Another Roman Catholic who doesn't know the Gospel

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[@jgpt1]

Catholic here who knows the Gospel....happy to converse with you about scripture.

[@aaronaaron8604]

Heck yeah! Tell them man!

[@Hezekiah188]

Sir. Thank you.

[@TheBlackToedOne]

I give this girl a lot of credit for even engaging in the conversation. She was willing to listen and most importantly, she had the honesty and humility to admit when she didn't know something and didn't get offended. Based on my personal experience only, this is a rare character trait for a good portion of the Catholics I have come across. And good on Todd for not going in for the kill and trying to put a beatdown on her. This is the way a constructive, healthy discussion should look. Good on both of you.

[@kanga2roo572]

In the 60's the Catholic Church got fluffy in teaching. Like everything else..."Peace, love, and jellybeans." Now here we are in a sad state. Many of us are working hard now, with God's help, to teach the Truth of Jesus Christ, especially regarding Eucharist and the original teachings in Christianity.

[@poesia-com-cafeina]

The great thing is that there is a revival happening, especially in the south. Lots of converts coming in and the priests currently coming out of seminary are more conservative and traditional than their predecessors. The church's overall numbers may be stagnant but it's becoming more concentrated. For every nominal catholic that leaves, a devout one comes in. What an amazing time to be alive

[@paulmurray3671]

Todd Friel needs to debate Trent Horn, Jimmy Akin, or Bryan Mercier, not people on the street.

[@nightshade99]

It would be more beneficial to reach people who have a softer heart

[@Nori20374]

I believe in Jesus Christ who paid for my sins. Although I am not worthy he redeemed me even with my imperfectness, disobedience and unfaithfulness. He had unconditional love for me and I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior. The way the truth and the life. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

[@Ben-pk4cv]

I wonder how I would have answered Todd with my Catholic upbringing before I got saved? In my early 20s, a non-denominational Christian explained to me how I could know for sure that I would go to Heaven. I didn't put my trust in Jesus Christ alone for my Salvation right then, but soon after.

[@VersatilisPeritus]

“He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:13)

[@VersatilisPeritus]

“See then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off” (Rom. 11:22)

[@VersatilisPeritus]

‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of heaven’ (Matt. 7:21).

[@VersatilisPeritus]

“And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).

[@VersatilisPeritus]

We can, if our lives display a pattern of perseverance and spiritual fruit, have not only a confidence in our present state of grace but also of our future perseverance with God. Yet we cannot have an infallible certitude of our own salvation. There is the possibility of self-deception (cf. Matt. 7:22-23). There is also the possibility of falling from grace through mortal sin, and even of falling away from the faith entirely, for as Jesus told us, there are those who “believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). It is in the light of these warnings and admonitions that we must understand Scripture’s positive statements concerning our ability to know and have confidence in our salvation. Assurance we may have; infallible certitude we may not. For example, Philippians 2:12 says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This is not the language of self-confident assurance. Our salvation is something that remains to be worked out.

[@aidankitson7877]

God does not condemn us to hell, we condemn ourselves

[@BobbyIronsights]

That's a fashionable way to say things, that God's wrath isn't real. It isn't however, what the Bible says.

[@romandaigle455]

@@BobbyIronsightsGod’s wrath is very real but so is free will.

[@Joh8v12]

She really does not even faintly think of Jesus???? Really?

[@dashriprock5720]

VERY UNIMPRESSED TODD..As a Catholic who studies scripture, I would say one of the biggest ( I don't agree or practice evrything my fellow Catholics do) is not reading he bible. The problem I have with Todd here is he is trying to exploit that to stump her. The first answer she gave was good answer, but then he put words in her mouth to steer her in a different direction. If you are about to die and you have moment's left..Wouldn't confess to the Lord Jesus Christ your sin and repent asking for forgiveness and mercy?

[@david7542]

Yes. The opening question implied that the person was guilty, unrepentant, and had already died. Then the "evangelist" starts into his series of leading questions. It's not clear to me what the "evangelist's" big hangup with Catholicism is-- _Roman_ Catholicism specifically (I take it he has no quarrel with Eastern Rite?). He should be happy that others believe in Christ and do their best to follow Him.

