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The Reproach of Christ now features guest posts by: Francisco Figueroa
Pope Francis is Our Holy Father, Supreme Head of the whole Church, Father and Teacher of all Christians, and Supreme Pontiff.
Papal critics: “Let us explain to you why Pope Francis is wrong.”
Ron Conte: “Let me explain to you what the word ‘faith’ means.”
Those who reject the Magisterium, grasp at straws seeking its replacement.
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If the works of God seem foolish to you, who is the fool — God or you?
Sign: Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free kitten.
Some Catholic groups still request tithes. Is this ok?
Tithes are acceptable if they do not have a set percentage, and are freely given. There must be no refusal of Sacraments or spiritual benefits for those who do not tithe. The OT discipline of a set percentage for tithing has been dispensed by Christ (per Florence).
I have heard Catholics saying and even teaching that those baptized who become sinful are no longer Christians unless they repent and follow the Christian way. But doesn’t Baptism give us a permanent mark in our souls as members of Christ?
One definition of Christian is all the baptized. But we could use a different definition, those who live in imitation of Christ, and that would exclude some of the baptized, and included some who don’t call themselves Christian.
Ron, i have a family member imminently dying within a few days. She is not catholic. If she converts before death, and is baptized into the holy catholic church, is she saved per doctrine?
If she has never been baptized, the baptism forgives all sin and all punishment due for sin. So, unless she were to commit an actual mortal sin, without repentance, between baptism and death, she would certainly be saved. Unbaptized persons can be saved by a baptism of desire, which is from an act of selfless love of others. So, if she refuses baptism, speak to her about her loved ones, and see if you can guide her to expressions of that selfless love. Probably, if she is a person of good will, she is already in the state of grace by a baptism of desire. Also, this same type of act of selfless love can return a person who received a baptism of desire to the state of grace after actual mortal sin (by implicit perfect contrition).
Is the Dutch Catechism heretical? Could it be that the authors of the Dutch Catechism went without reprimand, the reason the Dutch has so few practicing Catholics today?
I don’t know much about that subject.
Being a faithful Catholic is hard. I am in a bad marriage. I am staying in the marriage for Gods sake. I could separate but our teen kids would be devastated. There is no physical abuse. I carry the cross like St Monica and St Rita did. Some family members and friends are on their 2nd marriages. I’m not saying all marriages are bad. It just seems unfair that a married couple that can’t get along anymore for a long time that if you divorce and remarry, you commit adultery. This is a very serious teaching by Jesus Christ. However it does not seem to bother other people at all as divorce is rampant in our society. I offer the hardships in my marriage to God. My point is that being a faithful Catholic for many many years is hard.
Yes, it is difficult. I don’t know why marriage is arranged this way by God. I suppose you should look for an opportunity to separate, once the impact on your kids will be lessened.
That this is a hard teaching by Jesus Christ is SO true. I too have had to confront this teaching. I think the unfairness stems from the corrupt Western culture in which we live, it seems unfair in light of so many ‘apparent’ remarried successes. You have remained faithful to your vow on your Wedding day, “for better, for worse”. If your vow included ’till death do us part” then how can one divorce and remarry? My greatest concern is that such a decision would lead one away from the Church i.e. one must marry civilly or in the faith of their new spouse. Now adultery has lead to apostacy!
How does the Abuse Crisis fit into the Schism?
I don’t know. Perhaps it is one more way to discredit the Pope, so that they can reject him.
What are ghost and hauntings? Demons? Souls in Purgatory? Unconscious psychokinesis?
I don’t know what explains ghosts.
What happens if one spouse, after marriage, loses the faith and/or believes in many heresies and teaches their kids things contrary to the Catholic faith?
Pray, pray, pray.