Apologies to you Bruce...we sure took over your thread with a lot of nonsense.

The Catholic Church, it’s leadership, and it’s members have all erred in judgment and committed sinful acts over the past centuries, but the Catholic Church remains an important spiritual and moral authority to almost a quarter of of the world’s human population. It’s great to discuss and even critique history and spirituality and religion with other people that are trappers and love the outdoors, but some of the anti Catholic and anti Christian sentiments expressed in these posts are ignorant, hateful, and hurtful.

There's a reason Jesus had his disciples... and why Simon Peter was the first pope...

Simon Peter was definitely not the first pope. He was a Jew who believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Just because Jesus told him that He would build His church on this rock - does not mean he was catholic. The catholic church sure likes to claim this though. Quickly forget who flogged and crucified him.

I am definitely not anti-Christian but some of the Catholic beliefs are just crazy and not biblical.

Bruce I understand what Jesus was telling those present at the last supper - but you have to admit, He didn't cut and dice Himself up and serve His own flesh and blood as physical table fare. I firmly believe in the redemptive work of Jesus and believe even through the shedding of HIs blood my sins are atoned for and by His stripes there is healing. I believe in communion as well - just don't believe like catholics do and I am ok at that because I am sure there are lots of Christians who don't follow my ideas about scripture as well. I work out my salvation with fear and trembling as scripture calls me to.

I just think he may actually believe that, Treed. LOL. He did after all say that it was not a symbol.

You better go back to your bible Treed, and read where Jesus tells the apostles at the last supper about the bread and wine “This is my body, and this is my blood.” Also, Jesus clearly appointed Peter The leader, the “Rock,” the Pope of the Christian church in the bible!

My goodness. Do some of you really not realize that the whole communion deal is symbolic?

I can’t believe this is still going! Can we agree that if you consider Jesus your personal savior and ask him to come into your life you are good to go. That’s what I learned as a young Baptist and thats what the Catholic Church I belong to believes. Some may think that getting baptized and taking communion saves them but they are wrong. Some may believe that once you’re saved you can do whatever you want and you are good to go. You folks are talking a religion and not faith.

There are beautiful things about the catholic faith and the Protestant faith. I love the fellowship at most Protestant churches and joyful spirit by all, but I also greatly appreciate the reverence and respect at a catholic mass. No talking, no kids misbehaving, just the bible readings and a good homily. I’m sure not all are like ours but our church is great place to worship.