Thank you Rocky for taking the time to reply. Very informative and laid out nicely.Rocky wrote:When does salvation take place?This may be long Because it cannot be explained like the way we understand it, But I think you will enjoy the read even though it has my bad commentary on it lol. Yeah it is skewed, in a sense its a works based salvation even initially, kind of clean the fish before you catch them mentality. Without quoting from my catechism to much, I will just give a some up on their process, because its like 10 pages long on how to become catholic. Catholics don't use the term saved its not part of their vocabulary, even though as you know the bible uses that term. It's a born again and again, but not like Dake teaches. Every time ones goes to confession the sins get exsolved then you can take the eucharius so every time you do this you are born again. There are 7 sacraments, 4 has to do with the indoctrination process. Its not like us to were it is based on faith in Jesus and all that entails. Regeneration is not part of the catholic vocabulary either. This process is what a lot of protestants are not aware of. The 4 sacraments or designed to get the convert to be catholic enough to take the Eucharist which is what the religion pretty much revolves around.Reuben wrote:Thanks for your answers Rocky! I found them to be what I have learned as well.Justaned wrote:As for the 6-8 weeks of indoctrination you mentioned Rocky that is called Catechism. First it is given to mostly to kids and being kids they tend to treat it like they do anything that takes them away from what they really want to do.
Not so its for anyone who converts to Catholicism adults or kids, you cannot be a catholic without taking the classes or take part in any of the sacraments...
I did want to ask you: when does a Catholic believe salvation takes place? This is not a trick question - just interested in your response. Terms such as salvation, born-again, regeneration, saved... seem to be foreign to them or at least skewed to some degree. What have you experienced in your interactions?
Ok here is the process in a nutshell: like I said there are 7 sacraments but 4 are directed mainly at the laymen and new converts. I will underline the sacraments. First if you are a baby, Baptism then later the classes
If you are a new convert first the classes than baptism. Because Baptism takes away the stain of original sin, but you have to wait till Easter.(I know not biblical, but remember its not sola scriptura)
Then the sacrament of Reconciliation this involves penance and confession which has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration.
Then the Eucharist, Because the sacrament of baptism and reconciliation makes you worthy enough so to speak to be able to partake of it.
Now we get to Confirmation, It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now after all this you repeat all except Baptism and confirmation every mass. To miss mass according to the catechism is a mortal sin because only priests can distribute the sacraments, remember its the sacraments that's saves, now a lay catholic will deny this up and down, but its is true. I know pretty confusing, now in my opinion this is almost cult like, because there is no salvation outside of the catholic church. I would be considered a heretic by the church because I know about the holy orders and the sacraments of the church but have rejected it. Catholics only believe if you don't know about all of this out of ignorance than you might can get to heaven, especially if a priest gives you the last Last Rites. If not we may have to spend time in purgatory so our works can be purified. In the catholic church purgatory is not for sinner but for those who are on there way to heaven, but are not quite good enough or have not done enough to go there or has unconfused sin. Oh, by the way the catholic church believes the convert still has a sin nature. So as you can see, are catholic really born again believers accord to what the bible teaches? To me its just empty unbiblical rituals to be blunt that cannot save a soul. I am glad that the B-I-b-l-e is a little more simplistic.
Hmmm I guess the cross was not enough. So yeah it may be a cult
I have read and used their own catechism in proving points concerning their lack of justification by faith etc. I do not believe that many Catholics are saved. I take no joy in saying that but I can't see how. Their faith is placed in works to produce a good standing with God and that is opposite of Scripture.
Sorry if I seem a little frustrated, because I am. I just don't like it when you try to get on a personal level with me. 
