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[NecrosaroIII]

Any Catholics here? I am not Catholic, but lately I've been feeling compelled to attend a Catholic mass. I'm not entirely sure why. It just seems like the right thing to do.

It seems sort of intimidating though. How rigid is the ceremony? It seems very rigid, which I guess to me is sort of the appeal. But not newcomer friendly.

 

[Chaplain]

Video: Women, Slaves, and The Unforgivable Sin - Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle

"In the conversation between atheist Alex O'Connor and Christian speakers Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle, the trio confronts various theological and philosophical questions, primarily focusing on difficult passages in both the Old and New Testaments. They address how the Old Testament often portrays God with characteristics that seem at odds with the New Testament’s depiction of Jesus. For instance, O'Connor questions the violent and seemingly harsh actions attributed to Yahweh, especially regarding issues like slavery and warfare. The Knechtles counter by explaining that God's actions in the Old Testament stem from a context of righteousness and justice, where actions that seem harsh are intended to reflect God's justice in a broken world. They suggest that while the portrayals in the Old Testament may appear challenging, they align with the overall biblical narrative of a just and merciful God. The discussion further explores issues such as gender roles and passages often considered sexist. O'Connor questions the relevance and appropriateness of teachings such as those restricting women from certain roles within the church, while the Knechtles explain that cultural and historical contexts influence biblical texts and that, ultimately, the New Testament promotes equality through Christ. They also tackle the “unforgivable sin” of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, a topic O'Connor finds particularly troubling. He expresses confusion about how a seemingly forgiving God would declare any sin as unforgivable, a stance that Cliffe and Stuart attempt to clarify by suggesting that this sin represents a total rejection of God’s grace, thus placing a person beyond forgiveness due to their hardened state of heart." (11/13/24)

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Christianity's Primary Message
03:28 Is Lack of Religion Causing the Meaning Crisis?
17:00 The Book of Job
23:37 Doubting Thomas
34:09 Slavery in the Old Testament
47:58 The Treatment of Women in the New Testament
59:00 Who Wrote Paul’s Letters?
1:12:30 Do You See God's Grace or Anger in the Old Testament?
1:21:20 Genocide in the Old Testament
1:41:24 What if You Were a Canaanite?
1:48:17 The Value of Human Life
1:57:03 Is Christian Forgiveness Immoral?
2:07:17 Can God Forgive on Our Behalf?
2:12:39 Does Repentance End at Death?
2:23:32 The Only Unforgivable Sin: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit
2:38:02 What Troubles Cliffe Most About Christianity?

 

[Grildon Tundy]

“Never tell a child, ‘you have a soul.’ Teach him, you are a soul; you have a body.” Been thinking about this quote a lot lately.

 

[Nydius]

Any Catholics here? I am not Catholic, but lately I've been feeling compelled to attend a Catholic mass. I'm not entirely sure why. It just seems like the right thing to do.

It seems sort of intimidating though. How rigid is the ceremony? It seems very rigid, which I guess to me is sort of the appeal. But not newcomer friendly.

Sorry in advance that I can't really answer your question because I've been a lifelong Protestant. However I, too, have felt drawn to go to a Catholic mass.

I think I'm going to read some entry level primers on Catholicism before I do (something like Catholicism for Dummies) so I'm not walking in blindly.

 

[killatopak]

Any Catholics here? I am not Catholic, but lately I've been feeling compelled to attend a Catholic mass. I'm not entirely sure why. It just seems like the right thing to do.

It seems sort of intimidating though. How rigid is the ceremony? It seems very rigid, which I guess to me is sort of the appeal. But not newcomer friendly.

Haven't attended in years so I don't know the current stuff.

From my memories, I felt it was ritualistic. Like it is steeped in tradition. Every part of the mass felt like it was walking you through the start to the end of the gospel culminating in the Eucharist. Where they differ from each mass though is the actual gospel reading where it's the priest's personal experience shines. The core message is there but it is how you apply it your current life is where the priests impart wisdom.

