Why I am Catholic

[Catholic Crusader]

Jesus said his Church would be "the light of the world." He then noted that "a city set on a hill cannot be hid" (Matt. 5:14). This means his Church is a visible organization. It must have characteristics that clearly identify it and that distinguish it from other churches. Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:1 8 ). This means that his Church will never be destroyed and will never fall away from him. His Church will survive until his return.

Among the Christian churches, only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The Protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. (Most of today’s Protestant churches are actually offshoots of the original Protestant offshoots.)

Only the Catholic Church existed in the tenth century, in the fifth century, and in the first century, faithfully teaching the doctrines given by Christ to the apostles, omitting nothing. The line of popes can be traced back, in unbroken succession, to Peter himself. This is unequaled by any institution in history.

Even the oldest government is new compared to the papacy, and the churches that send out door-to-door missionaries are young compared to the Catholic Church. Many of these churches began as recently as the nineteenth or twentieth centuries. Some even began during your own lifetime. None of them can claim to be the Church Jesus established.

The Catholic Church has existed for nearly 2,000 years, despite constant opposition from the world. This is testimony to the Church’s divine origin. It must be more than a merely human organization, because any merely human organization would have collapsed early on. The Catholic Church is today the most vigorous church in the world (and the largest, with a billion members: one sixth of the human race), and that is testimony not to the cleverness of the Church’s leaders, but to the protection of the Holy Spirit.

FOUR MARKS OF THE TRUE CHURCH

If we wish to locate the Church founded by Jesus, we need to locate the one that has the four chief marks or qualities of his Church. The Church we seek must be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

The Church Is One (Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 10:17, 12:13)
Jesus established only one Church, not a collection of differing churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, and so on). The Bible says the Church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23–32). Jesus can have but one spouse, and his spouse is the Catholic Church. His Church also teaches just one set of doctrines, which must be the same as those taught by the apostles (Jude 3). This is the unity of belief to which Scripture calls us (Phil. 1:27, 2:2).

The Church Is Holy (Eph. 5:25–27, Rev. 19:7–8 )
By his grace Jesus makes the Church holy, just as he is holy. This doesn’t mean that each member is always holy. Jesus said there would be both good and bad members in the Church (John 6:70), and not all the members would go to heaven (Matt. 7:21–23). But the Church itself is holy because it is the source of holiness and is the guardian of the special means of grace Jesus established, the sacraments (cf. Eph. 5:26).

The Church Is Catholic (Matt. 28:19–20, Rev. 5:9–10)
Jesus’ Church is called catholic ("universal" in Greek) because it is his gift to all people. He told his apostles to go throughout the world and make disciples of "all nations" (Matt. 28:19–20). For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has carried out this mission, preaching the good news that Christ died for all men and that he wants all of us to be members of his universal family (Gal. 3:28 ). Nowadays the Catholic Church is found in every country of the world and is still sending out missionaries to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). The Church Jesus established was known by its most common title, "the Catholic Church," at least as early as the year 107, when Ignatius of Antioch used that title to describe the one Church Jesus founded. The title apparently was old in Ignatius’s time, which means it probably went all the way back to the time of the apostles.

The Church Is Apostolic (Eph. 2:19–20)
The Church Jesus founded is apostolic because he appointed the apostles to be the first leaders of the Church, and their successors were to be its future leaders. The apostles were the first bishops, and, since the first century, there has been an unbroken line of Catholic bishops faithfully handing on what the apostles taught the first Christians in Scripture and oral Tradition (2 Tim. 2:2). These beliefs include the bodily Resurrection of Jesus, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the sacrificial nature of the Mass, the forgiveness of sins through a priest, baptismal regeneration, the existence of purgatory, Mary’s special role, and much more —even the doctrine of apostolic succession itself. Early Christian writings prove the first Christians were thoroughly Catholic in belief and practice and looked to the successors of the apostles as their leaders. What these first Christians believed is still believed by the Catholic Church. No other Church can make that claim.

Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth

Man’s ingenuity cannot account for this. The Church has remained one, holy, catholic, and apostolic—not through man’s effort, but because God preserves the Church he established (Matt. 16:18, 28:20).

He guided the Israelites on their escape from Egypt by giving them a pillar of fire to light their way across the dark wilderness (Exod. 13:21). Today he guides us through his Catholic Church.

The Bible, sacred Tradition, and the writings of the earliest Christians testify that the Church teaches with Jesus’ authority. In this age of countless competing religions, each clamoring for attention, one voice rises above the din: the Catholic Church, which the Bible calls "the pillar and foundation of truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).

Jesus assured the apostles and their successors, the popes and the bishops, "He who listens to you listens to me, and he who rejects you rejects me" (Luke 10:16). Jesus promised to guide his Church into all truth (John 16:12–13). We can have confidence that his Church teaches only the truth.


