Feelings and judging heretics

That's why the principle of Sola Scriptura is so important. It prevents us from making decisions based on feeling and 'what you are used to'.

Our feelings and what we we are used to may tell us to remove the cross/crucifix from the Church even though no one worships this piece of wood as God, and the cross/crucifix reminds of the bitter sufferings and death of our Lord, and there is nothing in scripture to forbid this practice.

 

I personally find that feelings of closeness to God happen the furthest away from man made decorations and buildings.
At times they can evoke emotion, but for the most part, I think the most pivotal moment in my relationship with God happened in an empty parking lot while I was looking at the dawn coming in and praying.
No ornate Basilica could ever compare with that.
Gina

 

I think there is something to be gained by what the Catholic prelate had to say.

I received Holy Communion in a church called Calvary Temple, an off-shoot of a Pentecostal church, and the pastor handled the bread and wine, much more carelessly than I would pass the food with special people at my home at the dinner table. At least Catholics respect their priests and the sacrament of the Eucharist infinitely more than our congregations revere their pastors and the elements of our Lord's body.

And how about all the talking in the sanctuary before the Service of Divine worship begins. I think all secular talking should be done in the narthax or out in the church parking lot, either before or after worship time.

And some church music sounds more like a Saturday night night club than music offered before the sovereign Lord of all planets, Heaven and the earth. There is a time for praise but I still enjoy the hymns of adoration and worship. In one church we stood for over one hour just singing praise songs. Pastors need to be reminded sometimes that their older clientele need to sit and rest, the older they become.

We are not heretics but we sure can learn some of the ABC's about worship from our friends in the other branch of the Christian church.

Can I get an Amen?!

 

Amen!

 

I think it's not so much what kind of buildings or decorations there are. The bible says that wherever 2 or more are gathered together, Jesus would be there too.

That I think is the key, gather in His name and He will be there.

Isn't that what church is supposed to be? Coming into the presence of God?

Working for Jesus,

Tam

 

Catholics many times define the difference between the secular and religious as in priests and nuns/sisters; the secular, of course, being the laity.

One of the big lessons of the vail being rent in twain, is the fact that when we come into a church building, the secular and clergy are entering 'the holy of holies.' There is no High Priest going into said place once on the Day of Atonement. Jesus is our atonement and every Lord's Day is a high, holy day. Are we not told to 'Come boldly to the throne of grace . . . ?'

Anywhere God's people gather in a faith bonding to the Lord you will find the church, the called out ones, even out of doors.

 

I like to go to our little church with the congregation spilling onto the steps, I find the age old prayers and ritual very soothing. I feel a bond with my fellow church goers, I receive inspiration and leave filled with the Holy Spirit afterwards.We the people enjoy decorating the church to make it beautiful as an offering to God. There is beauty in such and there is beauty in simplicity which is found in non-RC churches.

I speak to God and He with me whilst at work, at home doing the kitchen duties, watching the sunset, listening to beautiful music.

He is with me all the days of my life and wherever or whatever I may be doing.