Well I could not decide between Catholicism and Orthodoxy at first. Catholicism was logical and rational, but Orthodoxy had the emotional/spiritual edge. I ended up as Byzantine Catholic, very happy about this decision.
As an Orthodox Christian (unworthy of the title I carry) I feel some of the same things sometimes and it is not easy. I greatly appreciate Erick's response, and I feel that it eased my anxiety a bit as well. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you all!
@@evanlang5088 God bless you for doing that. You have chosen the narrow gate when some would have said 16 miles is too far and given up. That shows how much you love God. ❤
I had been worrying about this topic, spending hours in prayer, and received a dream, in which Jesus' hands were braiding various colored ribbons into one strong rope; after that dream, I no longer had anxiety about whether other denominations would be saved.
It's important to make a distinction between a denomination itself and a person who belongs to that certain denomination, since all salvation comes from the Catholic Church ONLY. It works in the same way that all good things are from God, by necessity. People who wasn't officially a Catholic and did end up in heaven, after their death, were nonetheless in "unofficial" communion with the Catholic Church. An example that highlights this point is the fact that, if a person knows that the Catholic Church is the one true Church, which Christ established, and knowingly rejects it and remain in whatever denomination they currently belong to, then they will not be saved and will be thrown in the lake of fire, as a general explicit rule in the 3 criteria for souls to be able to find salvation when they do not know the truth of the Catholic Church - But they, nonetheless, remain in communion with her. They just don't know it consicously.
As a new orthodox convert I’ve really tried to approach my new faith with humility. At times I’ve felt very defensive because I discovered this new branch of Christianity (which isn’t really new) and I’m so moved by it, but then you go online and see the endless orthodox/ Protestant/ Catholic debates. Everyone seems to be bashing one another, everyone feels they are right. Before you call me orthodox though, call me a follower of Christ. This video was great and the discussion was beautiful. Thank you.
This short clip was such a blessing. I am coming out of a time of anxiety and frustration digging through all of this and I am still finding a peace within it. It was good to hear this dialogue
Wow, this is exactly what I'm struggling with. Not Catholic, not Orthodox, ex-Protestant. Searching for the true church. This was sent from the Spirit. My rabbit hole is literally at the bottom and apart from letting go all together, I'm fully more convinced that when asking what church is true, I'm reminded that Jesus said he is Truth. Like Pontius Pilate asked, what is truth, and it was staring him right in the face. Thank you for this. It was helpful.
Erick's disposition of being able to admit the perhaps he has some intellectual blinders is very laudable. His perspective has become the same as mine after completing my own long and difficult discernment into Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism. Ultimately one has to make a leap of faith. Our intellectual capacity, certainty, and conclusions are not what saves. It's very tempting to end up implicitly trusting more in ourselves than in Christ in the game of intellectual wrestling with Catholicism vs Eastern Orthdoxy vs Oriental Orthodoxy. It was a hard lesson I had to learn (i.e. to let go of absolute intellectual certainty).
As a catholic, In the end of days, I only hope to see Christ embrace me, if I see you with Him, I hope you can welcome me with the laughter of friends forgetting past arguments.
This is a very foundational clip. Super important. The fact a person has a thirst for the Truth is an act of the Holy Spirit in and of itself. All roads lead to Rome
"I wish I had the faith of my grandmother who just didn't care" I think I was like that before I became more educated in my faith, which social media, especially podcasts and youtube has allowed me to do. I listen to theologians, lay people, priests, and then have another stack of books to read. I don't know if I would have done that if I didn't have so much information at my fingertips.
@@RejiThomas1 Perhaps true, except by God’s grace, but there are only really 3 historical and apostolic options: Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic. So one can at least reduce their search to those three that have common roots and are 2000 years old.
@@RejiThomas1 that isn't true. it's entirely possible. but it's also *possible* to perfectly follow the mosaic law. that doesn't mean the average person can do it, or even an extraordinary person can, but this is why we need grace. because with God the impossible is within reach, but without him, the perfectly possible is beyond us
Only Catholicism requires me to learn to submit my intellect and will so completely, to trust so completely. I want to have acquired this virtue before I die. I'm Catholic, therefore, until then.
I get what your saying. But as a protestant I would argue that all the denominations require you to fully submit your intellect to and completely trust in Christ. However, the RCC uniquely requires you to submit your intellect to the church as an authority that is on the same level as scripture.
@@jonahmenikoff1997 I think I know what you mean. But my interpretation of Scripture, and what I think Christ is saying to me in prayer is easier than what Catholicism requires of me.
@@FrJohnBrownSJ That makes sense. However, I believe the church fathers and the scriptures are clear that any Christian who reads with a humble heart will be challenged and convicted (though as 2 Peter 3 says the ignorant and unstable will twist it): Psalm 119:130, acts 17:11, 2 tim 3:16 and then some church fathers St. Athanasius (c.296-373): The holy and inspired Scriptures are fully sufficient for the proclamation of the truth. St. Gregory of Nyssa (330-395): ...we are not entitled to such license, namely, of affirming whatever we please. For we make Sacred Scripture the rule and the norm of every doctrine. Upon that we are obliged to fix our eyes, and we approve only whatever can be brought into harmony with the intent of these writings. St. John Chrysostom (c.347-407): Let us not therefore carry about the notions of the many, but examine into the facts. For how is it not absurd that in respect to money, indeed, we do not trust to others, but refer to [our own] calculation; but in calculating upon [theological] facts we are lightly drawn aside by the notions of others; and that too, though we possess an exact balance, and square and rule for all things, the declaration of the divine laws? Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learned what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things...
@@FrJohnBrownSJ that said, I do recognize how RCC requires a unique type of submittion, and the topic of sola scriptura is a deep one that probably won't be solved in a UA-cam comment section
I truly think there are things we can learn from each denomination of Christianity. Jesus knew that leaving the Church in human hands would eventually lead to conflict. Thankfully he paid the price for all and not for few.
I hope you mean well because the content of your comment is heretical. Christ did not leave the Church in the hands of man. Christ has always been the head of his Church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Lastly, the full truth is found in the one Church that Christ established, the Catholic Church. There is no part of the truth that is not found in the Catholic Church.
I grew up Catholic and was going to mass until 18, but did not truly believe in anything. Just followed. I found God in New Zealand, alone. Jesus and the Holy Spirit guide the Church but humans still have freewill, and that’s what I mean by “in the hands.” We know Jesus wouldn’t have approved of everything the Church has done. I think it is best to hope that God allows others outside of the Catholic Church to be saved as well. And if I’m wrong and God judges me rightfully on that statement then I will take what I deserve.
@@GregSmith371 Before submitting yourself to what may be, please let me try and dispel the current idea that you hold, in a loving (I hope) manner. Jesus is, indeed, the head of his mystical body, that is, the Catholilc Chuch, of which all validly baptized Christians belong to. An important detail to mention is that Christ promised that Hades' gates won't ever prevail against his Catholic Church, so while we humans retain free will, we will not ever be allowed to corrupt the core of the Catholic Church and lead it astray in a way that contradicts God's Word, that is to say that the head of the Catholic Church is God and thus it would go against his nature to allow his Church to preach anything that doesn't conform to his will. Also, people who are not officially in communion with the Catholic Church, are still in full communion with the mystical body of Christ, in an "unofficial" sense, since all the truth is found and derived from the Catholic Church, IF they end up following the truth that the Catholic Church teaches and they aren't aware of it... In the same way that all good things are a grace and blessing from God, regardless of where a person might think that that goodness came from. So, all in all, people who are not official members of the Catholic Church, may still be saved, since they are nonetheless in communion with the Catholic Church if they end up believing and practicing what the Catholic Church teaches, albeit not to their knowledge. So, a person on a remote island, with no connection to the outside world, would still be in communion with the Catholic Church and could possibly be granted entrance into heaven, if they fulfill the 3 conditions mentioned in Lumen Gentium. 1. The person is inculpable in their ignorance - The person cannot, for some reason, bear responsibility for their ignorance to the truth (a person who has lived their entire life on a remote island, cut-off from the rest of the world and therefore has never heard the Gospel.) 2. The person must be seeking God with a sincere heart. 3. Moved by grace, trying in their actions to do his (God's) will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience (the moral law written on their heart.) Keep in mind that it is only a *possibility* for a person, who hasn't heard the truth and if they fulfill the 3 conditions, for them to find salvation "outside of the Church." It is NOT a given.
@@GregSmith371 "Man isn't meant to be alone." Christianity is essentially Communal and Jesus founded His Church for Communion in Him and with one another. The Sacramental life is the greatest gift of Jesus Christ to live the Divine life in the Holy Trinity even in this life. May God bless you with wisdom, courage and increase in the supernatural virtues for the Way, the Truth & the Life. Pax Christi +
Thank you, Matt, for having Erick on, great discussion! Fr. Ripperger says God has mercy on two types of people: the clueless and the contrite. But most of us aren’t much of either. Chesterton says that the human intellect is free to destroy itself. If I’m minutes away from death, like the good thief, it’s very simple. But most of us aren’t literally hanging on a cross, we have the much scarier cross of time, time to blow it! I can think my way to perdition just as well as I can to holiness. I think that’s why we can easily imagine our Lord having mercy on anyone who sincerely cared about the truth through life and actively sought to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Him who is Truth. If they/we don’t get it spot-on perfect, there’s purgatory. But ultimately what we believe about Him does matter. That’s why, regardless of the scandals that have sullied the Church every day since Judas, the Church’s intellectual tradition is the one that has gotten into the ring, if you will, with human rationalism as the opponent and sophistry as the opponent’s tactic, and come out the champion. What other tradition has withstood the kind of scrutiny the Church of Rome has? If faith and reason are happily married in eternity, Catholic faith and teaching give our Lord the most benefit of any doubt, doubt as a normal gut sensation, not as a position to be defended.
His videos are not informative. He often make huge mistakes, either by mistake or not. He doesnt know Catholicism. You should watch some debtes instead. And not some videos by a guy who can say whatever, without anyone being able to disagree
The whole interview is great, I really admire the way they handle these issues with humility and respect for others without the triumphalism that so plagues so much apologetics. I don’t know where I’ll end up yet, I just wish more discussions about differences were like this. It’s sad how so many out there are so convinced that they’re right, everyone else is going to hell yet they act like it’s a game where the goal is to norm the other side, not being them to the truth. I really can’t fathom that, the only way I think one can hold such an attitude is to be in total bondage to the sin of pride
I love this guy. He’s completely correct. Just these last few years as a Protestant I really wanted to learn the history of the church. What exactly do these 3 main sides believe. They all have things I agree with and all have things I disagree with. I genuinely believe that the two biggest take aways from the Bible - for me - are John 3:16 and then the thief on the cross only asked. That’s it. All he did was ask Jesus to please let him go home with HIM and Jesus accepted him.
I’m a Lutheran and really liked this video. I’ve had many Catholics worship in my church and say “Wow, you guys are more Catholic than we are!” I don’t say this in a boastful way, but to point out that I like those moments when it feels like the distance between us is not as large as we sometimes make it out to be.
Yes. Luther was a Catholic. He just had mental and emotional issues, but he's about as Catholic as it gets. When he's not being a terrible theologian, and commiting eisegesis.
As a non Catholic brother whose channel is all about coming together in the unity Messiah prayed for I love this. As I have been studying the divisions of our history and how we got to where we are now I realized that every camp and denomination in the faith has both correct and incorrect. This has also been true in my own doctrine and how I walked out my faith. The longer I have been a believer the more my prayer has become " Lord show me your ways and give me the strength to walk them out. More of You and less of me is what I desire". More of God's ways and less of men's.
