"Evangelicals and Catholics Together" is a document written by leaders of Evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic churches, notably Chuck Colson of Prison Ministries and Father Juan Diaz-Vilar of Catholic Hispanic Ministries, first published in 1994. It is a document that describes hopes for Evangelical and Catholic Christians to increase cooperation in the third millennium, and to establish common ground upon which both Evangelicals and Catholics stand and set theological differences aside.
The document is split into five parts. It begins with an introduction, stating the need for Christians, both Evangelicals and Catholics, to be united in Christ and in the truth of the word of God, not divided, and to pursue the mission of the Church together. The first section begins "We affirm together," establishing the doctrine that all Christians, whether Catholics or Evangelicals, agree upon. The first and most important doctrine affirmed is that Jesus Christ is Lord. The document asserts the Apostle's Creed as the basis of the Christian faith that all Christians can agree upon.
The second section begins "We hope together," emphasizing the Church's hope that all will come to Christ, and states that the Church should cooperate in missions work, and that by being united, Evangelicals and Catholics will be able to be a greater witness to the world. The third section begins "We Search Together," and recognizes that there are doctrinal differences between Evangelicals and Catholics. Instead of letting them divide the Church, the document states the hope that Christians will seek to understand God's word together.
The fourth section, and by far the longest, is "We Contend Together," stating a long list of things that both churches stand for and stand against. Mainly, this involves the issues of morality and freedom in American society. Rather than taking a political standpoint, the document asserts what Christians should stand for in terms of social issues.
The fifth section, "We Witness Together," emphasizes that as Christians, our mission is to bring people to Christ, not to advance our own denomination. Thus, Christians should not proselytize people from other denominations, in other words, attempt to convert Catholics to Evangelicalism or vice versa, and instead focus our efforts to bringing those who are not of God to God. Finally, the document ends with a conclusion stating the premise that in the third millennium, all Christians, whether Catholic or Protestant, should be as one in Christ.
Copy of the Original Document: http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html
This movement is met with mixed reactions. Among many Evangelical Fundamentalists, there is much opposition to the movement. This is mainly due to a prejudiced misunderstanding of Catholicism, and a claim that Catholicism is not Gospel-based Christianity.
Links to Related To the Document:
Critique: http://vintage.aomin.org/Evangelicals_and_Catholics_Together.html
Christianity Today's Response: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1997/december8/7te034.html?start=1
History of the Movement: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_caev1.htm
Sunday, August 2, 1970
Tuesday, June 30, 1970
Catechism Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3, Article 12 Conclusion - Amen (1061-1065)
The Creed ends with the word "amen." This comes from the root of the word for "believe."This root expresses solidarity,trustworthiness,and faithfulness. It expresses both Gods faithfulness to us and our trust in him. In Isaiah the God of truth is literarily translated into the God of Amen. This shows that God is faithful to his promises. Jesus used the word Amen to emphasize the trustworthiness of his teaching and his authority founded on God's word. It is a confirmation of the statement "I believe." To say "amen" to God's words, promises and commandments. Also it is to trust oneself to God who is the "Amen " of indefinite love and perfect faithfulness.(and to live out the Christian life in accordance to what you say you believe. ) ) delete The Christian life is an Amen to the I believe of baptismal profession of faith: Jesus Christ is the "Amen" of the Father's love for us. Jesus takes up and completes our Amen to the Father. Also delete (and) through Christ (him )we say our "Amen."
Wednesday, June 24, 1970
Catechsim Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3, Article 12- The Life Everlasting (1020-1060)
To the Christian, death is but the a step to everlasting life, and an entrance into union with Christ.
When the Church for the last time speaks Christ's words of pardon and absolution over the dying Christian, seals him for the last time with a strengthening anointing and gives his in Christ in viaticum as nourishment for the journey.
I. The Particular Judgment (1021-1022)
Death puts an end to human life. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarly in its aspects of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming and affirms that each will be rewarded immediatly after death in accordance with his works and faith. Also the New Testament also speaks about a final destiny of the soul a destiny that is different for everyone. (The Bible indicates both a final judgment of the entire human race and a particular judgment of each individual. This judgment occurs immediately after death, after which it is not possible to accept grace. ) delete Either the immortal soul enters into Paradise immediately through a purification, or immediately (undergoes purification beforehand)delete , or is eternally damned.
