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Do you have to go to church? In other words, can you worship God in any place or do you need to attend Mass? Can this be done any place?

Susan

I think Jay says: If you are a Catholic you should go to Mass. You see the word liturgy is derived from the Greek "leitourgia" meaning public service. It is our Sunday obligation.

The book quoted by Jay (The Lamb's Supper) is a must read. In it, Hahn reaches back to the early church records as well as the Book of Revalation to show us why the first Christians met every Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist.

Sure we can meet elsewhere to pray to God and to thank him, but the Mass is how God wishes to be worshipped (See Rev and The Lamb's Supper). There too we as Catholics may enter into a "physical" personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Indeed the spiritual relationship is nurtured at all times but we were commanded..." Jn 6:51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh." 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; 54 he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever."

In Love

when we were one

Is a Protestant who observes the same rule, attending church every Sunday, just as covered as a Catholic, or is this to say that the Catholic church is the only way?

Ken, the obligation to "attend Mass every Sunday (if possible) under pain of mortal sin", like other "precepts of the Roman Catholic Church", applies only to Roman Catholics.

It does not apply to people born outside the Roman Catholic Church. It does not apply to those who have left the Roman Catholic Church. It does not apply to those have been excommunicated. But it does apply to Roman Catholics who have simply stopped attending Church.

As for the Roman Catholic Church being the "only way", the Second Vatican Council says that the fullness of Christ's Church subsists within the Roman Catholic Church. The document "Dominus Iesus" clarifies and says that it subsists only within the Roman Catholic Church.

Both documents affirm that sufficient elements of Christ's Church (e.g. baptism) exist within other church communities (e.g. Protestants) for people to attain salvation even though such communities remain gravely deficient (e.g. they do not distribute the body and blood, soul and divinity of Christ at the Lord's Supper - nor do they provide the sacrament of confession to believers). To put it another way, every believer in Christ is entitled to consume the body and blood of Christ and to go to confession yet the Protestant Churches do not provide these services. Can these believers still receive the graces necessary for salvation despite these deficiencies? Absolutely, for God's mercy knows no bounds.

For a Roman Catholic, however, it would be utter folly to disregard the Mass knowing that the Body and Blood Our Lord offered for our salvation is present for our consumption and adoration.

In reference to you comment about "the obligation to "attend Mass every Sunday (if possible) under pain of mortal sin", like other "precepts of the Roman Catholic Church", applies only to Roman Catholics.
- You prove the inaccuracy of the Roman Catholic religion, having totally earthly rituals that have no spiritual or relational qualities. God never said be at church every Sunday at 9 am every, Wednesday at 7, or whenever. For the Roman Catholics to call that a sin? Its blasphemy. You have not the authority, when in doubt please refer to the owners manual, not some hair brained idea.

Josh, if I promise to attend Mass every Sunday (when reasonabe) and I fail to live up to my promise, is it blasphemy to say that I have sinned by breaking my promise?

Whatever happened to Matthew 5:37? Are you using a different owners manual than I am?

Last time I checked, there was Christian organization known as "promise keepers" which reminds men to keep their promises to their spouse. Can this organization be accused of blasphemy for reminding people to keep their promises? Does anyone dare say that no one has the authority to remind men to keep their promises? Does anyone say that keeping promises is a hair brained idea?

If we are the Church and the Church is the bride of Christ (that is in your owners manual I hope), then how much more so should we keep our promises to our heavenly spouse?

Not attending church on Sunday is not something that shows poor character, bad moral values, and does not mean you are a bad person. Each person should have the ability to practice their religion without being subjected to the feelings of guilt imposed upon them by such an unreasonable rule. You should be free to determine how you want to exercise your spiritual beliefs.

What's most important is to be a good person with strong moral values who contributes to society in a positive way. Not following guilt ridden and non essential rules.

Recently one of my friends was insistent about changing the plans of the group because she had to attend church on Sunday even though it was not a priority for the rest of the group. It caused a riff. Any religion that specifies rules without paying attention to the needs of the people around you is what leads societies towards the extremist behaviors that result in divisive disagreements, nonacceptance of others, and ultimately too often leads to violence and war.

Feel free to practice your religion in the way that works best for you and be accepting of the way others practice their own religion.

Is it okay to go to a non-denominational church every week? Why do we have to have denominations?

