Have you ever noticed that Baptists seem to lead the charge against Catholics? It's like the average Baptist person... No, I don't think that's really true... I think the average Baptist person has got it together pretty well, living a healthy life in encouraging fellowship and a sensitive heart towards evangelism. I am betting that it's kind of a noisy, loud minority in the Baptist camp that can't seem to let the whole "Catholic thing" be ignored. It seems they are so irritated that Catholic doctrine may teach something false.
Let me ask you a question, Mr. Baptist (I bet the majority of these Catholic bashers are male): Which is better -- to have your doctrine correct or to live out the example of loving service (i.e. live like Jesus)?
If you had to generalize here, one could probably say that many Catholics do a better job of serving the poor, caring for the sick, and involving themselves in "mercy ministries" than the Catholic-bashing Baptist does. The Catholic might have an error in their doctrinal outlook (gasp), but could you not admit, Mr. Baptist, that they have you beat in the "action" category.
Most people know that the answer that Mr. Baptist would give to the following question: "What's more important -- the physical health and well being of a human being; or their spiritual health and eternal position?" The Baptist would obviously say "spiritual" and "eternal well being," would they not? But could they be wrong in ignoring or de-prioritizing one under the other? Did not Jesus Himself spend a lot of time addressing the physical needs of those around Him?
My challenge to Mr. Baptist is: "If you're so spiritual, why can't you obey a simple and major command of Jesus -- to love your enemies?" Admit it: Catholics are your enemy. Love them for a change. If you deny that they're your enemy ... man, if that's how you treat a friend, I'd hate to see how you treat an enemy!
I realize I'm bringing a flawed argument to the table here. I doubt my challenge will work, but maybe some of my words are sharp enough to get the right questions being asked.
If you don't believe there's a big chasm between Catholics and some denominations of Protestants, pick up some Chick tracks about Rome and the Catholic Church. They'll be glad to fill your imagination with allegations of a satanic conspiracy to pervert the church with deception, etc. I think it's crazy.
I think it's possible to disagree with someone doctrinally -- even on some big issues -- and still respect and love them and learn from them and serve alongside them.
When love motivates people to action, something right is going on.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at April 13, 2009 10:05 AMThe main crux of your post is bang on...we need to a) get out there and do the work, and b) love, respect our neighbors/enemies (whatever word you want to use).
The parable (and Keith Green's song) of the sheep and the goats comes to mind.
However, it must be said that spades must be called spades. I'm not sure what specific events prompted this post, but if something is wrong, it must be labeled as such. You very ably (sp?) labeled the baptists' combative attitudes and lack of service as wrong. 100% correct. We must also call much of RC doctrine wrong: including the one that proclaims that the "serving the poor, caring for the sick, and involving themselves in 'mercy ministries' " is the very good works that will get them into heaven.
Disclaimers: I am not a baptist, nor an RC. I do believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, not of works (Eph 2:8-9), and that He's the only way to God. There is no other intermdiary.
Doug, for some unexplainable reason, as a non-Catholic, I've felt convicted on this issue lately. Despite my disagreements with certain points in Catholic doctrine, I realize that it was a Catholic church that helped me pay an electric bill at a time of need, and I have been edified by author and Catholic "returnee" Anne Rice's books about Jesus and her spiritual memoir.
Posted by: Will at April 16, 2009 07:05 AMHmmm...as long as an individual realizes that they are saved by grace through faith in what Christ did at the cross then I'm cool with that.Good works are a bi-product of salvation,but they don't save,the finished work of Christ on the cross saves.I think we need to esteem the work of Christ over good works,because independant of his finished work there is no salvation.Regardless of denomination,salvation is by grace through faith+nothing.If you are a true Christian,you will care about the needs of others.If you don't care about people,then you should keep your mouth shut about doctrine because you're not fleshing out what you claim to believe.The flip side to this though is the extreme catholic view of praying endless novenas and rosaries to earn favour with God.Jesus earned that favour for us,we are justified by his blood.I know the torment of striving to get right with God through works,it's hell on earth.Not everyone who speaks about doctrinal error does it in an unloving way.Salvation by works is a lethal heresy.We've all read paul's letter to the Galatians.Always love your stuff Doug. Blessings in Christ bro:)
Posted by: Roy Turple at April 17, 2009 01:16 PM