lent(40 days). 40 is much more significant in the Bible than 21. Catholics, O...more

When you are not connected to the Apostolic Church of Christ founded 2,000 years ago, you have to make up things to make your year interesting for members.

OR you can just get on the same Christian Calendar as the majority of Christians who celebrate Lent, where we fast, abstain and give alms during the entirety of Lent(40 days). 40 is much more significant in the Bible than 21.

Catholics, Orthodox, ALL REFORMED CHRISTIANS, Lutherans and Anglicans all celebrate the "Great Fast" during Lent. The Orthodox calendar is a bit off, but the correct intent with the correct season is present.

As a former assoc pastor of my father's church, I pray that all evangelicals will realize the fullness of Truth within the Catholic Faith and come home!less

Eleazar2310, Please visit a Catholic Church this Christmas and you will see the holiness in which the Church intends. Not hype, but exaltation. Believer, Midnight Mass is one of the most sublime oblations to almighty God.

Ofcourse they are expecting big crowds because what they offer is Entertainment. Anyone would be interested in hearing some wonderfully crafted Christmas songs, plays about the Nativity story, etc. My dad and granddad's church are not mega-churches but they are employing the same man made secular traditions. At our church, we will be in quiet reverance of this most Holy occassion. We will not ...more

Ofcourse they are expecting big crowds because what they offer is Entertainment. Anyone would be interested in hearing some wonderfully crafted Christmas songs, plays about the Nativity story, etc.

My dad and granddad's church are not mega-churches but they are employing the same man made secular traditions.
At our church, we will be in quiet reverance of this most Holy occassion. We will not be entertained at church, but rather will be given the story of the Incarnation from the Holy Scriptures and we will sing the Psalms from scripture in adoration of the Lord. We come to worship him alone and come to give glory to God. We will give adoration in the Mass of Christ as we have done since this first few centuries of the church.

Today's celebration of Christ birth looks more like a secular celebration at churches, rather than a holy occasion to ponder God's incarnation with deep gratitude and love.less

I think this is important because true ecumenism is as the LWF understands is to come home to the Catholic Church. That the Reformation initially came about to correct injustices like selling of indulgences, but then took on a life of its own spawning other Reformers who disagreed with the initial Reformers. Because of Ego they never consulted each other or came together, but were rather happy to ...more

I think this is important because true ecumenism is as the LWF understands is to come home to the Catholic Church. That the Reformation initially came about to correct injustices like selling of indulgences, but then took on a life of its own spawning other Reformers who disagreed with the initial Reformers. Because of Ego they never consulted each other or came together, but were rather happy to be sepparate; Lutheran from Reformed, Reformed and Lutheran from Anglican and Anglican from Methodists. To be separate is against the Word of God.

Many things have been overcome in 500 years, but many more things like ecclesiology, morality and practices must be explored with great conviction all seeking the Holy Spirit to guide us.

As a new Catholic coming from an evangelical background where I was an assoc. pastor, I can say that the Catholic Church does have the fullness of Truth but may not have the "Best of all things". I think evangelicals do a better job with bible studies, fellowship and marketing the faith. I think Catholics do a better job in terms of authentic worship, opportunities to avail yourself to Grace in the Sacraments, becoming Holy.

It was once said,"Evangelicals help you come to the Christ, Catholics get you deep into the Christ." Together in Christ all things are possible. We need each other to fully proclaim God's truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Savior of all men and women who accept His sacrifice for their sins.less

As a recent convert to the Catholic Church from being a third generation evangelical pastor, I think this article is very true and sad at the same time. As an evangelical, we always were thinking as a "seeker friendly" church. We had marketing programs, hired companies to find out what our return ratio was and if our music was "catchy enough", etc. Our church was a business to save souls and we...more

As a recent convert to the Catholic Church from being a third generation evangelical pastor, I think this article is very true and sad at the same time.

As an evangelical, we always were thinking as a "seeker friendly" church. We had marketing programs, hired companies to find out what our return ratio was and if our music was "catchy enough", etc. Our church was a business to save souls and we did almost anything to bring more people in and serve them so they stayed happy and learned about the Lord.

Unfortunately, this is what you have to do when you don't know what "church" should be or have any connnection to "authentic apostolic christian worship". Catholics do not have marketing companies, nor do they have entertaining music but rather they offer the "Real Deal". Going to Mass for the first time as a convert and receiving the Eucharist was a big deal because it was Jesus Christ truly present in the bread and the wine. I saw a miracle take place and it happens every Mass and every Divine Liturgy. If you read the book the Didache, written in 85ad, then you will see the form of worship that was given from the apostles. If you read this book, then it will help the gospels and the epistles come more alive for you because the Catholic form and substance of worship is the same as it always has been. People come to Mass because of the Eucharist, Jesus truly present-body, blood soul and divinity. If you have the Eucharist, you don't worry about the music or being seeker friendly anymore because to truly have Christ present in the Eucharist is all you have to do.

Fellowship schemes come and go, but true communion in the body of Christ is all about receiving the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the pinnacle of worship and has been that way since the Apostles.less

James 2: 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone Enjoy, Online! You see as an evangelical asoc pastor in seminary I could never reconcile the fact the scriptures don't teach Faith alone, quite the opposite.

James 2:14-24 (New International Version, ©2010) Faith and Deeds 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In ...more

James 2:14-24 (New International Version, ©2010)
Faith and Deeds
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.less

Considering the Catholic and Orthodox churches represent 70% of Christianity, and are the oldest Christian Churches wouldn't it be interesting to know the ancient and apostolic perspective??? Homosexual activity is disorded and gravely immoral. It goes against God's natural law. Homosexuals must be held accountable and brought to holiness by Chastity and prayer. They must not engage in this act...more

Considering the Catholic and Orthodox churches represent 70% of Christianity, and are the oldest Christian Churches wouldn't it be interesting to know the ancient and apostolic perspective???

