(June 13, 2014 at 12:08 pm)Tonus Wrote: Translation: he's gonna make us an offer we can't refuse.

I like my kneecaps...rather fond of them.

So Joyce Meyer has worked out that (her?) God is incapable of establishing a religion that can withstand critical review ??


Hmmm. Isn't there a verse in the Bible forbidding willful ignorance ???

(June 13, 2014 at 1:00 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: Hmmm. Isn't there a verse in the Bible forbidding willful ignorance ???

If she's violating it, how would she know?

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: I'm not sure where you got this from, but you are simply wrong. Practicing Catholics are constantly in the Bible.

Not round where I live, whenever a bible was pulled out during the youth meets we were all warned of the dangers of self interpretation. Have you got a copy of a Catholic Study bible Cato? They all tend to have rather explicit warnings that the reader is to accept what is explained in the commentary, and not to form their own opinion.

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: I take it you've never been to mass where there are typically three readings. Typically there is one each from the OT, the epistles, and the gospel.

I used to be a regular attender at mass, and while the missal does over the course of a few years recount a good portion of the bible important points (such as the human sacrifice of Jeremiah's daughter) are never mentioned.

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: I actually prefer this to the Bible hopscotch spewed by evangelicals. There are all sorts of parish sponsored Bible studies just like any other church.

Meh, the evangelical meets are just Christianity lite. Sorry if there's any here, just my thoughts on the matter.

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: Another facet of Catholicism that lays waste to your assertion is catechism. Try your "Catholics don't read the Bible" theory on a kid going to CCD every week.

I used to run an RCIA class, and while we made liberal use of the catechism I don't think I actually pulled out a bible more than two-three times (looking for quotes to answer questions with) other than to hold it up during a speech.

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: Prepare to duck as you will likely get clubbed by a hefty paperback with 'The New American Bible' stamped on the front.

I actually wish that would have happened, knowledge of scripture was woefully lacking in my parish.

(June 13, 2014 at 9:18 am)Cato Wrote: Even though the official Vatican position is that the Bible is the inerrant and inspired word of God, there is no doctrine that mandates the stories must be taken literally.

Absolutley correct, but there are portions we are to take literally such as Adam and Eve being a literal couple. Clearly, that cannot have taken place, the genepool is just not that narrow.

Whether or not the adam and eve story is literal has a drastic effect on doctrine, and so gets an exemption (and so MUST get an exemption..by all christian denominations). We must believe it literally, or else the christian redemption scheme crumbles under its own weight. All of a sudden you just have a god nailed to a cross for nothing. Some welcome.

(June 13, 2014 at 11:24 am)JesusHChrist Wrote: No, it won't die off, much the same way as paganism hasn't died off.

What we will see (and are seeing) is continuing marginalization of religious belief, at least in first world countries. As the older, believing generation dies off, they will not be replaced by the younger folks. The stats don't lie, the pews are emptying, the clerical ranks not being refilled. The internet is a bitch!

Christianity is a slowly rotting corpse with only a few maggots left to feed on the tiny bit of sustenance remaining. Yuck.

Now, get down and give me FIFTY maggot!

When was the last time you've been in church to witness the pews empty? More lies from pagans!

There are more Christians then there ever were.... Because all you have to offer are maggots, and death. Choose LIFE!

Anytime that services aren't ongoing. Thin on the ground when they are as well. Too easy.

(June 13, 2014 at 2:26 pm)ronedee Wrote: When is the last time you've been in church to witness the pews empty? More lies from pagans!

Last week when I was collecting research (not in my own parish). There was about eight over 60's and three couples.

(June 13, 2014 at 2:26 pm)ronedee Wrote: There are more Christians then there ever were.... Because all you have to offer are maggots, and death. Choose LIFE!

Mmmhmm...That's why church attendance is about...what? 6% of self professed Christians in the UK?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in...Attendance.

(June 13, 2014 at 2:28 pm)Vox Wrote:

(June 13, 2014 at 2:26 pm)ronedee Wrote: When is the last time you've been in church to witness the pews empty? More lies from pagans!

Last week when I was collecting research (not in my own parish). There was about eight over 60's and three couples.

(June 13, 2014 at 2:26 pm)ronedee Wrote: There are more Christians then there ever were.... Because all you have to offer are maggots, and death. Choose LIFE!

Mmmhmm...That's why church attendance is about...what? 2-5% of self professed Christians in the UK?

LOL! And that's your research?