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The pope delivers his final audience in St. Peter's Square as he prepares to stand down.
ROME— Church bells are sounding the alarm for doomsayers and conspiracy theorists here as cardinals convene to elect a new leader for the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
According to an ancient prediction, this next pope will be the last.
That theory dates back more than 900 years to when Malachy O’Morgair, the 12th century Archbishop of Ireland, had a vision.
Legend has it that St. Malachy, as he is now known, had a strange dream while on a visit to Rome. He “saw” all the names of the future popes – complete with identifying characteristics – who would rule the church until the end of time.
Malachy’s “Prophecy of the Popes,” as his vision is called, named Benedict XVI as the 111th – and penultimate – pope. The vision ended with the 112th pope.
Clairvoyant or crazy?
In his book, “Life of St. Malachy,” St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote that Malachy was respected as a clairvoyant who predicted the exact day and hour of his own death. At least one 20th century pope, Pius X, was convinced Malachy’s vision was divine, according to Rafael Merry del Val, his biographer.
But theologians and clerics argue there was never an authentic written manuscript. Malachy’s list was curiously discovered in 1590 in the Vatican archives, hundreds of years later.
“There is no historical foundation at all to St. Malachy’s list,” said Roberto Rusconi, professor of the History of Christianity at Rome’s University. “Malachy’s gift was to make other people believe in his predictions.”
Others have taken hold of Malachy’s list and compared it with history.
The first pope, according to the list, would be “from a castle on the Tiber” – for believers, that was clearly Pope Celestine II who was born on the shores of the Tiber River.
Pope Benedict was apparently described as “glory of the olives” and doomsayers point to his choice of the name Benedict, since the founder of the Benedictine Order was also known as Olivetans.
And in Malachy’s vision, the last pope – who will soon be elected – is described this way: “in extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Peter the Roman…”
While none of the Italian Cardinals are called Peter, one favorite to become Pope is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana.
Alessandro Di Meo / EPA file
Lighting strikes the basilica of St.Peter's dome in Vatican City during a storm on Feb.11, 2013, the same day Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation.
Nostradamus: a comet and a lightning bolt
If that was not enough to send shivers down a few spines, Nostradamus, the 16th century French astrologer and seer, predicted much the same as Malachy.
Nostradamus, a mild-mannered healer, was content to mix potions until the Italian-born French queen, Catherine de Medici, raised his profile from physician to prophet.
Nostradamus warned that the next-to-last pope would “flee Rome in December when the great comet is seen in the daytime.”
Taking into account the calendar months were different hundreds of years ago, Nostradamus wasn’t so far off. The Comet ISON, with its 40,000 mile-long tail, has been visible the past couple months as Benedict prepared to abdicate and leave Rome for his temporary home in Castel Gandolfo.
And for those well-versed in the language of brimstone and fire, the signs could not have been more transparent when just hours after Benedict announced he would abdicate, a bolt of lightning struck St. Peter’s Basilica, the very heart of Christianity. A few days later a shower of meteorites fell and devastated a village in Russia.
Cynics shrugged all this off as natural phenomena, while the doomsayers suffered from one more dose of existential angst.
In St. Paul Outside the Walls, another major cathedral in Rome, medallions line the walls with the names of every pope and the dates of his papacy. Legend says that when all the medallions are full, the world will finally end. On the walls of St. Paul’s, there are still some empty spaces.
Perhaps the end isn’t so near.
Related:
Riots, revenge and royal rigging: A history of controversial conclaves
Will Catholics embrace change? The view from one parish in Rome
Leave a Comment:
crazy seems real to me!
Well, with the Mayan Doomsday and Rapture no-shows, along with each and every prophecy since the day that I learned how to read (that's at least 12 doomsdays), it's time to get a new one on the burner. There's a living to be made on books and films.
I mean, what with all the prophets of doom having cold water thrown on their pointed little heads.....
Maranatha!
Isaiah 1:7
Your country lies desolate, your cities are burned with fire; in your very presence aliens devour your land;
it is desolate, as overthrown by aliens.
Deuteronomy 28:
43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower.
44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.
45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.
46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever.
All of this is awesome! ... super cool spooky stuff!
As we speak Hollywood is fervently writing a third installment to the DaVinci Code ... regardless how lousy the first two were.
Now's a good time to start selling all that gold in the Vatican's basement. "And thou shalt give it all to the poor." Yeah, right. Suddenly all the cardinals are "the poor".
As Mom would say:
#1.3 William Travis: Curses? Aliens? Destruction? Bummer! Too bad for you! My god is a loving god.
Man, what a bunch of nonsense. No wonder I stopped reading the Bible.
I thought it was because of all the big words.
If the next pope's name is Peter that would be freaky
Both these supposed "prophets" write in obscure and confusing ways that can be re-interpreted to fit whatever happens. Not so much "seeing the future" as "conning the gullible".
After the start of World War II, French Nostradamians claimed he'd predicted a swift end to the Nazi empire, while German Nostradamians claimed he'd predicted a long and glorious reign of the 3rd Reich. Needless to say, one interpretation had to be wrong.
Hello folks, if we are lucky the sheeple will see the church exposed for what it truly is and there will not be another Pope. But if there has to be another, hopefully the people will rise up and shut the pedophile conclave down.
Enneagram1
Maybe you should have read it. Because it didn't say it like that at all. Stranger's coming into Israel. Believe that has happened. Rising up and over taking them. Yeah that happened. When it comes to the end of the world. I'm a Christian. So if it does it does. I'll just go on with my life and wait for him to call my name.
Twisting events to fir a prophecy is called the Nostradamus Effect.
Perhaps the prophesies were right. An end to a myth used to control behavior of a substantial segment of humanity.
Maybe in its end, humanity will rise above religion and reach for what we are capable of as a species. Rather than being told to be ashamed of what we are, that all our sins are forgiven even though some cut off and flip off others leaving the church parking lot, or maybe not being governed by those who wish to impart their own morality on society through legislation.
It would be such a loss.
Anything for a story. All religions were are and will be created by man. In this particular instance, I have to draw every ones attention to the Catholic Church's blatant disregard of the second Commandment. The Catholic religion, like all others, have to change with the changing mindset of the Human race or they will fall by the wayside. They need to realize that the survival of the Human race depends on all of us working together and, correct me if I'm wrong, the Human race has been around longer than ANY organized religion. However, I do have faith that the Human race will indeed survive itself, only to be destroyed by a large space rock of one sort or another. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, what a future the Human race has! lol.
Maybe not the end of the world, but the end of the church.
Agree with Cuong - just because there's no longer a pope doesn't mean the world has ended.
Would be great if this was the last pope. The catholic church has outlived its relevance. It is possible for the prophecies to work to together and the world not end. If this is the last pope, they will never fill the wall. The catholic church is leading the way to over population by refusing to allow the use of birth control. They go into impoverished countries to gain more members and instead of teaching them to only have as many children as they can care for, they continue to encourage bringing children into the world to suffer from starvation and disease. It seems to be more important to bring in more victims than to embrace policies that will help people move forward. The end may be near. It will not be the end of the world.