Despite being largely the same, masses have in fact been changing since the first time I went when I was a child but mostly in the forms of the songs. Changing lyrics, melodies or being entirely different songs but again the core of it is the same. The biggest difference I guess was there was this part of the mass where we are asked to hold hands and sing but with the pandemic we obviously had to sit farther apart and not hold hands. I haven't gone recently so I dunno if they reverted.

About your compulsion to go to a Catholic mass, I've watched some stuff about why people would like to go at least psychologically. Life is chaotic. I dunno if it's true but some people describe some other masses like Protestant ones as like a rock concert. It seems like the Catholic mass is like a return to order. Like confining yourself to a box. You lose some freedom of expression in exchange for security. It's even more specific than that. Not only the Catholic masses but actual Latin worship Catholic masses that are in demand if the statistics are to be believed. There's something about returning to most basic traditional stuff that entices people. The atmosphere itself I guess. The stained glass, the marble statues, the artworks and stuff. The seriousness of it.

 

[GeorgioCostanzaX]

Any Catholics here? I am not Catholic, but lately I've been feeling compelled to attend a Catholic mass. I'm not entirely sure why. It just seems like the right thing to do.

It seems sort of intimidating though. How rigid is the ceremony? It seems very rigid, which I guess to me is sort of the appeal. But not newcomer friendly.

I grew up Catholic in the sense that I went to mass semi regularly but never did the sacraments. I recently had some very severe mental health issues but one shining light was that I wants called back to the church. I’m currently in the
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program to get babtized and confirmed: the academic appeal of Catholicism has always resonated with me and I’m really enjoying learning all about the faith and just how deep it goes. AMA and god bless.





It is the process through which non-baptized individuals (referred to as catechumens) or those baptized in another Christian denomination (called candidates) are welcomed into the Catholic Church. Through RCIA, participants learn about Catholic teachings, practices, and spirituality, and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation:


1. **Baptism

 

[MaestroMike]

 

[Chaplain]

Video: Full unedited unaltered Wes Huff vs. Billy Carson debate

The debate between Wes Huff and Billy Carson that took place on Nov. 15th 2024. Both Billy and Wes were notified 24hours before that we were scheduled to talk with each other, that it would be in a debate style discussion format, and that we would be talking about Christianity and the Bible. Specifically the topic of discussion that was disclosed to all individuals involved was that we would be discussing Billy's public and widely dispersed criticisms and critiques regarding the Bible and Historic Christianity. (12/9/24)

Video: What's the point of existence? Alex O'Connor ‪@CosmicSkeptic‬ faces off with two, no three Christians

"The conversation moderated by Dr. Jack Symes brought together diverse perspectives from Alex O’Connor (atheist Philosopher), Elizabeth Oldfield (a Christian author), Prof. Philip Goff (a philosopher and proponent of panpsychism), and Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Canterbury). The discussion revolved around the existence of God, the nature of suffering, and the interplay between intellectual inquiry and spiritual belief. Rowan Williams emphasized the theological grounding of love as the force behind creation. He described God’s act of creating the universe as an expression of love, willing "the other" into being to share in divine fellowship. Philip Goff proposed an alternative theological framework, arguing for a "limited God" rather than an omnipotent deity. He posited that this view aligns better with the apparent fine-tuning of the universe and the existence of suffering. Alex O’Connor, representing atheism, focused on the problem of suffering as a significant objection to traditional theism. He argued that gratuitous suffering, particularly in non-human animals, presents a severe challenge to the concept of an omnibenevolent deity. Elizabeth Oldfield offered a deeply personal perspective on faith, emphasizing the experiential and relational aspects of belief in God. She argued that the intellectual pursuit of answers to existential questions, while important, often overlooks the lived reality of faith as a relational practice. Together, the panelists highlighted the enduring struggle to reconcile intellectual rigor, existential questioning, and spiritual engagement in addressing life’s deepest mysteries." (12/9/24)

Edited

 

[Nydius]

Sorry in advance that I can't really answer your question because I've been a lifelong Protestant. However I, too, have felt drawn to go to a Catholic mass.