[@dashriprock5720]

@@david7542 IDK As for me a year ago when the Lord opened my eyes and called me back.. I honestly thought I was going to become a protestant. I searched every denomination and for various reasons, i could not find one that compelled me to leave Catholicism. I also noticed that all the ancient church denominations are very much alike with few disagreements. As I've been study scripture daily, I am finding more reasons to remain Catholic..or i do very much like my dad's Russian Orthodox though as my mom was American and he raised me with almost zero Russian culture in our home..culturally it would be a huge shift for me..I would love to attend a Byzintine Catholic church if there was one nearby. I

[@david7542]

@@dashriprock5720 The _theological_ differences between the Orthodox and Catholicism are minor. The differences are mostly related to papal authority and some of the Marian dogmas, which the orthodox do not disagree with, but simply do not elevate to the level of solemn definition the way Catholics do. The Orthodox, like the Eastern Rite Catholics, have a very different church _discipline._ Priests are allowed to marry. Fasting is emphasized much more. The divine liturgy has a different flow and feel than the Roman Catholic Mass. The fundamentals are the same: the seven sacraments and the practice of Christianity as taught by the apostles and Church fathers. The "evangelist" in the videos seems to have some home-brew version of "TULIP Calvinism." I am sure he is sincere and genuine, but the version of Christianity he embraces is a combination of theological ideas that emerged in the 1500's, with some 19th-century "great awakening" evangelicalism mixed in. Definitely _not_ the faith as taught by the Apostles. Do what you like, but I would stick with the "real thing:" Christianity as taught by Christ. And you'll find that in Orthodox Catholicism. God Bless.

[@dashriprock5720]

@@david7542 Yes thank you, I agree

[@johnsteila411]

Why don’t you ask someone who is educated about these things? Are you afraid?.. Ask me..

[@aidankitson7877]

If perfection is the standard to achieve heaven it would be an empty place.

[@vs6536]

Exactly. That is why every single person NEEDS Christ and His righteousness and not our own righteousness. Every single person is a sinner and we all fall short. No one will make it to heaven by their own works. None of us are perfect enough. (Ephesians 2:8-9)[For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast] Not a single person in heaven is there because they were good enough. It's only because Christ is their righteousness through faith. Romans 10:4 [ Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.] Only Jesus lived up to Gods perfect standard. He was sinless. He took the wrath and punishment that we all deserve for all eternity. That we can be united to Him and His righteousness through faith. Galatians 2:21 [I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!]

[@HendrickAlbina]

The church does not condemn anyone to hell.

[@redfritz3356]

Start with John the Baptist's words, there is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.

[@apsodi755]

As a catholic, I completely agree with Cliff. If we do not have faith or accept that Jesus’ perfect sacrifice forgives us of our sins, then absolutely nothing else matters. Atheists can live good lives, but they would still unfortunately be damned to hell

[@andres-lr7is]

Aye pray for unity 🇻🇦.

[@dial555capone6]

It sounds like this preacher is taking a long time to make an argument in favor of justification by faith alone. It is correct to say that we are justified by faith in Christ who is the means by which we are redeemed through his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Both James and Paul talk about this in the Bible. James 2:14-17 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James makes it clear that we must allow our faith and love for Christ manifest itself through good works as proof of salvation. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-10: Salvation by faith first, then those saved by grace through faith must move forward with the works God has prepared for them. Paul also makes it clear that we must let faith transform us and that our faith be made evident by living a life of faith in Jesus that is not only evident by our trust in Jesus, but that also by grace we are transformed and that transformation results in acts of kindness, love and indeed charity. Yet to boast only of your good deeds is an error in and of itself. There is a balance to be found here.

[@dashriprock5720]

Her first answer was fine, then he put words in her mouth and steered her in a different direction. If i was about to die would confess and repent and aske for his mercy. I do it everyday that I live, when I find myself falling short. On my very best day I am a sinner needing to repent.

[@HappyHermitt]

God truly sees all. All of our secrets and skeletons. Confession is useless. Repentance is the way.

[@chommie5350]

THIS WAS 4 YEARS AGO.... CATHOLICS ARE MUCH MORE EDUCATED TODAY ABOUT THEIR FAITH THAN 4 YEARS AGO.... BECAUSE OF THE INTERNET KZbin ETC..... SO I WOULDN'T PUT MUCH INTO THIS VIDEO

[@TheGospelAccordingToMarkyD]

The only reason why the Protestant Reformation fathers came to know and accept the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was because they were taught and evangelized by a Catholic. Praised be to God.

