Catholic Vegetarians...

[fleabag]

Do they have to do lent at all? Cause I mean they do the whole not eating meat thing on Fridays for what ever ridiculous reason and I think it's related to lent, wouldn't that mean that since the NEVER eat meat, they're already ahead of the game or something like that? I don't really know much about all of this stuff so if somebody could chime me in, that would be great.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: fleabag
Do they have to do lent at all? Cause I mean they do the whole not eating meat thing on Fridays for what ever ridiculous reason and I think it's related to lent, wouldn't that mean that since the NEVER eat meat, they're already ahead of the game or something like that? I don't really know much about all of this stuff so if somebody could chime me in, that would be great.

It's a bitch for them, they can't eat red veggies.

 

[moshquerade]

there are other things done during Lent that involve penance and sacrifice besides abstaining from meat on Fridays.


commence the bashing

 

[NesuD]

If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

This is essentially it. It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics. The dietary restrictions are simply an act of preparation.

 

[Dumac]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
there are other things done during Lent that involve penance and sacrifice besides abstaining from meat on Fridays.


commence the bashing

MAN CATHOLICS SUCK SHEESH SO DO VEGETARIANS

BLAAARRRGHDURRR

 

[Dumac]

Originally posted by: NesuD
If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics.

Too bad it usually isn't

At least where I grew up we got to party with Mardi Gras before lent, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

 

[NesuD]

Originally posted by: Dumac

Originally posted by: NesuD
If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics.

Too bad it usually isn't

At least where I grew up we got to party with Mardi Gras before lent, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

Yea well I think that pretty much speaks for itself. Last I heard Mardi Gras only happened in N.O. Not a place that could be characterized as mainstream by any stretch. Like with any denomination we have our share of Hypocrites but the vast majority do get it and do take Lent seriously. You are welcome to do as you please and go to Mardi Gras and do all the things that Jesus came to save you from. If however you decide you might want to go a different way The Church is always there to assist you. Your choice.

 

[Train]

Originally posted by: Dumac

Originally posted by: NesuD
If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics.

Too bad it usually isn't

At least where I grew up we got to party with Mardi Gras before lent, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

Key here is BEFORE lent.

Mardi Gras is like a "get it out of your system" event. In other parts of the world/country, the last day before lent is often called "Fat Tuesday", basically the last day you can be a glutton.

 

[Train]

The dont eat meat on friday's tradition really has no religious basis. It started as an "economic stimulus" to save the dying fishing industry. Since govts didnt really have that much sway way back when, the church pretty much had to tell people "eat fish one day a week, and its mandatory!" and they listened. Later it was reduced to just during lent, became "part of the sacrafice", sorta like trying to attach meaning to it long after the fact.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
there are other things done during Lent that involve penance and sacrifice besides abstaining from meat on Fridays.


commence the bashing

you earned it

 

[BoomerD]

How could a vegetarian Catholic resolve the whole communion thing anyway? Since the wafer and wine become the body and blood of Christ...doesn't that preclude a vegetarian from taking communion?

 

[Kadarin]

From the Wikipedia article on Lent (bolded emphasis mine):

Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above, though observation is no longer mandatory under the threat of mortal sin.

This suggests to me that the Catholic Church has taken it on itself to determine what is and what is not a "mortal sin", rather than leaving that decision up to God. Regardless of whatever reason you can come up with to justify a purpose for Lent, it still strikes me as arbitrary (coming from the individuals within the Church rather than from Jesus or God) and thus takes away from the point of Christianity itself.

Thoughts? I'm not intending this as flamebait. Christianity is the acceptance of Christ as your savior, and that faith through Him is how one achieves forgiveness and grace and thus entry into heaven. Adherence to arbitrary ritual (regardless of the justification for said ritual) should not be relevant.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: Kadarin
From the Wikipedia article on Lent (bolded emphasis mine):

Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above, though observation is no longer mandatory under the threat of mortal sin.