So, a follow up to the above.

I did, finally, attend both a Saturday and Sunday Mass. I found them enjoyable and wanted to learn more. I was able to speak with the Priest/Father of the Parish along with the OCIA/RCIA director. I strongly considered signing up but, when they asked about family history, I mentioned my wife had been married previously and divorced because her husband was a serial adulterer. I didn't think that would matter much because neither she nor her ex-husband had been baptized (and certainly weren't Catholic), plus her prior marriage and our current one were purely civil marriages.

Boy was I wrong. That admission hit the brakes entirely as they told me they wouldn't accept me into their OCIA program unless my wife was willing to come to the parish and go through the annulment process. They said it would be a waste of time because my marital situation would have me living in a perpetual state of grave sin and I wouldn't be able to receive full communion unless it was addressed. They also offered an alternative solution, a Brother-Sister Vow. Neither is acceptable because my wife is barely a believer, at best, and would not want to reopen two decade old wounds. She encourages me on my faith journey but she's not interested in her own, or being an active participant. I did discuss this with her and her response was hysterical laughter.

I understand and respect the Catholic Church's view on marriage but it seems ludicrous to me that a potential convert is penalized for decisions made by others that were out of their control.

 

[Chaplain]

Merry Christmas!

Video: Lee Strobel - Who is Jesus Christ the Son of God?

"The conversation between Shawn Ryan and Lee Strobel explores the profound question of Jesus Christ's identity and significance. Lee Strobel, a former atheist and investigative journalist, recounts his journey from skepticism to faith, emphasizing the transformative power of Christianity. Strobel explains how his initial disbelief stemmed from intellectual doubts and a materialistic worldview. Through years of investigation into historical and biblical evidence, he became convinced of Jesus' divinity and resurrection. The discussion highlights Strobel’s belief that Christianity offers a unique message of grace and redemption, contrasting it with other religions that rely on human efforts for salvation. Strobel underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, likening it to a judge paying his daughter’s fine to maintain justice while extending love. The dialogue also delves into spiritual realities such as angels, demons, and near-death experiences, reflecting Strobel's exploration of the unseen realm in his new book. He shares anecdotes of divine intervention and angelic encounters, reinforcing his conviction that God actively seeks to connect with humanity. Strobel discusses the importance of faith, repentance, and receiving God's grace, explaining how these principles provide assurance of salvation. The conversation broadens to address the universality of God's reach, including accounts of people in restricted areas experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus. Ultimately, Strobel emphasizes that Christianity is about a personal relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life." (12/25/24)

 

[Chaplain]

Video: Ancient Language Expert on BANNED Bible, Book of Enoch & Jesus Origins | Wes Huff • 257

The conversation between Julian Dorey and Wes Huff offers an engaging exploration of biblical history, ancient texts, and the development of Christianity. Wes Huff, an expert in ancient languages and Christian apologetics, delves into the misconceptions surrounding the Council of Nicaea, emphasizing that the canon of Scripture was already established by the second century, long before the Roman Empire officially endorsed Christianity. He provides an in-depth look at the historical and cultural context of the Bible, explaining its unique compilation over 1,600 years by multiple authors across different regions and languages. Huff also shares personal insights into his faith journey, recounting a miraculous recovery from paralysis as a child, which marked a pivotal moment in his spiritual development. The discussion also highlights the challenges of interpreting ancient texts, addressing topics such as the transmission of biblical stories and the reliability of historical accounts. Huff compares the Bible to other ancient texts like the Quran, illustrating differences in structure, historical context, and theological claims. The conversation takes a nuanced approach, acknowledging biases while emphasizing the importance of cross-referencing sources and preserving oral traditions in a predominantly illiterate ancient world. This episode invites viewers, regardless of their faith background, to explore the intersection of history, faith, and evidence, offering a thoughtful perspective on Christianity's enduring influence.