"Are cardinals electing the last pope?"
Depends on the penalty for the catholic cult's overwhelming hubris more than it does on the "predictions" of Biblical literalists and false prophets, doesn't it?
I don't believe this stuff, but there are 2 candidates for Pope that are among the top contenders with the first name Peter: Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, and Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary. WEIRD.
It is way past time they elect the last pope.
Sell out, spread the trillions around to the needy, and get the hell out of the business. There is NOTHING Christian about the Roman Catholic Church.
Um, is it December 21, 2012 yet??
Prophecies are nothing more than events arranged to make it look like they were prophesied.
I think the planet is in need of a new higher power or God. One who will clearly state all mandates to be followed.I think the first mandate should be to quit flushing our long term future down the toilet. My big question is should this new higher power be created by whom?
Cuong is correct, but it is the end of more than the church, it is the end of the old order worldwide. The world has been sufferring from a huge cultural hangover and as it continues to nurse its hangover it will break free of the conditions that caused the problems in the first place. Transforming from the dictatorships of both secular and religious organizations into collective constructs of greater inclusion based on equal status will bring forth an evolutionary leap in intelligence and human cooperation, globally. Just today, Buckingham palace announced the Queen is signing on to the Equality document for 54 nations. She will most likely be the last monarch of Britain as the next pope will be the last of that institution. Many people who have become emotionally attatched to the old ways will have a difficult time adjusting. This is what is meant by the 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' at the 'end days'. But those who have focussed their lives on peace, love, service, with or without a god or pope or monarch will have a much easier time of it and will have to help the others make their transition. I welcome you to read my book. I wrote it 15-16 years ago and published it online free of charge so it would be available to everyone. To access it, please gp to: www.starlighttechnique.com
Whew, I was jonesing for a new "end of the world (EOTW)" prediction! 2012 was fantastic! A bible calculation, Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar ... was a great year for the sales of my survival kit!.... Then sales came to a screeching halt! Thanks, Pope(s)! You rock! (Even though this EOTW is kinda lame.)
If you're referring to the Jews in Israel, the 'strangers' as you call them would be the Palestinians; and it was their land to start with until it was unjustly taken away from them by the Balfour Declaration of 1917. An excellent book on the subject is 'Married to Another Man: Israel's Dilemma in Palestine', by Dr. Ghada Karmi.
Leave it to the liberal left to post an article online about electing the last pope.
So lemme get this straight, NBC.
A story about Nostredamus is news, but the emails from the Owebama administration instructing their agencies to make the sequestration cuts as painful as possible to the American people (to be in line with Owebama's narrative) is not news worthy?
I suppose that's why NBC came in last place in February Sweeps... and also came in last place when people were polled to name the most trusted news network. Oops - TIED for last... WITH THE COMEDY CHANNEL!! It's actually sad that a once news network has devolved into this. But hey, keep flushing yourself down the toilet, NBC - it's fun to watch!
My only surprise is that NBC didn't try to spin this into an article that blames the last pope on George W.
CuongDNguyen:
Not by a long shot.
Pippo Schillaci:
So, the organization that started the Christan faith is not Christan? Did I get that correct? What do you mean by that declaration?
Funny Pope Benedict was not born with the name Benedict rather it was Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger he was given the name Benedict by the Church who already had knowledge of said names listed in Malachy's files. Could it be they just name all future Popes after these so called predictions to make them appear to be true.
Yes it is. Pope Celestine II. Born Guido di Castello.
St. Peter’s Basilica, the very heart of Christianity. Try and tell that to Jesus.
Just a scheduling note.....This Sunday there will be a Peter pull at St. Taffy's.
Peter, while your vision of a world based on equality and "collective constructs" is interesting, it is also, sadly, delusional. We have tens of thousands of years of human history that indicates an instinctual need to establish an hierarchical order in human groups. The OWS movement collapsed because it had no leadership and therefore could not sustain itself. We have an unavoidable need to establish rank and order in groups because, ultimately, the work of the group (fundamentally, survival) becomes more important than the group. The group exists only so long as it meets the need of the group. The need of every group is first and foremost, to survive. Collectivist societies fail because they cannot effectively ensure the group's survival.
The Catholic Church will continue to exist and will exist as an hierarchical society. The Sacred College will elect another Pope and after he dies, it will elect another. Will the Catholic Church ever end? Who can say. But it won't be with Benedict's successor.
Religion and Philosophy have existed since the dawn of thinking humans because these things are the quest for the answer to the question - WHY. Why do we exist? What is our purpose on earth? Why does the universe exist? Not HOW, but WHY. Science is the quest for the answer to "HOW". Because we have an innate need to understand our place in the Universe, religion and philosophy aren't going anywhere.
No no no... it was St. Malarky not St. Malachy
#1.28 Realist: Why do you even bother reading this website? Never having anything positive or uplifting to say, all you ever do is criticize and condemn. You must be a joy to live with as cranky as you are all the time.
Isnt that guy from Ghana considered part of the "Roman caucus"? ;)
My first thought when I read the headline was, "I certainly hope so."
Peter the Roman =/= Peter of Ghana -_-
And I'm guessing he's the favorite because his name is Peter. I hope we see white smoke within 2 hours!
Prophecies from Nostradamus? Why not? Still makes more sense than the doctrine of transubstantiation.
I don't believe this article is predicting in any way that Peter Turkson will be next pope. It's just speculating with mortal wisdom. The article mentions "Peter the Roman" that is just a coded word play... Peter mean rock...Lord Jesus refers to His church being built on the rock in: Matthew 16:15-19. "the Roman" is referring to location where this guy will come from. So this last pope will come out of: "Roman church." "A persecutor" as he is described... will believe in his heart doing God a service by persecuting to death Christians who opposes the counterfeit church. Matthew 24:9-14 & Revelation 6:9-11. That's what I believe the vision of Malachy O’Morgair is pointing to, the possible un-veiling of the antichrist, if he is to come out Rome...that detail is yet uncertain or unclear as of right now through God's Holy Word.
The obvious question was not asked or answered: How many popes did Malachy get right?
Yes, you did. The meaning of the word 'Christian' (from 'The Christ') has evolved so dramatically over the centuries that it bears no resemblance to the original teachings of The Christ Jesus. The Catholic Church has hidden its agenda (power and control) under this banner so successfully that they have been able to amass great fortunes under the guise of being the only conduit to God for lay people. The Catholic Church has not been a religion for a long time. Rather, it is a business.
I will be pleased to debate this further, if you like.
It just ended the hallucination beause he woke up is all.
As an Ex-Catholic Atheist I can assure ye all that the religion of my childhood will be around for a long time to come... I've had visions.