Donovan,
It depends on whether or not you are Catholic or not. If you are Catholic you are obligated (out of love) to attend and take part in the Mass. If you are not Catholic then you not obligated and may attend a non-denom worship service. Are you Catholic?

As to your second question, "why do we have to have denominations?" The quick answer is Protestantism. Protestantism continally divides itself based on the personal interpretation of the pastor of their "church." Although some will say they agree on the "essentials," the problem is that many denominatons cannot even agree on what the "essentials" are. Beyond that who among Protestants can authoritatively decided what is "essential?" There is no one who can and so many of these churches simply agree to disagree and act as if truth is relative. It is unfortunate, but until non-Cathoilics question the major tenets of their faith such as: where did the bible come from? what were the early christians like? what did they believe? how did they worship? Until non-Catholics investigate these things with an open heart and mind it will be almost impossible to return to a visible unity of faith. If you are non-Catholic I would suggest begin reading "Four Witnesses" by Rod Bennett and "The Faith of the Early Fathers" by Robert Jurgens. Peace.
In Truth,
Matthew

Hi Matthew

Well I dont really have a religion as of yet (I just know I'm Christian). My younger cousin Joseph and I just stumbled upon this site and have a bunch of questions :).

I think i see what you're saying though. It's pretty apparent that if there was no Protestantism there would be no denominations. And I have also been wondering, if a person has decided "you know what, I'm a Protestant", how do they really decide which Protestant religion is correct?

Moreover, if you have never been introduced to a religion whatsoever, how do you choose Catholicism (or Christianity period) as opposed to any other religion? What would persuade a person to think one type of religion is more right than another?

lol sorry it's a lot to answer but i look forward to a response from anyone.

In love,
Donovan

Donovan,
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Well, I must say that you do have some interesting questions and I'll be glad to address them.

First of all, you make an excellent observation with your ponderance of: "if a person has decided "you know what, I'm a Protestant", how do they really decide which Protestant religion is correct?"

To be clear here Donovan, Christianity is the religion as long as one ascribes to the teaching on the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one). I think what you are actually mean is which denomination or sect is correct. Right? That is a an excellent observation. If Christ tells us that "the truth will set us free" (John 8:32) and that the church is "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15) then which church bears the truth? That is why I am Catholic. The Catholic Church can trace itself directly to the apostles. Our current Pope is the 265th one to lead the Catholic Church. No human institution has ever lasted so long (2000 years) which points to the Pope's office as divinely instituted. Christ, in Matthew 16:18, told Peter that upon him the church would be built and that the gates of hell would never prevail against it. Jesus' promise continues to today as the Catholic Church is still going strong as Pope Benedict is Peter's successor.

As to your second question how does one choose Catholicism (or Christianity) over another religion. Very briefly I say that the Catholic Church can validate itself biblically and historically. No other modern day church can do this. All Christian protestant churches take their lineage from the Catholic Church. As we've already discussed, Protestantism, although it has many positive aspects, is fragmented, unauthoritative, and not what Christ intended for his people (see John 17 on unity). Beyond that, why would one choose Christianity over Buddhism, etc. is rather simple from my point of view. Christiainity's central figure, Jesus, is the ONLY one that rose from the dead concretely showing the power of God the father. No other religious figure has ever done so. Also, if want to get scientific about it, Christianity's archeological evidence is overwhelming.

Lastly Donovan, one can have all the knowledge in the world about Christianity however, at some point faith must come into play. Faith and reason go together and that is another reason that I am Catholic. The intellectual depths of the Catholic faith are tremendous, but knowing that the Church is also the place that I can be sure of my faith makes it all the more sweet. May God bless you on your journey and please continue to ask questions and be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Another great place to find out more is at www.catholic.com, the books I recommended above, or even contact a local priest in your area.
Peace be with you,
Matthew

If the people of the Catholic church did not write the Bible then who did?Yes, you would say the early Christians right? Oh, but they weren't called Christians until later at Antioch. So the Apostles weren't Christians until then right? What were they then pagans, heathen or what?Do you get my drift?The Apostles wheren't called Catholic until later either,but this does not mean they weren't universal Apostles that preached to the Romans,the Gentiles and anybody else that would listen,since this is what Jesus told them to do.Preach to all creatures.

