abqfriend

In ages past-early Christianity-there were many views circulating on who Jesus was and on such views as Trinity and non-Trinitarian views. There was no easy agreement. Such was the subject of many council's debate. Creeds of the early church were one way to summarize and codify church beliefs in one way. If you went to some remote Island that never heard of Christianity-and gave 100 people a Bible-and asked them to read it-then asked them about the concepts of Trinity or Godhead in simple terms-what would be their response?-I doubt you would have agreement. So the LDS Church has it's prophets to clarify such things and more in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and the proclamations of past and current prophet. The Catholic Church has the Teaching Magesterium of the Church and Church Councils and the Pope to clarify such things in a different way. The Catholic Church believes it's leaders are guided by the holy spirit in all truth. -so-no easy answers-we believe differently. Let us work together where we can to a world hurting physically, emotionally and spiritually. We each have the same Heavenly Father -who loves each of us very much. -Carol

Thankyou for giving the LDS position without blaming the Roman Catholic Church for every wrong that has ever affected Christianity till the "Restoration" as you believe it which happened less than 200 years ago. Needless to say-our views on church history are vastly different but- We have the same Loving Heavenly Father. May our Hevenly Father bless each of us. Carol

Congratulations on your faith journey!

As a Catholic-we have a slightly different view of when apostolic succession continued-I would agree with the Apostle -Peter-and then onward. I also believe in it very literally. Our different views on Church History bring us to different conclusions. -Carol

The English Standard Version (ESV) gives it this way: "While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled." Even in the case of Judas-I would leave his ultimate destination up to a loving and just God. -Carol

I am a Roman Catholic and I deeply respect the LDS focus on a 2 year mission. I only wish my own Church did the same. Theologically-and spiritually-I guess as Christians-our mission never ends. Sharing our Message of Hope and Love to a hurting world should never end. Each of us have high's and lows on our spiritual journey of life. Some churches that I know-have near their main exit in the back of their church or signs as they exit the parking lot the following: "You are Now Entering the Mission Field." How appropriate! May our Heavenly Father bless each of us on our Mission. -Carol

Can you give a specific OT or NT reference for this? I am weak on the OT and more versed on the NT-but an OT reference would be best. -Carol

As a Roman Catholic -I would disagree with your premise-which makes apostate nearly 1800 years of Christianity and it's message and messengers. That- among other things are reasons why each of us may think and believe differently. May our Heavenly Father bless each of us. You are Loved and so am I. -Carol

Sacramentals are distinctive to the Catholic Church and some other churches such as Orthodox. They are different than Sacraments. A Rosary blessed by a priestly prayer is considered a Sacramental. A special medallion-such as I have which has been blessed by a priest and has a piece of cloth in it that touched the remains of a specific saint-St. Anthony-in my case--is considered a sacramental. "Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man. In accordance with bishops' pastoral decisions, they can also respond to the needs, culture, and special history of the Christian people of a particular region or time. They always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism). " Here is a detailed link on the meaning and purpose of sacramentals in the Catholic Church: CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Catholic Church has several different "Rites" or parts that make up the Church. The Roman "Rite" is by far the largest. There is also the Byzantine Rite and others. In the Byzantine Rite-Men may be married before entering the Priesthood. As married priests-they cannot achieve Bishop status nor can they re-marry should their wife die. In the Roman Catholic Rite-Deacons can be married when entering the Diaconate-but should their wife die-they may not re-marry. Such is the same for a very small number of Priests who have entered the Catholic Church after converting from Anglican/Episcopal backgrounds. The celibacy rules of the Church are teachings and not doctrine-which means that such a rule may be changed in the future. Doctrines do not change, but rules can be changed. So-a future Teaching Magesterium of the Catholic Church acting in council with the Pope's blessing-could change such a rule-although this is unlikely-at least in the near future. -Carol

I would encourage anyone with an interest in Islam to read the Holy Qur'an as I would encourage anyone who has an interest in the LDS Church to read The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants-and draw your own conclusions as the Spirit guides you. -Carol

The same could be said for the need for a second husband. One is just right for me. -Carol

Christmas gets it's name from Christ-Mass-the Catholic mass that celebrates Christ's birth-this evolved into Christmas. In the Catholic Church-going or not going to Mass on Christmas for the Christ-Mass is not an option. It is a requirement of our faith tradition and considered as a Holy Day of Obligation-which means it is considered a "sin" if we do not attend church this day--that is the importance the Catholic Church puts on the Christ-Mass. Santa Clause-comes from the Catholic/Greek Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas ::: Origin of Santa St. Nicholas - Saint of the Day - American Catholic "Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that, after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. And yet, historically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor. As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship which Nicholas had with God through the admiration which Christians have had for him—an admiration expressed in the colorful stories which have been told and retold through the centuries. Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop." The Christmas Tree has a combination of Pagan and Christian traditions associated with it: Origin of the Christmas Tree We live in a multi-religious and multicultural society. I would like to see the birth of Christ celebrated as a religious holiday. I have no problem with a Winter Break, etc-but keep the religious significant separate. The Jewish faith would find it insulting combining Christian/Pagan symbols with their Festival of Lights-or Hanukkah. Celebrating the cleansing of their Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah - Festival of Lights -Carol

The court was justified in my opinion. The problem was in the visitation rights agreed upon by both parties and a violation of those agreed upon rights. They should have set up the visitation rights agreement differently-and there would have been no legal case. -Carol