Christianity started in the first Century give and take a couple years after Lord Jesus Christ's Death, Resurrection and Ascension. The term came out of the church in Antioch found in: Acts 11:26. so the Christian church did not start by Catholics as they claim to have. A counterfeit church is described in: 2 Timothy 3:1-7 "to a have a form of godliness but denying the power (denying the power of Jesus Christ) there of"
Maybe if the church as an organization dissipated, people would actually read the bible instead of listening to what someone else says it is saying.
For almost two thousand years--the church as it is now is a creation of the Roman empire more than a hundred years after Big J died, which instilled many pagan philosophies and control systems, as well as a love of gaudy statues and staffs--the church has crammed people into its seats like sardines. Smart, decent, ordinary people, all listening to one man. Calling them sheep. A "flock". Told them what to think for two thousand years. Burned witches, murdered gays, molested children.
Sound Christian to you?
Moments after saying Peter would be the rock on which his church was formed:
"Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
That's the church. Hungry for the world. Losing the values of forgiveness, acceptance, plurality, and kindness that Jesus represents.
stratocumulus
I guess it is better to let Barnes and Noble help you select your god from the hundreds and hundreds of guaranteed, 100% genuine, word of God, bibles of which they have a full aisle dedicated to.
Oh how Martin Luther destroyed the real Church by selling his edited edition to a mostly illiterate Europe!
That's why it is important to read things other than the bible when forming your individual moral code. Jesus was on to something, but he wasn't the only one.
Remember that there is no single, authentic translation of the bible. Because the separate books were only compiled in the 300s by St. Augustine. How do we know that the Apocrypha is not the actual bible? That's right, by exercising our informed judgement.
Hey, most of the people on here learned everything they know about the church from those movies. How many times since those movies have you heard some "theologian" spout that Xmas was stolen from Pagans? Everyone who hates religion became a scholar on the subject from those horrendous movies.
Superstitious claptrap. -snort-
OHHHHH nooooooo it's the end of the World............Again. lol
Enneagram1, why don't we put all the libs who frequent on this site on Fox News' blog, and we'll see how pleasant they are to be around. It's all a matter of perspective.
I think your idea would accomplish little except to make some people who can't express themselves very well more angry. Why do we need more anger among us? It's hard enough to live with the level that we do. I think an individual can state a difference of opinion without being nasty to people they have never met. Nevertheless, I hope you're not as full of hatred as you appear.
" How many times since those movies have you heard some "theologian" spout that Xmas was stolen from Pagans?" - honestdebate
Um, it was. Along with many other pagan beliefs that christianity was created from. A movie has nothing to do with it. Try educating yourself using an open mind.
Now they are considering perhaps allowing priest to marry, but yet Women are still excluded from the all male priest hood as if we are beneath them. The church is very rich, when the going got a bit rough the Pope ran away, some priest's abuse little boys & the the church covers it up until they get found out, & I am supposed to trust my soul to these so called christians? I decided a long time ago to start thinking for myself, I am a kind & loving person, I don't cheat, lie nor steal, nor do I follow any organized religion that can't even agree amonst themselves what is right & wrong.
Women are "beneath men" in your opinion?
Funny - JPII lifted up MANY women in honor and respect, as did Benedict XVI.
Nuns are not BENEATH the Priests, but are a different order of service. just as pudding and cake are both desserts - just different types.
You will trust your soul to whom? American Idol shows? Rock music? All this "modern" thought that other people crow about has DONE NOTHING to help our faith in God.
What has soda pop given us? Diabetes?
What has the Internet given us? 83,477 porn sites? (a guess, probably are more)
What has TV given us? Hours of sitting on our ashes watching nothing.
If you don't like the Catholic faith --------> then go somewhere else or don't go at all. It is your decision. You can do whatever you like - but then you have to accept the consequences of your choice.
Being a nice person does what? -------------------------> Nothing. I am sure Hitler had friends.
You need to remove yourself from this world of sin and adhere to God and His plan for your life.
Don't feel like doing that? Fine. Don't. Doesn't effect me.
It will effect you ------------- for eternity.
Dominus vobiscum.
the church would have you think that God is separate from you, but i disagree with that. God is an inseparable part of everything and everyone. you cannot hear or smell or see or feel anything that is not a part of God. God is not watching everything from a lofty perch, God knows all things because God IS all things. you and everything around you are divine, that is the one thing in the universe that never changes. you do not need a church or a religion to find God, you just need to open and quiet your mind, listen, and believe. only then can God lead you to true joy and peace, only when you have learned to put aside your ego and clear your mind of thought can you truly hear. hear in a way that can almost be described as the ability to feel it. i think that the purpose of life is to find joy in love and service to others, to learn to be forgiving and kind and humble and generous to yourself and others, especially those who mistreat you. i think that God would welcome you because of these things, not exclude despite those things just because you did not commit yourself to a man made institution. if there are consequences for doing my best to do those things, then i will gladly accept them and continue unabated
You need to take a look at this, new white rapper Twin-c Vanilla SPilla fulfills Nostradamus prophecy.. this is a quote from his blog
The year the great seven number accomplished, it will appear tat the time of the games of slaughter, not far from the age of the great millennium, when the dead will come out their graves..
As for the timing of the WW-III (the games of slaughter), "it will appear," Nostradamus probably means the appearance of striking of the earth by a comment or meteor which he prophesies in quatrain and is also mentioned in the Bible, bringing wide spread devastation to the world already at war,
,,Thus, the comet might strike the earth when the The third world war is going..He further say the time is not far from the age when "the dead will come tout their graves" - as mentioned in the biblical Prophecy of apocalypse..
As is interpreted by many, there will be a period of peace following the WW iii after which the "END of the wold" will take place, "Dead will come will come out their graves"
Let's go back in time just before the Meteorite rippled like a current with its perfect fever heaven scent trail. The gusting hellish smoke was perfectly aimed wasn't it?. I am sure you can agree, the straight aim was too perfect..You see, The Jesus comet was more than just a sensational game of chance. But it was perfectly implemented by design, as it moved with the grid understanding that our scientists are aware of. It moved, with this complete, straight line grid design, and it was aimed like a bombing missile thrown into matrix , all too perfect.. You must understand this comet was not just a random event. It is completely all due to the fact that the powers of higher awareness capabilities seriously have this real ability to contact Jesus and use mother nature as a means of offense/defense free will hierarchy to impose deadly force on communistic control. Never before foreseen in this worlds 6th ages of creation has this ability been implemented..Amazing,isn't it? ...I am sure you can agree, and we see more of this ability imposing its force of Russia as time goes on...
let's Rewind the Clock back to February 16th..2013-02-16 01:34
24 hours before the METEORITE Came CRASHING DOWN TO BREAK OPEN THE RUSSIAN TESLA SHIELD...
Feb. 16th... #.UUf5KhyyCSo
Until this has been peer-reviewed and confirmed by some competent astrologers, I wouldn't put too much stock in it.
Well then, I guess that will never happen.
