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Hi! Interesting site. I, myself, am not catholic, but agree with almost everything on your site. I was just a little upset to see that you didn't cover the rest of "reason #1". I was wondering about the celibate priests. That is one thing I wonder about. I am also not Protestant, but I am a Christian. If you could e-mail me about the celibate priests thing, I would appreciate it.Thanks,
M. E. A. H.
Thanks for your question and feedback! Here goes...Briefly, the Church believes as Paul taught that it is better for priests not to marry. ! Cor. 9, is an example that touches on this issue.
The early Church had married priests. This changed over time, so that the priest would give his single minded love to the Lord, and service to God's people. Technically, this could be changed, since it isn't a divine command, it is a matter of Church disciple.
This can seem a bit confusing at first, but we can divide Catholic teachings into doctrines/dogmas - which we believe are God ordained, and can't be changed. Then there are matters of 'discipline,' the rules that any organization has the right to make for its members, and can be relaxed, modified, etc., as it seems best for the organization. From time to time, the Church allows an Anglican priest, for example, to come into the Church, and after a period of study, to be consecrated as a Catholic priest and keep his family, if they already were married. This could happen for some other churchmen who convert, such as some Lutheran ministers who already have families.
In our age of sexual 'liberation,' it is difficult for many to imagine being celibate. But past centuries, more Christ-oriented, did not view this as the hardship it is considered to be today. Our Lord Himself said that "some will forsake marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." (Mt. 19:12). With man, it may seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible! (cg. Mk. 10:27) It is our Creator who provides the graces, in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, to sustain a priest's vow of celibacy.
Another point that is sometimes raised against celibate priests is the issue of priestly infidelity, etc. But a study done of married Protestant clergy showed that they have twice the rate of reported abuses of minors or adultery, etc. as Catholic priests do. This is only shared to demonstrate that a married priesthood isn't the 'cure' for such problems, the only cure comes from Christ our Savior!
I'm glad you found the site interesting, and suggest you look the rest of our ABCs of Faith site over too. You'll find a lot more details, and other topics not covered in the Top Ten's page. But that site has a different focus - it is designed to be straight to the point. Ours takes more time, and each has it's place.
I'd like to hear more from you about your thoughts on being a Christian, but not a Protestant or Catholic. Thanks again for your question and comments, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. Until then, may the Lord bless you and your family, and draw you ever closer to Him!
Hi ABCs of Faith Webmaster,I think you have an interesting site, but I just don't think that a person should have to go to your church to get to heaven. We are saved by faith alone, as the Bible tells us. I'd like you to link your web site to ours, but don't want to confuse our site's visitors by linking yours back. -B.F.
Regarding your message, I think I understand. As one who loves the Scriptures, I thought you'd appreciate these verses:Jesus said: "I AM the way, and the truth and the life." (Jn. 14:6)
Jesus prayed with His disciples, "that all may be one" (Jn. 17:21 & 22)
Jesus said: "on this Rock I will build My Church" (Mt. 16:18)
Jesus told His Apostles: "he who hears you, hears Me." (Lk. 10.16)
Jesus never said that one was saved by faith alone.
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (Jas. 2:17)
If belief was all that was needed for salvation, then the devil too would be saved:
"You believe that God is One. You do well. The devils also believe, and tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?" (Jas. 2:19-20)
Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (Mt. 7:21)
I'm sure you want to believe what you believe, and in that sense, you are sincere. You even have a neat format to your web-site, but that doesn't make what you want to believe true. "All Scripture is inspired by God..." (2 Tim. 3:16), not just some Scriptures that are taken out of context. We can't pick and choose what God wills - "Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." (Eph. 5:10). That is our calling in Christ!
So in the Name of our Savior, I'm going to ask you, challenge you and encourage you to read and "Be open!" (Mk. 7:34) to all that you'll find in our web-site; since Jesus said: "Whoever has ears ought to listen!" (Mk. 4:39).
In the Name of the Lord, I ask you, be open, and read. Think with an open mind, make a list of all the things you've heard, thought, and taught. You'll find the answers, and if you don't, my e-door is open, ask me questions, make your observations. Let us dialogue, and do so in the spirit of Eph. 4:15 - "speaking the truth in love..." Just remember that Jesus started His Church almost 2,000 years ago. Most churches today have less than a century of history, and there are now 30,000 denominations (clearly a fact opposed to Jn. 17:21-22) that are less than 500 years old. That growing number of 'new gospels' isn't the work of the Spirit.
Saul was a believer. He loved God. He learned Scripture and he doubtless taught others what he thought was true. He also attacked the Church that Jesus established, thinking it was a 'false religion.' You know what happened. Jesus said: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:5) Jesus identifies with His Church. The Lord called it "My Church." (Mt. 16:18) If Saul can be hunbled, repent, change, and become the great Apostle Paul, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can change too.
Perhaps, the Lord willing, one day, you'll see why hundreds of Christians ministers have given up great pastorates in recent years, just to join the Church which Jesus established. I look forward to hearing from you in the days ahead.
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