This suggests to me that the Catholic Church has taken it on itself to determine what is and what is not a "mortal sin", rather than leaving that decision up to God. Regardless of whatever reason you can come up with to justify a purpose for Lent, it still strikes me as arbitrary (coming from the individuals within the Church rather than from Jesus or God) and thus takes away from the point of Christianity itself.

Thoughts? I'm not intending this as flamebait. Christianity is the acceptance of Christ as your savior, and that faith through Him is how one achieves forgiveness and grace and thus entry into heaven. Adherence to arbitrary ritual (regardless of the justification for said ritual) should not be relevant.

Catholicism is not Christianity. Christianity = following Christ. The only book with testimonies regarding who Christ was and what He said is the Bible, specifically the New Testament. Even people who are not believers can read the NT and see that Catholics do not follow Christ, they follow the Catholic church and Mary is more of a focus for them than the Bible allows for.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Originally posted by: Kadarin
From the Wikipedia article on Lent (bolded emphasis mine):

Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above, though observation is no longer mandatory under the threat of mortal sin.

This suggests to me that the Catholic Church has taken it on itself to determine what is and what is not a "mortal sin", rather than leaving that decision up to God. Regardless of whatever reason you can come up with to justify a purpose for Lent, it still strikes me as arbitrary (coming from the individuals within the Church rather than from Jesus or God) and thus takes away from the point of Christianity itself.

Thoughts? I'm not intending this as flamebait. Christianity is the acceptance of Christ as your savior, and that faith through Him is how one achieves forgiveness and grace and thus entry into heaven. Adherence to arbitrary ritual (regardless of the justification for said ritual) should not be relevant.

The part in bold is actually closer to be Lutheran but, we still like Catholics.

The purpose of any church is to provide guidance. The mistake many make is to equate guidance and the church. Clergy strive to make that difference as small as possible but, they are human and just as liable to make a mistake or sin as the rest of us. You receive grace and forgiveness, not through adherence to canon law but, by asking for it sincerely.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: Kadarin
From the Wikipedia article on Lent (bolded emphasis mine):

Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on. Roman Catholics may also observe Lent in this way in addition to the dietary restrictions outlined above, though observation is no longer mandatory under the threat of mortal sin.

This suggests to me that the Catholic Church has taken it on itself to determine what is and what is not a "mortal sin", rather than leaving that decision up to God. Regardless of whatever reason you can come up with to justify a purpose for Lent, it still strikes me as arbitrary (coming from the individuals within the Church rather than from Jesus or God) and thus takes away from the point of Christianity itself.

Thoughts? I'm not intending this as flamebait. Christianity is the acceptance of Christ as your savior, and that faith through Him is how one achieves forgiveness and grace and thus entry into heaven. Adherence to arbitrary ritual (regardless of the justification for said ritual) should not be relevant.

Catholicism is not Christianity. Christianity = following Christ. The only book with testimonies regarding who Christ was and what He said is the Bible, specifically the New Testament. Even people who are not believers can read the NT and see that Catholics do not follow Christ, they follow the Catholic church and Mary is more of a focus for them than the Bible allows for.

Catholics believe that they are Christian, even though it seems that the Catholic Church appears to make up rules as they go along (and even rescind ones that become inconvenient). To me, this is wrong. Am I alone in thinking this?

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: Kadarin

Originally posted by: Crono
Catholicism is not Christianity. Christianity = following Christ. The only book with testimonies regarding who Christ was and what He said is the Bible, specifically the New Testament. Even people who are not believers can read the NT and see that Catholics do not follow Christ, they follow the Catholic church and Mary is more of a focus for them than the Bible allows for.

Catholics believe that they are Christian, even though it seems that the Catholic Church appears to make up rules as they go along (and even rescind ones that become inconvenient). To me, this is wrong. Am I alone in thinking this?