I was in the same boat. For every denomination there seems to be an apologist debunking or refuting each other. I went to a Catholic church and I felt the Holy Spirit there, yet when I went with my family to a Dutch Reformed church for Good Friday and Holy Communion, I felt that same presence that the Holy Spirit is here too. Which was good, because as excited as I was about becoming Catholic, all that excitement died out instantly when I was told I must do 2 years of RCIA. I've never went to Divine Liturgy at a Orthodox church but I would like to attend one, and who knows maybe that would become my permanent home.
Yeah but truth is subjective isn't it? I can get a catholic apologist, orthodox apologist, and a protestant apologist and both will give good arguments with evidence that show that their tradition is the correct one. In the end I think it doesn't matter what type of Christian your are, as long as you try to be a good Christian. While people are debating if the papacy is real, there are poor people starving in the streets.
@@anthonyflint7440 The truth is objectively NOT subjective. "Nobody comes to the Father except through me" - That is, the Truth incarnate. There is nothing more important than the truth, and the truth is unchanging and eternal. Parts of the fullness of the truth may be found in all denominaitons, and even different religions, accross the world, throughout history. But the fullness of the truth is entrusted, found and living in the Catholic Church, with Christ as the head. Basing one's theological compass on emotions, feelings is a foolhardy endeavor because it is not grounded in the truth, per definition. The truth is indifferent to what you, subjectively and personally feel towards it. That doesn't mean that the truth won't be the greatest thing you will ever experience, that's just a "side-effect" of knowing and adhering to the truth. It also means that I, for example, know for sure, that whatever I may feel towards anything, that as long as I remain in communion with the Catholic Church, the mystical body of our Risen Lord, that I can rest easy.
Matt's intro speech reminds me of my favorite scene from Lord of the Rings: Frodo: "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo (boomers) was meant to find the ring (postmodernism), in which case you (millennials) also were meant to have it - and that is an encouraging thought! ;)
I have a feeling God will instantly blow all our minds with how simple the truth of all our disagreements is, and we'll think "oh of course, that was so obvious all along". I'm a relatively new Christian and as a scientist I had to learn not to depend on my analysis. I am sure that God has led me to my local Greek Orthodox Church and I have found myself agreeing with Orthodox theology but I know there are people who know much more about church history and theology than I probably ever will on all sides of every debate. So the way I see it, bearing Romans 2 in mind, God will be more interested in whether I sought to be obedient to Him than what my opinions on mysteries only He fully understands are. I am satisfied that I am in a church being healed sacramentally in the same manner as Christ and His Apostles prescribed. Whether everyone else is, is for God to judge. I would not be surprised if sheep come from all parts when our good shepherd calls us. And if goats are found everywhere too. Maybe in time I will know more but hopefully only if it actually matters. Apologetics can give us intellectual permission to seek God but that's just the beginning of life in the Kingdom so it has limited worth and we shouldn't be afraid to move on once we're satisfied.
That's all nice and well, if you remain ignorant about the truth. Said with love... If you know and understand that the fullness of the truth is found in the Catholic Church, which Christ established and knowingly reject it still, then your soul is on the wide road leading downwards to hell. A friendly caution would be to not rely on your feelings on what you, subjectively, feel is good and appropriate for you. The truth, as you may already know, is indifferent to what you feel towards it. The truth remains unchanged and is eternal... I do not know your heart so I will not presume to think to know your circumstances and what you really meant with your phrasing, but I would be happy if you considered what I said.
@@csongorarpad4670 Thank you for your concern and caution but I can be honest about my feelings without taking them to be true. I wonder these things but I am obedient to and heed Church teachings even if sometimes they feel inconvenient or hard to understand. What I do understand, including that I should not expect to always understand, supports this. And even if I were wrong, God knows my heart seeks to be conformed to His will so that is the main thing. He understands me and my feelings better than I ever will and if you read Romans 2 you will see He is not indifferent to our point of view, even though as you rightly say He is eternal and unchanging.
@@colmwhateveryoulike3240 I am well-aware that it is the content of your heart that will be judged so if you, currently, truly believe that your place is in the orthodox church, then there is not much else that I can and will say, other than encourage you to continue (assuming you currently are) pursuing the truth as earnestly as possible and, God willing, we may embrace each other in heaven, after our bodies return to ashes.
Make sure you do not make a hop into the another heresy, namely Latin heresy... Luther objected for a reason but was too proud to reconcile with the Eastern Orthodox Church even though he had a chance.
Finally, someone who understands. Did Catholics die for you, did Eastern Orthodox, did Coptic, did Protestants? Are you'll still carnal and still drinking milk. The foolishness of God is wiser than man and weakness of God is stronger than man. Whatever God called you in, as long as it is true according to the Spirit, the word, and the faith, trust the Lord that He is leading you.
I've always said, looking at the world and those whom we know have spoken for God, it seems clear that we are not condemned or saved on account of errors in history or theology.
I studied intensely for years until I felt pretty sure my only options were either orthodox Anglicanism or confessional Lutheranism. Then one Sunday I went to the nearest church, returned the next week and the next, and just kept doing that until it became my church. My ears and mind are still open, but I’m no longer losing sleep due to ecclesiastical anxiety.
I think it matters, but God already gives us so much grace. I think that things like this are something that he holds teachers to account for more than the average Christian.
@@t.d6379 Ask the pope. Like I said, your church says we have all the sacraments, we have the fullness of the Holy Spirit….we have everything. Pope Francis even said it’s a “grave and mortal sin to attempt to convert the Orthodox.” So….yeah. Awkward..
@xxFairestxx hold on, you said baseless claims to my comment that the CC is the One True Church founded on SP Peter by Christ, and that our churches were one and the same for 1000 years, but my claims are baseless BUT still your Church is apolstolic...make that make sense. Your Church is apolstolic and all the things you mentioned because you was with the one true church from Christ and Peter.
This scriptures says this-That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required. Marino Restrepo, who had a mystical experience and was taught by Jesus, said that each person will be judged by what he knew. If he is an Lutheran, he will be judged by Lutheranism, he is Catholic, he will be judged by Catholicism.
Important to add that if the Lutheran knows that Catholicism is the truth and nonetheless rejects it, that he will be judged by his rejection of the fullness of the truth and the general rule for cases such as that, is that those souls are lost and will find themselves in hell, lest they repent and adhere to the truth that they've been revealed.
@@csongorarpad4670 but how often does that actually happen? Too often we equate “knowing something is the truth” to “hearing the truth and not believing it to be true”
@@lebecccomputer287 That depends on if they are inculpable in their ignorance or not. If they have heard the truth and still reject it then, the rule is that their soul is currently heading to hell. A much more nuanced and informative video on this topic can be found here, by Ralph Martin: ua-cam.com/video/pHNfybpGrxc/v-deo.html
@@csongorarpad4670 that’s dumb. If I hear something I have literally no reason to believe it. This would seem to suggest most non catholic Christian’s are headed to hell, as Catholicism is well known. This goes against the catholic church’s teaching
I go to my local church for it is the church of my neighbors. I am puzzled by people who drive for hours to reach the "perfect" church when the teachings of our Lord call us to love our neighbors. "Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be, even as wheresoever Christ Jesus is, there is the catholic church." - Saint Ignatius of Antioch -
@Andy Amen! But if one doesn't have the option to choose between different parishes and priests, then, the obvious choice is to nonetheless partake in sunday service and worship the Lord accordingly.
Amen. I was raised in a Catholic family, my grandmother was an Orthodox Christian who influenced me greatly, I had a life changing encounter with Jesus and am a born-again evangelical. What is most important, to believe in Jesus and have a relationship with him to the best of your ability. Comparing different Christian traditions can become a stumbling block. All of mankind falls short of the glory of God. All Christian traditions are imperfect because sinful people are involved. Whether Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant look unto Christ and surrender to Him. The rest leave it to God, He will guide you to where He wants you. Everyone is unique and is at different stages on their journey in life and with God. Let's respect each other and encourage one another to be the best followers of Christ that we can be. We need to build each other up and not tear each other down. God bless you my brothers and sister in Christ. Jesus is Lord.
That's your subjective opinion and if you genuinely think that your subjective opinion is greater and reigns supreme over the tradition of the Catholic Church, which Christ established and is the head of, then I weep for your soul.
@@AlexM-eu7vm I know and I am commanded to abide by the truth and the truth is found in the Catholic Chuch, which Christ founded, so what can I do but delight in the Lord?
This is why protestantism makes no sense. If the Catholic Church is true, you don't need to be a scholar to be a good Christian, you can have simple faith, trust, and obey the teachings of God through scripture, Tradition, and the Church. But if protestantism is true, you are expected to know the truth for yourself, which means you need to have a scholarly level of knowledge and understanding to truly be saved or you may end up in the wrong beliefs. Every protestant knows from their pastor, I never had a pastor that said otherwise, that we are to not trust anyone but need to seek the truth for ourselves. The level of knowledge it takes to really know for yourself is more than you can expect from the average person, and that's just speaking of today where the average person can read and has access to more knowledge than any generation in history for free at the click of a button and stroke of a few keys, just imagine how unrealistic God expecting us to know for ourselves the truth or burn would be in ages past where knowledge was less available, people had less free time to study, and people were less able to read and understand. This is one of the major problems that led me out of protestantism and home to the Catholic Church. If you really take protestantism seriously, it will either drive you insane trying to find the full truth on your own or drive you home to the Catholic faith.
Unfortunately, most protestants try to have the simple faith and trust in their pastor because and don't really seek things out for themselves. They act like would be okay if they were Catholics, but their own faith stands witness against them for telling them they cannot have that simple faith and trust but need to seek and know fully for themselves.
Erick is exactly my sentiments. Im convinced of Christ and the Bible is absolutely correct. 100%. Every other religion is wrong. BUT the denomation I do not know. Born as orthodox but considering catholic or protestant.
Funny. We are like the reverse of each other. I was raised Protestant and have considered both Orthodoxy and Catholicism. But like you, the one thing I’m sure of is that Jesus Christ is Lord and the Messiah.
Thanks for sharing. As someone who has been attempting to get closer to God. I was literally just thinking last night on my present view. I don’t think it matters which avenue (denomination) of Christianity you end up on as long as it, and the church, lead you to God. I figure that should be the point, yea? Trying to decipher which route is the best and ultimate is exhausting. That said, I suppose it’s natural to ponder on “but is there a right RIGHT way?” But I think either way, and I may be wrong, I’m experienced. However, young in the faith. Grew up in it. Stepped away from it for a decade, now have catching up to do. But my view is that Christianity is Christianity. I like to think as long as I’m trying to meet God that he will meet me where and as I am. That whatever avenue(s) I’m meant to take he will lead me on. That he’ll show me the right way(s) to go about things.
Thank you for this. It's been one of my stumbling blocks to joining any type of church at all. This "my dad can beat up your dad" thing. There's a whole lot of "stuff" that goes with being Catholic that sometimes make my eyes cross. I see some of these conversations with Latin words, names of saints, historic events being thrown about and I just get lost! Perhaps the pluralism of the Protestant branches are gifts from God to bring as many people to Christ as possible. Not everyone learns the same.
We can debate Orthodox vs Catholic because they’re both apostolic and hold to the same traditions and basic faith but Protestants do not believe the same faith Catholics do and God does not will many churches he wills one holy catholic and apostolic church to deny that is heresy
@@Marie-uh7jdyour comment isn’t necessarily wrong but you kind of proved her point. A lot of people see Christian’s in-fighting like this and just throw their hands up and become atheists.
Of course it matters, and I'm really put off by this Protestant way of thinking that so-called Catholics have adopted. We have always taught that there is no salvation outside the Church.
@@ap5708-l6s No you can't, because we aren't talking about a minor matter. We're talking about the most important thing in existence. There's no room for debate.
I think it can come down to an individuals honest attempt. if you believe something you know is false, of course God will hold you to a higher degree of responsibility than one who was deceived.
I find myself believing in Cathicism in theory - in her infallible, integrated, Magisterial single-source teaching and as the means for Christian unity, but believing more in Orthodoxy in practice.
