Ayeka - explain yourself young man!!

[Ayeka]

Spot on, Jk. You know we're learning exactly that in Geography right now

 

[General Zod]

...I think Christians don't help with the AIDS epidemic by telling the world that condoms don't help blah blah. And there are missionaries, evangelists, and churches galore voicing the opinions of the vatican to all four corners.

It's interesting. It seems that most people use the terms "Christian" and "Catholic" interchangeably. However, from what I've learned, true Christianity and Catholicism couldn't be less similar. Their belief in God is different, the holidays they celebrate are different, the way they worship is different, and their approach towards others is different. I feel the same way that most of the folks on this board feel about Catholicism. However, I have a completely different view of Christianity.

GZ

 

[JayKeeley]

It's interesting. It seems that most people use the terms "Christian" and "Catholic" interchangeably. However, from what I've learned, true Christianity and Catholicism couldn't be less similar. Their belief in God is different, the holidays they celebrate are different, the way they worship is different, and their approach towards others is different. I feel the same way that most of the folks on this board feel about Catholicism. However, I have a completely different view of Christianity.

GZ

Hmm. I always thought of Catholicism as a sect of Christianity. Just as if one were a Protestant, Episcopalian, Baptist, Church of England etc. etc.

Same as with Islam having Shia, Sunni, Ismaili sects.

So in reality, calling someone 'Christian' is the same as calling someone else 'Islamic' which doesn't really get into the details.

 

[General Zod]

Hmm. I always thought of Catholicism as a sect of Christianity. Just as if one were a Protestant, Episcopalian, Baptist, Church of England etc. etc.

I'd agree with you, to a point, that Catholicism is a sect of Christianity. However, it seems to me, that when people mean to attribute something to Catholicism, they instead attribute it to Christianity. Most of the Christians I know, don't actually view Catholics as Christians. Most actually believe the Catholic church is the "whore of Babylon" spoken of in the bible. So as you might imagine, they don't care to have the misdeeds of Catholics laid at their feet.

GZ

 

[Ayeka]

Pot-tay-to, po-tah-to.

 

[JayKeeley]

I'd agree with you, to a point, that Catholicism is a sect of Christianity. However, it seems to me, that when people mean to attribute something to Catholicism, they instead attribute it to Christianity. Most of the Christians I know, don't actually view Catholics as Christians. Most actually believe the Catholic church is the "whore of Babylon" spoken of in the bible. So as you might imagine, they don't care to have the misdeeds of Catholics laid at their feet.

GZ

OK I understand that, but I still have a mis-understanding of the term "Christian". There is no such thing surely? By default a Christian has to belong to a sect, no? Just as there is no such thing as a blanket Muslim - you have to be either Shia, Sunni etc.

For example, the "Christians" you know who don't view Catholics as Christians are probably Protestants.

 

[General Zod]

For example, the "Christians" you know who don't view Catholics as Christians are probably Protestants.

They wouldn't really consider themselves Protestants either. They would consider most Protestants to be essentially Catholics.

There's a passage in the book of Acts that reads:

"And the disciples were called Christians..."

To that end, they don't refer to themselves as anything but as Christians, nor do they feel that it would be correct to do so. To me, the fact that all of these sects take the name of "Christ" out of their religion's name is in and of itself quite telling. After all, those who subscribe to the beliefs of the Republican party are known as Republicans, those who follow Darwin are referred to as Darwinians, etc. If you're a Catholic, you follow Catholic teachings, as the name infers. As some here I'm sure are aware, the Catholic religion's roots lie closer to paganism than they do to the teachings of Christ.

My point is, I find the venom that so many direct at Christ and his teachings, to lie somewhere between misguided and just plain foolish. To so completely loathe someone, whose most basic teaching was to treat people as you yourself would like to be treated, seems just a tad asinine. That being said, I can fully appreciate the hatred of the Catholic church. I would say, that it could easily be argued, that the Roman Catholic church just may be one of the worst plagues ever to be visited upon mankind.

GZ

 

[Hell Mike]

That was among the most stupid drivel I've ever heard (read). Ayeka's post said it all.

According to you, General Zod, should christians follow the bible's words?

 

[Erik]

Zod, exactly what are you smoking?

 

[NAD]

My problem was never with Christ (or the myth or him, whatever), just with those who followed him really, and the hypocrisy that quickly followed since.

I agree with Ayeka though, potayto potahto. Catholics just have fancier hats than your garden variety Christian.