I agree with you. The Catholic Church has been independent since pretty much the beginning. The interesting thing is that their claim that Peter was the foundation of the church appointed by Christ is pretty much disproved by the Bible. Christ said He was the foundation of the church, not Peter. Peter was an apostle and his purpose was to preach the gospel, not be the "pope" or head of the catholic church.

The Catholic church is contrary to scripture. It puts faith in human authorities (subject to change) and not the Word of God.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: Kadarin

Originally posted by: Crono
Catholicism is not Christianity. Christianity = following Christ. The only book with testimonies regarding who Christ was and what He said is the Bible, specifically the New Testament. Even people who are not believers can read the NT and see that Catholics do not follow Christ, they follow the Catholic church and Mary is more of a focus for them than the Bible allows for.

Catholics believe that they are Christian, even though it seems that the Catholic Church appears to make up rules as they go along (and even rescind ones that become inconvenient). To me, this is wrong. Am I alone in thinking this?

I agree with you. The Catholic Church has been independent since pretty much the beginning. The interesting thing is that their claim that Peter was the foundation of the church appointed by Christ is pretty much disproved by the Bible. Christ said He was the foundation of the church, not Peter. Peter was an apostle and his purpose was to preach the gospel, not be the "pope" or head of the catholic church.

The Catholic church is contrary to scripture. It puts faith in human authorities (subject to change) and not the Word of God.

I would be interested in seeing if there is a devout Catholic here who would present their point of view.

 

[FelixDeCat]

I dont believe in infighting and who lays claim to what, when, where or how. Catholics are Christians and anyone who says otherwise and claims to find proof here or there is either Morman (using thier book), born again Baptist who doesnt believe in confession and will tell you all Jews and Catholics are evil, so on and so forth. Theres no point in fighting, because there wont be much agreement anyway.

Can we all just get along?

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
I dont believe in infighting and who lays claim to what, when, where or how. Catholics are Christians and anyone who says otherwise and claims to find proof here or there is either Morman (using thier book), born again Baptist who doesnt believe in confession and will tell you all Jews and Catholics are evil, so on and so forth. Theres no point in fighting, because there wont be much agreement anyway.

Can we all just get along?

If you're trying to support the Catholic point of view there, that was a pretty weak argument.

 

[MAKENITO]

Im not a vegetarian but here are my thoughts anyway.

We were taught that everyone who believes in/follows Christ is a Christian. Christianity is the trunk and Catholics, Methodists, Presbytarians etc etc make up the branches.

In our prayers to Mary we actually ask her to intercede for us. We believe that Jesus would deny her mother nothing, which is why we ask her to "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death". Mary, just by giving birth to Jesus - so that He could die for our sins - played a very important role. Not alot of other religions acknowledge this.

As for the changing the rules as we go along.. I dont really know anything about this. We give up Meat/whatever else we want to give up during Lent so that we can know how Jesus felt when He went without for those 40 days. It is also to teach us the value of what we have, not to take it for granted and not to make it our lives - because when we die, we take nothing with us.

This is my understanding of Catholicism anyway

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Train

Originally posted by: Dumac

Originally posted by: NesuD
If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics.

Too bad it usually isn't

At least where I grew up we got to party with Mardi Gras before lent, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

Key here is BEFORE lent.

Mardi Gras is like a "get it out of your system" event. In other parts of the world/country, the last day before lent is often called "Fat Tuesday", basically the last day you can be a glutton.

more or less, yes.

Mardi gras = Fat Tuesday also called Shrove Tuesday. This is the day to use up all fatty foods (butter, milk, cheese, etc..) since they are given up for Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: Train
The dont eat meat on friday's tradition really has no religious basis. It started as an "economic stimulus" to save the dying fishing industry. Since govts didnt really have that much sway way back when, the church pretty much had to tell people "eat fish one day a week, and its mandatory!" and they listened. Later it was reduced to just during lent, became "part of the sacrafice", sorta like trying to attach meaning to it long after the fact.

nope. bullshit anti-catholic crap there.