@@rossk3482 Actually, I 'd like to refine my comment from a year ago because one of the biggest attractions, strengths & proofs of the One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church IS her doctrinal integrity. However, under Bergoglio all of that has come into question in an unprecedented way in her 2,000 year history. In this way, I tend to act like an Orthodox by ignoring Bergoglio's teachings. (After serving many years in the Russian-speaking part of the world I would never jump ship from the Catholic Church knowing the grave evils & consequences of schism from the One, True Church. More to the point for our times - I advocate for the Cardinals, future Pope, etc. to be seriously considering - is Jorge Bergoglio actually the Pope?
Peter is quoted in the Apostolic Constitutions as saying that Linus was the first bishop of Rome and ordained by Paul. Peter and Paul also founded Antioch and Peter WAS a bishop (resident overseer) of the Antiochian Church.
@Dan Interesting that Leo never had in inkling to make the claim of supremacy ex-cathedra. Leo also claimed that Ecumenical Councils had higher authority than the Pope and that altering the Ecumenical Creed was anathema. If the Pope can be wrong he can be wrong. Your argument is just another tautological fallacy.
I am 20 years old, born and raised Orthodox. But something strikes me about Catholicsim. I want to attend some masses for experience but I feel almost guilty. If anyone has some advice, please reply. Pray for me.
Our number one main goal should be to love God Our Father with All our strength. Loving him in every person we see. The Holy Spirit takes care of the rest If we rest in Our Father. Jesus Christ our Lord will take us by the hand, to Our Father. The moment you realize you are His baby, that’s all you need. God is number 1 number All in our lives. It doesn’t matter if anyone takes our eyes away and we can’t see, if we can’t read, if we can’t hear, if we can’t touch. God will take care of it because we have His heart. Believe like a child, Be that child. Be God’s child. The moment you realize who you are, there’s nothing else to know. His babies. We are His. The moment you Love Our Father like the Father He is there’s no more struggle. The moment you feel and understand his Love there’s no more questions. If anyone doesn’t feel God’s Love my advice would be to practice loving people. Practice, practice, practice loving as strongly as you possibly can. Practice God’s language. If anyone doesn’t hear God, practice praying, practice, practice, practice praying. God should be the one and only person you should be talking too mainly. So If you as yourself, Who do I talk to the most? And the answer isn’t God, practice. If you ask yourself who do you love the most? If the answer isn’t God, practice. Father, Father, Father, My Love, My Father. We’re here and I love you. Amen
I’m reminded how on a few occasions, Jesus says to the Jewish people “if you are willing to accept it...” (that John the Baptist was Elijah, etc...) I wonder if that same principle applies to aspects of Christianity. Sometimes there are teachings that for whatever reason, a person is unable to accept. They may even WANT to believe but find themselves unable at the moment. Does God exclude them from the faith entirely? Perhaps he allows a lesser way - according to what a man is capable of believing.
Faith bro, is hard. But being faithful to God is the solution. Doubts can last a lifetime, but if God sees u tried that lifetime then bet its all gud 🤙
Oh my goodness, of course it matters. Protestants don't believe in the Blessed Mother, that in and of itself is blasphemous to our sweet Lord. The Catholic faith is the one true faith, period, please don't wobble on this.
@@Arguvandal Where in the Catholic Church's (God's) teaching's does it compel Catholics to *worship* Mary? Appreciation and love for the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of God, is objectively not worship. Worship belongs to God alone.
Guys, I was a missionary for years in Africa. (I am a Christian) There is only one church. We are in it. In Africa many lovely christians I know have never met a catholic, or an orthodox christian..they would have no idea of the difference. Stop being so complicated. The nicene creed about does it as far as I am concerned.
I truly don't know but... I think that there is a perfectly correct path to follow. Just cause our culture, society, and/or traditions completely ignores it for generations until its lost doesn't mean it doesn't exist. This path to perfection where u meet more and more temptations or sins, (Presbyterian, orthodox, sspx... etc.), gives u more to choose from making ur decisions that much more meaningful. So yea, it's all gud (problems and solutions), cause God never gives us more than we can handle Gb 🤙
If one was right vs the other.. how can we explain the documented miracles across orthodoxy and catholicism and other denominations of Christianity..🤔 that's what I've been thinking lately..
Even other religions such as Muslims claim to have miracles too. But as Christian’s we would reject them being legitimate and instead attribute it to “lying signs and wonders”.
Jesus is the Truth. Hystory of his Church is a Mistery only him known. The Body of Christ-Church on this World is his Body on the Croos! The Spirit of God giuds us to the Truth… and then to the Church. We serve the Church with Christ the Head! and then the Church servs us!
Anyone who want to understand God's Word (scriptures) has to be in the guidance of the Holy Ghost. God the Holy Spirit only guide people that search and humble themselves before God the Father. God the Father will only please and show His mercy to those who accept His Word (Lord Jesus Christ).
God is just - I have faith in His absolute justice. It’s heresy as well as absolute ridiculousness to think that mankind is *more* just and *more* merciful than the Father.
I don't think I will ever trust the papacy, but I sincerely believe no salvation outside of Christ and that the responsibility to be in the true church (the body of Christ) only rests on scholars of Christianity. Only once you know the truth can you truly reject it. Thus I am about to become an orthodox catecumen.
Not just that is matters, but is rather question of life & death.! No wonder we Orthodox have a slogan: Orthodoxy or Death (Orthodoxia e Thanatos). Every heresy separates from God, as heresy is a lie and thus negation of God, Who is The Truth. Negating the God by believing in heresies puts one away from God.
@@nogoodusernames100 (Acts 2,47) "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Church mentioned is the Eastern Orthodox Church. If you can't figure it out, I will help you. Church mentioned must be 2000 years old. Qualified ones are: EO, OO, RC. Orientals are Monophysite heretics who fell at the 4th Council. Latins are Papal heretics who fell at 11th century. Only one left is Eastern Orthodox. Simple.
Christianity is a love affair before it can be anything else. The Person of Christ has to be embraced above all things. But Jesus also declared himself The Way which means there are other paths that can lead one astray. The travelers on the Emmaus road were instructed about the Scriptures and their need to understand God’s plan and it’s fulfillment in Christ. So there is a fundamental importance of understanding our proper relationship with God and the necessity of Christ’s life and death. Having said all that, I will not condemn any man, women or child who honestly and heartily seeks Jesus and desires to love, know and serve Him.
Our Lord on the breakaway branches , John 15 " .. I am the Vine and you are the branches . as long as you remain in me and I in you , you bear much fruit , but apart from me you can do nothing . Whoever does not remain in me , is like a withered branch that is thrown way and withered branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned.." But Our Lord also said : Whosoever believes in me, will not perish .. All is not lost for them who are Not Roman Catholics. It can be described in form of concentric circles around the Lords throne. The innermost circle belongs to the Lords Bride , the Catholic church and then comes the rest of the circles on the fringes I am guessing the "Jehovah witness". Still incensed over sabbath and Our Lord I am the Lord of the sabbath" hush!!
I'm Protestant while I disagree with tons of the Catholic Church I do believe that we are all Brothers and sisters in Christ as long as we believe in Christ and follow the laws of God if you don't then you're not a brother or sister in Christ and you are in danger of hell but I do believe that Catholics and Protestants will both go to God and go beyond the pearl Gates.
You people act like this is such a noble thing to say while compromising positions. I'm tired of it. If you believe the Catholic church is full of works then your protestant thought condemns them. Just stay real to your tradition bro. You comment this as if it's noble and everyone should praise you because you're being "accepting". No.
I look at it this way ...we can overestimate Jesus's justice and underestimate His mercy....at the same time we definatley should not take Him for granted with respect to His mercy. Jesus said that not all who say Lord Lord will be saved....He wished we become one as He and the Father is one....He founded one holy Catholic and apostollic Church. There is no salavation outside the Church...Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life. Nuance....you must be sincerely seeking Christ and have invincible ignorance to have the chance to be saved....it is possible but do you want to take that chance versus knowing His true Church....this doesn't mean all Catholics will be saved just as anyone else...nonCatholics, atheists, Jews, agnostics, Protestants etc. will be. Remember it is harder for a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle to get to heaven...something like that :). It may be possible with the truth folks do know and the sacraments they have not all 7 for protestants etc only thru God's grace and mercy that they could be saved...but at least a Catholic knows they have all the means to get to heaven if they seek and act on it....go to confession often....and hopefully before and on your deathbed then you will know you will make it...otherwise taking that chance on faith and mercy....we should beleive in God's mercy....it is wishful and comforting thinking that we may be being to legalistic and scrupulous but being too lax and having a lax soul is dangerous as well...better to take the hard path and do all Jesus commanded and be pleasantly surprised when we meet Him that maybe we were harder on oursleves than He as hopefully we walk thru the gates of heaven than not to find and search Truth in His Church and overestimate His mercy and then oh no! Another way for Catholics would be if I was dying and was not able to get to a priest to hear my last confession...better make that Act of Contrition fast....especially if u knew you had a mortal sin.....but it has to be a perfect Contrition...if not you are goofed objectively speaking because it is hard to make a perfect act of contrition (yes have faith....God is merciful) ...but we know we are weak....why wait so long and take a fateful chance versus going to confession earlier and seeking to be holy then if you dropped dead out of the confesional you would objectively go tp heaven. There is no such thing as assured salvation...once saved always saved but we can have some certitude that if we are doing these things we will get there because God knows our heart and He is merciful...but don't ever take your salavation for granted...that is the point of my rambling..... The Orthodox are the second ling they have valid priests and sacraments the sticking issue is authority and the Pope...so they have the means of salvation yet if they discovered the Pope was true and rejected it that objectively puts them in peril just as anyone else who found out the Catholic Church is true and rejected it...this goes back to what is invincible ignorance? It means thru no fault of their own ......but if you find Truth and reject it then you are culpable...Jesus said to his apostles those who reject you reject me....remember that.
Eric Ybarra is wrong on his position. I literally heard him say in another video on 'Pints with Aquinas' that he recommended that someone leave the church and check out Eastern Orthodox because "from his experience, people came back to him and accepted Catholicism". My question would be, what if they didn't come back? Either way, you literally aided in sin of schism. He identifies as a "persuaded Catholic" which simply means he is still on the fence. How can you fully accept the Holy Catholic And apostolic church, as put in the apostles creed, while simultaneously on the fence regarding the validity of the church?
In my estimation answer lacks clarity. This is why. True Christian Faith can't be reductionist or boiled down. Not even C S Lewis does in his 'Mere Christianity'. Question should have been dealt in two ways. Objectively and Subjectively. Objectively speaking Christ has founded His Church plus Sacraments. Subjectively speaking every Christian may not arrive at the objective Truth. According the answer provided the deposit of True Faith should be confined to 'only' a faith in the divine Person of Christ and not more than that. Thanks to Catholic Church, we all have Christological Truths preserved. As there's One Person in Christ, there's Only One True Church, the Sacrament of Salvation. So in my estimation speaker doesn't deal with it
Is there anywhere we can go and not worship God? We can be in a prison cell and worship Christ. It is when we play the tribalism game that we forget that Christ opened the door for us to enter, not given us a door that we can shut on others if they don't meet our criteria. Remember,it was, "while we were still sinners that Christ died for us." If we are humble and come to God with a repentant heart, it doesnt matter what denomination we subscribe to. The desert fathers worshiped God in a cave. Remember that.