Competent Astrologers
I would write more but I'm currently having a heart attack because I can't stop lauuuuu
I guess I don't really care what happens regarding the next OR the last or any in between Pope. The last one was a jurassic (jackassic) colossal a-hole, I'm fairly sure the next one will be out of touch too, not to mention EXCELLENT at harboring criminals.
Astrologers hand out ordinary commonsense advice, the type you'd get from any sensible person, but it has nothing to do with when you were born or the position of the stars and planets. So read all 12 "signs", you'll get 12 times as much advice, and you can ignore any that doesn't apply, "your sign" or not.
Astrology is not of God. It's bullsh!t wrapped up in man-made voodoo BS.
That pretty much sums up all religion.
A couple of observations: Bernard Lewis indicates that sciences are sometimes founded in superstition. Alchemy became chemistry, astrology became astronomy. What will economics become?
We can only hope that either this is the last pope, or that, after months of arguing like another congress I could mention, they will say to hell with it and, as Sarah Silverman has urged, sell the Vatican and feed the world. The world will be free at last when the last king (or dictator) is strangled with the intestines of the last priest.
All religions.....not just Astrology are bullsh!t wrapped up in man-made voodoo BS.
Theres so much Yarn being Spun, We all could have a Sweater!
Wow, we are now suggesting that Sarah Silverman be our voice of reason, bellasdad? We are in sad shape.
Regardless, I love religious stories and the crazy, foam at the mouth, atheists they bring out......good stuff.
Kinposibl ~ ~ ~ ~ >>> Cardinal Peter Turkson is my own personal favorite, the man I would vote for if I had a vote. However, of the several reasons I favor him, NONE of them is the fact that his given name is Peter.
So, basically, in order to get rid of one superstitious kook, we need to rely on another, already dead superstitious kook?
Six of one, half-a-dozen of the other, I guess.
Any of you out there getting ready to line up for the next attempt at Rapture, I'd be happy to hold all of your worldly goods for you since you won't be needing them. Houses, cars, cash, etc. Go ahead, you know you won't need these trappings any longer. I promise to treat them well since I have no issue with being left behind as has been the case with every world-ending event that's happened my entire life! Of course, should you end up being left behind, I won't be held responsible for any of the loot you left to me out of the goodness of your heart. Sound good?
Ah, that must explain why they were considering a man from Massachusetts.
"Wow, we are now suggesting that Sarah Silverman be our voice of reason, bellasdad? We are in sad shape." - in the middle
Do you know why some comedians are just so darn funny (Sarah S. being one)? Because they can speak the truth about something while portraying the irony of it.
There's a saying, perhaps you've heard it: "It's funny because it's true."
I guess it is a mater of personal taste. I really wanted to enjoy Silverman, but never found her to be funny in any way shape or form. I mean, I really really wanted to laugh but simply couldn't find anything funny about her at all. She is cute though.
Hot actually.
I don't care if this world can't get it's act together might as well get it over with.
On to the next species to inhabit this giant ball of fire covered by water and greenery
Perhaps the new pope will finally get it right. The Catholic Church teaches that people get to heaven by good works and being Catholic while the Bible CLEARLY states "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that NOT of yourselves, it is the gift of God. " Ephesians 2:8. Billions have tried to earn their way to heaven when the Bible clearly states that the forgiveness of sins is ONLY through accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and accepting His FREE GIFT of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Read the Bible for yourself and don't rely on any church to get you to heaven. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6. I don't see anywhere in the Bible that it says a person has to belong to a particular church to get to heaven.
Best post EVER thank you. samantha 1783461.
Aw always gotta get the Catholic Bashing in don't ya!!! Listen up you ain't gonna find eternal life by just saying oh hey I m saved. Do you something good for your fellow man and quit hating on Catholics.
The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) operates in total violation to the guidelines set up in the bible.
1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
The word Bishop (episkopos) means Overseer. In charge of the church. From the Pope to the Parish Priest. Amazingly the Catholic church doesn't allow marriage for these people.
The RCC forbids marriage in the priesthood. Read verse 3.
1 Timothy 4:1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
The RCC is in violation.
Back to 1 Timothy Chapter 3. The reason they MUST have been married:
1 Timothy 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
You learn how to take care of a church by first learning how to take care of a family.
It is the TRAINING ground.
It is also the reason the RCC is having so many morality issues.
It would be good if this was the last Pope.
Priests were originally allowed to marry until greed put an end to the practice. And you know what that sin led to...
Yep that is why it says in 1 Tim 4:1 "in the latter times" it wasn't that way when the bible was written.
Samantha,
What you said is true if you put more faith in what St. Paul said in his letters than you do in what Jesus said in the Gospel. Jesus certainly said that one gets to heaven by good works. In Matt. 25:34-35, Jesus said, "Come, you have my Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink."
That said, there are a lot of Catholics, including Church leaders, (not all, but many) who aren't good people, and will be in for a surprise when they die.
I find it amusing when one religious zealot tries to disprove a rival religion by using the same scriptures they both claim to follow. It doesn't really prove anything except that their scriptures can be re-interpreted to fit almost any doctrine, rendering them almost useless as a guide.
It's even more amusing when there are dueling books of scriptures, both claiming to be from an all-knowing god, when it's quite clear that they're both written by ordinary mortal men.
Debate is great for the soul?
CM, No one here is saying what you wrote is wrong. I'm not disagreeing with you, except for the part where you called me a religious zealot. I most certainly am not a religious zealot. I was commenting on Samantha's statement that people got to heaven by faith and not good works. (By the way, perhaps you should learn something about a person before you call them names.)
And, your point about being written by "ordinary mortal men," that was exactly what I was getting at when Samantha quoted letters written by Paul. Paul never met Jesus; he came to the faith later. So, if Samantha is going to put her faith in the Bible, wouldn't it be better if she put her faith in what Jesus said rather than what Paul wrote?
Sorry, Samantha.
Christ Himself instructed to Peter to build His Church (which is the Roman Catholic Church). Matthew 16:18
The successors of Peter (the first Pope) have the Apostolic favor in this lineage...and whatever the Popes tighten or loosen (by rule/law/worship) shall also be acknowledged in heaven as well as on the earth. Matthew 16:19 and 18:18
Do NOT dare to compare the centuries of doctrine and slow establishment of the Mass to the wishy-washy, change from trend to trend man-centric BS of the Protestant sects of the world (some 40,000 different ones).
Grab that drink because what you are saying is that child molesters will be embraced in heaven. If I'm not mistaken the controversy has to do with gay priests as well. So while all the "religious" people are condemning these things on earth, you are saying that the church's embracing and protection of these people makes it so in heaven. Glad I will just return to mother nature.
To Samantha and Rick, mostly...
