Catholicism: Teaching A MAN'S Religion?

Originally Posted by Bobsnox

Jewish tradition is exactly what Jesus deals with in Mark 7 and Matthew 15. Just because it's tradition doesn't mean it's right or good in the sight of God.

Christ tells his disciples to follow what the Pharisees teach, despite their often wicked or hypocritical ways, because they teach with authority (Matthew 23:1-3). Surely the same would apply in this case, all the way to the authority handed down by the apostles and their successors (the Church)?

If it's just an example, then why do they (Catholics) support the doctrine of Purgatory with it?

Because the idea that God can pardon our unrepented sins in the next life (what Maccabees says the followers of Judas prayed for) is precisely what Purgatory is and means.

Col. 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

How does praying for salvation for the dead in any way turn us away from Christ? Does he himself not ask us to pray for one another, and tell us to ask that we might receive?

Why is it necessary for Judgment to only deal with sin? Does God only judge on the basis of whether one has sinned or not? To make 1 Cor 3 out to be dealing with sin is to read something into the text which is not there given context. Where does 1 Cor 3 (the passage you specifically chose to support Purgatory) mention sin and the purging of it? Do you have other passages for prooftexts?

I have a question: can you give me an example of a work that would be "burned" acccording to this scripture that is NOT a sin?

Justice was accomplished on the Cross - we can add nothing to what Jesus did.

So there is no judgment?
After all, if all justice is in Christ, no one should need to justify themselves at all.

And also: "Except you do penance you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5)

Repentance is a sign of faith, which is the only necessary ingredient on our part for salvation. Furthermore, the whole salvation process, including faith, is a gift from God.

Christ himself says penance is required for salvation (see above), and as for good works:

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I know there are Catholic understandings of that verse but none have been sufficient so far.

Again, and I quote:
(James 2:14, 17-20) "What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? [...] Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.' You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. Faith without works is dead."

Originally Posted by Neo

All of this said, he told me that by "a man's religion," he means a religion designed to make the followers feel like good people. "If it were God's religion," he stated, "it would focus on telling you his word. It would not change things and try to focus on making you feel better."

Personally, I don't really believe that Catholics are destined for hell. While their teachings may be off, that doesn't mean that they should be condemned.

With all of this said, do you think they really are teaching a man's religion?

Any reformed baptists who would like to share their opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Discuss.

Religion is suppose to make you feel good in that by getting closer to christ, you feel more at one with him. the problem is that most christians and catholics focus more on what has to be taught at a mass rather than what it really is.

the mass is nothing more than the sacrifice at of our lord on the cross. the lectures from the readings are instrumental in educating the christian, but the reason for going should not be based on learning, rather, being in communion with God.

obviously you have to be a catholic or orthodox christian to understand that at the mass, the bread and wine is turned into the body and blood of christ. that was the whole purpose of the mass since it was instituted from the last supper. Sure jesus must have gave some helpful insights to the apostles during the supper, however, he was more based on the sacrifice of his body.

Christians would die in defense of the host. they understood even back then that it wasn't just a mere representation of the last supper, it was Christ himself. if that weren't the case, then they all died in vain and should be considered idiots for sacrificing their lives for a mere loaf of bread.

thats how catholics feel good. by being with christ, they get closer to heaven. the mass isn't a seminar, its about communion with christ.