Mr. Fradd, a honest concern about the video: As far as I know, Catechism of Catholic Church is clear about the issue (catholic church is the most perfect one and should, therefore, be a church everyone (ideally) chooses; it is the church Christ created, wanted and still wants). Since councils of bishops are infallable in teaching, I believe that CCC will not teach something outside the Truth. I understand the longing for simplicity and charity but even "good intentions" can sometimes be nothing else than well masked bad/rebellious/egoistic activity inside of us. Plus, the only "simplicity" that we need to seek is carrying the cross; every day until our "end", believing Christ that our church will not fall and that it is guided by the Holy Spirit. So, what about inviting to our church instead of trying to focus on the negatives and neighbour's fabled greener grass? No one said our faith/our life would be easy... do you thing being tortured, stripped of clothing and good name, hanging on the cross, suffocating for hours, was easy? And He is perfect... so who are we, sinners, to complain? Have faith that God will not put something too heavy on you; He knows what's best for you, for every single one of us. Omnia ad maiorem Dei gloriam
@@josephinebcmpatrick9207 you need to read Bible as a whole... plus apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit (and as He promised, Holy Spirit still guides our church) and they decided to name successors. Also, let me remind you that sola scriptura is not possible. Bible is a form of text that needs explanation and even every protestant church has their own explanations (so they does not really believe in sola scriptura or at least cannot practice it). Therefore, why would anyone opt for any other explanation than the one from apostles and their successors - aka the bishops and popes of catholic church; the church Christ Himself founded and guides?
First was the ancient Church and then Roman see fell off of the Church. Remaining 4 sees became Eastern Orthodox Church while fallen Rome became Latin religious group.
@@YourStylesGeneric321 Oh... so.. if we play basketball and one player gets mad and f-offs others and leaves, it is others who have left the game.? ahahahahah...
Orthodoxy is the ORIGINAL/TRUE/APOSTOLIC faith...starting with Christ! ☦ This is just basics, you can find in any theological book. THE ROOT, the unaltered christian faith! Do your own research and also attend the services...but please pay attention to everything! Read the 'Lives of Saints', for me was the best reading! May Jesus Christ illuminate you and show you the true way! 🙏☦
I used to be Orthodox and now I’m Catholic. Everyone hates Catholicism. Social media, Hollywood, even certain Christian denominations hate it as well. The amount of controversy and disputes on the news about the Vatican (although I do believe the Vatican has been infiltrated by the elites/or some higher agenda that work for the Devil to try and collapse the Church from within for example. Pope Francis been doing some questionable things as our Pope I can’t lie lol, he seems suspicious). Catholicism is too much of a threat for Satan and that says something. Catholicism is the only true church and the world knows it too.
Yes, it matters! It matters! The catechism is very clear there is no salvation outside Mother Church. This is not an opinion of mine, but is a traditional Catholic teaching. Eric and Matt are very nice, but niceness doesn't mean they are teaching Catholic truth 100%.
Laura - you are exactly right. Stay as you are - because you are Blessed. JESUS - "Thou Art JESUS And Upon This Rock I Will Build MY CHURCH. JESUS TALKED OF NO OTHER CHURCH. I always have a sense of wariness at times I come upon this Channel. I do not trust him. Anyway, I have left him my following comment - You do not listen. Listening to each of you leaves me wondering, why do you not listen to JESUS. JESUS - Thou Art Peter And Upon This Rock I Will Build MY Church" Peter became JESUS' FIRST Pope. JESUS TALKED of NO OTHER CHURCH. If you are not able to comprehend that - you should not have a Platform on You Tube. Laura, always listen to JESUS GUIDING you. Stay with JESUS in HIS CHURCH.
@@josephinebcmpatrick9207 thank you. Yes, I will stay as I am. And because the Catholic Church is the TRUE CHURCH, then we need to try to bring people in it, not tell them their OK in the present denomination.
Of course it matters we have the Patriarchate of Rome pope Leo IX who left the Church that Jesus built and went on their own ways with the Grand Schism of 1053 AD and took the name Roman Catholic then the other 4 Patriarchates had to take a name because from one church after 1053 we have 2 Churches. the other 4 patriarchates are still together until today Jerusalem, Constantinople, Antioch, and Alexandria and took the Name Orthodox=Correct Doctrine. Rome has heresies and inventions, Orthodoxy still Unchanged for the past 2000 years.
The fact that we retained the name Catholic is proof we’re the universal Church established by Jesus. As St. Augustine said: And so, lastly, does the name itself of Catholic, which, not without reason, amid so many heresies, the Church has thus retained; so that, though all heretics wish to be called Catholics, yet when a stranger asks where the Catholic Church meets, no heretic will venture to point to his own chapel or house.
@@FideiDefensatrix Except that attribute "catholic" applies to Eastern Orthodox as well as it is in original Creed of the ancient Church. Putting it into the name of the fallen Roman church does not make it automatically correct. Quite the contrary... true meaning of the word "catholic" means - conciliar, and we know fallen Latins do not operate on a conciliar principle as they have proclaimed a mere human to be above any council. So it is a parody...
@@teddybruckshot7676 One Holy Catholic (not roman) and Apostolic Church. Rome dropped the Apostolic and added the word roman, and they call them selves as roman Catholics.
Sorry, I don’t buy the idea that a person just believes in Jesus and goes straight to heaven. Much more is needed to reach heaven, such as actually stop sinning, always repenting, always apologizing to Jesus for all sins with an honest and genuine determination to stop sinning. The church issue is simple: Which church helps and makes you to stop sinning, to help you to repent and everyday to be a follower of Jesus teachings and fulfill those teachings to your best ability.
Yes, it does matter. Until, at least, the Catholic Church erase the "Filioque" from the Creed. It seems to me that the catholic answers just don't add in this regard. Very probably, I don't understand correctly.
Jesus gave us HIS Church. If you out and out reject Hid church you reject Him. You don’t know what you don’t know. But if you reject the Church you reject Him. I like Mr Ybarra but he is close to the God lets everyone into heaven and that isn’t the case. You reject Jesus you aren’t Christian. This gets really dicey…….
John Paul, Benedict and Francis have all said that Orthodox Laity and Priests should remain obedient to their local bishops and that Orthodox/Roman relations come down to a jurisdictional disagreement. Benedict said that the Pope never had jurisdiction over the Eastern Patriarchates. The bishop of Rome never ordained every bishop in the world prior to the schism.
@Dan Point here is that Peter regarded Linus and Clement to be the Episcopos of Rome within Peter's lifetime an while Peter was serving as Episcopos of Antioch. This is according to the Apostolic Constitutions which claims to cite Peter's own claims. You take Peter's leadership authority and apply it exclusively to his successors in Rome where he never resided as Bishop. He even says that Linus was FIRST, and Clement was SECOND, not Himself First, followed by them. It's the exclusivity of Peter to Rome that arose later. Peter's name was even added to the list of Bishops of Rome only in the 6th century and it was carved in above Linus who had been first on the list for several hundred years. Benedict and Francis have both said that the Pope of Rome did not deserve jurisdiction over the Eastern Patriarchates prior to the Schism. They have posited an authority of presidency, that is to say, they preside over the Patriarchs, and have power of nullification (like a veto) but not authority in excess of the other patriarchs (monarchal authority).
@Dan The last 3 Popes have all stated that Orthodox laity can receive communion at Roman Catholic Churches if their Orthodox Bishop allows without a confession of heresy and that Roman Catholics can receive sacraments at Orthodox Churches if the Orthodox Bishop allows. They have all said that Orthodox laity, deacons and priests should not "convert" should not be "converted" and should remain obedient to their local Orthodox Bishops as the Bishops work toward unification. All three popes have proposed unification on the model that the Pope would not have jurisdictional authority over the Orthodox Patriarchs. Benedict went as far as to say that Rome never deserved universal jurisdiction but only primacy prior to the schism. If the Pope has the keys, I'm covered.
@@googleaccount4471 except as Catholics we can objectively say that such priests are wrong in light of infallible Church teaching. Orthodox can only shrug their shoulders and guess which bishop or priest is right.
@@googleaccount4471 you’re dismissing what the person said about the Orthodox Church’s teachings and saying something in return that’s not equivalent. It’s a false equivalency. The Orthodox Church TEACHES that re-marrying is okay and divorce is fine. That’s different from a few wolves in sheep’s clothing celebrating homosexuality. The Catholic Church does not TEACH that homosexuality is okay. The Catholic Church’s teachings are very clear on how gay marriage is not real marriage. We don’t stand for that. Catholics definitely do call out heretics who support / advocate for such things.
Well I could not decide between Catholicism and Orthodoxy at first. Catholicism was logical and rational, but Orthodoxy had the emotional/spiritual edge. I ended up as Byzantine Catholic, very happy about this decision.
Orthodoxy is very rational. Catholic is very emotional with the sacred heart stuff and innovations with theology.
You’re still a Catholic brother. You did not abandon Our Lord or His Church. You are right, you did make a good decision.
@@St_AngusYoung Your Church recognizes our sacraments as valid, we have the Lord in our Church by your own admission.
@@James.E41 are you a Byzantine Catholic?
@@St_AngusYoung Orthodox
As an Orthodox Christian (unworthy of the title I carry) I feel some of the same things sometimes and it is not easy. I greatly appreciate Erick's response, and I feel that it eased my anxiety a bit as well. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you all!
And you brother! Kyrie Eleison
@@countryboyredthat's not so easy we're it so easy
Very true man Christian I agree amen
@@IsraelCountryCubeyeah it’s not easy to love, I agree.
Small towns in Texas still have Cathollics. Some have to travel 30 miles or more to attend mass, but they are there and are part of the community.
Yes ma'am
Yup. I have to only travel 16 miles but it still kinda stinks its so far
@@evanlang5088 God bless you for doing that. You have chosen the narrow gate when some would have said 16 miles is too far and given up. That shows how much you love God. ❤
@@bethq1703 its really not that far, but it stinks i can only go on Sundays
Some towns in West Texas have only a Catholic Church. Very neat area for those used to rural living
I had been worrying about this topic, spending hours in prayer, and received a dream, in which Jesus' hands were braiding various colored ribbons into one strong rope; after that dream, I no longer had anxiety about whether other denominations would be saved.
That's amazing
I've never had dreams like that but I've had premonitions like that. I play strategy games, and the route to victory is not often simple and head on.
It's important to make a distinction between a denomination itself and a person who belongs to that certain denomination, since all salvation comes from the Catholic Church ONLY.
It works in the same way that all good things are from God, by necessity.
People who wasn't officially a Catholic and did end up in heaven, after their death, were nonetheless in "unofficial" communion with the Catholic Church.
An example that highlights this point is the fact that, if a person knows that the Catholic Church is the one true Church, which Christ established, and knowingly rejects it and remain in whatever denomination they currently belong to, then they will not be saved and will be thrown in the lake of fire, as a general explicit rule in the 3 criteria for souls to be able to find salvation when they do not know the truth of the Catholic Church - But they, nonetheless, remain in communion with her. They just don't know it consicously.
@@csongorarpad4670 your explanation is good 👍🏼
Nice try but nothing is true about that
As a new orthodox convert I’ve really tried to approach my new faith with humility. At times I’ve felt very defensive because I discovered this new branch of Christianity (which isn’t really new) and I’m so moved by it, but then you go online and see the endless orthodox/ Protestant/ Catholic debates. Everyone seems to be bashing one another, everyone feels they are right. Before you call me orthodox though, call me a follower of Christ. This video was great and the discussion was beautiful. Thank you.
This short clip was such a blessing. I am coming out of a time of anxiety and frustration digging through all of this and I am still finding a peace within it. It was good to hear this dialogue
Wow, this is exactly what I'm struggling with. Not Catholic, not Orthodox, ex-Protestant. Searching for the true church. This was sent from the Spirit. My rabbit hole is literally at the bottom and apart from letting go all together, I'm fully more convinced that when asking what church is true, I'm reminded that Jesus said he is Truth. Like Pontius Pilate asked, what is truth, and it was staring him right in the face. Thank you for this. It was helpful.
Ask yourself a simple question - do you want to be complicit in blessing of the Sodom & Gomorrah.?
