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Catholic Church and doctrine of original sin- Here is a neutral link on the subject which goes into the history of the doctrine/concept as well as what many churches including LDS, Catholic and Protestant believe on the subject. -Carol Original sin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Here is a Catholic link on the subject based on Romans 5:12 The Doctrine of Original Sin Here is the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaching on the subject-see sections 388 and 389 then 396 onward specifically Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 SECTION 2 CHAPTER 1 ARTICLE 1 PARAGRAPH 7 -Carol

Thank you for sharing your views. It is not important to a Trinitarian Christian that a Buddhist, Hindu or Muslims consider that most Chrstians are polytheists. That you and I hold different views on the Trinity or Godhead is our choice. Ultimately--both views rest on faith. -Carol

Do not other religious traditions have value? -I guess not-at least as your description of how the Trinity doctrine was "foisted" on Christians. Such a doctrine may not be a tenet of your faith-but it is of mine and millions of other Christians. Please consider how you post things for us non -LDS members of this board-especially on this section-about learning about the Mormon Church. - Thank You. Carol-a Catholic Investigator

Thank you for asking the question. -Carol

I agree that learning about other cultures and faith traditions help expand our horizon. Perhaps-we will see there is more we have in common than what seperates us as people on a journey of faith and of life. -Carol

Thak you for such great information, This beats just looking at a link on the same subject. Thank You. -Carol

Hi Daniel, Thank you for sharing. I know this must be difficult for you. Understanding that what you did is not in keeping with your faith tradition is the first step toward change. Change is sometimes difficult especially when emotions are involved. Sex is a very powerful thing and does involve the intellect and especially one's emotions. I am a Catholic, but the standards we have on the issue are the same or similar to LDS view. In my faith tradition, we do not call the Bishop, but we do something similar and that is talk to a priest. This is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation and was once called The Sacrament of Confession. I encourage you to talk to your bishop or the one who is the person to talk to in your faith tradition. Repentance means to "turn the other direction." Sometimes such turning is difficult but necessary. Thank You so much for sharing a very personal part of your life. -Carol

My husband of 33 years and I are Roman Catholic. We are open to learning and studying other faith traditions than our own. I have found some great people on this board. -Carol

I don't know much about across the veil. But my question is the same -this side of the veil--what do you do with an in-effective or poor bishop/leader of your church/ward?

The Savior is indeed well organized----but what about the people? In the The LDS Church-as far as I can determine-a bishop acts similarly to a priest in the Catholic Church-in that he is in charge of/responsible for the people in his church/chapel. That said-when a chapel/church/congregation has problems-what happens? Is the church/chapel allowed to dwindle in size and participation-or is corrective action taken? In the Catholic Church-much of the time-the problem is not with the people/ parish/congregation---but that the leadership is weak or ineffective. How is that issue addressed in the LDS Church? Leadership --or the lack of it will lead to congregational growth or decline. -Carol

Up until Vatican II, Catholics were required to attend the Catholicc Church in their geographic area-which was called the "parish church" This geographic concept is still used governmentally in Louisiana where counties are called "parishes." Since Vatican II, Catholics may attend and register at any Catholic Church of their choosing. The "parish" is less a geographic area today-and more related to the people that are served by the Church. Some of our churches have schools, some focus more on ministry to the young or elderly. Different orders of priests such as Jesuit, Dominican may be the order of priests at a parish, and that may change-slightly- the emphasis of the parish. I agree with Mnn that all our churches have the same Bible/Sacred Scripture readings worldwide each and every Sunday and weekday, and the structure of our liturgy/Mass is the same world-wide as well. -Carol

Prayer is asking God or Praising God or Thanking God-at least for me that is what Prayer means as a Catholic Christian. It is not the exact words that are as important as my reverent attitude and sincerity. Jesus is our example with The Lord's Prayer-I use that prayer often. I like to kneel in prayer when possible-to show my reverant attitude and focus on what I am saying and feeling. I am also open to God's response. Prayer can be a community of faith event also-and with that go with the dictates of your faith commmunity. -Carol

Hi Bytor-- you just repeated again your thoughts that creeds are an abomination. Although your comment may be directed to someone other than myself, I take such quote in a negative manner. The Trinity is an important doctrine of mine and many Christians. I know we disagree on that which is ok, but please consider how you word things as investigators like myself are here on this board-especially this section of the board. We may not have prophets in the Catholic Church and other churches-but we believe the Holy Spirit is at work in our faith community as The Holy Spirit is in yours. Creeds were not thought of hastely and those that brought them together did not always agree, but I believe the holy spirit was active in such work. That may not be "revelation," but I believe they are no less the work of the Holy Spirit in a community of faith. How would members of the LDS Church feel--if I insulted a basic teaching of the LDS Church (as some come on this board and do) and said my comments were only directed toward one member? Would the other members of the LDS Church also feel hurt by such comments--I think so. Perhaps such a discussion between LDS members alone- would be better held on the gospel section of this board-which is less frequented by investigators such as myself. I would like to welcome you to my door sometime as an LDS Missionary or member---but- I will be ready with my "Triple" and tons of questions. -Carol--A Catholic Investigator

