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Does Christianity belong to catholics only? The pope believes that he is God's man on earth, is he? What about the orthodox or anglicans? Baptists, protestants, JW's, pentecostals, cults, sects? The church of England and Russian orthodox church are starting to align with the vatican with the pope in charge. God says that His little flock will be brought to a place of safety during the tribulation. (Rev 12:14 She was given the two wings of a large eagle in order to fly to her place in the desert, where she will be taken care of for three and a half years, safe from the dragon's attack. - Good News Bible). In Bible prophecy a church is refered to as a woman. Is SHE the catholic church? If not, who is going to the place of safety?
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I was raised Catholic and always taught that Christianity was a term that belonged to any denomination that believed in Jesus Christ, His being the Son of God, and typically some version of the Old and New Testament. Even the Mormons! lol
We were also basically taught that Catholicism was the first and "therefore" most accurate version of Christianity (even though during some of the earlier Protestant movements, we admit our mistakes and corruption of the pure Catholic faith), and that we were the largest form of Christianity. Historically I guess we are the longest lasting version of Christianity, I never saw anything that said otherwise--but I have no idea if we're the biggest, or why that would matter.
I swear they were making some stuff up about what our faith says who goes to heaven. Older priests would say only Christians that went to confession (sometimes if they totally intended to, but died in a car accident on the way or something), while younger ones would say that confession is great but people of any faith that lead good lives would get in. Personally I agree more with the latter regardless of what my raised-faith says. Seems cruel to punish people for being raised under a different faith than you. Reminds me of that episode of South Park when everyone's waiting to get into Heaven, and I think St Peter is like "No, no. Sorry, you guessed the wrong religion...Sorry." lol I'll look it up on youtube -
Ah, was remembering it wrong. They were people arriving in Hell, not waiting at The Pearly Gates. Can't seem to find it on youtube, but there was a transcript:
Man: Where are we?
Man 2: No doubt about it…
Woman: What's happening??
Man 3: Oooooooooh!
Speaker: Hello, newcomers, and welcome. Can everybody hear me? [taps the mic a few times] Hello? Can everybuh-? Okay. [the crowd quiets down] Uh, I'm the hell director. Uh, it looks like we have about 8,615 of you newbies tdoay, and for those of you who are a little confused, uh, you are dead, and this is hell, so, abandon all hope and uh yada yada yada. Uh, we are now going to start the orientation process, which will last about-
Man 4: Hey, wait a minute, I shouldn't be here. I was a totally strict and devout Protestant! I thought we went to heaven!
Hell Director: Yes, well I'm afraid you were wrong.
Soldier: I was a practicing Jehovah's Witness. Uh, you picked the wrong religion as well.
Man 5: Well, who was right? Who gets into heaven?
Hell Director: I'm afraid it was the Mormons. Yes, the Mormons were the correct answer.
Crowd: [disappointed] Awww. -
Would you say that the Bible is the standard by which Christians (or everyone else for that matter) will be judged? I mean, what is the criteria that one truley is a Christian not just a professing one?
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I don't think being a Christian or not will be what gets you judged. Technically anyway.
Formally I was taught that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is a Christian, regardless of their denomination differences.
I think that it may indeed be that only Christians go to Heaven--but in the sense that these people embraced many of the ideals of Christ, regardless of the inspiration. Peace, love, and compassion. Devotion, honesty, and passion (in certain regards). Respect, equality. Reasonably saying "Well, granted--it IS the Sabbath, but that dude's sheep are in trouble and that's his livelihood." or "Okay, okay, so you're a high-up in our religion and he's a Samaratin. You were too self-important to help this man in need, and he was a good guy that did the right thing regardless of his religion." -
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Would you agree that we will all be judged by the same standards?
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In a sense. I think that the "exact list of rules" may be pretty subjective. Ignorance to certain things and all that. Maybe even intentions. Obviously I have no idea for sure, but it's a complicated issue.
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What are your thoughts mud?
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I believe that the Bible (God's word), will be the standard that all are judged by, But God calls people to that repentance at different times. Some are being judged right now, the majority will be judged at their appointed times.
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Even though you likely don't place your own opinion and feelings to any merit compared to God--would a part of you see anything wrong in good people of other faiths being condemned?
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I didn't say anyone was condemned, just not yet called. All will have their opportunity. The Bible speaks of three resurrections. Those being judged now (the bride of Christ), the white throne judgement in about a thousand years where all others will have the chance to repentant and accept God's ways, and the final judgement to the lake of fire for those who have rejected God's ways. Noone will be condemned without first having the opportunity to accept God's ways. Most professing Christians today do not follow Christ's teachings. As Jesus said, Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Jesus Himself says that they are worshipping Him in vain. How? By teaching the doctrines of men as commandments. Idols in the church (2nd commandment), Sunday worship (4th commandment). They teach a gospel ABOUT Christ (Constantine, I believe), instead of the gospel that Jesus taught (The soon coming kingdom of God) . They keep pagan holidays and ignore God's commanded holy days. I could go on and on. The thing is is that God is not calling everyone today, but their time will come. -
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Ah, yes. I do remember you saying that God will reveal Himself before asking people to make the choice. While I'm not sure that choice should matter so much anyways, it certainly is more fair than a guessing game.
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I like your thinking Weydon.
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lol thanks, me too!
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I heard a joke once
that goes something like this
An agnostic died and was condemned to Hell. when he got there , he found it hardly the place of fiery doom, but in fact, a nice country club. a demon was showing him around the place;
"here we have the tennis courts. an 18-hole golf course and th croquet yard. that way is the rifle and skeet shooting range. over there the bowling alley and the shuffleboard pavillion. try to stay away from the fenced in areas over yon"
just then they sky opened up, and out fell a man screaming in terror, when he landed beyond the fence, there was a burbling of molten lava and a waft of the smell of sulfur.
"Catholics." the demon explained "they wouldn't have it any other way". -
LOL
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Adding your reply:
mudgod
Apr 25 11:59 AM 2007
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