A Controversial Issue
I believe it is important to explore differing perspectives on these heated debate topics and controversial issues related to Christianity, therefore, I want to give Steve Cortinas the opportunity to fully express his opinion.
His letter continued as follows:
As you may recall, everyone else is a splinter (denomination - less of the real thing than we are). There was that little incident, Reformation, where they tried to reform what Christ had initiated.
At the time the Church needed help to clean house, but not to be abandoned and to start what people wanted. We call that "Cafeteria Christianity," to pick and choose what feels good to us, and leave behind those things that remind us that we are less than perfect. This is not a good thing!
I'm not saying we are perfect as a church. Notice the small "c" in church. At the parish level there is a lot of work to be done. But as a body of teaching, "T/t"radition (big and little "t" here also), and Scripture - It doesn't get any better.
As Vatican II has stated, "The fullness of the faith subsists in the Catholic Church." That doesn't mean that we as individuals, in our faith follow every teaching. And we definitely do not, because of free will, live it out as well. Oh, we have our problems for sure, but we must follow the authority set in place by Christ Jesus Himself. But many of my Christian brothers and sisters do not like hierarchy, and that is a shame, because we as Christians serve a King, Jesus Christ, and His Church is based on a monarchy.
Recent Trends
Steve continues with a heart-felt prayer for unity and a look at an interesting trend among ministers returning to the Catholic Church:
The number of "denominations" splintered from the Church today is astounding. If somehow there could be unity. Well, we can only pray. If more people would look at the Catholic Church for what it really is, they would look no further. There are too many misconceptions of what people perceive the Church to be, as you most probably know. If people really tried to understand and study for themselves instead of believing what someone else is telling them, our churches would be busting at the seams.
Checkout, if you have a chance, The Coming Home Network and see the numbers of Protestant pastors and ministers that are returning to the Church. Pretty incredible stuff. These individuals should be highly applauded because they stand to lose the most -- jobs, salaries, status, families and friends -- to list a few.
Sometimes you've got to take the good with the bad. I chose Jesus and His one true Church over what I want and what makes me feel better about myself. Because in Christ all things are possible!!!
Where it Stands
Where do you stand on the issue?
• Feel free to jump in the discussion on the Christianity - General forum.
• Study the history of Christian Denominations and the development of faith groups.
• Read the editorial "Are Catholics Christians?"
• Read another perspective: "The Evangelical Catholic Movement"