if you had any anthropological knowledge would know that meat back in the day is luxurious food, hence, sacrificing luxurious things during lent. you'd have to get it somewhere, or have your own cattle which is $$$$. you can grow your own vegetables pretty cheaply and catch fish easily too.

theres also no catholic law that dictates you eat fish on fridays in lent either. it's just tradition that alot choose to do, since fish is a good substitute for land meat and it's symbolic w/the ichtys jesus symbols. 404 romanist popish thuggery not found here. take your fundie baptist shit back to the south and keep it there

 

[Train]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Train
The dont eat meat on friday's tradition really has no religious basis. It started as an "economic stimulus" to save the dying fishing industry. Since govts didnt really have that much sway way back when, the church pretty much had to tell people "eat fish one day a week, and its mandatory!" and they listened. Later it was reduced to just during lent, became "part of the sacrafice", sorta like trying to attach meaning to it long after the fact.

nope. bullshit anti-catholic crap there.

I was raised Catholic, and a caltholic priest told me the above.

if you had any anthropological knowledge would know that meat back in the day is luxurious food, hence, sacrificing luxurious things during lent. you'd have to get it somewhere, or have your own cattle which is $$$$. you can grow your own vegetables pretty cheaply and catch fish easily too.

That would have made sense when the fishing industry was huge, and cows were expensive. But once agriculture increased to the point where fish became the harder to get commodity, things changed.

theres also no catholic law that dictates you eat fish on fridays in lent either. it's just tradition that alot choose to do, since fish is a good substitute for land meat and it's symbolic w/the ichtys jesus symbols. 404 romanist popish thuggery not found here. take your fundie baptist shit back to the south and keep it there

woah, relax hombre. And I sure as fuck ain't from the south either.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: Kadarin

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: Kadarin

Originally posted by: Crono
Catholicism is not Christianity. Christianity = following Christ. The only book with testimonies regarding who Christ was and what He said is the Bible, specifically the New Testament. Even people who are not believers can read the NT and see that Catholics do not follow Christ, they follow the Catholic church and Mary is more of a focus for them than the Bible allows for.

Catholics believe that they are Christian, even though it seems that the Catholic Church appears to make up rules as they go along (and even rescind ones that become inconvenient). To me, this is wrong. Am I alone in thinking this?

I agree with you. The Catholic Church has been independent since pretty much the beginning. The interesting thing is that their claim that Peter was the foundation of the church appointed by Christ is pretty much disproved by the Bible. Christ said He was the foundation of the church, not Peter. Peter was an apostle and his purpose was to preach the gospel, not be the "pope" or head of the catholic church.

The Catholic church is contrary to scripture. It puts faith in human authorities (subject to change) and not the Word of God.

I would be interested in seeing if there is a devout Catholic here who would present their point of view.

Well, I'm far from a "devout (or even practicing) Catholic" so take what I say with a big grain of salt.

Generally speaking, the Pope is believed (by devote Catholics) to be the voice of God on earth. Infallible in fact. So what he says (and in turn the Church he runs and writes the rules for) are the laws of God (the Catholic God). Nobody ever said that the Church, nor God can't change their minds either as time goes on.

 

[tranceport]

Originally posted by: NesuD

Originally posted by: Dumac

Originally posted by: NesuD
If your a Catholic and all you figured out about Lent is that you can't eat meat on Fridays then you totally missed it.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer ? through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial ? for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

It is supposed to be a very spiritual time for Catholics.

Too bad it usually isn't

At least where I grew up we got to party with Mardi Gras before lent, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

Yea well I think that pretty much speaks for itself. Last I heard Mardi Gras only happened in N.O. Not a place that could be characterized as mainstream by any stretch. Like with any denomination we have our share of Hypocrites but the vast majority do get it and do take Lent seriously. You are welcome to do as you please and go to Mardi Gras and do all the things that Jesus came to save you from. If however you decide you might want to go a different way The Church is always there to assist you. Your choice.

LOL

Do you live under a rock?