Air conditioned cooler system, yo, the tec glisten
on a mission, shoot your back out position
found missing, 2-5 deep in prison
kid listen, die on the cross like a Christian
so fuck you, plus your weak religion
in disguise, nowdays I cut prize
the invincible, untouchable CNN
is boldfaced, written in gold with ink pen
Capone -n- Noreage – T.O.N.Y.
Yesterday, Millions of Christians celebrated Easter Sunday. The day where we commemorate Jesus’s rise from the dead, to save us from ours sins and grant everlasting life in Heaven. It’s days like this where all Christians, united by faith, join together to revel in the word of the Lord and remember his sacrifice. Although I’m a firm believer in Christ, I hate the divisive nature of religion at times. We have so many facets of Christianity it’s amazing. What upsets me even more is the level of misinformation about various denominations, most notably Catholics.
I had a conversation with someone I met on a recent trip. She told me that she knew of a few women interested in me, but they wanted to know if I was a Christian. Fair enough. I jokingly replied “Well, I’m Catholic, so I don’t know if they’ll like me” to which she replied “Well do you believe in Christ, because I was told that not all Catholics believe in the idea of Jesus Christ”. This shocked me. As someone born and raised in the Catholic faith, to hear that statement made me wonder what fake Catholics she knew! I realized then, that people get it seriously twisted when it comes to my church, so let me clear a few things up.
All Catholics Believe in Jesus Christ! – I can’t even believe I’m writing this as a point. We actually have a Nicene Creed, where we reaffirm all our beliefs, which include the divine mystery of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus wasn’t freestylin in Jerusalem. Anyone who says they’re a Catholic and doesn’t believe in a core principles of Christianity are NOT Catholics OR Christians!
The Roman Catholic Church was the first church – This fact, cosigned by many scholars, makes the Roman Catholic church the first institution and original institution of Christianity. When Jesus told Peter, regarded as the firs Pope “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, 13 and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:13-18), this began the concept of the New Testament worship of God. The Catholic Church, in over 2000 years of existence, is the oldest Christian institution. How could we be a different sect. of Christianity when this church preceded all others? This isn’t to say “We da Best”, just historical fact.
Politics separated denominations, not core beliefs - Someone asked me once what’s the difference between a Baptist and a Catholic. I usually say about 30-40 sacraments c*ck sucka beat it church political ideologies. This mainly stemmed from Martin Luther and Reformation where he, and a group of his followers, took issues with many of the Catholic churches practices, and decided to break off into Protestants (key word: protest). From protestants came Baptists, Seven Day Adventists, Lutherans, and all other denominations. We basically went through a period in Christianity where if we didn’t agree with a certain practice of our church, we started our own denomination. Whether the disagreement concerned sacraments, women as reverends/priests, statues in the church, etc, we as Christians disagreed and did our own thing. The CORE belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit remained.
Think of it like the U.S.A. Anyone born in the 50 states is an American recognized by the Federal government as Americans. When we classify ourselves, we classify further by state. I’m a New Yorker, Texan, etc. Then you classify further by city, borough, and other regional distinction. At the end of the day, we are ALL Americans, and without the core belief of the Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, we wouldn’t be American. Even though we have different laws at the state level, the laws all fall under an American practice. Even “non-denominational” Christians are a denomination, “because a religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition and identity.” Catholics all have this core Christian belief, so we don’t conjure spells and potions during Lent and Christmas.
I just wanted to clarify those points about my denomination of Christianity. We let politics split us as a unit and continue to let misconception hinder us in our faith and belief. Ireland has even seen a country divided and in war over this situation! I feel as comfortable celebrating service in a Baptist church doing the stanky leg and catching the Holy Ghost, as I do in the Catholic church where the mass feels like a P90x workout session/business meetings with all the sitting/standing/kneeling we do! I don’t care if you call it Resurrection Sunday or Easter, the Holy Ghost or Spirit, God or J-Hova, if you believe in Christ then we share an equal plane as Christians. Our faith, divided by politics, remains united by faith. Let’s not let false truths and misinformation permeate our beautiful religion and allow unwarranted prejudice. Do your research, ask, and let’s learn and grow in Christ as one base of followers.
What other misconceptions have you heard about Catholics or Protestants (other denominations)?Does it truly matter?
P.S – My twitter message on Easter Sunday. Applaud Me:
Jesus snt me a txt “Rose up from the DEAD, turn my swag onnn! Took a look at my disciples sd wzup! YEA, we getn blessings O!” Happy Easter!
"The Roman Catholic Church was the first church – This fact, cosigned by many scholars, makes the Roman Catholic church the first institution and original institution of Christianity."
This is actually false. There was one form of Christianity until, I believe 1054, where the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches were formed. The split was because Roman Catholics wanted to "westernize" the religion and orthodox Christian did not agree with the move.
And.. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East-West_Schism) There's the link.