If you really want to see the Bible's view of how to get into heaven, well, Jesus tells you, right in Matthew 25:31-40. It is the parable of sheep and goats, and I paraphrase,
"..he will separate the people one from another as sheep from goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'come, ...take..the kingdom I have prepared for you since the beginning of time. For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Then the righteous will answer..'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty..when did we see you sick or in prison..?'
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "
Again, the Christians prove themselves ignorant to the TRUE teachings of Jesus Christ. Even non-religious, just people can appreciate his wisdom and morals.
All this coming from a Pagan, to boot. Anyone who wants to respond with a religious answer really needs to read and study most of the religious texts out there to have a full grasp of their argument.
Marty certainly seems to have the right idea.
Once again, an example of nontolerance by a Christian bashing nut. Kisses, "Christians prove" nothing. We all act on our own, and live according to our own understandings. Your global comments regarding the entire faith prove nothing more than it is you who may actually be ignorant. You know nothing of me, or how I live, but I am a Christian, and you profess to know me. That, sir/ma'am, is ignorant.
To more directly respond to your biblical references, Christians that I know give of themselves, and understand that taxation is not giving. We give as needed, and outside of the public eye. What business is it of yours who I give to, and why do you suggest that I don't? Once again, you know nothing of me. Until you personally meet every Christian you should refine your comments and limit them to only your area of expertise.........whatever that may actually be.
Kisses...well. Thank you. I like to quote Jackson Browne "...a heathen and a pagan on the side of the rebel Jesus". Let us not forget perhaps the most famous dooer of good deeds the Good Samaritan himself. I think the whole point of that story was that he would get into the kingdom well before the righteous, correct religion, crowd .
Samantha (3.2), the bible also CLEARLY states:
"I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." Timothy 2:11
Whatcha' think about them apples (no pomme intended)?
Samantha-
I have accepted Jesus as my personal shopper. Does that count?
Will the next priest rape be the last? Doubtful.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!
It will be interesting to see history none the less.
Might the 'last pope' refer to just no more popes -- not necessarily the end of the world where we live??? After all, religious organizations seem to be losing importance.
Yes, you are right. It is just the end of the RCC.
More likely the next pope will come and go, and then they'll elect another pope, and everybody will forget that pope was supposed to be the last. While the Catholic church is becoming increasingly irrelevant, it is far too big to disappear overnight, it's "fall" will take a very long time.
Is this the LAST POPE???? OHHHHH GAWD! lets hope so....pray it is people.....pray that this coming up knucklehead is the last.....oh what a joy that would be.....the whole world would be a better place..... :-)
Uh, could you tell me where I too can join the Hatred Club for Loudmouthed Know-It-All Secularists, meanie? I mean, I can be as intolerant and supercilious as the next guy.
mean, can't wait for the forces of darkness to come grab your a$$. Remember the scenes from "Ghost"? What a site to see you kicking and screaming on your way to He!!.
Be nice meanman, otherwise Santa won't bring you presents and the Bogeyman will get you.
meanman... no other organization on Earth has done more to educate poor people, provide health care and other services for the poor and take care of sick people than the Catholic Church. The level of abuse some have done over the years is very, very small compared to the number who haven't hurt anyone. I'd like to know how the world would be a better place and if there is Pope / Catholic Church ??
Well, more people in Africa would use condoms, which would cut down on the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Kids would be smarter because they wouldn't be indoctrinated. (Creationism, Intelligent Design, Young Earth).
A few dozen pedophiles would be in jail and there would be a few dozen less victims.
Society would probably be more tolerant of Homosexuals.
Women would have more rights...
These are really the differences that not having a church in modern times would have made. Would you like me to go back and include how the world would be a better place if things like the Inquisition, Dark Ages, and Crusades never happened?
As long as there are superstitious peasants, there will be a catholic church. Somebody has to exploit those idiots.
Oh, bali. Just because you keep saying that doesn't mean it is true. Ugh.
So Scuba, when was the last time you opened a food pantry in a violent inner city neighborhood, donated millions upon millions to medical care and research, or donated equally impressive amounts to food and medical care in third world countries? Hmmm?
I'm not a Catholic, and even disagree with them on many, many things, but they do incredible work all over the world. You choose to look at the things that make us different. I choose to look at the things we have in common and can build on.
Scuba - so the Catholic Church in Africa has stopped the sale of condoms.. huh ??? It's more like a cultural thing that condom use isn't wanted ( a big cause of aids is spread thru truckers having unprotected sex with prostitutes and then spreading it at home ). Some of the brightest people in the world were educated in Catholic schools - your anti-religion bias is showing BIG time. You weren't around at the beginning of creation, so you don't know for sure the what, who or why's of it. Speaking of pedophiles- theres probably been just as many in our public schools if not more - are you suggesting we should perhaps close them down ?? And then you talk about society being more tolerant of homosexuals - it's homosexual predators in the Catholic Church responsibile for the attacks mainly. These attacks were committed by a small, small, small number of church members. What the church does as far as women are concerned is between the church and the women involved. Women by tradition are allowed to be nuns, not priests. It's NOBODIES business- especially non-Catholics to tell the Catholic Church how to operate it.
You asked how the world would be better if the Catholic Church wasn't around. I answered. I'll rebut your criticisms one by one.
In The Middle:
This is a non-sequitur. What does belief in a supernatural being have to do with being charitable? I donate to secular charities (my favorite is Child's Play).
Baliman:
No. But all those Catholic charities that you are touting refuse to give condoms to people or educate them on their use. This directly contributes to the spread of AIDS in Africa and Catholic dislike of birth control in general has caused hundreds of thousands of unwanted pregnancies, often in populations that can handle them the least.
Maybe. But belief in the supernatural has never helped anyone discover anything.
True, but I base my beliefs on careful examinations of the facts. Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Young Earth theory have no basis in facts. You can believe them if you want, but they are wrong.
When a teacher is accused of being a pedophile, are they shuffled around to another school where people won't ask questions? No, they are brought to justice. That is the difference between what happened in the Catholic Church and the scenario you laid out.
There is a difference between homosexuality and pedophilia. Your ignorance on this subject highlights your... well... ignorance.
It's not the number of incidents that is the problem. It is the coverup that ensued. All the way up to the pope. The Catholic Church actively worked to protect pedophiles from justice and, in many cases, gave them more opportunities to abuse people.
What about women who work at Catholic institutions that are denied healthcare options?
just like it's no one's business, espicially the Catholic carnival to tell people how to live (or worse yet condemn someone to an imaginary place of fire and brimstone.) a report just came out saying the pope has an amassed wealth of 200 million dollars. explain that bull@!$%#. let's tell our kids that they should outgrow the easter bunny and santa claus - but believe in talking snakes, arks that could hold two of every creature on earth and people walking on water. yeah, right.
Justin -
I am sure there are people living under a bridge who would look at you and determine that YOU are too rich.
I agree, does a person REALLY need $200 million dollars? No. Trump, Jones, Tiger and all the other millionaires should give all their money away. Sure, they should not be able to secure a dime more than I determine they should get.
