Jack,
This argument has been made to you before and you have yet to accept it in any form. I will endeavor to complete this argument beyond any shadow of a doubt.
(**1**) Definition: Definition
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/definition: an act of determining; specifically : the formal proclamation of a Roman Catholic dogma
2
a : a statement expressing the essential nature of something
b : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol <dictionary definitions>
c : a product of defining
3
: the action or process of stating the meaning of a word or word group
4
a : the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear <the definition of a telescope> <her comic genius is beyond definition>
b (1) : clarity of visual presentation : distinctness of outline or detail <improve the definition of an image> (2) : clarity especially of musical sound in reproduction
c : sharp demarcation of outlines or limits <a jacket with distinct waist definition>
(**2**) Definition: Christian
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/christian?show=0&t=1305788708a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ
b (1) : disciple 2 (2) : a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) : a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961
2
: the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress
(**3**) Definition: Catechism
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/catechism%uFFFDnoun
1.
Ecclesiastical .
a.
an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.
b.
the contents of such a book.
2.
a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
3.
a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
I begin with (**1**). You repeatedly insist that the Catholic Church is not Christian. The natural first question to ask when presented with an idea contrary to such a widely accepted fact is "why not"? If we assume there is some reason, then in the midst of the discussion it must be necessary to convey that reason in order to properly and intelligently continue with the discussion. So we can ask how the definition of the word used is not properly conveying the meaning you wish to use.
Here I draw on my own personal experiences in Serious Discussion. If I have ever encountered a single topic, paragraph, or even a sentence that was so complex as to require a definition of Christianity so precise and specific that the word %uFFFDChristian%uFFFD would not suffice; then I swear on my life I do not remember it. I have read your arguments and the arguments of those you%uFFFDre talking with, and you do not use your argument of the definition for anything. Even if there was a case where %uFFFDChristian%uFFFD wouldn%uFFFDt suffice, it would take 1 sentence to explain your meaning. There is nothing here to indicate to me that you are doing anything more than squabbling over a petty distinction; you wish to separate your faith from the Catholic Church in order to invalidate any arguments your opponents might use against the Catholic Church which could also apply to yours.
If there are truly arguments which apply to the Catholic Church and not yours then you will be able to defend yourself easily; just as you believe and have faith in God, you should realize that the truth will protect you. There is a reason I am calling out you, a Christian, and not someone here who argues for atheistic viewpoints; namely that you have something you believe in; a truth, God, Jesus, whatever you call it, that you can have faith in without worry. You do not argue like a Christian, you argue just like everyone else and this inconsistency and squabbling over petty nonsense ill suits your viewpoints. You don%uFFFDt have to worry about how your particular sect appears or whether you%uFFFDve %uFFFDwon%uFFFD the argument here, you just have to speak the truth.
Moving on, I found it interesting that the definition of Catechism (**3**) refers specifically to a Christian set of principles, and that the Catholic Church has a catechism. The merriam-webster version does not use the christian terminology however. Naturally they could simply be lying, misrepresenting their principles under a false name as you claim.
To show that they are not, I refer specifically to the actual Catechism of the Catholic Church. In the links below I provide both the index and the relevant link from Chapter Two, whose title here is self explanatory.
The beginning of the catechism of the Catholic Church:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM PART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
%uF0A7 SECTION TWO I. THE CREEDS
%uF0A7 CHAPTER TWO I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P1D.HTM%uFFFDSuch is not the case for Simon Peter when he confesses Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God", for Jesus responds solemnly: "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."46 Similarly Paul will write, regarding his conversion on the road to Damascus, "When he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles..."47 "and in the synagogues immediately [Paul] proclaimed Jesus, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'"48 From the beginning this acknowledgment of Christ's divine sonship will be the centre of the apostolic faith, first professed by Peter as the Church's foundation.49%uFFFD
From this section of the catechism it can be seen that Catholics do in fact worship Jesus as Christ, the only son of god. These passages are derived directly from the citations in the bible. For example: %uFFFD[Paul] proclaimed Jesus, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'%uFFFD comes directly from Acts 9:20
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_PY3.HTM#GOSP.ACT.9.20Here I believe it evident that the definition of (**2**) will be fulfilled. Acknowledging Christ as the only son of God implies belief in his teachings. The catechism is a direct derivation from the bible. If you wish me to pursue the argument further I will return and do so.
Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on May 19 2011, 10:23 am by CecilSunkure. Reason: SD Rule#1. The was off-topic and suitable for PMs.
None.