I am a Catholic-we have different views on the Trinity and the Godhead or however we wish to express them. Such a topic has been debated for hundreds of years. Please be respectful of my religious tradition even if you do not believe in it. What you and others may consider an "abomination" are core tenents of my and other faith traditions. -thankyou. -Carol

If they were the only two people in existence at the time-could they fornicate? God must have approved of their union-although they had no other choices for partners. No reception, no wedding cake either-but being in the presence of God must have been much better than a big reception or wedding breakfast gathering. Interesting to think about. -Carol

I am a Catholic here-so definately not a scholar of the LDS Church. I enjoy reading the Book of Mormon. As I have said in other posts-I sense it as the foundation stone upon which the rest of revealed scripture/prophesy rests as defined by the LDS Church. The D&C in particular spell out in more detail some of the distinctive teachings/doctrines of the LDS Church. I bought a "Triple" which contains the BOM, D&C and Pearl of Great Price--and a huge reference to all three. I think LDS members as well as those wishing to understand more of the teachings of the LDS Church should also read and study the Doctrine and Covenants as well as the Pearl of Great Price-They are all great reading. -Carol QUOTE=BenRaines;262525]Does the Book of Mormon say somewhere that it "claims to fulfill the Gospel in its entirety? Maybe it does. I have not read that anywhere that I recall. I have read it a few times and do not remember it word for word but would think that part would stand out to me. This is a sincere question. Ben Raines

I don't know much about CMO's-but I saw and read on the news yesterday that the FBI is investigating several large brokerages and financial companies who were dealing in same or similar products for the last 3 years-It would have been nice if we had some warning! It is kind of like being on the Titannic and told we are sinking when I am already treading water. -Carol

I believe in Love! Love -that the Father and Son has shown me and the Holy Spirit working in me through my reading the Word of God understanding the traditions of my Church and receiving the Sacraments of my Church. I believe in the Goodness of other people-that we are created in God's image-that we have strayed from the straight path by "sin" but that we can be brought back to that path again As the Prophet Mohammed wrote in the Holy Quran-Surah 1:6-"Show us the Straight Path." For me-a Christian -that straight path leads to and through Jesus Christ to our Heavenly Father. The closest I am to Jesus is in the Holy Eucharist-where I believe I take in the Body and Blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. I believe in tolerance. I believe that there is some truth and much good found in all major religious traditions. As His Holiness-The Dalai Lama explained it from the writings of The Budda-for me--I believe "It is more useful to be aware of a single weakness in myself than a thousand weaknesses of someone else" Oh-Lord-I am weak---but Thou Art Strong!-Help me in my weakness! I believe in social justice-that in many respects-the poor are the face of Christ. The person I would most like to emulate (but poorly do) is Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. I believe in a God of justice and love-who will hopefully welcome me at the end of this earthly journey as a Father would welcome one of his children. I believe I am on a journey of faith with many ups and downs-at times my faith is strong-and at times it is weak. I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church-as the best expression of the Christian community of faith in guiding me on my journey of faith. Carol--a child of the Heavenly Father

I only speak for myself and not Carl/Ceeboo or August-but I come here to learn of the Book of Mormon and the teachings and doctrines of the LSD Church. I am indeed Catholic-but I enjoy learning about other faith traditions in a tolerant manner. I beleve that can be accomplished. I am one for tolerance and love shown to my fellow christians on the journey of faith and in seeking truth. Let us find common ground of first love and understanding toward others on that journey. Let us approach our differences in a loving and caring manner. I may not believe the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants-but I am open to learning about them-and the life of Joseph Smith and the trials and tribulations that members of the LDS Church faced and are facing today in their journey of faith and in seeking the truth as they see it. Much good can be found in their doctrines and teachings-and much good can be found in their gentle and caring spirit. Gordon B. Hinckley the former President/Prophet of the LDS Church- -I have heard many of his speeches/sermons/fireside chats, etc--what a man of faith! I may disagree with some of his teachings-but I am hopeful- he will be welcomed into the presence of our Heavenly Father with a friendly smile on our Heavenly Father's face! May Our Heavenly Father bless each of us in our journey of faith and in showing tolerance and love to those we meet on that journey. -Carol

I have no problem if someone within their own church/synagogue wishes to proclaim hate. I have a big problem when they bring that message to some very private and personal events such as the funeral of someone-especially someone who may have served his or her country. Funerals are personal-very personal. Trev. Phelps and his followers are uninvited guests to a very personal event. Yes-Sin is Sin. There are many times that Sacred Scripture says that God hates sin. The New Testament in particular is about love-and as Christians that should be how we treat each other homosexual or heterosexual, male or female and of any ethnic or religious orientation or none at all. 1st Corinthians chapter 13 is a pretty good reference. The greatest Love in the world was -The Son-and The Atonement-what better example than that. -Carol