Who does that make me? God? I think not. I think you are just a jealous person who is angry you work in a grocery store. YOU THINK you should be a brain surgeon. Brain Surgeon - heal thyself.
You make fun of the faith of Christ because you do not know it. Funny snakes, etc. You have no idea that you are laughing in the face of God.
I can only imagine His reaction. Tears of sorrow because He knows what is in store for you.
Go ahead and laugh. It is called "gallows laughter". Look it up.
The Nostradamus prophecy is kind of chilling, almost too coincidental.
"Coincidental" is the operative word. Nostradamus wrote a lot of vague and confusing quatrains that can be re-interpreted in various ways to fit whatever happens, or whatever someone thinks will happen. If it can be applied to anything, to the same prediction happening or not happening, then it really doesn't predict anything at all.
2300 day prophecy will end in 2133. Began in 167 BCE. Forty two 360 day Jubilees end in 2064 from when Christ was concieved. Israel or Jacob lived 147 years. Balfour declaration in November 1917 plus 147 gives you 2064. Jesus lived 14,700 twelve hour days which equals forty two 350 day years. Yes, a God year is 350 days long. Conception to birth of Christ is 41.5 weeks. 41.5 Jubilees based on 360 day years gives you the year 2040. Also three sets of 666 gives you year 2040 from 70 CE. The year of the Temple destruction. Also 666 years to the previous temple destruction. Forty two 350 day year Jubilees gives you 2047. The final 7 year tribulation is from 2040-2047. It is all based on God's nature and word.
Oh hey? I can take a bunch of numbers and make them seem to point to anything I want as well. Sure....
True Ram. I've built many reporting tools for governmental departments.....they never want to know what's happing, just how to present things in the best light for their current needs. I always felt dirty after working with them.
Heydey... a masterpiece of obfuscation.. can you re-state your theory allowing for for evolutionary evidence of the 350 day " God year"?
This is all a bunch of Malachy!
Is there an echo in here?
Maybe that's where that word came from.
Malarky!
if the bible is true it is going to happen, you cant change it. so get right with god. if you dont believe just keep doning what you are doing and dont worry about it. ah but if it is true and you dont believe, oh boy are you in for some real crazy @!$%#. what is wrong with living a christian style life, you harm no one. i dont understand what is so cool about living an evil life.
The Bible was writen by man..not God or even Jesus. The catholic church at the time the bible was put together put in only what they saw fit and left out anything they did not want included. If indeed we follow the Bible as it is written then there is really no need for any church since God is the only way to get into heaven....no church is included anywhere in that meaning. And if you consider the problems the catholic church has had with its own priest doing wrong....how could anyone of them ever get anyone into heaven when there should be no way for any of them to ever make it themselves.
ivan , i do agree with a large portion of your post , i do not agree with the man wrote the bible , not God part of your post. Do a little research please. Also , it is ironic that your name is ivan , research a man named ivan panin , he was an atheist/agnostic / mathematician & taught albert einstein mathematics, read about his discoveries & challenge that to this day , has yet to be met.
The bible was indeed written by man, actually monks in the middle ages. They captured the stories and writings passed down through the ages. Some they kept and others they discarded. The bible is a wonderful book teaching us the history of Christianity. I obviously watch a lot of the History Channel shows. Wouldn't it be great if Mary Magdalene was really the wife of Jesus? I think that would be very good news indeed.
John- "you harm no one. i dont understand what is so cool about living an evil life." Stating that as a "Christian" you harm no one, then assuming everyone else is "evil", speaks volumes to your delusion.
yaaaaaaaaah, blame the Roman Catholic Church for "omissions" in the Bible. Lest ya'll forget after the Protestant Reformation scandal of the 16th century, every Protestant group re-edited Scripture as he/she felt to make his/her own interpretation of Scripture justify the breakage from the One, True Church...
Modern Protestants -- the evangelicals -- are participating in heresy. They quote Scripture and interpret it in dozens of different ways to promote their own sins and errors.
The modern-day Bible is so bowdlerized and abridged--mostly for political purposes, lesser for theological--that it's more apt to say it represents the Christian God's Cliff notes.
Have the holy books of other religions been so relentlessly edited?
I lead neither what most would consider a "christian" lifestyle (I don't buy the religious crap at all), nor an "evil" life. I believe there are more than those 2 alternatives.
I believe the comic Louis CK described how people should act the best. He said:
"People should act in a way that, if everyone were to act that way, things would all work out."
Basically, do unto others as you would have them do unto you and don't be a dick.
John, just because people do not believe in a fairytale does not make them evil. Who have you pissed off with your belief in this specific god? Will you face the wrath of Zeus? Will it be Allah? Which of the things that have been written about the one god are the real ones?
What happens when you get to the end and find out the only one there is mother nature? Have you cared for her planet and all her creatures? (including other humans) Have you worshipped men and their words at the expense of her temple? (the earth and all it has to offer) When was the last time you did something for someone less fortunate. (excluding praying or throwing money to some group who pays their CEO more than they put into the less fortunate)
Time to stop living a life of evil. Killing people in any name of a god is killing and is evil. All religions have engaged in this behavior over time.
Finally, women were entrusted with the continuance of the species.(picking the right mate to get the best characteristics for survival) Believing in a group that thinks women are lesser or unable to lead is against common sense. Do you really think you will be answering to some man in the end?
In a church where 65 to 80+ year-old men run everything and there's a treasury larger than some large countries, the church will creep along in it's same old ways for generations - just like the Priests of Amun Re did in Egypt until some political/religious event changes things. I wonder what/who the world will find the need to worship when the next great religion comes along. Like George Carlin said, the Sun is a great candidate. It's not some invisible guy who's "all knowing, loving, and powerful," yet lets millions of people get slaughtered by the Khmer Rouge, Nazis, etc. and inflicts his children with such horrors as leprosy, polio, smallpox, cancer, etc. No one can deny the Sun is there. And no one can deny it does good things: we'd all eventually starve if it went out, so who better to pray and plead, "Give us this day our daily bread."?
As the conclave of cardinals began discussions, it was mentioned by the Vatican treasurer that another decision had to be made: KFC was offering the Catholic Church $50 million per year to change the Lord's Prayer to, "Give us this day our daily chicken." The treasurer noted that it wouldn't be a $50 million profit: "We'll lose the $20 million a year we get from Wonderbread."
$20,000,000 a year from Wonderbread? No wonder Hostess went bankrupt.
WTF??
Mick -
Set down the bottle of medicine and back away slowly.
Call 911.
There is a problem and I am not sure what it is, but you need help - immediately!!!
The most moronic post of the week.
Makes me wonder if they look at Malachy's list when they are picking/choosing the next pope. We humans have a way of making "prophecies" come true. There is NO way to be scientific about it it since you have knowledge of that list/prophecy and you will either be for or against it. Very few people could remain unbiased at all. Even then would having knowledge of that list have an effect on the results? I think it would.
