(Martin W.;68400)
I have observed the following:Many Catholics are indeed Christians as we would define it.Many Catholics do not worship Mary , pray to her , or get all caught up with golden candlesticks and all the rituals.Many protestants are also Christian as we would define it.Many Protestants are quick to bash anything Catholic.Very few Catholics bash other denominations.Very few of us have ever attended a Catholic service.It is not always as bad as we think it is.Many "Christian" Catholics remain with the (Catholic) church in spite of its problems.Many protestants remain with their church in spite of its problems.I am not Catholic. Never have been.Nor any denomination.Wheat and Weeds grow side by side until the harvest.We are not the harvesters.We have been told that very clearly.
I think that sums it up nicelyNow this forum is not about denominations, it is about Gods Word, so what does Gods Word have to day about the lack of respect to Christians."49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:49-53)Notice That Jesus is sayingthat thosewho do not take up his message will be against the ones who do, This is what Jesus meant when he said " suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division" Because only by bringing division can the Gospel be said.This passage heavily implies that people who are not Christians, will often despise God and often his people. They will think them as foolish, arrogant, incompetent. We see this every day. Why is this 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. ( John 1:4-5) 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ( John 1 10-11)Non believers don't recognize God, they don't understand God. That is why it is so important to show Jesus through our actions, so we can bring understanding too them. your brother in christRyan Fitz