"The East-West Schism, or the Great Schism, divided medieval Christendom into Eastern (Greek) and Western (Latin) branches, which later became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, respectively. "
So I was 1/2 wrong. Point still remaining that the Catholic church can be considered the oldest denomination of the religion, and furthermore that politics once again separated our spiritual community
Its like the X-Men
You got the main team "X-Men" (Roman Catholics) with Prof X as Leader (The Pope)
You got the "Uncanny X-Men" (East Orthodox) who are led by Cyclops and other members at different times (Bishops, et al)
You got the other factions that all strive for the dream of mutant harmony X-Force, X-Factor, (Protestants)
There are marked difference between Today's reformed Christianity and Catholicism, Transubstantiation, the Worship/Adoration of Mary, The Acrophyal Books which are not included in the Protestant bible, The sufficiency of scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) purgatory, praying to saints, the authority given to the Pope, sacraments, celibacy of priests (based on a a financial concern and not scriptural) etc. I know this is where some of the divisions come from… Martin Luther and his Ninety Five Thesis… John Calvin… Even THOMAS AQUINAS who believed in the sovereignty of God and apposed many of the traditions Catholics hold on to today… These are the reformers you can thank for the separations today. I thank them very much LOL.
There is a difference and protestants do not believe these practices are based on scripture. As far as Jesus is concerned, yes I have heard many Catholic priests speak of him in a biblical way, I have many issues that cannot be addressed in a post here. I have noticed differences in which the Gospel is presented. I do know this, there are many Catholics that are saved, because God has ordained it so.
I certainly consider Catholics more "Christian" than Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Moonies, etc because of what they believe about Jesus being the Son of God and the Holy Spirit, of which I can't seem to find in a Catholic Church… but I won't go there LOL.
What bothers me most about Catholic beliefs is that salvation is so works oriented, the sacraments are all based on the Catholic doing something to be saved when the theme of being saved by Grace through Faith is repeated among the gospels and the writings of the New Testament. The bible says salvation is all of God so that no man can boast of doing sacraments or ANYTHING to his or her credit. Oh just say enough "Hail Mary's" and you will be forgiven of your sins. I can't get with that because the practice is not scriptural.
The idea of a Pope (Vicar of Christ) or "substitute" for Christ really bothers me because Catholic Tradition says his words are infallible… If he is a man his words are fallible. There is nothing wrong with being a religious leader, HOWEVER, it is very dangerous to put that kind of power in one man's hands. I don't believe my pastor's words are infallible… not ever! All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
But that is my view of it in an nutshell…
"I certainly consider Catholics more “Christian” than Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Moonies, etc because of what they believe about Jesus being the Son of God and the Holy Spirit, of which I can’t seem to find in a Catholic Church… but I won’t go there LOL."
This point, mong the rest, proves the misinformation and BS that is spewed about Catholicism. To say this, you truly are mistaken. You can't find the teaching about the Holy Trinity , we have CHURCHES NAME AFTER the trinity!!" You want to talk about financial responsibilities, what about the Deacons and Reverends living off the donations of the congregation. Who ordained them to use that $$ for the sake of their living?
Im sorry but my post wasn't about whose better, and I get that fro a lot of non Catholics about their sect of OUR (min and yours) Christianity. I think its worng and my post was meant to clear up those fallacys. Maybe one day we can sit down and truly discuss this, but comments like that turn me off, sorry.
In closing, wouldn't the ideological differnece between Catholics and Non Catholics juxtapose the AKA/DST rift? Maybe in that context you can feel where I'm coming from. No shots, just an anology.
One of the common misconceptions is that we worship statues or graven images. People have photos of their loved ones in their homes. Does it mean we worship them? Saints and symbols around the church are meant as a point of focus and rememberance as you pray. They are not being worshiped simply honored and remembered.
We are a religion that get's heavily criticized because we were among the first. There is NO PERFECT religion. To each theire own. Let us unite instead of didive. The word CATHOLIC means UNIVERSAL…ALL are welcomed!
First I would like to say that I'm a "Christian" and since maturing in my walk with God choose not to be held down by the most commonly used terms or references of followers of Jesus. I am a follower of The Way, a follower of Christ, and a child of God first and foremost before anything else.
I believe there are misconceptions about a lot of things in this world especially when it comes to religion, which is a man made. I went to a Catholic elementary school, and a Jesuit High School. I know all about what you speak of Streetz. People get caught up in the misconceptions and differences when they should be more concerned about the similarities.
What matters most to me when talking to people about my own personal walk with God, is whether or not they believe in Jesus. Most people don't like to spark up a conversation about their personal faith though. One thing I learned this past year was that there are even Muslims that believe in Christ! Yep. Jesus is referenced more than most would think of in the Quran. And even the Dali Lama is fond of Jesus Christ.