Erick's disposition of being able to admit the perhaps he has some intellectual blinders is very laudable. His perspective has become the same as mine after completing my own long and difficult discernment into Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism. Ultimately one has to make a leap of faith. Our intellectual capacity, certainty, and conclusions are not what saves. It's very tempting to end up implicitly trusting more in ourselves than in Christ in the game of intellectual wrestling with Catholicism vs Eastern Orthdoxy vs Oriental Orthodoxy. It was a hard lesson I had to learn (i.e. to let go of absolute intellectual certainty).
As a catholic, In the end of days, I only hope to see Christ embrace me, if I see you with Him, I hope you can welcome me with the laughter of friends forgetting past arguments.
@@kwazooplayingguardsman5615 Amen - If I am saved, it will only be by God’s great mercy.
Most honest comment on the page.
This is a very foundational clip. Super important. The fact a person has a thirst for the Truth is an act of the Holy Spirit in and of itself. All roads lead to Rome
"I wish I had the faith of my grandmother who just didn't care" I think I was like that before I became more educated in my faith, which social media, especially podcasts and youtube has allowed me to do. I listen to theologians, lay people, priests, and then have another stack of books to read. I don't know if I would have done that if I didn't have so much information at my fingertips.
same. I might still be in a cult if not for the wealth of informationi can get
there are thousands of denominations, and its impossible for anyone to research and find the Prefect True Denomination during ones lifetime.
@@RejiThomas1 Perhaps true, except by God’s grace, but there are only really 3 historical and apostolic options: Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic. So one can at least reduce their search to those three that have common roots and are 2000 years old.
@@RejiThomas1 that isn't true. it's entirely possible. but it's also *possible* to perfectly follow the mosaic law. that doesn't mean the average person can do it, or even an extraordinary person can, but this is why we need grace. because with God the impossible is within reach, but without him, the perfectly possible is beyond us
@@iliya3110 Agree, My search has also brought me to these 3 Historical Denominations
Only Catholicism requires me to learn to submit my intellect and will so completely, to trust so completely. I want to have acquired this virtue before I die. I'm Catholic, therefore, until then.
I get what your saying. But as a protestant I would argue that all the denominations require you to fully submit your intellect to and completely trust in Christ. However, the RCC uniquely requires you to submit your intellect to the church as an authority that is on the same level as scripture.
@@jonahmenikoff1997 I think I know what you mean. But my interpretation of Scripture, and what I think Christ is saying to me in prayer is easier than what Catholicism requires of me.
@@jonahmenikoff1997 Jesus established the Catholic church and all the authorities are given to the Catholic Church and I will remain so forever
@@FrJohnBrownSJ That makes sense. However, I believe the church fathers and the scriptures are clear that any Christian who reads with a humble heart will be challenged and convicted (though as 2 Peter 3 says the ignorant and unstable will twist it):
Psalm 119:130, acts 17:11, 2 tim 3:16
and then some church fathers
St. Athanasius (c.296-373):
The holy and inspired Scriptures are fully sufficient for the proclamation of the truth.
St. Gregory of Nyssa (330-395):
...we are not entitled to such license, namely, of affirming whatever we please. For we make Sacred Scripture the rule and the norm of every doctrine. Upon that we are obliged to fix our eyes, and we approve only whatever can be brought into harmony with the intent of these writings.
St. John Chrysostom (c.347-407):
Let us not therefore carry about the notions of the many, but examine into the facts. For how is it not absurd that in respect to money, indeed, we do not trust to others, but refer to [our own] calculation; but in calculating upon [theological] facts we are lightly drawn aside by the notions of others; and that too, though we possess an exact balance, and square and rule for all things, the declaration of the divine laws? Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learned what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things...
@@FrJohnBrownSJ that said, I do recognize how RCC requires a unique type of submittion, and the topic of sola scriptura is a deep one that probably won't be solved in a UA-cam comment section
I truly think there are things we can learn from each denomination of Christianity. Jesus knew that leaving the Church in human hands would eventually lead to conflict. Thankfully he paid the price for all and not for few.
I hope you mean well because the content of your comment is heretical.
Christ did not leave the Church in the hands of man. Christ has always been the head of his Church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Lastly, the full truth is found in the one Church that Christ established, the Catholic Church. There is no part of the truth that is not found in the Catholic Church.
I grew up Catholic and was going to mass until 18, but did not truly believe in anything. Just followed. I found God in New Zealand, alone.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit guide the Church but humans still have freewill, and that’s what I mean by “in the hands.” We know Jesus wouldn’t have approved of everything the Church has done. I think it is best to hope that God allows others outside of the Catholic Church to be saved as well. And if I’m wrong and God judges me rightfully on that statement then I will take what I deserve.
@@GregSmith371 Before submitting yourself to what may be, please let me try and dispel the current idea that you hold, in a loving (I hope) manner.
Jesus is, indeed, the head of his mystical body, that is, the Catholilc Chuch, of which all validly baptized Christians belong to.
An important detail to mention is that Christ promised that Hades' gates won't ever prevail against his Catholic Church, so while we humans retain free will, we will not ever be allowed to corrupt the core of the Catholic Church and lead it astray in a way that contradicts God's Word, that is to say that the head of the Catholic Church is God and thus it would go against his nature to allow his Church to preach anything that doesn't conform to his will.
Also, people who are not officially in communion with the Catholic Church, are still in full communion with the mystical body of Christ, in an "unofficial" sense, since all the truth is found and derived from the Catholic Church, IF they end up following the truth that the Catholic Church teaches and they aren't aware of it...
In the same way that all good things are a grace and blessing from God, regardless of where a person might think that that goodness came from.
So, all in all, people who are not official members of the Catholic Church, may still be saved, since they are nonetheless in communion with the Catholic Church if they end up believing and practicing what the Catholic Church teaches, albeit not to their knowledge.
So, a person on a remote island, with no connection to the outside world, would still be in communion with the Catholic Church and could possibly be granted entrance into heaven, if they fulfill the 3 conditions mentioned in Lumen Gentium.
1. The person is inculpable in their ignorance - The person cannot, for some reason, bear responsibility for their ignorance to the truth (a person who has lived their entire life on a remote island, cut-off from the rest of the world and therefore has never heard the Gospel.)
2. The person must be seeking God with a sincere heart.
3. Moved by grace, trying in their actions to do his (God's) will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience (the moral law written on their heart.)
Keep in mind that it is only a *possibility* for a person, who hasn't heard the truth and if they fulfill the 3 conditions, for them to find salvation "outside of the Church." It is NOT a given.
@@GregSmith371 "Man isn't meant to be alone." Christianity is essentially Communal and Jesus founded His Church for Communion in Him and with one another. The Sacramental life is the greatest gift of Jesus Christ to live the Divine life in the Holy Trinity even in this life. May God bless you with wisdom, courage and increase in the supernatural virtues for the Way, the Truth & the Life.
Pax Christi +
Thank you, Matt, for having Erick on, great discussion!
Fr. Ripperger says God has mercy on two types of people: the clueless and the contrite. But most of us aren’t much of either. Chesterton says that the human intellect is free to destroy itself. If I’m minutes away from death, like the good thief, it’s very simple. But most of us aren’t literally hanging on a cross, we have the much scarier cross of time, time to blow it! I can think my way to perdition just as well as I can to holiness. I think that’s why we can easily imagine our Lord having mercy on anyone who sincerely cared about the truth through life and actively sought to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Him who is Truth. If they/we don’t get it spot-on perfect, there’s purgatory. But ultimately what we believe about Him does matter. That’s why, regardless of the scandals that have sullied the Church every day since Judas, the Church’s intellectual tradition is the one that has gotten into the ring, if you will, with human rationalism as the opponent and sophistry as the opponent’s tactic, and come out the champion. What other tradition has withstood the kind of scrutiny the Church of Rome has? If faith and reason are happily married in eternity, Catholic faith and teaching give our Lord the most benefit of any doubt, doubt as a normal gut sensation, not as a position to be defended.
spot on!
I watched a load of orthodoxkyle videos on Catholicism and It’s made me start leaning towards orthodoxy.
Have studied and gave an open, honest look to both sides of the argument to see their justifications of the truth?
I suggest watching some Catholic responses to his videos. For example, Pinesap did a good response to his video “Why I’m not Catholic”
His videos are not informative. He often make huge mistakes, either by mistake or not. He doesnt know Catholicism. You should watch some debtes instead. And not some videos by a guy who can say whatever, without anyone being able to disagree
I really, really needed to hear this right now.
I am converting to Orthodoxy, but I respect you guys
Schism begets schism my friend
@@OctavianXCII I hope to see you in heaven, less Christ returns :)
The whole interview is great, I really admire the way they handle these issues with humility and respect for others without the triumphalism that so plagues so much apologetics. I don’t know where I’ll end up yet, I just wish more discussions about differences were like this. It’s sad how so many out there are so convinced that they’re right, everyone else is going to hell yet they act like it’s a game where the goal is to norm the other side, not being them to the truth. I really can’t fathom that, the only way I think one can hold such an attitude is to be in total bondage to the sin of pride
@@cameron4339 you as well, but I doubt you will (won't be there)
@@l21n18 Parton, but are you saying I'm filled with pride to my reply?
I love this guy. He’s completely correct. Just these last few years as a Protestant I really wanted to learn the history of the church. What exactly do these 3 main sides believe. They all have things I agree with and all have things I disagree with. I genuinely believe that the two biggest take aways from the Bible - for me - are John 3:16 and then the thief on the cross only asked. That’s it. All he did was ask Jesus to please let him go home with HIM and Jesus accepted him.
I’m a Lutheran and really liked this video. I’ve had many Catholics worship in my church and say “Wow, you guys are more Catholic than we are!” I don’t say this in a boastful way, but to point out that I like those moments when it feels like the distance between us is not as large as we sometimes make it out to be.
You must be of the Missouri Synod.
Yes. Luther was a Catholic. He just had mental and emotional issues, but he's about as Catholic as it gets. When he's not being a terrible theologian, and commiting eisegesis.
Couldn't have said it better! This man is 💯.
As a non Catholic brother whose channel is all about coming together in the unity Messiah prayed for I love this. As I have been studying the divisions of our history and how we got to where we are now I realized that every camp and denomination in the faith has both correct and incorrect. This has also been true in my own doctrine and how I walked out my faith. The longer I have been a believer the more my prayer has become " Lord show me your ways and give me the strength to walk them out. More of You and less of me is what I desire". More of God's ways and less of men's.
Praise God for you both.
Love watching your videos from Perth Australia. I wish my adult children would turn back to Jesus and their Catholic faith.
I was in the same boat. For every denomination there seems to be an apologist debunking or refuting each other. I went to a Catholic church and I felt the Holy Spirit there, yet when I went with my family to a Dutch Reformed church for Good Friday and Holy Communion, I felt that same presence that the Holy Spirit is here too. Which was good, because as excited as I was about becoming Catholic, all that excitement died out instantly when I was told I must do 2 years of RCIA. I've never went to Divine Liturgy at a Orthodox church but I would like to attend one, and who knows maybe that would become my permanent home.
Yeah but truth is subjective isn't it? I can get a catholic apologist, orthodox apologist, and a protestant apologist and both will give good arguments with evidence that show that their tradition is the correct one. In the end I think it doesn't matter what type of Christian your are, as long as you try to be a good Christian. While people are debating if the papacy is real, there are poor people starving in the streets.
@@anthonyflint7440 The truth is objectively NOT subjective. "Nobody comes to the Father except through me" - That is, the Truth incarnate.
There is nothing more important than the truth, and the truth is unchanging and eternal.
Parts of the fullness of the truth may be found in all denominaitons, and even different religions, accross the world, throughout history. But the fullness of the truth is entrusted, found and living in the Catholic Church, with Christ as the head.