The only real way I see is to go back in time or have a duplicate universe to have another trial, test, experiment, etc. without Malachy’s list to see if they would have elected that exact same people. I bet $ they would not have picked the exact same people.
Humans have made many prophecies come true and will make many more come true if they do not wake the f*** up and pull their heads out of their a$$es. The "end of days" sounds real fun to me and something that everyone should experience. I know let us destroy one holy site so we can build another temple on top of it and cause the end of days... That sounds like a great plan/idea to me f***ing morons. Do you even listen to the chit that comes out of your own mouths?
(P.S. There is no place for a "lukewarm" church.)
Good point! Similar to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
Why is the Catholic Church always the ones to hold the cards for the end of the world. If you believe 1/10 of what the Catholic Church tells you, you'll go crazy. jesus says; "No one knows the time nor the day". Enough said. just listen to the words of Jesus you can't go wrong.
Who said the Catholic Church "holds the cards"???
Just because some idea happens to involve the Catholic Church, doesn't mean the Catholic Church has bought the idea.
The end of the world involves Martin!!!!!!!!! Hey, how come you hold the cards?????????
I think it was also Malachy who said: "When the people shall facebook and shall no longer find life unless they have friend or like, then shall come the end of the cosmos."
I think Nostradamus was a victim of his potions that he kept mixing and Malachi just woke up long before the last pope was elected or appointed or whatever.
Y-a-w-n.
So what are the Kardashian's up to today? Where's a good Lindsay Lohan arrest story when you need one? What about those North Koreans? Those are some crazy mofo's huh.
When my comments no longer appear, the rapture has occurred. Adios!
I am afraid you are incorrect as one of the greatest works of fiction claim that the way to heaven is not through pride as your post has demonstrated, you are what the Jewish carpenter stated would not go to La-La Land.
Stop ripping on my people, his father was a stone mason, and he was a rabbi
My people's BS came out long before theirs, and just because they don't like the fact their guy was one of our religious leaders doesn't mean they get to change his profession to one that didn't exist in the country he lived in (they didn't have carpenters from the lack of large amounts of wood, carpenter and stone mason are translated from the same word)
I suspect they had trees in Galilee, probably not many in Judea, but Galilee is farther north than Judea and better watered. And of course Lebanon wasn't far away, and if you read the Old Testament they mention the cedars of Lebanon many times.
During Christ's ministry, He returned to Nazareth, where those whom knew Jesus growing up marvelled at His teachings asking, 'Is this not the carpenters son?' By the way, they had enough wood in those days for the Roman's to crucify Jews on crosses with.
of course there were carpenters, who would of made those wooden vessels and other items made of wood? i think a cart made of stone would have been very hard on the mules,no?
Sandusky for Pope!!
Well, he is hole-y. I think he was more going for poop than Pope.
Sandusky, that's thinking outside the box
we'll see if it is Peter of Ghana or a Cardinal who takes on his new name as pope
You bring up an interesting point about the name Peter. There's nothing in canon law which would prohibit someone being elected Pope and taking the name Peter. The traditional reason given for why no one has taken the name Peter is because that name is reserved for Saint Peter/Peter the Apostle. It's sort of like a thousand years of Popes maintaining a tradition that the name Peter is de facto "retired".
If form holds with the Malachy vision, and tradition is maintained, Peter the Roman is most likely Peter Turkson from Ghana. Then the tie-ins to the Nostradamus predictions begin, because Nostradamus' predictions call for a rather dire reign for Peter the Roman; those predictions have Peter the Roman being driven out of Rome and into exile during a war with heavy religious overtones. The connection to Peter Turkson? Turkson's views on Islam can be interpreted as rather hostile. At a minimum, the underpinnings to tie the various visions together are in place.
Jesus named Simon Peter, Petros (πετρος), which means Rock. Actually a fragment of a large rock, Petra (πετρα).
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Petros], and upon this rock [Petra] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
So the Catholic Church built itself upon Peter instead of Christ who is the Cornerstone that the Spiritual Church was to be built upon.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
I suppose an argument could be made every Pope qualifies as Petros.
I wouldn't be surprised if it is him. I'm not sure "Peter of Rome" means that Pope has to be from Rome, after all every elected Pope becomes "so-and-so from Rome". I've read this prophecy from Malachy before and wondered whether Cardinal Ratzinger chose the name Pope Benedict to fulfill the prophecy. I'm sure the Cardinals have heard about it, and will be at least sub-consciously influenced by it whether they believe in prophecy or not.
Ah, but Peter Turkson isn't "Roman" or even Italian, so how does that fit? I suspect that if the next selected Pope is named Peter, or assumes the name "Peter II" or even "Peter Paul I", some will take that as "proof of prophecy" and ignore "the Roman" part. Also, if the next Pope is Roman or Italian but doesn't have anything to do with the name "Peter", they'll still claim it as "proof of prophecy" and ignore the "Peter" part.
And if the next Pope is neither Roman nor a "Peter", they'll either ignore the supposed "prophecy" or re-interpret it to mean something or someone else.
No, JOregon. Good grief. Stop twisting everything for your own end (a la every Protestant)...The Church is built upon Christ, Who instructed Peter to build His Church. Peter was the first Pope, like it or not, fool.
Revelation confirms that the ONLY Church that is of God is that in Rome. And, in the end times, His Church will become corrupted, of the anti-Christ and be the whore of Babylon. The Second Vatican Council of the 1960s bastardized centuries of doctrine, worshipping guidelines under the fallacy of "ecumenism" and "religious liberty" so that today's Catholic Church masses are much more like Protestant "feel good" audience performances. THAT is the whore of Babylon -- the man-centric Protestant form of Christianity and God-hating modernists have infiltrated the Catholic Church (God's Church) to make it a whore to the sins and ideals of man (not God).
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Gimme, I have a great deal respect for the Pope and the Padres. Unfortunately, if Peter was the first pope, he had to be rebuked severely, in public, by Paul.
Galatians 2:13-15
New International Version (NIV)
13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?"
Salvation is through Jesus Christ, not a sacrement. The sinner on the cross next to Jesus was saved.
Gimmea....
I understand what the RCC teaches.
The fact is the true eternal Church is built upon ALL believers from all sorts of denominations.
The RCC also teaches Peter was in Rome - a Fable.
Peter was a true believer, one of many.
All Christian Churches were founded on Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11
There is no evidence any denomination would remain faithful from it's beginning. In Revelation 1, the 7 churches were already astray.
I understand the THEORY that in Revelation Babylon is a code word for Rome.
Revelation does not CONFIRM it. It is just a teaching that is popular. For me Babylon represents the perversion of the Gospel that runs rampant in many churches the RCC just being one.
Today it is almost impossible to find a church that is faithful to the word.
There is no individual that is or will be a so called antiChrist:
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
I also understand the end times teachings done by many that don't read the bible carefully, they don't understand the antiChrist at all.