The cornerstone should always be God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. That's my opinion though. "A.Kelly" went in…and I Myriam made a good point. The misconceptions and differences are all due to the many ways we can worship, praise, and talk to God. I was born into a Muslim household and raised, nurtured and matured in the Christian faith. I've always attended Baptist Church. I believe we all catch the Spirit in many ways: some people get up dance and shout, while others may get weak and cry uncontrollably. We all experience God, Christ, and the Spirit differently.
PS. You had to use the X-Men analogy? LOL…good correlation…good post
good looks Figz. I agree with ur post 100% cosign.
You know my analogy game is crazy! lol
All the little details don't matter. Do you accept Jesus CHRIST as your Lord and Savior who was crucified, died and buried, rose again on the third day and later ascended into heaven and will return again? Yes? Then you're a CHRISTian. You believe in the fundamentals, the details are minor ways that you SHOW your belief. Christianity isn't limited to Protestants so protestants need to stop segregating themselves. There's different versions of Judaism, do you see them separating and individualizing themselves amongst the masses? Perhaps amongst themselves but they present a UNITED front to all those who do not share their faith. Christians need to take note. JUDGING another denomination is clearly NOT what we're called to do. We live for the Lord, not for our petty denominational beef.
My MAIN point exactly! Thanks Leah!!
I agree that denominations are not biblical, and Paul calls cats out in 1 Corinthians 1 on this. There are plenty of people claiming to be Christians who really aren’t. Whether they associate with the Baptist denomination, Catholicism, Methodist, Bible church, COGIC, whatever, there are people in all denominations that aren’t truly followers and doers of Christ.
I think a lot of times the argument isn’t in whether the various denominations believe in Christ, but in What they believe about Christ and how that plays out in their lives. Is he God? Is he not? Is he only God’s son? Is he one and the same? Was he just a good man? A prophet? Is he dead? Is he alive? All Christian denominations would say they believe in Christ (in his existence). Ask them what they believe about Christ (his essence), and you’ll get all sorts of answers. Satan believes in Christ…does that make him a Christian? All Baptists aren’t Christians, all Methodists aren’t Christians, and the list goes on. Claiming and being are not one in the same (although they should be). Side note: I vote for the stoning days…that way people would firmly choose one side or the other instead of straddling the fence, lol.
I have relatives who fast 200+ days a year, go to church faithfully, and do the ‘works’. They know Christ is real, but unfortunately don’t have a relationship with him, so all their works is in vain. Doing these things doesn’t make them a Christian any more than me dressing in scrubs and wrapping a stethoscope around my neck makes me a doctor.
Biblical Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship between a fallen people and a holy God by which reconciliation occurred because of Christ’s work on the cross. We humans, in our desire to structure it, mold it, and make it fit to our desires have tarnished what God intended for the ‘invisible church’, the body of Christ. The invisible church doesn’t exist in in any denomination or steeple-topped building. But sadly, that’s what we’ve made it.
By the way J, there weren’t a few…only 1.
Thanks for the Post M Diddy! Btw, I had this conversation with another homie that went the same way which prompted me to say "what's in the water?" Wasn't trying to hype the number homie! lolol
I agree with your post too. I just think that we all need to be firm in our belieft and not get caught up in political differences
I didn't mearly say "beleive in Christ". I said believe in Christ and allllll of the aforementioned. And just because you sin… it doesn't mean you AREN'T a Christian. Christian and its concept is simple… and a true Christian knows its not for you to determine who is, who's not and what someone else believes. That's between that person and God. If someone has a differing opinion… go to God with it. Simple. He'll answer your question. Maybe you're wrong and maybe they are right.
This is a very good post, one of the best IMO. I think that you and others have clarified the issues and misconceptions about the Catholic denomination very well. It is funny how many people including myself have never stepped foot into a Catholic church in their life, but are so quick to judge and say what they do, how they worship, and how they are so wrong. People treat Catholicism like its own separate religion, not denomination. I won't be too repetitive, however we are all Christians. All this denominational bickering is MAN made. Like someone said, if we all believe in the same God, the same Son, and the same Holy Spirit, and all of the true principles of this trinity, that is what should matter. Christians hurt eachother with all this "I am an adventist or I am COGIC, we are the only true church and we are the only ones going to heaven" BS. Streetz, I have told you about people around me and how they are, ridiculous!
"I have relatives who fast 200+ days a year, go to church faithfully, and do the ‘works’. They know Christ is real, but unfortunately don’t have a relationship with him, so all their works is in vain. Doing these things doesn’t make them a Christian any more than me dressing in scrubs and wrapping a stethoscope around my neck makes me a doctor."
This is probably the most on point thing that I have seen so far. You can have as much religion as you want, but if you don't have a RELATIONSHIP then all of that is done in vain. In order for us to be taken more seriously and be the force that God truly wants us to be, we need to be united and represent the true cause. All this man made political banter is only hurting us.