II. Heaven (1023-1029)
Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed is called heaven. Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. To live in heaven is to be with Christ.By Christ's death and resurrection Jesus Christ has opened heaven to us. The life of the blessed consists in the full and perfect possession of the fruits of the redemption accomplished by Christ. He makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will. Heaven is the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ. Scripture speaks about the communion in heaven with images such as life, light, peace, wedding feast, wine of the kingdom, the Father's house, the heavenly Jerusalem, paradise. However "no eye has seen and no ear has heard , nor the heart of man conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." God can not be seen as he is transcendent unless he himself reveals his mystery to mans immediate contemplation and gives him the capacity for it. The Church calls this contemplation of Gods heavenly glory " the beatific vision". In the glory of heaven the blessed continue joyfully to fulfill God's will in relation to other men and to all creation.(Those who are purified enter into communion with the Trinity. This is called heaven, and it is the fulfillment of all human longings. While united with Christ, each person retains, or more accurately discovers, their identity. In heaven, we possess the perfect fruits of Christ's sacrifice. The mystery of perfect union with Christ is not accessible to our own understanding. In heaven, we fulfill God's will for humanity and reign with Christ forever and ever.) delete
III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory (1030-1032)
Those who die in Christ's grace, yet imperfectly purified, are indeed insured of their eternal salvation but after death they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church give the name Purgatory to the final perfection of the elect which is entirely different from the punishment of the damed. The Church formed their doctrine from the Councils of Florence and Trent and the tradition of the Church by referencing to certain texts of Scripture that speaks of a cleansing fire. This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in the scriptures. From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them above all the Eucharistic sacrifice , so that thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences; and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead. (in Purgatory with the assurance of heaven. For this reason the Church offers prayers for the dead.) delete
IV. Hell (1033-1037)
We can't be united to God unless we freely choose to love God. We cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbour or against ourselves. To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting Gods merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever of our own free will. This place is called hell where people who are separated from God go when they die. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishment of hell which is eternal separation from God in alone man can posses the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs. The teachings of the Church on the subject of hell are a call to responsibility incumbent upon man to make use of his freedom in view of his eternal destiny. God predestines no one to go to hell for his a wilful turing away from God(a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharist liturgy and in daily prayers of her faithful the church implores the mercy of God , who does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance. (We must freely love God if we are to be united with Him. By sinning, people willfully self-exclude themselves from communion with God. This is called hell. It is eternal punishment, the chief punishment being separation from God. Hell is not predestined by God; it is man's responsibility.) delete
V. The Last Judgment (1038-1041)
The resurrection of all dead of both the just and unjust will precede the Last Judgment. After the Resurrection of the Dead, Christ will come and the righteous and unrighteous will be judged. Every man's relationship with God will be laid bare and all deeds brought to light. The last judgment will come when Christ returns in glory .Only the Father knows the hour of Christ's Return. The Last Judgement will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death., and He calls all men to repent while there is still time.??
VI. Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth (1042-1050)
After the final judgment, the Kingdom of God will come in fullness, and the righteous will reign for ever with Christ , glorified in body and soul. Tthere will be a new Heaven and a new Earth.In the new universe the heavenly Jerusalem , God will have his dwelling among men. For man this consummation will be final relization of the unity of the human race. We know niether the moment of the consumation of the earth, and of man, nor the way in which the universe will be transformed. (God will dwell among men, and man will live in perfect community. ) delete This promise of the Kingdom should spur us on to the betterment of the universe.
When the Church for the last time speaks Christ's words of pardon and absolution over the dying Christian, seals him for the last time with a strengthening anointing and gives his in Christ in viaticum as nourishment for the journey.