Adapted from this source: http://www.catholic.com/documents/pi...illar-of-truth

[-SEEKING-]

Just FYI, this is not a Roman Catholic forum. So I'm not sure that pushing Catholicism and linking Catholic sources will be perceived well.

[BrianW]

Mod note:

Thread moved to Areopagus. Please acquaint yourself with the board rules and start threads in their proper place. If you have any questions or concerns about this please start a thread in the Chat to Moderators section.

[Athanasius]

Disappointed this is a Catholic propaganda thread

[slightlypuzzled]

Disappointed this is a Catholic propaganda thread

By a simple diminution of the uncial 'C', we have a description of that true Body of Christ, one that is truly universal and fitting for it's true eternal and omnipotent Head; a true Savior and eternal Master, Jesus Christ.

[the rookie]

Jesus said his Church would be "the light of the world."

You have to honor the complete context of that phrase. First, He didn't say, "The Church". He said, "You". Meaning, "anyone who lives the Sermon on the Mount and expresses the Beatitudes". That kind of lifestyle and heart expression will "shine forth" before men to the whole world. When Paul stated to the Philippians, "let your good works shine before men", he was talking about this verse and this lifestyle (Matt. 5-7).

He then noted that "a city set on a hill cannot be hid" (Matt. 5:14).

Again, you should read the whole passage. The "city on a hill" refers to people that live as "light of the world" together as a holy community in the spirit of Philippians 2 (like-minded, like-hearted, with humility and servant-heartedness, etc.). If one person lives Matt. 5-7 and expresses the Beatitudes of Matt. 5:3-10, it is powerful. If a city of people do it, it is unstoppable. Jesus is dignifying this lifestyle as the only dream of our heart related to impacting the world around us.

This means his Church is a visible organization. It must have characteristics that clearly identify it and that distinguish it from other churches.

Yes. The standard is Matt. 5-7 and that lifestyle, if we're actually going to exegete and exposit the passage and not just be a crusader for our own personal agenda

Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:1 8 ). This means that his Church will never be destroyed and will never fall away from him. His Church will survive until his return.

It means a lot more than that.

Among the Christian churches, only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The Protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. (Most of today’s Protestant churches are actually offshoots of the original Protestant offshoots.)

Only the Catholic Church existed in the tenth century, in the fifth century, and in the first century, faithfully teaching the doctrines given by Christ to the apostles, omitting nothing. The line of popes can be traced back, in unbroken succession, to Peter himself. This is unequaled by any institution in history.

Even the oldest government is new compared to the papacy, and the churches that send out door-to-door missionaries are young compared to the Catholic Church. Many of these churches began as recently as the nineteenth or twentieth centuries. Some even began during your own lifetime.

First, age and longevity are no guarantee of authority. See above, Matt. 5-7. There's only one way to greatness in the kingdom of God, and it's not via longevity. It's via faithfulness to "do these things and teach others to do them" (Matt. 5:19). That's it.

Secondly, if we're going to take your logic the whole way, then I have to ask: what about the church that preceded the one in Rome? The primarily and predominantly Jewish church that considered itself the actual expression of Judaism on the earth? Gentiles had their own expression of faith apart from it (via the Jerusalem Council); but the Jews were the "ekklesia" first, and your church was an offshoot of that. Where's the honor?

None of them can claim to be the Church Jesus established.

Since Jesus is still alive and in the church planting business - and since His Holy Spirit is evidenced around the world in many expressions besides your own, this claim is very dubious. Peter understood this in a deeply personal way when Cornelius and his whole household received the Holy Spirit. I'd follow the example of Peter, if I were you

[excubitor]

To suggest that the Church in Rome was a schism from the Church in Jerusalem is utterly absurd.

[rejoice44]

To suggest that the Church in Rome was a schism from the Church in Jerusalem is utterly absurd.

Sure it is. Where did they come up with a Gentile priest? The bible says to call no one father, for we have a heavenly father. (Matthew 23:9)

The bible says not to disfigure your face when you fast. So why is there an Ash Wednesday? (Matthew 6:16-18)

Even Levitical priests married.

Christ is the only mediator between man and God. If the Roman Church of today isn't a schism, then what do you call it?

[claybevan]

I think it's does us all good to talk with each other, we can learn a lot but it seems a great shame to me the your emphasis is on The Catholic Church, it would be better placed on Christianity and what Jesus teaches us through His word.
The division that ' churches' have caused is appalling and well documented seems absurd to carry this on when we can get on and talk about what really matters.
Love the Lord you God with all your Heart
And love your neighbour as yourself.
Then none of us will get into 'church bashing' which is such a waste of precious time.

[-SEEKING-]

I think it's does us all good to talk with each other, we can learn a lot but it seems a great shame to me the your emphasis is on The Catholic Church, it would be better placed on Christianity and what Jesus teaches us through His word.
The division that ' churches' have caused is appalling and well documented seems absurd to carry this on when we can get on and talk about what really matters.
Love the Lord you God with all your Heart
And love your neighbour as yourself.
Then none of us will get into 'church bashing' which is such a waste of precious time.