The Catholic Church fell away many centuries ago. They have twisted the meaning of Matthew 16:18 to justify their existence.
They survive on fables.
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
The RCC teaches:
Peter was in Rome – Fable
Ever Virgin Mary – Fable – She “knew” her husband (Matthew 1:24-25). She had other children (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 3:31-32)
The Immaculate Conception of Mary – Fable
Assumption of Mary – Fable
Papal infallibility – Fable
Teaching Paul was never married – Fable. In those times being married as a teen and widowed was common.
Acceptance of apparitions, such as crying statues, as a divine sign or wonder – Fable
Purgatory – Fable (1 John 1:7)
There are more RCC fables, but you get the point.
Last Pope, wow. Hopefully they will elect someone's sperm and give us a few more years or at least a two year old.
I wonder if Obama filled out an application.
Actually, Obama did. He's submitted his new application for the position, stating that he has an Italian birth certificate
Are cardinals electing the last pope?
One can only hope!
It would be great if they can't make a decision.
I don't think it would be so great to all the catholics if a decision isn't reached and i don't put so much into this article but logically speaking they said it would be the last pope not the return of god. so i see it more as they are possibly predicting the end of the catholic church .
I have told you....God had nothing to do with Catholicism!!! It is man-made and came into being after Jesus set up His Sanctified, Pentecostal, Jewish Church in Jerusalem: Acts 2nd Chapter for Reference. When Jesus was on earth there was no Roman Catholic Church., there was Herod the Great, who ruled the Ancient Roman Empire, but NO Roman Catholic Church. Three hundred years after Jesus ascended, where he is presently now sitting on God, the Father's throne in the 7th Heaven, Catholicism came into being under King Constantine...read your history and you will see. This is why the Catholic Church has wreaked such havoc among their parishioners, raping nuns, molesting children, and all the other sins they have done because God, the ruler and Maker of all things, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is a God of the JEWS!! There never has been a JEWISH Pope, as Peter was Jewish and never was a PoPe, there is nothing called or mentioned in the Hebrew Bible concerning the Popery. You people have been greatly deceived...
I wasnt there were you?
There is nothing in the Bible about the 7th Heaven. Maybe you are also deceived?
King Herod Antiocus was a satrap, a local ruler loyal to the Roman Empire, not a ruler of the entire Roman Empire. He died in 2 BC, which means Jesus had to have been born at least 2 years before his official "birthdate", possibly as early as 10 BC.
Yep, the person who, centuries later, decided to determine the exact "Year of our Lord" and started the whole "Anno Domini" and "Before Christ" bit, screwed it up badly.
And Christians also celebrate the two most Christian "holidays" on traditional pagan holy days.
To quote the movie Short Circuit.."Oh for the sake of Pete!"
Don't look at Herod's death. A much more accurate measuring tool is available. "In the time of Ceasar Augustus, it was decreed a census should be taken so all the world might be counted."
Remember why they were in Bethlehem in the first place. Augustus Ceasar declared the Census of Quirinus in 6/7 BC
Religion is politics. Catholicism is Mithraism, the latest "world religion" that is derived from sun worship and all the mystery religion's since Nimrod. True believer's of Yeshua escaped the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70AD. These were Jew's that kept all the commandent's of our Lord Christ Jesus, going "underground" across the river Jordan to the city Petra. That seed is alive today in those who keep the Sabbath. The 4th commandment of Exudus 20:8-11 and Exodus31:12-18. Read Mathew15, especially verses 1 and 9 to grasp the extent of the devil's shadow religion and how it is applied through man's pride, seeking the ursurper's earthly power. Also, if you are looking for a Rock to build upon, then read Deuteronomy32 Moses' Song. Peace be with you
Wrong, wronger and wrongest.
It is nice of you to quote he OLD Testament.
But, we are under the NEW Testament. Mary is the Ark of the NEW Covenant. Jesus came to FULFILL the Old Covenant. The Old is done, we are in the NEW.
Oremus.
Mrs. David -
There is nothing in the Bible about a LOT of things. Should we just ignore all of that, too????
The Catholic Church was set up by Jesus naming Peter. Peter became the Bishop of Rome and in such was also the head of the Church.
Sorry you do not like that.
It is still the truth.
Shall we talk about all the evil the Jews did - look in the Old Testament. Wow. Sort of stunning - no??
Jesus came to fulfill the Old Covenant. When the Jews rejected Him and had Him killed by the Romans, Plan B took over. The Grace of God has been given to the Gentiles.
Don't worry, the Bible tells how the Jews will finally awaken from their Apostasy and will worship Jesus Christ.
I look forward to that day.
The last pope? Gosh I hope so. And send the catholic "religion" packing, too.
Damn right!
Dream on. But if it were to be ... both you will miss us - terribly.
@Jose V.,
I seriously doubt that any of the potential future molestation victims would miss them at all!
Don't worry jpooch, I am a firm believer that homos who infiltrate the church will get their heat free someday.( They just won't beable to turn it down when it gets to hot)...LOL...Good luck to ya...
should they pack up their hospitals? schools?
YES
Screamin Eagle.... if they closed down all the Catholic hospitals and schools in only the USA - there would be total chaos. There are millions of children attending Catholic schools in the US - you think the public schools are over crowded and have troubles now... !!! Property taxes would increase hugely to finance the extra schools, teachers and materials needed to accomodate them. And then the hospitals - where are all these patients going to go Einstein ????
Before you give your dumb opinion next time, try to think. You no doubt would be one of the people condemming the Catholic Church FOR closing their schools and hospitals - especially after getting a new tax bill !!!
If you truly believe that Catholic schools and hospitals are the mainstay of this country you are truly delusional. Bali, you seem to think anyone who isn't a devout Catholic is dumb. You are wrong on both counts and the ideas are laughable. For that matter, your posts are both laughable and really sad since you seem to be determined to defend the Church no matter what.
Ram... stick to the facts I said... don't go off on some emotional tangent. I didn't say the Catholic schools and hospitals are the mainstay - YOU said I did. I said if they were closed there would be chaos and there would be !!!! There's over 2,000,000 students in Catholic schools today - saving billions and billions of dollars for the taxpayers. Likewise for Catholic run hospitals....
I'm not even Catholic ( so cut out the " anyone who isn't Catholic " crap) - but the FACTS are the FACTS. Why don't you reply to the FACTS instead of your own bias !!!
I second the motion....Ram doesn't have a biblical clue about anything...He will be one of those caught in a snare when the Lord returns...
If he will be the last Pope - Who gets to keep the cool hat, pope-mobile and the red Prada shoes?
A museum, presumably. Heck, they could turn the entire Vatican into a world-class museum complex.
His red shoes weren't prada, that was just a rumor. Prada came out and said they weren't thier shoes.
The shoes were hand made by a local Craftsman.
In his last few speeches the Pope was seen clicking his heels together. (OK that last sentence was a joke).
Fr. Guido Sarducci.