So you cannot tell me who wrote the Bible through history can you?Other than to say it was the early Christians.Therefore maybe you can tell me why the Catholic Church would assemble and decide which books went into the Bible if their own Church did not write the Bible.Why would they do this for somebody else's church?Doesn't make sense does it.Through history it can be proven that the Catholic Church did provide the Bible and the books that originally went into it.Since then people have change it to their own ends in their own translations such as the king james version that left out some of the books etc.
Apocalypse 22:18 For I testify to every one that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues written in this book.

Apocalypse 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from these things that are written in this book.

Benny here: I will say it(You have to be Catholic to make it to Heaven) Here is the reason why:Our Lord Jesus said it himself;John 14:6 Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.
So you have to go through Jesus in order to see God.The head and body of Jesus can not be separated.Jesus is the head of the church and the body of the church.Ephesians 5:23 Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. He is the saviour of his body.
Ephesians 1:22 And he hath subjected all things under his feet and hath made him head over all the church,
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body,the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may hold the primacy:

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body,which is the church:
Since his body is the church and Jesus and his body can not be separated then you have to go through the church in order to come unto the Father(God).
The Holy Trinity;God the Father,God the Son,God the Holy Ghost: All three are one and the same and also separate identities.So God the Son(Jesus and his body the church) are one and the same as God the Holy Ghost.Man is fallible,but God is infallible which means that God is the church because the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 And I say to thee; That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. God is the church in the form of the Holy Ghost and the one unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Ghost (walking away from the church which is his body ). This is an unforgivable sin because by not being in the church(Jesus body) and confessing your sins you therefore do not have forgiveness for your sins because a priest has not forgiven them here on earth,therefore they are not forgiven in Heaven.

The Apostles did ordain priests in their time as it is in the Bible. Acts 14:21 Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22 And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
Titus 1:5 For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:
James 5:14 Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Apocalypse 5:9 And they sung a new canticle, saying: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to take the book and to open the seals thereof: because thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation:
Apocalypse 5:10 And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.
Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ: to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:
Therefore these verses clearly show that there were priests and bishops,and as the Church was before the Bible the ordinary daily routine of the Church is not written in the Bible.Do you get a detailed explaintion of what to do and how to drive when you buy a car?No,because it is common place you already know the basics......Same with the Catholic Church and their routines.These traditions were kept through all these years.
2 Thessalonians 2:14 Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle

Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Hebrews 5:3 And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

Hebrews 5:4 Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was.

These scripures here plainly state that a person cannot confess their sins straight to God,but that a priest taken from among men and ordained must offer up the sacrifices and gifts for our sins. This priest should be in a state of grace before he preforms these actions,which is one reason why all priests must also confess theirs sins to one another,and also in order for their sins to be forgiven.

Also in the Bible:
John 9:31 now we know that God doth not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God and doth his, will, him he heareth.

If we are all sinners then by these words in the Bible God would hear none of us,right?

The way God hears us: Is after confession unto a Catholic Priest when you have been forgiven of your sins here on earth then they are forgiven in Heaven.

John 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.

John 20:23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

At this time you are in a state of grace and are clean of your sins and then can partake of Our Lords Body without judgement.
1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come. (The Holy Mass)

1 Corinthians 11:27 Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice.

1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.

When in this state of grace,without sin,then God will hear you(i-e,LISTEN TO YOU).For God hears and knows everything at all times but, why would he listen to the creature he made if that creature is not doing and following his words.(Through his son Jesus).Therefore when in the state of sin God does not listen.

Save your soul from the fires of HELL by seeking his kingdom logically and through history by the records that have been kept in order that you have know reason to be deceived.

LOGICALLY: Church that wrote and assembled the Original Bible: Is Church that Jesus established:Church was before Bible:Jesus said he would build a Church not write a Bible.

History: Which Church would that be? Why not the Church that can be traced back in history to Our Lord Jesus.

It cannot be all denomination churches because they DO NOT TEACH THE SAME THINGS...

Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knowing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself shall be made desolate: and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.

Therefore if you are not following the Church that wrote the Bible,then you are against Him(Jesus).For it is the only Church that the gates of hell will not overcome.

Matthew 16:18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The fires of Hell are FOREVER :Is pride,money, lust or anything else worth burning in Hell forever if you are wrong?

PUT YOUR HAND IN A FIRE FOR THREE (3) SECONDS AND THEN ASK YOURSELF THAT QUESTION?

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