I. The Particular Judgment (1021-1022)
Death puts an end to human life. The New Testament speaks of judgment primarly in its aspects of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming and affirms that each will be rewarded immediatly after death in accordance with his works and faith. Also the New Testament also speaks about a final destiny of the soul a destiny that is different for everyone. (The Bible indicates both a final judgment of the entire human race and a particular judgment of each individual. This judgment occurs immediately after death, after which it is not possible to accept grace. ) delete Either the immortal soul enters into Paradise immediately through a purification, or immediately (undergoes purification beforehand)delete , or is eternally damned.
II. Heaven (1023-1029)
Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed is called heaven. Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. To live in heaven is to be with Christ.By Christ's death and resurrection Jesus Christ has opened heaven to us. The life of the blessed consists in the full and perfect possession of the fruits of the redemption accomplished by Christ. He makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will. Heaven is the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ. Scripture speaks about the communion in heaven with images such as life, light, peace, wedding feast, wine of the kingdom, the Father's house, the heavenly Jerusalem, paradise. However "no eye has seen and no ear has heard , nor the heart of man conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." God can not be seen as he is transcendent unless he himself reveals his mystery to mans immediate contemplation and gives him the capacity for it. The Church calls this contemplation of Gods heavenly glory " the beatific vision". In the glory of heaven the blessed continue joyfully to fulfill God's will in relation to other men and to all creation.(Those who are purified enter into communion with the Trinity. This is called heaven, and it is the fulfillment of all human longings. While united with Christ, each person retains, or more accurately discovers, their identity. In heaven, we possess the perfect fruits of Christ's sacrifice. The mystery of perfect union with Christ is not accessible to our own understanding. In heaven, we fulfill God's will for humanity and reign with Christ forever and ever.) delete
III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory (1030-1032)
Those who die in Christ's grace, yet imperfectly purified, are indeed insured of their eternal salvation but after death they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church give the name Purgatory to the final perfection of the elect which is entirely different from the punishment of the damed. The Church formed their doctrine from the Councils of Florence and Trent and the tradition of the Church by referencing to certain texts of Scripture that speaks of a cleansing fire. This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in the scriptures. From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them above all the Eucharistic sacrifice , so that thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences; and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead. (in Purgatory with the assurance of heaven. For this reason the Church offers prayers for the dead.) delete
IV. Hell (1033-1037)
We can't be united to God unless we freely choose to love God. We cannot love God if we sin gravely against him, against our neighbour or against ourselves. To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting Gods merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever of our own free will. This place is called hell where people who are separated from God go when they die. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishment of hell which is eternal separation from God in alone man can posses the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs. The teachings of the Church on the subject of hell are a call to responsibility incumbent upon man to make use of his freedom in view of his eternal destiny. God predestines no one to go to hell for his a wilful turing away from God(a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharist liturgy and in daily prayers of her faithful the church implores the mercy of God , who does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance. (We must freely love God if we are to be united with Him. By sinning, people willfully self-exclude themselves from communion with God. This is called hell. It is eternal punishment, the chief punishment being separation from God. Hell is not predestined by God; it is man's responsibility.) delete
V. The Last Judgment (1038-1041)
The resurrection of all dead of both the just and unjust will precede the Last Judgment. After the Resurrection of the Dead, Christ will come and the righteous and unrighteous will be judged. Every man's relationship with God will be laid bare and all deeds brought to light. The last judgment will come when Christ returns in glory .Only the Father knows the hour of Christ's Return. The Last Judgement will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death., and He calls all men to repent while there is still time.??
VI. Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth (1042-1050)
After the final judgment, the Kingdom of God will come in fullness, and the righteous will reign for ever with Christ , glorified in body and soul. Tthere will be a new Heaven and a new Earth.In the new universe the heavenly Jerusalem , God will have his dwelling among men. For man this consummation will be final relization of the unity of the human race. We know niether the moment of the consumation of the earth, and of man, nor the way in which the universe will be transformed. (God will dwell among men, and man will live in perfect community. ) delete This promise of the Kingdom should spur us on to the betterment of the universe.
Tuesday, June 23, 1970
Catechism Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3, Article 11: The Resurrection of the Body (988-1019)
The Creed culminates with the resurrection of the dead. As Christ rose from the dead, so shall we on the last day; not only our soul, but our body as well. This has been essential to the Christian faith from the beginning of the Church.The resurrection of the body occurs on the last day and life everlasting occurs after this. The resurrection is done by the Holy Spirit. The righteous live with Christ after they have dies. TThe mortal body comes back to life and the soul goes to heaven.