[@MegaVincenzo13]

Prods are clueless and dont understand the Bible. So everyone just says I believe and they are saved. Where is that in the Bible? Iguess good deeds are not needed. The reformed prods are bonkers. He said he was saved. Faith does save, but as Paul said one can make a shippwreck of thier faith. Who said "judge a tree by its fruit"?

[@Fett-bt2rc]

Earthly justice must be paid in the form of temporal punishment. Eternal justice we leave to God to judge. Protestants sometimes commit the sin of assumption. Catholics welcome suffering as a just punishment for our sin essentially uniting with his suffering on the cross.

[@yeetnasty7703]

Jesus already endured the ultimate suffering the day he was beaten and crucified. It is a slap in His face to say we need to suffer more even though he already paid our debts. You don’t pay back a debt and then pay it again and again because you had one. Once it’s paid, you’re not entitled to that burden anymore

[@cameronparkmusic4205]

@@yeetnasty7703 AMEN! Jesus paid it all! While it is not an excuse to sin freely, and we want to strive to honor Him with our words and deeds, it is a debt that we cannot ever repay! No amount of works or penance or ritualistic prayers will every satisfy God; it is like filthy rags. "Burnt offering animal sacrifices" days are over. Yeshua tore the vail and because of His atonement we have direct access one-on-one communication and deep connection with Christ! There is FREEDOM in Jesus! We sometimes can think He is so far away when He actually is right near us, and cares about every little detail in our lives from the moment we wake up to the moment we lay down! He is a healer, redeemer, savior, counselor, MESSIAH, and a friend who will stick closer to you than a brother! Thank you KING JESUS!

[@cynthiax56]

the gospel came from the catholic church" and so did the complete and correctt bible and they both include MARY....not the prot "reformers ...He is giving a lot of false4 info here and skipping over facts and scriptures

[@dons1177]

Why do Catholics think Protestants deny Mary in some way? Sincerely. Because no reformer thinks she doesn't matter, but nowhere in the Bible does it say we should venerate her. At least not the Bible I read.

[@cynthiax56]

@@dons1177 LUKE 1:24-48 All; generations will call her blessed. Which churtch calls her blessed, and treats her like she is blessed...and w3hich church does not?

[@cosmickitty5693]

@@dons1177 ➔ The entire foundation of Protestantism is false:... ➔The Bible ITSELF Contradicts Luther's doctrine of "scripture alone" (solascriptura) The Bible tells us that the authority is THE CHURCH: ... ● 1 TIMOTHY 3:15 The pillar & foundation of TRUTH is the CHURCH. ● 2 THESS 2:15 We are to hold fast to the TRADITIONS we have been given, either by WORD OF MOUTH or by the letter. ● 2 TIMOTHY 2 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast HEARD from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. ● EPHESIANS 3:10 10 His intent was that now, THROUGH THE CHURCH, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, ● JOHN 21:25 Jesus said & did Many other things that are too numerous to be recorded in writing. ● 1 COR 11:2 I commend you because you remember me in everything, and maintain the TRADITIONS even as I have delivered them to you. ● HEB 13:17 Obey the eldars in the CHURCH. ● COR 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. ● HEBREWS 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 2 COR 5:20 says that God appointed men in the Church to represent Him. And, in HEB 13:17, God appointed men in the Church to have the rule over His Flock. ● JOHN 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. ● MATT 18:15-17 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto THE CHURCH: but IF HE NEGLECTS TO HEARTHE CHURCH let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. The True Church is a TEACHING Church: (to Teach means to impart knowledge that is not presently know....not in writing) ● JOHN 14:26-31 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall TEACH you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have SAID unto you. (Spoken words...not in writing) (To TEACH is to impart knowledge that is not presently known....not in writing) ● ACTS 8:31: And he said, HOW CAN I, (understand scripture) EXCEPT SOMEONE SHOULD GUIDE ME? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (The scriptures are not for individual interpretation. They need the guidance of the CHURCH. It is PROTESTANTS who are following the doctrines of a man.)