Basing one's theological compass on emotions, feelings is a foolhardy endeavor because it is not grounded in the truth, per definition. The truth is indifferent to what you, subjectively and personally feel towards it.
That doesn't mean that the truth won't be the greatest thing you will ever experience, that's just a "side-effect" of knowing and adhering to the truth. It also means that I, for example, know for sure, that whatever I may feel towards anything, that as long as I remain in communion with the Catholic Church, the mystical body of our Risen Lord, that I can rest easy.
Matt's intro speech reminds me of my favorite scene from Lord of the Rings:
Frodo: "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."
Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo (boomers) was meant to find the ring (postmodernism), in which case you (millennials) also were meant to have it - and that is an encouraging thought! ;)
I have a feeling God will instantly blow all our minds with how simple the truth of all our disagreements is, and we'll think "oh of course, that was so obvious all along".
I'm a relatively new Christian and as a scientist I had to learn not to depend on my analysis. I am sure that God has led me to my local Greek Orthodox Church and I have found myself agreeing with Orthodox theology but I know there are people who know much more about church history and theology than I probably ever will on all sides of every debate. So the way I see it, bearing Romans 2 in mind, God will be more interested in whether I sought to be obedient to Him than what my opinions on mysteries only He fully understands are.
I am satisfied that I am in a church being healed sacramentally in the same manner as Christ and His Apostles prescribed. Whether everyone else is, is for God to judge. I would not be surprised if sheep come from all parts when our good shepherd calls us. And if goats are found everywhere too. Maybe in time I will know more but hopefully only if it actually matters.
Apologetics can give us intellectual permission to seek God but that's just the beginning of life in the Kingdom so it has limited worth and we shouldn't be afraid to move on once we're satisfied.
I too suspect the same about God shattering at due time our most dear assumptions.
As St. Therese of Avila put it: "to be humble is to walk in truth."
That's all nice and well, if you remain ignorant about the truth. Said with love...
If you know and understand that the fullness of the truth is found in the Catholic Church, which Christ established and knowingly reject it still, then your soul is on the wide road leading downwards to hell.
A friendly caution would be to not rely on your feelings on what you, subjectively, feel is good and appropriate for you. The truth, as you may already know, is indifferent to what you feel towards it. The truth remains unchanged and is eternal...
I do not know your heart so I will not presume to think to know your circumstances and what you really meant with your phrasing, but I would be happy if you considered what I said.
@@csongorarpad4670 Thank you for your concern and caution but I can be honest about my feelings without taking them to be true. I wonder these things but I am obedient to and heed Church teachings even if sometimes they feel inconvenient or hard to understand. What I do understand, including that I should not expect to always understand, supports this. And even if I were wrong, God knows my heart seeks to be conformed to His will so that is the main thing. He understands me and my feelings better than I ever will and if you read Romans 2 you will see He is not indifferent to our point of view, even though as you rightly say He is eternal and unchanging.
@@colmwhateveryoulike3240 I am well-aware that it is the content of your heart that will be judged so if you, currently, truly believe that your place is in the orthodox church, then there is not much else that I can and will say, other than encourage you to continue (assuming you currently are) pursuing the truth as earnestly as possible and, God willing, we may embrace each other in heaven, after our bodies return to ashes.
@@csongorarpad4670 Thank you, I very much hope we will see one another there.
Excellent. Convinced Protestant here, but appreciate the charity of Erick and Matt.
Make sure you do not make a hop into the another heresy, namely Latin heresy... Luther objected for a reason but was too proud to reconcile with the Eastern Orthodox Church even though he had a chance.
Ybarra is a great resource, wonderful guest!
Finally, someone who understands. Did Catholics die for you, did Eastern Orthodox, did Coptic, did Protestants? Are you'll still carnal and still drinking milk. The foolishness of God is wiser than man and weakness of God is stronger than man. Whatever God called you in, as long as it is true according to the Spirit, the word, and the faith, trust the Lord that He is leading you.
I've always said, looking at the world and those whom we know have spoken for God, it seems clear that we are not condemned or saved on account of errors in history or theology.
I studied intensely for years until I felt pretty sure my only options were either orthodox Anglicanism or confessional Lutheranism. Then one Sunday I went to the nearest church, returned the next week and the next, and just kept doing that until it became my church. My ears and mind are still open, but I’m no longer losing sleep due to ecclesiastical anxiety.
I think it matters, but God already gives us so much grace. I think that things like this are something that he holds teachers to account for more than the average Christian.
I came to this same conclusion as I decided to convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism.
You left the one true church Our Lord founded. Nice
@@t.d6379 Baseless claims but thanks. Keep me in your prayers 😊 your church loves and recognizes mine as valid so…keep on your crusade.
@@xxFairestxx baseless claims? Then how is your Orthodox Church apolstolic?
@@t.d6379 Ask the pope. Like I said, your church says we have all the sacraments, we have the fullness of the Holy Spirit….we have everything. Pope Francis even said it’s a “grave and mortal sin to attempt to convert the Orthodox.” So….yeah. Awkward..
@xxFairestxx hold on, you said baseless claims to my comment that the CC is the One True Church founded on SP Peter by Christ, and that our churches were one and the same for 1000 years, but my claims are baseless BUT still your Church is apolstolic...make that make sense. Your Church is apolstolic and all the things you mentioned because you was with the one true church from Christ and Peter.
I needed up going Anglican but I can’t shame anyone for their choices either. Especially while the Body of Christ is divided in our era.
….😂
This scriptures says this-That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.
Marino Restrepo, who had a mystical experience and was taught by Jesus, said that each person will be judged by what he knew. If he is an Lutheran, he will be judged by Lutheranism, he is Catholic, he will be judged by Catholicism.
Makes sense. God won't judge you for something you didn't know.
Important to add that if the Lutheran knows that Catholicism is the truth and nonetheless rejects it, that he will be judged by his rejection of the fullness of the truth and the general rule for cases such as that, is that those souls are lost and will find themselves in hell, lest they repent and adhere to the truth that they've been revealed.
@@csongorarpad4670 but how often does that actually happen? Too often we equate “knowing something is the truth” to “hearing the truth and not believing it to be true”
@@lebecccomputer287 That depends on if they are inculpable in their ignorance or not.
If they have heard the truth and still reject it then, the rule is that their soul is currently heading to hell.
A much more nuanced and informative video on this topic can be found here, by Ralph Martin: ua-cam.com/video/pHNfybpGrxc/v-deo.html
@@csongorarpad4670 that’s dumb. If I hear something I have literally no reason to believe it. This would seem to suggest most non catholic Christian’s are headed to hell, as Catholicism is well known. This goes against the catholic church’s teaching
I am neither but respect any view within the scripture ... And I am a fan of this show.
This is a very wholesome clip. Thanks guys
This made more sense then a lot of them…God bless you…+Fr.James
I go to my local church for it is the church of my neighbors. I am puzzled by people who drive for hours to reach the "perfect" church when the teachings of our Lord call us to love our neighbors.
"Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be, even as wheresoever Christ Jesus is, there is the catholic church."
- Saint Ignatius of Antioch -
@Andy Amen! But if one doesn't have the option to choose between different parishes and priests, then, the obvious choice is to nonetheless partake in sunday service and worship the Lord accordingly.
Theological escape room, great metaphor.
what a lovely dialogue 😊
Amen. I was raised in a Catholic family, my grandmother was an Orthodox Christian who influenced me greatly, I had a life changing encounter with Jesus and am a born-again evangelical. What is most important, to believe in Jesus and have a relationship with him to the best of your ability. Comparing different Christian traditions can become a stumbling block. All of mankind falls short of the glory of God. All Christian traditions are imperfect because sinful people are involved. Whether Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant look unto Christ and surrender to Him. The rest leave it to God, He will guide you to where He wants you. Everyone is unique and is at different stages on their journey in life and with God. Let's respect each other and encourage one another to be the best followers of Christ that we can be. We need to build each other up and not tear each other down. God bless you my brothers and sister in Christ. Jesus is Lord.
That's your subjective opinion and if you genuinely think that your subjective opinion is greater and reigns supreme over the tradition of the Catholic Church, which Christ established and is the head of, then I weep for your soul.
@@csongorarpad4670 Jesus loves you. Smile.
@@AlexM-eu7vm I know and I am commanded to abide by the truth and the truth is found in the Catholic Chuch, which Christ founded, so what can I do but delight in the Lord?
@@csongorarpad4670according to Vatican 2, the prots are gonna be just fine👍🏼
Me too a simple narrative, just BE in Christ. Envy yes.
This is why protestantism makes no sense. If the Catholic Church is true, you don't need to be a scholar to be a good Christian, you can have simple faith, trust, and obey the teachings of God through scripture, Tradition, and the Church. But if protestantism is true, you are expected to know the truth for yourself, which means you need to have a scholarly level of knowledge and understanding to truly be saved or you may end up in the wrong beliefs. Every protestant knows from their pastor, I never had a pastor that said otherwise, that we are to not trust anyone but need to seek the truth for ourselves. The level of knowledge it takes to really know for yourself is more than you can expect from the average person, and that's just speaking of today where the average person can read and has access to more knowledge than any generation in history for free at the click of a button and stroke of a few keys, just imagine how unrealistic God expecting us to know for ourselves the truth or burn would be in ages past where knowledge was less available, people had less free time to study, and people were less able to read and understand.
This is one of the major problems that led me out of protestantism and home to the Catholic Church. If you really take protestantism seriously, it will either drive you insane trying to find the full truth on your own or drive you home to the Catholic faith.
That's a beautiful and logical observation.
Unfortunately, most protestants try to have the simple faith and trust in their pastor because and don't really seek things out for themselves. They act like would be okay if they were Catholics, but their own faith stands witness against them for telling them they cannot have that simple faith and trust but need to seek and know fully for themselves.
Erick is exactly my sentiments. Im convinced of Christ and the Bible is absolutely correct. 100%. Every other religion is wrong. BUT the denomation I do not know. Born as orthodox but considering catholic or protestant.
Funny. We are like the reverse of each other. I was raised Protestant and have considered both Orthodoxy and Catholicism. But like you, the one thing I’m sure of is that Jesus Christ is Lord and the Messiah.
@@countryboyred Always seek the truth but be kind and patient to yourself as Christ is too you, Remember, blessed are the poor in Spirit.
Thanks for sharing. As someone who has been attempting to get closer to God. I was literally just thinking last night on my present view. I don’t think it matters which avenue (denomination) of Christianity you end up on as long as it, and the church, lead you to God. I figure that should be the point, yea? Trying to decipher which route is the best and ultimate is exhausting. That said, I suppose it’s natural to ponder on “but is there a right RIGHT way?” But I think either way, and I may be wrong, I’m experienced. However, young in the faith. Grew up in it. Stepped away from it for a decade, now have catching up to do. But my view is that Christianity is Christianity. I like to think as long as I’m trying to meet God that he will meet me where and as I am. That whatever avenue(s) I’m meant to take he will lead me on. That he’ll show me the right way(s) to go about things.
It certainly matters.
I appreciate talks like this. I agree. God bless.
Thank you for this. It's been one of my stumbling blocks to joining any type of church at all. This "my dad can beat up your dad" thing. There's a whole lot of "stuff" that goes with being Catholic that sometimes make my eyes cross. I see some of these conversations with Latin words, names of saints, historic events being thrown about and I just get lost! Perhaps the pluralism of the Protestant branches are gifts from God to bring as many people to Christ as possible. Not everyone learns the same.
We can debate Orthodox vs Catholic because they’re both apostolic and hold to the same traditions and basic faith but Protestants do not believe the same faith Catholics do and God does not will many churches he wills one holy catholic and apostolic church to deny that is heresy
@@Marie-uh7jdyour comment isn’t necessarily wrong but you kind of proved her point. A lot of people see Christian’s in-fighting like this and just throw their hands up and become atheists.