I cannot speak for August or Carl, but I myself have many questions on my church doctrines and teachings at times. The Catechism of the Catholic Church to which I refer for guidance is 2865 paragraphs long plus thousands of footnotes and references to Sacred Scripture, Sacred Traditions and the writings of the Church-yes I have questions-but none on the fundamentals of my faith. If you think the official LDS web site is extensive-try this one: Vatican: the Holy See you can even read it in Latin if so inclined, but the English may be easier: The Holy See -so-yes I have many questions. I speak only for myself- just a Christian struggling at times with life and her faith. May our Heavenly Father bless each of us in our efforts in seeking Truth. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit in our efforts. -Carol

Where St. Peter is buried is not a doctrine of our faith. We do believe he was our first Pope. For much of 2000 years, Popes did not live in the Vatican. The first Catholic Church expressly for the Pope-whose official title is Bishop of Rome-was at St. John Latern Cathederal in Rome. A Cathederal is where a bishop resides. Generally a bishop is over many churches. This St. John Latern Church church was built by Constantine. Many Christian pilgrims were going to an area to what is now the Vatican to the grave of St. Peter and other early Christians. Constantine had a shrine built there. This holy site eventually became The Vatican with St Peter's at the center. Theologically-St Peter's is not a Church or a Cathederal. It is a basilica-a Catholic designation for special places of worship within the Catholic Church. Historical evidence is sometimes sketchy on events that happened 2000 years ago. The article link you gave is a good one-I urge the readers to read it and make their own judgement along with the links that I provided. The link you provided comes with a warning at the top of it-it says: "The Neutrality of this article is disputed." Here is another link providing a good discussion on the issue giving both sides of it-not that it ultimately matters. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Tomb of St. Peter I have no idea about witnesses or no outside witnesses-but you are talking about a very Holy Site in Catholic teaching-so I beleve my spiritial leaders are truthful -just as an LDS member may believe their spiritial leaders on the testimony of LDS witnesses to your sacred events, places and Temples.

Here is some historical evidence from a neutral source: <I>Inside the Vatican</I>:<BR>St. Peter's Basilica Here is some evidence from a non-neutral source: CNS STORY: Vatican completes restoration of mausoleum under St. Peter's Here is some evidence on the burial in Rome of both St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Culture : Catholic World News Feature Stories : Archeologists discover St. Paul's tomb People in archeology and similar have exactly done what you suggest-excavate in an archeological manner the graves under St. Peter's Basilica and The Vatican-see above links -Carol

No one can prove to another that their religion is the correct one while the other lacks some truth or validity. One can give their reasons and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. All religions are ultimately based on faith. One way of learning and understanding the faith tradition of another is-We talk to others, we take time to read the sacred writings of another faith tradition and we pray as the spirit leads us to truth. As we are talking about the Book of Mormon, and I would add Doctrine and Covenants too-I would encourage those searching to read those books and not things just about those books. Go to the source. There is much good to be found in them. I am a Catholic and have been led by the Spirit to show me that my Catholic faith is correct for me, however, I am open to learning about other faith traditions in a kind and gentle manner. My Church teaches tolerance of other faith traditions. It was not always that way. I encourage thoe inquiring of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants to read those wonderful writings. There is much good in them. As a Catholic, it matters not to me that the accounts alluded to by Joseph Smith cannot be scientifically proven or not. It is the message contained in those accounts that is the important thing. Whether taken literally/historically or symbolically-the message is a wonderful one about a Heavenly Father who greatly cares for his children in all parts of the world. There is much to like in LDS doctrines and teachings-that is shown by the wonderful LDS members that I have met here and in my own personal life-like my podiatrist who tells me he would make a home visit to see my husband who has terminal cancer and may not be able to make an office appointment. How many doctors do you know in big cities who will make a home visit-I know at least one-and he happens to be an LDS member. LDS members dress up for Church--I only wished Catholics came into their sacred spaces-which we call Churches- in the same way! So-a friendly discussion is fine-but remember Religion is ultimately about faith. And our actions of love and caring to others speak more than any words we may say about our faith. They will know we are Christians by our Love-By our Love! May the Heavenly Father of us all-bless each of us with his Love! Carol

The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church-as Catholics we believe he is the successor of Peter. St. Peter is buried directly below the main altar at St Peter's in The Vatican. ( I have been there ) The Catholic Church has a Teaching Magesterium mainly made up of Cardinals and some Bishops. In some respects they are similar to The Quorum of the 12 Apostles and to the Quorum of the 70 in the LDS Church. They-the Cardinals and other Church Leaders provide guidance and direction and explain and amplify teachings of the Church. We believe our spiritial leaders are guided by the Holy Spirit, but they are not prophets. Our Church is guided by both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Traditionwhich we beleve are not traditions of men-but guided by the Holy Spirit. Our Catechism answers your question-again here is the link directly from The Vatican itself-see especially sections 66-67. The paragraphs before that explain what the Church considers as revelation and why: Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Revelation of God Here is a link in graphical structure of the LDS Church itself:-I found it interesting. Mormon Church Structure, CARM Here is an over-simplified link on the structure of the Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Church - Structure Here is a neutral link explaining the Teaching Magesterium of the Catholic Church: Magisterium - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia -Carol