[@louisvega-oe2sc]

The gospel came from Christ who came to save man from sin: the cc has nothing to do with salvation..

[@cynthiax56]

@@louisvega-oe2sc Jesus used HIS CHURCH to spread the gospel and his church was not protestant. Jesus did not use Luther's church or calvin's church and neither one existed when Jesus established HIS CHURCH. christianity is 2000 years old.and so is the gospel. Protestantism (the protest church) has only existed since 1517 and protestantism comes from men

[@johnsteila6049]

Why don’t you ask a Catholic who knows The Bible, these questions? Try me…

[@outlawforchrist302]

Lets be honest. Catholics and protestants are not going to agree with each other. We have to agree to disagree. We are all trying to be saved using different theology. It is like a race. One driver likes driving a ford, the other likes chevies. I am a protestant who loves god and jesus with all my heart and soul and try hard to be a good christian and live the kind of life that god wants. I know many catholics believe the same way i do. Lets all try to get along. No matter what, we all have a common enemy who we need to fight. His name is satan.

[@Trenttrumps]

Obviously, St Paul didn’t know the Gospel either: 1 Cor. 6: 9 Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, 10 Nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners, shall possess the kingdom of God.

[@Trenttrumps]

This fellow knows nothing of God or human nature or Sacred Scripture. Man must ACCEPT GODS FORGIVENESS. Protestants preach the Gospel, Catholics live the Gospel.

[@maxmarrero-sb5ej]

Hell was created by the catholic church.

[@dvforever]

The great part about Protestantism. All you gotta do is repent and accept Jesus and you're good for eternal life! It could literally take a minute of your time and if you did it once 20 years ago, you're still good. You can do whatever you want after. Still saved. It's Christianity on EASY MODE! Sounds very much like a superficial snake oil sales pitch but it's what many Protestants believe.

[@michelleheltz6116]

He is trying to stump her. That is not right!

[@blessedtobealive]

Are you being sarcastic?

[@GustAdlph]

It's very sad that the Catholic young woman had to be prompted to see that Jesus paid for all her sins. She doesn't need confession, penances or indulgences.

[@david7542]

Another unfortunate video. The "evangelist's" questions are full of false premises. In all fairness, the woman in the video doesn't know her faith. I can guarantee that this "evangelist" does not post on you-tube any videos where the Catholic he talks to knows his or her faith and can systematically disassemble the "evangelist's" arguments. To answer the question fully, Catholics believe that Jesus died for our sins to take the punishment we deserve upon himself. However, we do not have to accept it. If we sin--if we reject God with our lives--then we are telling God "No, I don't want salvation. I don't want to go to heaven to be with you." See the actions of the rich man in Luke 16, also Mathew 25:31-46 ("That which you do for the least of my brother, that you do unto me"). Right in the Bible, we can read what happens to those who do not feed the hungry or care for others. Fortunately, we can change our minds, just like Zacchaeus in Luke 19. By admitting where we failed to love one another as Jesus taught, and making those changes in our lives ("repentance") we can change our "no, God " to a "yes, I do want to live with you in heaven." And God, in his mercy, accepts that. Yes, we deserve punishment for what we have done wrong, but Jesus the Lamb of God takes those sins upon himself in his perfect sacrifice on the cross.

[@dashriprock5720]

Agreed

[@barbarasmith1085]

It doesn’t matter if she can defend Catholicism, he is concerned about her soul. He’s giving her the Gospel, she’s trying to “Catholic” her way out. He’s planting seeds . I pray God saves her.

[@david7542]

Barbara: If she’s Catholic, she believes that Jesus died for our sins on the cross. She already believes in Jesus but she also _believes Jesus_ when He tells us in the Gospel how to live. This means following His commandments. The Gospel is clear about what happens to those who do not follow Jesus commandments. I am praying for the salvation of the “evangelist’s” soul. He is the one not preaching the entire Gospel.

[@dashriprock5720]

@barbarasmith1085 life long Catholic here. Though I don't agree everything Catholics do.. when I began studying bible, I thought I would be switching to a Prot. Denom. because I always heard how they go by what the bible says. Do you know what I discovered? Not all, but a lot of Prots are not interpreting bible correctly, and I found more truth in what Catholics, Orthodox or any of the ancient denoms are practicing. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of Prots who get it right..but there is a huge lack of consistency. But what you are doing and what this guy is doing is just pure prejudice on Catholics, because of all the negative stuff you probably grew up hearing and believing

[@johnsteila6049]

This guy is a creep.

