The Observation Deck

Point from the Bible. If we are to take a quote from Jesus Christ, to paraphrase it, "If two people gather in my name, I will be there". Jesus didn't qualify that statement as to who, what, when, where or why. I think we are to assume he meant all people, since he never qualified with any statement such as, only those wearing green shirts, or purple shirts, will I answer them.

So what defines the entity "church" in the sense of answered prayers and salvation? Many people believe, as in new thought, that there is no heaven or hell as some "location" , that we create our own heaven and hell right now, in our lives that evolve forever on different levels and planes of existance, and we take our thoughts and experiences now and forever with us, as we continously try to correct them and raise above them, but the infinite intellect of Jesus in his days on earth had to use metaphores to get His point across to people who could barely understand their own existance at all.

More food for thought.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

Bryan,

Thanks for your kind words!

Mark and Ryan,

I always enjoy your posts!

I hope that we've answered Pastor Rich's question about Hell and non-Catholics. The study of the interactions of the Catholic Church with other groups is utterly fascinating to me.

I think until the actual text gets published, will there be an actual answer.

Mark C.

Mark,
Thanks again for the website post - again it was very helpful. I am also very eagerly anticipating the release of this document. I think that it will greatly impact relationships between Catholics and non-Catholics.

Gary,
So nice to hear from you again! Thanks for all of your efforts and research! Growing up Protestant and studying under Protestants, I must admit, I am somewhat naive when it comes to Roman Catholic Doctrine and Sacramental Theology.

If anyone finds the posting of this document, please pass it along so that all may check it out!

Mark,

As Pope Benedict is a learned theologian, I think that you'll find that he will echo what he perceives to be the "tried and true" pathway of 2000 years of church teaching in whatever he writes about. I would simply guess that he is reminding his flock as to his Church's teachings.

Pastor Rich,

When the Catholic Church addresses issues like this, it's been my experience that they are very specific in their use of language, and their application normally applies to a certain circumstance. I do not believe that anyone would accuse the Church of rapid change, or of throwing words around just to get attention.

They say exactly what they mean and they mean exactly what they say.

However, even though they've been around a lot longer than Protestants, they too, have been subject to all of the usual liberal/conservative razzmatazz that infects virtually every other aspect of our lives.

As you are aware, in the '60's virtually all churches Catholic and Protestant "went modern" in one way or another. Dancing clowns, colorful vestments, rock music in church, etc....all came out in one way or another. What you are seeing with the Catholics is, in my opinion, an ongoing attempt to clarify doctrinal questions, by restating traditional Church teaching to a new generation of Catholics.

"but it does move."- Galileo's last words

Sorry Joe,

But I have found no credible evidence that Galileo ever uttered "but it does move" at his trial, at the end of his life, or at any other time.

The exact expression alleged commonly, was "Eppur si muove"-roughly "And still it moves", but this came from undocumented sources; a painting, actually and a word-of mouth legend.

There's no proof he said this expression either. Ever.

As well, Galileo was indeed condemned by the Inquisition, but heliocentrism (that the earth moves around the sun) was not. although a critical commentary was raised at his trial concerning the topic.

A thorough study of this whole matter would in fact, reveal much more than meets the eye.

Even after his condemnation, and house arrest, Galileo continued his scientific studies. :

Is anyone any closer to getting their hands on the document in question? Just thought I would ask - I would love to take a look at it! As usual, thanks so much for all of your help!

Getting closer,
http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/20 ... -xvis.html

Mark Allan Crnolatas