Excellent post!

[Athanasius]

Sure it is. Where did they come up with a Gentile priest? The bible says to call no one father, for we have a heavenly father. (Matthew 23:9)

The bible says not to disfigure your face when you fast. So why is there an Ash Wednesday? (Matthew 6:16-18)

Even Levitical priests married.

Christ is the only mediator between man and God. If the Roman Church of today isn't a schism, then what do you call it?

Church in Rome... Roman Church (of today). Something is amiss.

[rejoice44]

Church in Rome... Roman Church (of today). Something is amiss.

I dunno, when did they first install a priest?

[rejoice44]

I think it's does us all good to talk with each other, we can learn a lot but it seems a great shame to me the your emphasis is on The Catholic Church, it would be better placed on Christianity and what Jesus teaches us through His word.
The division that ' churches' have caused is appalling and well documented seems absurd to carry this on when we can get on and talk about what really matters.
Love the Lord you God with all your Heart
And love your neighbour as yourself.
Then none of us will get into 'church bashing' which is such a waste of precious time.

Its nice to be kissey, kissey, but when you look at Paul and his letter to the churches at Galacia you will see that the church was trying to reinstitute the beggarly elements of the law, and Paul chided them for it. Trying to reinstitute a priesthood and make the Priests the mediators instead of Christ is absolutely wrong, and there is nothing wrong with admonishing the Roman Catholic Church for doing so. If it is wrong, then Paul was wrong.

[Sojourner55]

Hello Catholic Crusader,

You need to recognize the fact that the true church--as the spiritual body and bride of Christ--is a supernatural, spiritual entity. It goes far beyond any religion, sect or denomination. You also need to understand that Jesus did away with the necessity of a priesthood. He is our one and only High Priest and mediator before God--making the Roman Catholic institution's gentile version of the Jewish Sanhedrin pointless and irrelevant. We do not need a group of go-betweens who are as desperately in need of forgiveness as those they seek to give absolution to.

You also need to recognize the error of putting your confidence in a physical entity with a history of ungodly tyranny and violence--which extends to the torture of the inhuman Inquisitions, and the bloodshed of the Crusades--all in the name of Christ. Catholics are in fact, just as guilty as Muslims of heretical doctrine and "conversion by the sword." You speak of the Catholic Church as an unbroken chain that dates back to Jesus and the Apostles. But you neglect to recognize the spiritual new birth within that has indeed marked, over the last 2000 years, those who belong to Jesus--those washed in His blood and filled with the Spirit of God. That is the unbroken chain that God recognizes.

You also need to recognize that there is absolutely no Scriptural basis for the papacy. It is ludicrous to assume that Peter ever aspired to the exalted office that your papal king now occupies. Yes, Jesus looked upon Peter as a leader among the Apostles, just as we appoint leaders in the ministry today. But do not presume to elevate him to some exalted position above the other Apostles--upon which your papal throne can predicated. The New Testament will not support that idea. In fact, it refutes it. Moreover, Peter himself was obviously not someone who exemplifies the pompous and presumptuous characteristics embodied by the "holy father." Likewise, there is no legitimacy or corroboration for either the reverence of Mary as the "queen of heaven," outside the opinion of those who advocate it, nor for prayer to dead saints.


I can back up everything I believe with clear, solid Scripture, and I invite you to likewise support your position--as long as it is strictly from Scripture, not some "he said, he said" tradition that lacks the reliable credentials of Scripture. The Bible is the fixed reference point which guides our ship of faith through the treacherous waters of false doctrine, and must always be our guiding star. I would very much like to engage you in a civil, brotherly dialogue that seeks to shine the light of Scripture on your doctrine, permitting us to arrive at the truth by a preponderance of Biblical evidence. Please feel free to begin any time you wish--I will not keep you waiting. God bless.

[excubitor]

The priests of the orthodox, anglican and catholic communions do not reinstitute the levitical priesthood. They are a priesthood of a different order completely . The NT even names the order. It is the order of Melchisadek sp? Christ is the high priest. It stands to reason that if Christ is the high priest then there must be other lesser priests. How can you have an order of priesthood with only one priest in the priesthood. The other thing to point out is that priests of the order of Melchisadek do not act as priests in their own right as did the Levitical priests after the order of Aaron; They operate in the person of Christ. In other words they are Christ's representative here on earth and act in his place performing his function while he is away. To say that the priests of the Christian church for thousands of years were reinstituting the law is just plain wrong, in fact it is fancifully and laughably wrong

Its nice to be kissey, kissey, but when you look at Paul and his letter to the churches at Galacia you will see that the church was trying to reinstitute the beggarly elements of the law, and Paul chided them for it. Trying to reinstitute a priesthood and make the Priests the mediators instead of Christ is absolutely wrong, and there is nothing wrong with admonishing the Roman Catholic Church for doing so. If it is wrong, then Paul was wrong.