[@ct6555]

How do u really know that your interpretation of the scripture is correct? How do u make up for the thousands of denominations which resulted from self interpretation of the scripture? The holy spirit is nit the spirit of confusion....the catholic church has the authority in this world which ofcourse u knowingly or unknowingly attack... U always attack the catholicism without even properly understanding wat the catholic church teaches...u are passionate about christ, but i can only imagine wat u would have become if u had the FULLNESS of TRUTH lying within the catholic church..... U haven't witnessed the history and the teachings of the church from the time of the early church fathers with a humble heart.... The church is also the gem hidden in the field....if u knew , christ would have used u for more marvelous things

[@messenger610]

The Catholic Church does not have authority. Jesus does. You are only made righteous through HIS sacrifice. I left the Catholic Church after I read the Bible and saw first hand the deceptions of the man made religions.

[@messenger610]

By the way: Gods spirit does not dwell in buildings made with humans hands….. the church is a group of people fellowshipping who have the Holy Spirit indwelt within them.

[@ct6555]

@@messenger610 and yet gods spirit dwelled in ark of covenant in the old testament... Who told god lives in buildings...? If u left Catholic church after u read the bible, then u didn't read it well..u just read it to to suit your interpretation...

[@ct6555]

@@messenger610 if catholic church is wrong , then Satan misled the christians for atleast 1500 years .... So it means Jesus was not strong enough preserve the truth about him... Or u might be wrong.... If the church was misled by satan from the beginning to until 16th century then it goes against the promise jesus made ," the gates if hell shall not stand against his church"

[@ct6555]

@@messenger610 jesus have all the authority ..yet jesus gave authority to his apostles on this earth.... That authority is being transferred to the successors of apostles(bishops) through laying of hands through an unbroken chain from 1st century to this time.... If u deny the authority of successors of apostles, then u are denying god established authority on earth for your salvation

[@keatongrout6275]

Protestants: catholics believe in works salvation. We believe salvation is by faith alone. Also protestants: its not enough to believe in jesus, turn from your sins, surrender your life to christ, make jesus the lord of your life and count the cost of discipleship if you want to be saved.... Pure double standards.

[@iguess2739]

"its not enough to believe in jesus" it's not enough for what? salvation?

[@adam9817]

Todd is ia false preacher

[@kevinphillips150]

No. Both she and he were wrong. The crufixition eliminated sin up to that point (Jesus's mission was complete). Baptism eliminates Original Sin. Confession and a proper act of contriction eliminates sins after being baptized. If you notice, Peter and Paul continually remind everyone to repent, repent, repent, and do the will of God (good works-the book of James). By the way, the Roman Catholic Church did NOT endorse buy sins for an individual to get onto heaven. I brother monk did that and was punished for it. This was only done in Germany.

[@HerrFitztastic]

My dear sir, I don't see a single source of scripture for this. The truth is that faith in the Son of God and his accomplished work saves, not your work. It is because you are saved from your sins by faith which God gives you through grace that you repent and then do good works. You do not do good works to be saved. You have confused the horse and the cart. See: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" - Eph 2: 8 -9 So also: " For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law" - Rom 3:28.

[@dashriprock5720]

He asked her as a Catholic about to die, what would you do. Her first answer was fine. As Christians, do we not need to repent and confess if we have fallen into temptation? From there he put words in her mouth to lead her.

[@freakylocz14]

This is what Protestants almost ALWAYS do wrong when witnessing to Catholics, and what to do instead: The most common mistake made is to talk about what the Catholic Church teaches with them. This is because your goal is to just get them saved, and also because many Catholics either don't know what the Church's doctrine even is, do not fully understand Chruch doctrines, and often even outright DISAGREE with Catholic Church doctrines. Instead, find out what they believe, and then share the Romans Road and The Gospel with them. If you feel like you must attack the Catholic Church and its doctrines, then at least make sure they already know what the doctrine you're thinking about attacking even is, and that they agree with it. For if you do not, you will have already lost.

[@flutterboypr6481]

He never attacked the Catholic Church, he said facts. The Catholic Church never teaches the Word Of God how is written, they preach other Gospels instead of what God wrote for men.