Homosexual activity is disorded and gravely immoral. It goes against God's natural law. Homosexuals must be held accountable and brought to holiness by Chastity and prayer. They must not engage in this activity for if they do, total separation from God is what they will incur. There is always time to repent, but that hour gets even shorter every time you commit this perverted act.

Repent and be saved!less

I agree Chas! We Catholics and Orthodox are just right around the corner from coming together again in full communion. This will be such a blessing for all Christians. The WCC has many strands of Christians and some of who like the Reformed, Lutheran, Anglican and Methodists and Presbyterians who have a Liturgy and have some sense of the importance of the Eucharist. With these denominations we ar...more

I agree Chas! We Catholics and Orthodox are just right around the corner from coming together again in full communion. This will be such a blessing for all Christians. The WCC has many strands of Christians and some of who like the Reformed, Lutheran, Anglican and Methodists and Presbyterians who have a Liturgy and have some sense of the importance of the Eucharist. With these denominations we are closer, but morally many of these denominations support abortion, women in Ministry and gay marriage which we do not and will never support.

I hope we can overcome those hurdles. Later Christian sects like Baptists, Pentecostals and non-denominationals will be harder to reconcile because they have lost so much Apostolicity and Catholicity. They do not have a liturgy nor do they have Eucharistic theology. Moreover, these groups are even harder to deal with since they are so divided even among themselves it would be almost impossible to get one answer on any piece of doctrine.less

KW2, While I was in Seminary, I read countless books on Christian history from well respected Protestant theologians and guess what, the Mass has been the same structure since Apostolic times and the Eucharist has always been the true presence of Christ body, blood, soul and divinity. ALL the earliest Church fathers were 100% agreement on this and never was there disent from any of those taught...more

KW2,

While I was in Seminary, I read countless books on Christian history from well respected Protestant theologians and guess what, the Mass has been the same structure since Apostolic times and the Eucharist has always been the true presence of Christ body, blood, soul and divinity. ALL the earliest Church fathers were 100% agreement on this and never was there disent from any of those taught by the Apostles.

Maybe you will get to a point, like I did where history and scripture always support the Catholic position while the various Protestant positions are never supported by the two.

It may also lead you to question why almost all Reformed and Presbyterian churches are splitting a part and dwindling on the vine, while the Catholic Church stands strong on morality as always and many Reformed and Presbyterian ministers are becoming Catholic. By the way, the Catholic church grew by 26 million converts last year alone. That is 1/3 of all Calvinists in one year.

Bearing fruit or not bearning fruit is a pretty good witness.less

Funny, I didn't see John Knox in scripture. I didn't see how what John Knox says has any merit in scripture either. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, and yet no prophesy of scripture is open to private interpretation. It is fun to debate on these blogs. As a former evangelical assoc pastor, our service was made up by my dad. The Catholic Mass comes from the Apostles.

I am not compelled to show you the exact words "RePresent" not resacrifice from scripture. As I am not compelled in the same way to defend the hypostatic union of of the Trinity or the incarnation of Christ. Neither the words Trininty, hypostatic union or incarnation are used in the bible or are explicit from scripture, and yet the Catholic Church defined this belief having understood it direct...more

I am not compelled to show you the exact words "RePresent" not resacrifice from scripture. As I am not compelled in the same way to defend the hypostatic union of of the Trinity or the incarnation of Christ.

Neither the words Trininty, hypostatic union or incarnation are used in the bible or are explicit from scripture, and yet the Catholic Church defined this belief having understood it directly from the Apostles. As we defended the Trinity from heretics and the incarnation of Jesus as a divine person, so we will stand and defend the Mass in the same fashion....WE HAVE AUTHORITY BY GOD TO BIND AND LOOSE AND SHALL BE GUIDED INTO ALL TRUTH.

It is by the Authority given from the Father to the Son and to the Apostles from where the Catholic Church has been given authority. All that we bind shall be bound in heaven and all that we loose shall be loosed in Heaven.

Enjoy.less

The Lateran Council called for unity of ritual of the Mass within the Apostolic Diversity. The Mass foundations didn't begin in 13rh century as you state. But if you need to believe something that is false to remain where you are, I understand. http://www.catholicdigitalstudio.com/thebiblicaloriginsinthemass.htm The Mass, more biblical than any Protestant service. The book the Didache is a ...more

The Lateran Council called for unity of ritual of the Mass within the Apostolic Diversity. The Mass foundations didn't begin in 13rh century as you state. But if you need to believe something that is false to remain where you are, I understand.

http://www.catholicdigitalstudio.com/thebiblicaloriginsinthemass.htm
The Mass, more biblical than any Protestant service.

The book the Didache is a manual that describes how to worship and how to do many things of Christian faith.

The Didache manual was written in the 80's ad is identical to today's Mass or Divine Liturgy in its basic structure.
We don't recrucify Christ. We "RePresent" the one time sacrifice since Christ only died once for our sins. It is a rememberance sins his sacrifice is timeless.

The Mass was celebrated by the Apostles and their successors. I'm sorry if you are unable to search the internet or go to a library to find this extant information. If you did, you would see your information is incorrect.

Ignatius, Clement, Polycarp, Jerome, Irenaus, Origin, Tertullian, all talk about the Mass in their letters. I realize how scary it must be to read the early church fathers, realizing what a huge mistake you've made leaving the Catholic Church. My prayers are with you.less