Jesus is the perfect unifying figure. As the church, we bow to him and everything else will gets worked out.
Oh thank you so much for this video… a big release for me right now….
Jesus suffered and sacrificed for hours for my soul I’m his. Amén 🙏🏼
Of course it matters, and I'm really put off by this Protestant way of thinking that so-called Catholics have adopted. We have always taught that there is no salvation outside the Church.
you can disagree with someone without calling them a "so-called Catholic", even when you're "really put off" by them
@@ap5708-l6s No you can't, because we aren't talking about a minor matter. We're talking about the most important thing in existence. There's no room for debate.
The second Vatican council disagrees with you. It does not say Protestants are not Christians.
@@unkownoflife5959 Imagine citing a heretical council that walked back 2000 years of tradition...
@@RealAugustusAutumn So its heretical because you say so? you get to pick and choose what you do/dont like from the catholic church?
I was Orthodox for 16 years. It might have a valid communion, but the historical contradictions led me to leave for Rome.
I think it can come down to an individuals honest attempt. if you believe something you know is false, of course God will hold you to a higher degree of responsibility than one who was deceived.
Pluralism in every sense of the word. I'd rather agree to disagree than fall into relativism.
Beautiful
I find myself believing in Cathicism in theory - in her infallible, integrated, Magisterial single-source teaching and as the means for Christian unity, but believing more in Orthodoxy in practice.
I'm the same
@@rossk3482 Actually, I 'd like to refine my comment from a year ago because one of the biggest attractions, strengths & proofs of the One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church IS her doctrinal integrity. However, under Bergoglio all of that has come into question in an unprecedented way in her 2,000 year history. In this way, I tend to act like an Orthodox by ignoring Bergoglio's teachings. (After serving many years in the Russian-speaking part of the world I would never jump ship from the Catholic Church knowing the grave evils & consequences of schism from the One, True Church. More to the point for our times - I advocate for the Cardinals, future Pope, etc. to be seriously considering - is Jorge Bergoglio actually the Pope?
Peter is quoted in the Apostolic Constitutions as saying that Linus was the first bishop of Rome and ordained by Paul. Peter and Paul also founded Antioch and Peter WAS a bishop (resident overseer) of the Antiochian Church.
@Dan Interesting that Leo never had in inkling to make the claim of supremacy ex-cathedra. Leo also claimed that Ecumenical Councils had higher authority than the Pope and that altering the Ecumenical Creed was anathema.
If the Pope can be wrong he can be wrong. Your argument is just another tautological fallacy.
@Dan You cite the findings of the Ecumenical Councils that use the term "supreme" or "supremacy" regarding the Patriarch of Rome first. That's fair.
Blind Faith as a child's is real peace;)
I am 20 years old, born and raised Orthodox. But something strikes me about Catholicsim. I want to attend some masses for experience but I feel almost guilty. If anyone has some advice, please reply. Pray for me.
Heal the Schism
Great conversation
Lol! You spent a good amount of time in our Coptic parishes to know our vocations 😂.
Our number one main goal should be to love God Our Father with All our strength. Loving him in every person we see. The Holy Spirit takes care of the rest If we rest in Our Father. Jesus Christ our Lord will take us by the hand, to Our Father. The moment you realize you are His baby, that’s all you need. God is number 1 number All in our lives. It doesn’t matter if anyone takes our eyes away and we can’t see, if we can’t read, if we can’t hear, if we can’t touch. God will take care of it because we have His heart. Believe like a child, Be that child. Be God’s child. The moment you realize who you are, there’s nothing else to know. His babies. We are His. The moment you Love Our Father like the Father He is there’s no more struggle. The moment you feel and understand his Love there’s no more questions.
If anyone doesn’t feel God’s Love my advice would be to practice loving people. Practice, practice, practice loving as strongly as you possibly can. Practice God’s language.
If anyone doesn’t hear God, practice praying, practice, practice, practice praying.
God should be the one and only person you should be talking too mainly.
So If you as yourself, Who do I talk to the most? And the answer isn’t God, practice. If you ask yourself who do you love the most? If the answer isn’t God, practice.
Father, Father, Father, My Love, My Father. We’re here and I love you. Amen
I’m reminded how on a few occasions, Jesus says to the Jewish people “if you are willing to accept it...” (that John the Baptist was Elijah, etc...) I wonder if that same principle applies to aspects of Christianity. Sometimes there are teachings that for whatever reason, a person is unable to accept. They may even WANT to believe but find themselves unable at the moment. Does God exclude them from the faith entirely? Perhaps he allows a lesser way - according to what a man is capable of believing.
Faith bro, is hard. But being faithful to God is the solution. Doubts can last a lifetime, but if God sees u tried that lifetime then bet its all gud 🤙
Well said!
Well said!
Well said!
Well said!
Many many thanks
Oh my goodness, of course it matters. Protestants don't believe in the Blessed Mother, that in and of itself is blasphemous to our sweet Lord. The Catholic faith is the one true faith, period, please don't wobble on this.
Where in scripture does Jesus command us to worship his mother, making it a condition for salvation?
@@Arguvandal Who worships Jesus mother?
@@Arguvandal Where in the Catholic Church's (God's) teaching's does it compel Catholics to *worship* Mary? Appreciation and love for the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of God, is objectively not worship.
Worship belongs to God alone.
@@csongorarpad4670 who said anything about worshipping the Blessed Mother? She is to be adored, period.
@@Arguvandal it seems that you like to repeat yourself. The only way to Jesus is through Hid Blessed Mother who intercedes for us.
Guys, I was a missionary for years in Africa. (I am a Christian) There is only one church. We are in it. In Africa many lovely christians I know have never met a catholic, or an orthodox christian..they would have no idea of the difference. Stop being so complicated. The nicene creed about does it as far as I am concerned.
I truly don't know but... I think that there is a perfectly correct path to follow. Just cause our culture, society, and/or traditions completely ignores it for generations until its lost doesn't mean it doesn't exist. This path to perfection where u meet more and more temptations or sins, (Presbyterian, orthodox, sspx... etc.), gives u more to choose from making ur decisions that much more meaningful.
So yea, it's all gud (problems and solutions), cause God never gives us more than we can handle
Gb 🤙
If one was right vs the other.. how can we explain the documented miracles across orthodoxy and catholicism and other denominations of Christianity..🤔 that's what I've been thinking lately..
Even other religions such as Muslims claim to have miracles too. But as Christian’s we would reject them being legitimate and instead attribute it to “lying signs and wonders”.
Jesus is the Truth. Hystory of his Church is a Mistery only him known. The Body of Christ-Church on this World is his Body on the Croos! The Spirit of God giuds us to the Truth… and then to the Church. We serve the Church with Christ the Head! and then the Church servs us!
Anyone who want to understand God's Word (scriptures) has to be in the guidance of the Holy Ghost. God the Holy Spirit only guide people that search and humble themselves before God the Father. God the Father will only please and show His mercy to those who accept His Word (Lord Jesus Christ).
Wonderful synthesis. Thank you!
@@elederiruzkin8835 That's why believers who don't accept trinity could never have understanding. You're welcome, Gbu always.
God is just - I have faith in His absolute justice. It’s heresy as well as absolute ridiculousness to think that mankind is *more* just and *more* merciful than the Father.
I don't think I will ever trust the papacy, but I sincerely believe no salvation outside of Christ and that the responsibility to be in the true church (the body of Christ) only rests on scholars of Christianity. Only once you know the truth can you truly reject it.
Thus I am about to become an orthodox catecumen.
Not just that is matters, but is rather question of life & death.! No wonder we Orthodox have a slogan: Orthodoxy or Death (Orthodoxia e Thanatos).
Every heresy separates from God, as heresy is a lie and thus negation of God, Who is The Truth. Negating the God by believing in heresies puts one away from God.
Where in the Bible does it save that the Orthodox Church saves you?
@@nogoodusernames100 (Acts 2,47) "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Church mentioned is the Eastern Orthodox Church. If you can't figure it out, I will help you. Church mentioned must be 2000 years old. Qualified ones are: EO, OO, RC. Orientals are Monophysite heretics who fell at the 4th Council. Latins are Papal heretics who fell at 11th century. Only one left is Eastern Orthodox. Simple.
Christianity is a love affair before it can be anything else. The Person of Christ has to be embraced above all things. But Jesus also declared himself The Way which means there are other paths that can lead one astray. The travelers on the Emmaus road were instructed about the Scriptures and their need to understand God’s plan and it’s fulfillment in Christ. So there is a fundamental importance of understanding our proper relationship with God and the necessity of Christ’s life and death.
Having said all that, I will not condemn any man, women or child who honestly and heartily seeks Jesus and desires to love, know and serve Him.
🙏
Our Lord on the breakaway branches , John 15 " .. I am the Vine and you are the branches . as long as you remain in me and I in you , you bear much fruit , but apart from me you can do nothing . Whoever does not remain in me , is like a withered branch that is thrown way and withered branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned.."
But Our Lord also said : Whosoever believes in me, will not perish .. All is not lost for them who are Not Roman Catholics. It can be described in form of concentric circles around the Lords throne.
The innermost circle belongs to the Lords Bride , the Catholic church and then comes the rest of the circles on the fringes I am guessing the "Jehovah witness". Still incensed over sabbath and Our Lord I am the Lord of the sabbath" hush!!
I’m done with this debate.
I'm Protestant while I disagree with tons of the Catholic Church I do believe that we are all Brothers and sisters in Christ as long as we believe in Christ and follow the laws of God if you don't then you're not a brother or sister in Christ and you are in danger of hell but I do believe that Catholics and Protestants will both go to God and go beyond the pearl Gates.
You people act like this is such a noble thing to say while compromising positions. I'm tired of it.
If you believe the Catholic church is full of works then your protestant thought condemns them. Just stay real to your tradition bro. You comment this as if it's noble and everyone should praise you because you're being "accepting". No.
Ok good this one
I look at it this way ...we can overestimate Jesus's justice and underestimate His mercy....at the same time we definatley should not take Him for granted with respect to His mercy. Jesus said that not all who say Lord Lord will be saved....He wished we become one as He and the Father is one....He founded one holy Catholic and apostollic Church. There is no salavation outside the Church...Jesus is the way, the Truth and the Life. Nuance....you must be sincerely seeking Christ and have invincible ignorance to have the chance to be saved....it is possible but do you want to take that chance versus knowing His true Church....this doesn't mean all Catholics will be saved just as anyone else...nonCatholics, atheists, Jews, agnostics, Protestants etc. will be. Remember it is harder for a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle to get to heaven...something like that :). It may be possible with the truth folks do know and the sacraments they have not all 7 for protestants etc only thru God's grace and mercy that they could be saved...but at least a Catholic knows they have all the means to get to heaven if they seek and act on it....go to confession often....and hopefully before and on your deathbed then you will know you will make it...otherwise taking that chance on faith and mercy....we should beleive in God's mercy....it is wishful and comforting thinking that we may be being to legalistic and scrupulous but being too lax and having a lax soul is dangerous as well...better to take the hard path and do all Jesus commanded and be pleasantly surprised when we meet Him that maybe we were harder on oursleves than He as hopefully we walk thru the gates of heaven than not to find and search Truth in His Church and overestimate His mercy and then oh no! Another way for Catholics would be if I was dying and was not able to get to a priest to hear my last confession...better make that Act of Contrition fast....especially if u knew you had a mortal sin.....but it has to be a perfect Contrition...if not you are goofed objectively speaking because it is hard to make a perfect act of contrition (yes have faith....God is merciful) ...but we know we are weak....why wait so long and take a fateful chance versus going to confession earlier and seeking to be holy then if you dropped dead out of the confesional you would objectively go tp heaven. There is no such thing as assured salvation...once saved always saved but we can have some certitude that if we are doing these things we will get there because God knows our heart and He is merciful...but don't ever take your salavation for granted...that is the point of my rambling.....
