Don't worry, I come in peace. I know a lot of people come here to critisize your beliefs, but I would never do that, so don't worry. There are a few things about Christianity that I'm quite not sure I understand. So I'd like to ask you some things, if that's okay. They're really basic, stupid questions, but please be patient with me. I'm Jewish, so I have a good understanding of the first 5 books of the Old Testiment (the books of the Torah), so this is all new Testiment stuff\ Christianity itself stuff: What's the deal with the Holy Ghost? I mean, who or what is the Holy Ghost? What is it's significance? What makes Catholicism different from the rest of Christianity? I mean, I know about the Reformation and whatnot, but I hear a lot of people debating whether or not Catholicism is a form of Christianity, which I'm not sure I understand. Catholicism, from my understanding, is the earliest form of Christianity, isn't it? I've heard some Christians say that if someone is Christian, but not part of their branch of Christianity, they can not get into Heaven. Do they teach this in all branches of Christianity, or just some? I know some individuals are more liberal in their beliefs on this topic than others (likewise with feminism, homosexuality, and all that jazz), but I'm referring to churches theirselves and whatnot. Is Mormanism a branch of Christianity or is it totally separate? I have more questions, but this is enough for now.
"What's the deal with the Holy Ghost? I mean, who or what is the Holy Ghost? What is it's significance?" check this out http://www.spirithome.com/spirpers.html#whois What makes Catholicism different from the rest of Christianity? I mean, I know about the Reformation and whatnot, but I hear a lot of people debating whether or not Catholicism is a form of Christianity, which I'm not sure I understand. Catholicism, from my understanding, is the earliest form of Christianity, isn't it? Catholics do things like pray to saints, the rosary, believe the virgin Mary right up there with Jesus, say ya have to go to confession, that saying a bunch of hail maries will bail you out. The bible clearly states that praying with a bunch of plastic beads or to anyone but God isn't going to do you any good. Catholocism involves a bunch of man made rituals and traditions that are nowhere to be found in the bible. I've heard some Christians say that if someone is Christian, but not part of their branch of Christianity, they can not get into Heaven. Do they teach this in all branches of Christianity, or just some? I know some individuals are more liberal in their beliefs on this topic than others (likewise with feminism, homosexuality, and all that jazz), but I'm referring to churches theirselves and whatnot. That's bunk. Although John 3:16 is one of the most quoted bible verses it pretty much sums things. It says "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life". Note the key word "whoever". It doesn't dictate that you have to be a baptist, catholic, methodist, etc etc. The bible actually speaks against a bunch of seperate churches. Is Mormanism a branch of Christianity or is it totally separate? Depends on who you ask. If I remember right, they follow certain parts of the bible. But they also believe that in the late 1800's that more was added to the bible by a guy who spoke to god through a magic hat. They believe that the indians skin was turned brown as punishment and they were banished to America...and no, that's just from a south park episode. you have to fork out a certain amount of cash to "advance" in the church because we all know how concerned Jesus was with making lots of money. They claim that Joey Smith was a prophet who was supposed to add to the bible, but on the very last page of the bible, it clearly states against adding anything to it.
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of God, sent to live inside his believers. God promised back in Joel 2:28 . "I will pour out my spirit on all people". and in Isaiah he 28:13 he says, "With foreign lips and strange tongues". Jesus says in John 7:39 and John 14:15 that the holy spirit will be sent in his name once he was crucified. Because God was no longer in flesh form (as Jesus Christ), after the crucifiction, he would send his spirit to dwell in our hearts. The Holy spirit is to guide us, counsel us, and direct in the ways of Christ. (John 15:36, 16:7&8&13) God first poured out his spirit during Pentecost when the 120 that were praying in the room were filled and began speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4). The main debate that Christianity has with Catholicism is salvation. Catholicism (as well as most Christians churches themselves) do not follow the basic plan of salvation. Jesus says that we must be born of both the water and spirit. Baptism in his name (alot of people argue that the correct way to baptize is in the name of the father, son, and holy ghost. However, Jesus is the only name given under Heaven for salvation, and all of those in the Bible who were baptized, were baptized into his name). (Acts 2:38 4:10, 4:12), Without baptism in his name, you are not part of his covenant or covered by his blood. Most demoninations bypass John 3:5 and skip down to John 3:16 where it says.."whoever believes in him has eternal life". However, the water AND spirit statement wasn't just an optional comment Jesus gave Nicodemous, it was a command! All Chrisitan churches teach salvation in order to enter Heaven. However, as I said, most of the mainstream ones leave out signifigant parts. People often argue over the infilling of the holy ghost, but if you are a Christian, how can you argue with the word of God?
Okay, thank you. The reason I've asked these questions, in case you're wondering, is because most of my cousins and aunts and uncles are Catholic, and some of them are Fundimentalist (but not the extremists everyone pictures them to be), and I've had to attend all sorts of comformations and Christmas dinners having no idea what they were talking about. I also have a fascination with religion. It's so interesting to read about other people's beliefs. It often explains a lot about them, and that's pretty cool. I'm a people person. And this is kind of a topic I feel somewhat uncomfortable asking them about, because despite the fact that we attend eachother's functions, we really don't discuss our beliefs as much as we should. I try, but it's hard without things getting awkward. So this has been quite helpful (the Holy Ghost is a pretty interesting concept). I only have one more question right now: Who follows the King James Bible? The bits I've read of it are beautifully written, but I've heard many debates on whether or not it is accurate to the original text.
I am, I think, the only Catholic that has actually responded to this, so I think my opinion is just as considerable as any of the others. The main thing I hear Protestants (usually fundamentalists, which is a part of Protestantism. There are no Catholic fundamentalists) complain about Catholicism is that the Pope is an idol, or false god, or a bunch of other things. They usually point to a bible passage saying basically God commands that we should not call anyone "Father" but God. We call our priests "Father." That is undeniable, but I really don't think that's what God meant when He said those words. Protestants also call transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine litterally become the body and blood of Christ) cannibalism, but I think that it's no less an intimate ritual from how the Pentecostals receive the Holy Spirit, which we believe we receive at baptism. You could call Catholicism the first denomination of Christianity, but I don't think any church can really hold that title. Arguable, the Catholic Church began with the conclusion of the great schism. That would make it exactly the same age as the Orthodox Church. But Jesus did declare Peter (the first Bishop of Rome) to be his hier, and we are the only Church which still follows the Bishop of Rome as a spiritual guide.
I went to church with my friend and his youth director said that mormons and jehova witness's are just a big cult going to hell i was like....ok?!
Well, what did you expect? If they don't spend THOUSANDS of dollars on a new building and still keep passing around the collection plate after they are done with the building, for money for the buliding, then they are damned to hell! [don't banish me, i'm just kidding]
For more useful information about the Roman Catholic church please try this site. I know the person who owns it and she is very nice and honest. www.catholicconcerns.com