I. Christ's Resurrection and Ours (992-1004)
God progressively revealed the resurrection of the dead to his people. (and) Jesus calls himself "the Resurrection and the life." We shall rise like Christ with him and through him. Being a witness of Christ is to be a witness to his resurrection. The Resurrection of the Body is met with much opposition.
When we die, our soul is separated from our body, which decays. Through Christ's resurrection, our souls will be reunited with our bodies. All will rise, some to life and others to judgment. It will not be in an earthly body, but a spiritual body. This exceeds our understanding and we can only understand through faith. It will happen on the last day.
In a way, we have already risen with Christ through participation in his death and resurrection through baptism, as we belong to the Body of Christ. In anticipation of the last day when we will appear with Christ in glory, we believe that we must treat our own bodies and all others' with dignity and respect especially those who suffer. Also the faith in the resurrection is based on faith in God who is God of the living not the dead.
II. Dying in Christ Jesus (1005-1014)
If we are to rise with Christ, we must first die with Christ. Bodily death is natural and we remember that our time on Earth is limited. Death is a consequence of sin. Death (but it ) has been transformed into a blessing through Christ by his suffering on the cross until death for us.
Because of Christ's death, death has a whole new positive meaning to Christians, as we have sacramentally died with Christ through baptism. God calls us to him through death. It is the end of our earthly pilgrimage, and we shall not return to our earthly lives. The Church encourages believers to prepare for death by asking Mary the mother of God to pray for us at the hour of our death as prayed in the Hail Mary and to trust ourselves to St. Joseph the patron saint of happy death.
I. Christ's Resurrection and Ours (992-1004)
God progressively revealed the resurrection of the dead to his people. (and) Jesus calls himself "the Resurrection and the life." We shall rise like Christ with him and through him. Being a witness of Christ is to be a witness to his resurrection. The Resurrection of the Body is met with much opposition.
When we die, our soul is separated from our body, which decays. Through Christ's resurrection, our souls will be reunited with our bodies. All will rise, some to life and others to judgment. It will not be in an earthly body, but a spiritual body. This exceeds our understanding and we can only understand through faith. It will happen on the last day.
In a way, we have already risen with Christ through participation in his death and resurrection through baptism, as we belong to the Body of Christ. In anticipation of the last day when we will appear with Christ in glory, we believe that we must treat our own bodies and all others' with dignity and respect especially those who suffer. Also the faith in the resurrection is based on faith in God who is God of the living not the dead.
II. Dying in Christ Jesus (1005-1014)
If we are to rise with Christ, we must first die with Christ. Bodily death is natural and we remember that our time on Earth is limited. Death is a consequence of sin. Death (but it ) has been transformed into a blessing through Christ by his suffering on the cross until death for us.
Because of Christ's death, death has a whole new positive meaning to Christians, as we have sacramentally died with Christ through baptism. God calls us to him through death. It is the end of our earthly pilgrimage, and we shall not return to our earthly lives. The Church encourages believers to prepare for death by asking Mary the mother of God to pray for us at the hour of our death as prayed in the Hail Mary and to trust ourselves to St. Joseph the patron saint of happy death.
Monday, June 22, 1970
Catechism Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3, Article 10: The Forgiveness of Sins (976-987)
The forgiveness of sins is associated not only with the Holy Spirit, but with the Church and communion of saints. The Church received the power to forgive sins from Christ through the Holy Spirit.
I. One baptism for the forgiveness of sins (977-980)
Baptism is the first sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ. However, this does not completely keep people from sinning, so the Church must continue to forgive sins of the faithful, through the sacrament of penance, to reconcile believers to God.
II. The Power of the Keys (981-987)
The apostles carry out the ministry of repentance and forgiveness.With out the forgiveness of sins there is no hope in life to come or eternal liberation. The Church's ministry is to forgive sins and reconcile men to God. They have the keys to heaven. The Church must forgive all offenses, no matter how serious. Forgiveness of sins is linked to faith in the Holy Spirit given to us by Christ who rose from the dead, and the Church has the power to forgive sins through baptism and penance.