[@freakylocz14]

@@flutterboypr6481 Yeah, stop doing that if you want to be effective.

[@VersatilisPeritus]

​@@flutterboypr6481Please back this statement up as fact. I will point out it is generalized, so the same can be said about protestant churches with female and gay pastors. On the contrary, practicing Catholics spend more time in the Bible than protestants. We go through the entire Bible over a 3 year process, along with commemorations for each part of the liturgical Calendar to celebrate the Bible. Remember, we where founded by Jews, so the style of worship is very temple oriented. If you're one of those "only souther. Baptist convention understands salvation" guys, you've got a long way to go. I have hope that you are not and that just maybe you will consider doing your own unbiased, and history based research before making such strong and untrue claims online for God and the world to see. Catholics are the reason you even have a Bible, and Martin Luther, a drunkard on an ego trip despises most of the epistles and revelations as they contradict HIS modern belief of "faith alone" for salvation. Not biblical by the way, plenty of scripture to back that. Hoping for a cordial discourse here. Best regards

[@VersatilisPeritus]

@Magic_M_Hayashi Wow. Almost have a book there, sir! I can't rightfully touch on all points from my cell phone. However, going in memory: Funny point: they aren't arresting people YET, for hateful opinions and speech. Maybe they are, actually? I digress. I come from a long line of Baptist, KJV only, red back hymnal, once saved always saved people that adhere to the same eschatology you seem to follow. Let me be clear, I am fully aware there are intellectuals and know-nots on both sides of the track. I appreciate the sentiment of recognizing that there is a large majority in the world that HATE the Catholic church. It's quite amusing to me, though. Most Americans wouldn't know Orthodoxy if it bit them on the tail. Most are so quick to throw the baby Jesus out with the bath water that you can't even get to a place for rational dialogue. I understand the appeal of the protestant Salvation plan. Believe me, I do. I've been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. As mentioned in our other thread, I had a radical encounter with God and was truly changed. This is where we get fuzzy. The protestant view is very near sighted and honestly immature IMO. Like a child needing instant gratification. I have found that if you take every NT scripture that pertains to salvation and lay them out, to me, it paints a clear picture like: I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5-8), but I’m also being saved (1 Cor. 1:18, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9-10, 1 Cor. 3:12-15). I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11-13). For a higher regard to communion see John 6:54-59 and 1st Cor 11:25-31 I realize this seems complex, but it's really not. Key influences to my conversion: - the lifestyle of a Priest. Consecrated to Christ to counsel and help reconcile ppl back to God. Living with very little money, wear habits (cloaks), 24/7 on the clock for deathbed rites, and living celibate. Living and facilitating charity, service, and devotion. Super admirable to me coming from a world full of self-proclaimed theologians, self-righteous, and full of hate for anything that begs a question to their legitimacy. Pride with a capital P. - The mass is outside of space and time. No matter where you go in the world, you are of one mind and one accord with the Body of Christ. If you recall, the book of acts speaks to the importance of this. The mass is 100% about Jesus. It's a call to be introspective and sweep out the corners of your interior castle. Not a social club vibe at all, more monastic. Practicing the the Presence. Holiness. - Sacred Tradition. E.G. Incense, bells, women veiling, everyone genuflecting towards Jesus before sitting in a pew. The utmost reverence for our Lord. - Mary/Saints: Once my eyes where opened to the fact our deceased brothers and sisters in Christ are very much alive and praying for us, it seemed quite natural to ask them to pray for me. True reality begins at the departure of this skin suit that holds us. Mary is honored not worshipped. Just to be clear. - Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist and supernaturally nourishes His body as we partake as oft as we come together. Lastly, as mentioned, history tells the tale. I appreciate your engagement and hope as a convert of about 3 years that I have accurately conveyed what I have learned. This path has deepened my faith and offered me such spiritual peace, that I feel like I'm trying to explain the beauty of the Appalachians to a blind and mute person. I can't. One just has to taste and see that this is good. Much love from the mountains Kyrie Eliason

[@michaelmappin4425]

Great comment. Saved former Catholic here.

[@HappyHermitt]

God truly sees all. All of our secrets and skeletons. Confession is useless. Repentance is the way.