The Orthodox are the second ling they have valid priests and sacraments the sticking issue is authority and the Pope...so they have the means of salvation yet if they discovered the Pope was true and rejected it that objectively puts them in peril just as anyone else who found out the Catholic Church is true and rejected it...this goes back to what is invincible ignorance? It means thru no fault of their own ......but if you find Truth and reject it then you are culpable...Jesus said to his apostles those who reject you reject me....remember that.
Eric Ybarra is wrong on his position. I literally heard him say in another video on 'Pints with Aquinas' that he recommended that someone leave the church and check out Eastern Orthodox because "from his experience, people came back to him and accepted Catholicism". My question would be, what if they didn't come back? Either way, you literally aided in sin of schism. He identifies as a "persuaded Catholic" which simply means he is still on the fence. How can you fully accept the Holy Catholic And apostolic church, as put in the apostles creed, while simultaneously on the fence regarding the validity of the church?
Why are you so afraid to invite and orthodox christian on to actually discuss with you?
Absolutely beautiful
In my estimation answer lacks clarity. This is why. True Christian Faith can't be reductionist or boiled down. Not even C S Lewis does in his 'Mere Christianity'. Question should have been dealt in two ways. Objectively and Subjectively. Objectively speaking Christ has founded His Church plus Sacraments. Subjectively speaking every Christian may not arrive at the objective Truth.
According the answer provided the deposit of True Faith should be confined to 'only' a faith in the divine Person of Christ and not more than that. Thanks to Catholic Church, we all have Christological Truths preserved. As there's One Person in Christ, there's Only One True Church, the Sacrament of Salvation. So in my estimation speaker doesn't deal with it
Honorius, Liberius, Vigilius...Francis? Time will tell.
Is there anywhere we can go and not worship God? We can be in a prison cell and worship Christ. It is when we play the tribalism game that we forget that Christ opened the door for us to enter, not given us a door that we can shut on others if they don't meet our criteria. Remember,it was, "while we were still sinners that Christ died for us." If we are humble and come to God with a repentant heart, it doesnt matter what denomination we subscribe to. The desert fathers worshiped God in a cave. Remember that.
Mr. Fradd, a honest concern about the video: As far as I know, Catechism of Catholic Church is clear about the issue (catholic church is the most perfect one and should, therefore, be a church everyone (ideally) chooses; it is the church Christ created, wanted and still wants). Since councils of bishops are infallable in teaching, I believe that CCC will not teach something outside the Truth. I understand the longing for simplicity and charity but even "good intentions" can sometimes be nothing else than well masked bad/rebellious/egoistic activity inside of us. Plus, the only "simplicity" that we need to seek is carrying the cross; every day until our "end", believing Christ that our church will not fall and that it is guided by the Holy Spirit. So, what about inviting to our church instead of trying to focus on the negatives and neighbour's fabled greener grass? No one said our faith/our life would be easy... do you thing being tortured, stripped of clothing and good name, hanging on the cross, suffocating for hours, was easy? And He is perfect... so who are we, sinners, to complain? Have faith that God will not put something too heavy on you; He knows what's best for you, for every single one of us.
Omnia ad maiorem Dei gloriam
JESUS - Thou Art Peter And Upon This Rock I Will Build MY Church" Peter became JESUS' FIRST Pope. JESUS TALKED of NO OTHER CHURCH.
@@josephinebcmpatrick9207 you need to read Bible as a whole... plus apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit (and as He promised, Holy Spirit still guides our church) and they decided to name successors. Also, let me remind you that sola scriptura is not possible. Bible is a form of text that needs explanation and even every protestant church has their own explanations (so they does not really believe in sola scriptura or at least cannot practice it). Therefore, why would anyone opt for any other explanation than the one from apostles and their successors - aka the bishops and popes of catholic church; the church Christ Himself founded and guides?
Is there a spiderman meme of a catholic, orthodox, and… eastern Catholic.
So first there was the Catholic church then the Orthodox split .....it's not the other way around .
First was the ancient Church and then Roman see fell off of the Church. Remaining 4 sees became Eastern Orthodox Church while fallen Rome became Latin religious group.
@@johnnyd2383 Rome did not "fall off" , The west excommunicated the east.
@@YourStylesGeneric321 Oh... so.. if we play basketball and one player gets mad and f-offs others and leaves, it is others who have left the game.? ahahahahah...
@@johnnyd2383 The west was not the one that left though lol, it was the east that was kicked out of the game.
@@YourStylesGeneric321 One managed to kick out other four.? ahahahahah,,,
Orthodoxy is the ORIGINAL/TRUE/APOSTOLIC faith...starting with Christ! ☦ This is just basics, you can find in any theological book. THE ROOT, the unaltered christian faith! Do your own research and also attend the services...but please pay attention to everything! Read the 'Lives of Saints', for me was the best reading! May Jesus Christ illuminate you and show you the true way! 🙏☦
But its not
I used to be Orthodox and now I’m Catholic. Everyone hates Catholicism. Social media, Hollywood, even certain Christian denominations hate it as well. The amount of controversy and disputes on the news about the Vatican (although I do believe the Vatican has been infiltrated by the elites/or some higher agenda that work for the Devil to try and collapse the Church from within for example. Pope Francis been doing some questionable things as our Pope I can’t lie lol, he seems suspicious). Catholicism is too much of a threat for Satan and that says something. Catholicism is the only true church and the world knows it too.
Yes, it matters! It matters! The catechism is very clear there is no salvation outside Mother Church. This is not an opinion of mine, but is a traditional Catholic teaching. Eric and Matt are very nice, but niceness doesn't mean they are teaching Catholic truth 100%.
Laura - you are exactly right. Stay as you are - because you are Blessed. JESUS - "Thou Art JESUS And Upon This Rock I Will Build MY CHURCH. JESUS TALKED OF NO OTHER CHURCH. I always have a sense of wariness at times I come upon this Channel. I do not trust him. Anyway, I have left him my following comment - You do not listen. Listening to each of you leaves me wondering, why do you not listen to JESUS. JESUS - Thou Art Peter And Upon This Rock I Will Build MY Church" Peter became JESUS' FIRST Pope. JESUS TALKED of NO OTHER CHURCH. If you are not able to comprehend that - you should not have a Platform on You Tube. Laura, always listen to JESUS GUIDING you. Stay with JESUS in HIS CHURCH.
@@josephinebcmpatrick9207 thank you. Yes, I will stay as I am. And because the Catholic Church is the TRUE CHURCH, then we need to try to bring people in it, not tell them their OK in the present denomination.
Of course it matters we have the Patriarchate of Rome pope Leo IX who left the Church that Jesus built and went on their own ways with the Grand Schism of 1053 AD and took the name Roman Catholic then the other 4 Patriarchates had to take a name because from one church after 1053 we have 2 Churches. the other 4 patriarchates are still together until today Jerusalem, Constantinople, Antioch, and Alexandria and took the Name Orthodox=Correct Doctrine. Rome has heresies and inventions, Orthodoxy still Unchanged for the past 2000 years.
The fact that we retained the name Catholic is proof we’re the universal Church established by Jesus. As St. Augustine said:
And so, lastly, does the name itself of Catholic, which, not without reason, amid so many heresies, the Church has thus retained; so that, though all heretics wish to be called Catholics, yet when a stranger asks where the Catholic Church meets, no heretic will venture to point to his own chapel or house.
@@FideiDefensatrix Except that attribute "catholic" applies to Eastern Orthodox as well as it is in original Creed of the ancient Church. Putting it into the name of the fallen Roman church does not make it automatically correct. Quite the contrary... true meaning of the word "catholic" means - conciliar, and we know fallen Latins do not operate on a conciliar principle as they have proclaimed a mere human to be above any council. So it is a parody...
Catholic comes from the Greek word “Katholikos” which means “Universal”. Catholicism is for the world and is the Religion God established.
@@FideiDefensatrix again you are following a human Augustine not Jesus Christ?
@@teddybruckshot7676 One Holy Catholic (not roman) and Apostolic Church. Rome dropped the Apostolic and added the word roman, and they call them selves as roman Catholics.
Sorry, I don’t buy the idea that a person just believes in Jesus and goes straight to heaven. Much more is needed to reach heaven, such as actually stop sinning, always repenting, always apologizing to Jesus for all sins with an honest and genuine determination to stop sinning. The church issue is simple: Which church helps and makes you to stop sinning, to help you to repent and everyday to be a follower of Jesus teachings and fulfill those teachings to your best ability.
Yes, it does matter. Until, at least, the Catholic Church erase the "Filioque" from the Creed. It seems to me that the catholic answers just don't add in this regard. Very probably, I don't understand correctly.
PELAGIAN
Jesus gave us HIS Church. If you out and out reject Hid church you reject Him. You don’t know what you don’t know. But if you reject the Church you reject Him. I like Mr Ybarra but he is close to the God lets everyone into heaven and that isn’t the case. You reject Jesus you aren’t Christian. This gets really dicey…….
John Paul, Benedict and Francis have all said that Orthodox Laity and Priests should remain obedient to their local bishops and that Orthodox/Roman relations come down to a jurisdictional disagreement. Benedict said that the Pope never had jurisdiction over the Eastern Patriarchates. The bishop of Rome never ordained every bishop in the world prior to the schism.
@Dan Point here is that Peter regarded Linus and Clement to be the Episcopos of Rome within Peter's lifetime an while Peter was serving as Episcopos of Antioch. This is according to the Apostolic Constitutions which claims to cite Peter's own claims. You take Peter's leadership authority and apply it exclusively to his successors in Rome where he never resided as Bishop. He even says that Linus was FIRST, and Clement was SECOND, not Himself First, followed by them. It's the exclusivity of Peter to Rome that arose later. Peter's name was even added to the list of Bishops of Rome only in the 6th century and it was carved in above Linus who had been first on the list for several hundred years.
Benedict and Francis have both said that the Pope of Rome did not deserve jurisdiction over the Eastern Patriarchates prior to the Schism. They have posited an authority of presidency, that is to say, they preside over the Patriarchs, and have power of nullification (like a veto) but not authority in excess of the other patriarchs (monarchal authority).
@Dan No, that misrepresents my position
@Dan The last 3 Popes have all stated that Orthodox laity can receive communion at Roman Catholic Churches if their Orthodox Bishop allows without a confession of heresy and that Roman Catholics can receive sacraments at Orthodox Churches if the Orthodox Bishop allows. They have all said that Orthodox laity, deacons and priests should not "convert" should not be "converted" and should remain obedient to their local Orthodox Bishops as the Bishops work toward unification. All three popes have proposed unification on the model that the Pope would not have jurisdictional authority over the Orthodox Patriarchs. Benedict went as far as to say that Rome never deserved universal jurisdiction but only primacy prior to the schism. If the Pope has the keys, I'm covered.
The difference is contraception and divorce & remarriage. Yes, it matters.
And gay priests advocating for gay marriage and females priests, choices choices.
He doesn’t say it doesn’t matter, Erick isn’t advocating indifferentism here at all.
@@googleaccount4471 except as Catholics we can objectively say that such priests are wrong in light of infallible Church teaching. Orthodox can only shrug their shoulders and guess which bishop or priest is right.
@@googleaccount4471 you’re dismissing what the person said about the Orthodox Church’s teachings and saying something in return that’s not equivalent. It’s a false equivalency. The Orthodox Church TEACHES that re-marrying is okay and divorce is fine. That’s different from a few wolves in sheep’s clothing celebrating homosexuality. The Catholic Church does not TEACH that homosexuality is okay. The Catholic Church’s teachings are very clear on how gay marriage is not real marriage. We don’t stand for that. Catholics definitely do call out heretics who support / advocate for such things.
@@mandi3366 Well Said! Christ is King; His Word Stands.