1hotdawg
+1y
Wow, I actually didn't know that the Catholic church believed that way. As for most of us protestants, we don't believe baptism has anything to do with our salvation other than it's an outward expression of our faith in Christ, and a depiction of His redeeming blood cleansing us. (I know some of our denominations debate this though).
As for me, I was saved at age 9 if I remember my age correctly lol. I was just baptised last year...for various reasons I had to wait. Now, I believe that if I had died before I was baptised I would still have been saved. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation.
My wife and I did almost join the Catholic church. I really liked the church we went to's service. I liked the reverance that was exhibited. I liked the priest that was there. I did however have some probs with the whole MAry thing and praying to the saints and stuff...though I could kinda understand it to a degree. But I missed "our" church and the people there. It was going through turmoil and so we left for a while, but in the end I told my wife it was up to us, the church members, to help keep the church alive. Well shortly after that we got a great preacher and the church grew greatly.
I didn't like the fact the Cath church wouldn't, or didn't like, letting people outside "their faith"...Catholicism, not partake in communion. And I'm sure if I looked deeper into their faith I could find other issues, but I have no need to do so, I'm where God wants me.
I also don't believe God doesn't readily accept children, the mentally ill, and some others, readily into His arms. Actually we argued this during Catecism, (sp?), classes. Because my wife and do believe in original sin, and the need for salvation. But we weren't saying anything more than the fact that we are all sinners...born sinners. They kept saying the extreme that we were saying babies were born "Evil". But really we believe there is an age, or mentality, of accountability. Each person's age is different...like puberty lol.
The last quote was meant this way. It doesn't matter if you believe in God or not, but IF you are wrong and He does exist and hold us to accountability, then you will have to face that. Where as I, being a worshipped of Him...even if HE doesn't exist, I've lost nothing. If He is alive, I win, if He isn't I still win. I won't face any condemnation either way Where as you "may"...(not for me to say, so I don't).
You won't hear me say "you're going to hell if you don't believe my God", it's not for me to decide. All I know is through Christ I am garunteed not to
Oh yeah. I guess my wife and I get around the desire for kids because God has used to us to touch many many kids. She's been in the school system for about 13 years, and I've been a youth leader at our church for about 8 years now. If we had our own kids, we might not would be able to have had the effect on as many kids as we have.
Anywho, thanks for the convo!
God bless