If I read Paul's initial discussion right-he was concerned about his bishop always knocking the Catholic Church. He has a Catholic background. We indeed have our differences. Sharing those differences may not be helpful at this juncture. My guess is Paul has heard this all before--perhaps too much so. What Paul needs-in my opinion is Love and understanding and talking to others-perhaps outside both faith traditions. Also- If he can find a friendly Catholic Priest and a friendly Bishop of the LDS Church-that too may be helpful. Caring is important. I also agree with Prison Chaplain " you must slowly by whole-heartedly seek the face of God. -Carol

The article mentioned nothing about the new future leadership in Washington bringing about this change-as it has been talked about for years. The new administration does not take effect until Jan 20th 2009. I have no problem with increased security in our nation-ideally by our local and state agencies supplemented by our National Guard. Recent Tragedies elsewhere-heighten the threat that anything is possible or to be expected from terrorist groups. The Boy Scout Oath sounds good to me: "Be Prepared." -Carol

Hi Paul, I am a Catholic. Thank You for sharing. Yes-Inter-faith marriages can be difficult. I am sorry that you were turned off by your local bishop. Some priests in the Catholic Church are less responsive to parishioner's needs than others-however in the Catholic Church-if this is a problem for a parishioner -switching to a different parish may solve the problem. Yes-there are major differences between LDS teachings and Catholic teachings. Catholics and LDS may disagree on major things-but they are both pro-family and today-they are talking more to each other and having more discussions. Yes-Pray about how things are. From what I know about the LDS Church-switching to a different Ward/bishop is not usually done. I would encourage you to share how you feel with a counselor-perhaps outside both religious faith traditions. At some point-your wife may need to know your feelings-that is may take some effort on your part in beginning such a discussion-but first more counseling may be helpful. I sense that you Love your wife very much. My husband and I were both Lutherans when we married. About 9 years ago-he converted to Catholicism. I remained a Lutheran-but converted 2 years later. There was some conflict-but Lutheran and Catholic are much closer theologically than LDS and Catholic-thus part of your dilemma. LDS Marriages are sealed for all eternity in a Temple ordinance/rite-that is something to consider too. As you were both married in the LDS Church-it would be wonderful if you could both remain there. An understanding caring bishop would be most helpful to you. Inter-Faith marriages can work-they are difficult-and need the loving prayerful support and counsel to both husband and wife and their respective faith traditions. -Carol

A good Question you ask. The basis of my belief as a Catholic is based on Faith and Reason. I believe the Sacred Scriptures are true in matters of faith. I believe in the 2000 year history of my Church-that points to Christ. I believe in the leaders/Teaching Magesterium of my Church in pointing me to Christ my Lord and Savior as they teach with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Bishop of Rome-the 'Pope" is the supreme Bishop of the earthly Church. I believe in the Sacraments of my Church in bestowing God's free gift of Grace upon me. I believe Jesus Christ my Lord is present body, blood soul and divinity in the Sacred Host and Sacred Blood. I believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Faith and Reason have led me and billions more to have that same belief. -Carol

I am a Catholic here myself-welcome. You will find some very nice people here on this web site. Carol

In a sense, we are all mentally handicapped or mentally challenged. We are all created by a loving Creator. Things happen in life and in our development stage as a fetus. Most issues regarding mentally challenged have to do with genetic differences while others happen due to low oxygen to the brain at time of birth or due to accident. I do not blame God for things that happen to a person through no fault of their own. I do not believe in Pre-existence-so that is not an issie for me. God is Love! The book that has helped me regarding issies of life and death and suffering and why some people are different than others is written by a Jewish Rabbi. Harold Kushner in his Classic "Why bad things happen to good people" provides some insight. On the other side of life-why do people get Altzheimers and other mind robbing ailments? For most- people-things happen due to disease or the natural ebb and flow of life to death. Evil does exist and evil can cause some problems like war and the incineration of millions of Jews. Natural events happen too and God does let these happen-but I do not see God as the cause. My husband, who is a nurse has terminal pancreatic cancer. I nor he blames God for this disease that will soon end his life. We do wonder why?-but we do not blame God as the cause. God is all loving all kind and all merciful. -Carol

Greetings from another Catholic! It is great to see you here. I converted to the Catholic faith myself-also with the RCIA process. I was Lutheran before that. Welcome to you. -Carol

I am Catholic not LDS-so I do not know what your sacrament is composed of. Our bread/host has no soy in it-if it did it would not be considered valid. My Church teaches that we only need to take one of the two bread/host or wine/blood to be considered a sacrament. I realize the LDS use water-could you just take the water? Also there is an ultra-low wheat bread/host used for those parishioners who have ciliac disease. I do not know if your church would consider adapting the sacrament to your allergy limitations-so these are only suggestions. I applaud your efforts in wanting to partake of the scrament as you understand it. -Carol

Perhaps if permission granted by the member ---a moderator could email them. After a certain amount of time-they should be dropped-but I would make an effort to re-engage before dropping. Carol

Thank you-the links were helpful. Yes-It would also be helpful if the LDS had such a one work listing and explanation of all canonical doctrine-that would be helpful. -Carol -Carol

Thank You for your answer-it provided the clearest answer to my question-Thank You. -I appreciate everyone elses responses too-quite a group of opinions expressed. Everyone-Thank You. -Carol