The few points I mentioned in my first post ought to be enough, especially the one's about witchdoctors and specialized center of parapsychology. It borders on fantasy or what someone thinks is Catholicism.
As far as different cultures? Sure, Italians parade a naked Jesus covered in blood (catsup) and money down the street on Easter followed by a rosary with each bead the size of a small kid. A cultural ritual based on traditional Catholic belief. It is understandable. The church tolerates cultural things like that because it doesn't change the message.
Teaching children Jesus bring's presents - no way. Learning from a witch, absolutely no way. Learning at a center for parapsychology - give me a break. Not one time did he say church, the source of learning, not one time did he mention communion, confession, prayer, nothing. He was something, but it wasn't a Catholic.
Unlike Islam, the Catholic religion is a standardized religion, it has a centralized leader (Pope) making decisions about ritual and what each branch teaches that the churches worldwide follow. Followers do NOT follow witchcraft, it is a sin, clearly taught. Followers know exactly why Jesus died. You do not recieve communion until you understand and accept that.
Again, I would like to reiterate that I am as sure as I can be that the author of this book was a Catholic earlier in his life...
Where there cultural issues that may have bent Catholicism and made it something else??? Probably yes, though this is not specific to Venezuela.
Where there other things being practiced that are not considered to be pure Catholicism ??? Absolutely. Consider that in modern-day Brazil (also a mostly Catholic country), they still celebrate some pagan festivals. Also many other Catholic nations celebrate pagan rituals, though it may not be obvious unless you study deeply about it...
Jello, so the author is not you? Not surprising. Being sure is not the same as knowing now is it? May I say Code_red, that Jello has just proved me right? Even he can't assert the authenticity of this piece of something.
You are also missing the point jello. The Catholic Church will incorporate ritual if it doesn't change the message. Saying Jesus delivers presents is NEVER done, anywhere. Not knowing why Jesus died? No. Working out of a place that the Catholic Church condemns? No.
This is the Surah I am talking about. Jesus’ return indicates the end of the world. The last line of the Surah speaks for itself.
43:57-67 Surah Az-Zukhruf
When (Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example behold thy people raise a clamor thereat (in ridicule)!
And they say " Are Our gods best or He?" This they set forth to thee only by way of disputation: yea they are a contentious people.
He was no more than a servant: We granted Our favor to him and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.
And if it were Our Will We could make angels from amongst you succeeding each other on the earth.
And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour) but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.
Let not the Evil One hinder you: for he is to you an enemy avowed.
When Jesus came with Clear Signs he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me.
"For Allah; He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship ye Him: this is a Straight Way."
But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement: then woe to the wrongdoers from the Penalty of a Grievous Day!
Do they only wait for the Hour that it should come on them all of a sudden while they perceive not?
Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except the Righteous.
^ much better, no insults, still nothing about the topic, but I'm patient :D
I'm not on burner (whatever that is) but just like you wouldn't tolerate someone saying something false about your religion, I don't tolerate the same.
I never disrespect other people speaking about their religion and if the person who posted this just said the reasons I converted to Islam, I would be fine with it.
But at the begining he posted blatant untruths about Catholics and their beliefs then proceeded on a premise that he knew because he was one, which to any Catholic is clearly untrue.
If a man came to you said he was a Muslim and said that he was having a ham sandwich and a beer, would you believe him?
I know that is a bad analogy, but I do not have the knowledge of Islam to point out a difference of ritual
Madhee -- And somehow we can fit in the part about him being a "violent angry fella ready to kill people" just from that fact that he will be risen again on that Hour (which any twelve year old could percieve as the end of the world).
The author is my father, so of course I know what he was and what he was not. And we are not necesarily talking about the Catholic rituals, but the rituals of the country as a whole.
Book of revelations, made up by John the whosiewhatsie..to scare the people that's it. God is not that evil people....he is a good guy at the end of the day..handsome, great personality and can dance to any kind of music.
May be he did or maybe he didn't. Who cares..the goal is to use to your head and pick the virtues that makes you a better person through the message which is about loving your neighbor, turn the other cheek...this is what prophets are about, this is what leadership is about..it is not about I am going to heaven..you are going to hell because you don't fast for lent and my path is the right path..blah blah blah...people who get caught up in this siht end up forever miserable in their lives. So when you see someone like that..make fun of them...but do it wiuth love...that's what Jesus would do.
Nah, you should ignore books like the Bible and Quran completely and use your own common sense. You can be a good a person and not follow such silly Jesus things.
I differ my sister...I follow it all. I think each has a piee of nugget or two that can be meld into conventional human wisdom. Knowledge is not limited to a religion or people and neither is spirituality. It is a collective from human experience.
Until he comes and reigns supreme over the dead carcasses of 99% of humanity (lovely picture bTW) I will do what I need to. He will understand..he might learn a thing or two.