 

[Chaplain]

Video: Joe Rogan Experience #2252 - Wesley Huff

"The conversation between Joe Rogan and Wesley Huff offers a deep dive into ancient texts, biblical history, and the complexities of linguistic and cultural evolution. Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist and scholar, shares his expertise on ancient languages, biblical manuscripts, and textual criticism. Huff discusses his journey into studying the Bible, spurred by a personal experience that he describes as miraculous. He recounts how his upbringing in a missionary family and his exposure to various religious traditions shaped his curiosity and led him to explore Christianity alongside other worldviews. The discussion highlights Huff's meticulous study of ancient languages like Hebrew and Greek, his insights into the transmission of biblical texts, and the challenges of interpreting oral traditions and ancient manuscripts. Rogan and Huff also delve into the discovery and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which pushed back the timeline of biblical manuscripts by a millennium. Huff explains how the scrolls, particularly the Great Isaiah Scroll, demonstrate the remarkable consistency of the biblical text over centuries, sparking awe at the precision of ancient scribes. The conversation touches on broader themes, such as the human pursuit of meaning, the role of faith in interpreting historical evidence, and the impact of modern technology like AI on textual criticism. This engaging exchange invites listeners to reflect on the intersection of faith, history, and scholarship, making it a thought-provoking episode for believers and skeptics alike." (1/7/25)

 

[Chaplain]

Video: The Sin of Empathy — A Conversation with Joe Rigney

Video: The Sin of Empathy — A Conversation with Joe Rigney
The conversation between Joe Rigney and Albert Mohler in The Sin of Empathy centers on the argument that modern culture has misunderstood and misapplied the concept of empathy, leading to moral confusion and manipulation. Rigney critiques empathy as an unchecked emotional response that can override reason, truth, and biblical wisdom. Instead of guiding others toward righteousness, he argues, empathy often forces people into emotional alignment with another’s suffering, which can lead to moral compromise. Mohler supports this by asserting that true Christian compassion must be tethered to truth, not simply a shared emotional experience. They contrast empathy with biblical compassion, which seeks to help without being consumed by the emotions of another. They discuss how empathy has been weaponized in cultural and theological debates, particularly in progressive movements, where it is used to silence dissent and manipulate moral reasoning. Rigney and Mohler argue that sympathy and compassion, as biblically defined, are superior to empathy because they allow for discernment while still showing care. They trace the origins of empathy as a psychological term that evolved into a cultural virtue, yet one that has been increasingly used to demand conformity to subjective emotional experiences rather than objective moral truth. The conversation highlights that biblical love requires maintaining a commitment to God's law, even when emotions pull in another direction. They critique how contemporary culture often elevates feelings above facts, leading to ideological and theological drift within the church. Their discussion challenges Christians to reconsider how they respond to suffering and injustice—not through uncritical emotional absorption, but through steadfast, truth-centered compassion,

 

[TastyPastry]

do you guys believe in OSAS aka once saved, always saved? i watched some interesting videos on the topic yesterday

 

[Chaplain]

do you guys believe in OSAS aka once saved, always saved? i watched some interesting videos on the topic yesterday

Great question. I would compare our relationship with Jesus to that of a husband and wife in marriage. A husband and wife enter into a covenant, but that covenant can be broken if either party chooses to walk away. In the same way, this helps explain why Paul warned about individuals who had been part of his ministry but later chose to abandon the faith and return to the world—living under their own rule instead of submitting to God's kingdom. One example:

"...Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica." (2 Timothy 4:9)

 

[ResurrectedContrarian]

Video: The Sin of Empathy — A Conversation with Joe Rigney

Mohler is amazing, huge respect for him.