I. One baptism for the forgiveness of sins (977-980)
Baptism is the first sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ. However, this does not completely keep people from sinning, so the Church must continue to forgive sins of the faithful, through the sacrament of penance, to reconcile believers to God.
II. The Power of the Keys (981-987)
The apostles carry out the ministry of repentance and forgiveness.With out the forgiveness of sins there is no hope in life to come or eternal liberation. The Church's ministry is to forgive sins and reconcile men to God. They have the keys to heaven. The Church must forgive all offenses, no matter how serious. Forgiveness of sins is linked to faith in the Holy Spirit given to us by Christ who rose from the dead, and the Church has the power to forgive sins through baptism and penance.
Sunday, June 21, 1970
Catechism Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 3, Article 9, Paragraph 5: The Communion of Saints (946-962)
I. Communion in Spiritual Goods
The Church is the communion of saints. It is communion in two senses: communion in holy things and among holy persons. Believers share their faith through the Church, and share in the sacraments together, and all believers must share their charisms and possessions for the good of the Church. Finally, the Church must be in communion in charity. All believers throughout history are in communion through Christ, even those in heaven, who share spiritual gifts with us and intercede with God on our behalf.Christ is the head of the communion of Saints. Communion in faith , sacraments are sacred links linking faithful to one another and binding them to Christ
The communion of Charism
Everything is in common their possession are shared, and they help the needy.
They are honoured together and sins harm the group.
II. The Communion of the Church of Heaven and Earth.
The saints pray for us. Communion with saints and Christian communion with saints joins us to Christ . The communion with the dead the Church respects there memory and pray for the dead to be freed from their sins this makes intercession more effective. Mary is mother of the Christ and the mother of the Church. Mary is honoured as she was united with Christ during the passion. Also Mary aides the Church with her prayers. Mary is exempt from sin through Christ her son. Mary is mothering order of grace, advocate, helper, benefactress and Mediatrix of the Church. All generations will call Mary blessed. Mary is given the honoured title of mother of the Church and is a huge icon in the Church.
The Church is the communion of saints. It is communion in two senses: communion in holy things and among holy persons. Believers share their faith through the Church, and share in the sacraments together, and all believers must share their charisms and possessions for the good of the Church. Finally, the Church must be in communion in charity. All believers throughout history are in communion through Christ, even those in heaven, who share spiritual gifts with us and intercede with God on our behalf.Christ is the head of the communion of Saints. Communion in faith , sacraments are sacred links linking faithful to one another and binding them to Christ
The communion of Charism
Everything is in common their possession are shared, and they help the needy.
They are honoured together and sins harm the group.
II. The Communion of the Church of Heaven and Earth.
The saints pray for us. Communion with saints and Christian communion with saints joins us to Christ . The communion with the dead the Church respects there memory and pray for the dead to be freed from their sins this makes intercession more effective. Mary is mother of the Christ and the mother of the Church. Mary is honoured as she was united with Christ during the passion. Also Mary aides the Church with her prayers. Mary is exempt from sin through Christ her son. Mary is mothering order of grace, advocate, helper, benefactress and Mediatrix of the Church. All generations will call Mary blessed. Mary is given the honoured title of mother of the Church and is a huge icon in the Church.
Sunday, June 7, 1970
Christian Beliefs (Creed Topics) - Archive
Grade 7 | |||||
[The Bible] | |||||
God [Meaning of Belief] | |||||
God the Father Almighty | |||||
God the Creator of Heaven and Earth | |||||
Jesus Christ his only Son | |||||
Jesus our Lord | |||||
[Virgin Birth] | |||||
[Jesus’ Crucifixion] | |||||
[Resurrection and Ascension] | |||||
[Jesus will come to judge] | |||||
Grade 8 | |||||
The Holy Spirit | |||||
The holy Church | |||||
One catholic and apostolic Church | |||||
The communion of saints | |||||
The forgiveness of sins | |||||
The resurrection of the body | |||||
Life everlasting | |||||
Amen [Being different] |
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