faithful to God's plan
and His specifications
built for the journey
and guided by a leader
with direction from above
a man made vessel
a marvel of invention
for the course ahead
faith in sola hominum
to navigate the one way
Some non-Christians and non-Catholics
may make it to heaven in life-boats.
Good comparison except the Ark did not have a beautiful cocktail bar or chandeliers...Given the choice I would have gone on the Titanic. Travelling with livestock is no fun. But knowing the Titanic was going to sink I would have taken the Ark. I did something similar many years ago on a boat (deck class) across the Malacca straits. It was awful but I reached land alive (just!)
ReplyDeleteI guess you buy your ticket and you take you're chances. If you know your bible, you'll see only one ship is guaranteed to get you across the ocean. Besides, think who you might meet in the cocktail bar and you could end up on a lifeboat.
ReplyDeleteDodo, well said!
DeleteWhy, thank you, Sir or Madam.
DeleteThere is only one True Church and only one certain path to salvation - though God in His Love and Mercy may allow the occasional life boat to make it to Heaven's shore.
I would take a dinghy and attach it to the ark so I would not have to be with the livestock...I know it was supposed to be 2 of every species but one eccentric is enough:)
ReplyDeleteCressida - you do make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteYou do know that Pope Francis has told us we must get down and dirty with the sheep and smell of them?
There is a certain flexibility within the rigid framework of your Catholicism Dodo. Presented the way you have done it, is essentially the truth, but within that truth are myriad nuances, subtleties and circumstances which Catholic bashers refuse to acknowledge.These are not opinions coming from a liberal Catholic. In fact the term is an oxymoron. I do not recognise liberal Catholicism. Liberal Catholicism is another form of Protestanism except not having the courage to cut from mother's apron strings.
DeleteI have never thought of Catholicism as producing a tribe of unthinking automatons. In fact that in itself would be sinful and anti Catholic. Catholicism promotes the truth, the leading of an authentic life where facing the truth about oneself devoid of self interest and delusion is the imperative. This journey ,even if in its exploratory stage results in leaving the straight path to God, should lead back to Christ and his teachings because in human terms no other religion or belief system has surpassed it in its intelligent understanding of the best way to live. There are those who may not be Christians but definitely understand that a way of life built on Christian ethics is better than one which is not.
There are nuances, subtleties and circumstances that have to be taken into account and understood when weighing up the nature and degree of sin. If God is all things good then he is supremely merciful and intelligent as well. One size does not fit all in the God stakes. God will ultimately decide the winners of the salvation race. . The Church and its teachings are there to give you the best odds at winning.
Catholicism the way you have presented it (even though it is essentially the truth) makes it seem harsh and tyrannical . A Pope rarely issues a directive ( ex cathedra) in his reign He is capable of sin and error just like anyone else. Pope bashers never want to acknowledge that Catholics believe this. Famous ones like Stephen Fry bring up centuries old deranged dead Popes and their lunatic escapades to revile the whole of Christianity in his sub standard tv programs to justify his giant ego and perversion, spreading promotion around the globe with the specific purpose of corrupting youth and will in fact sadly contribute to a back lash of increased homophobia in countries particularly such as Russia.
A big problem for Catholicism is with the other Christian denominations who resent the fact that Catholicism is the true and original Church of Christ. It is a self evident piece of history and all the twisting of scripture does not make it otherwise..forcing square pegs into round holes...thus the conflict with Protestants who have been living and perpetuating a lie for 500 years.
As for Non Christian religions ...that is in God's hands...we cannot know everything.Maybe people who are of good heart and fervour who lead authentic lives will be saved. I hope so. God visits everyone and each one of us makes the decision either to reject or accept Him.
Well said and thank you for your thoughtful contribution.
DeleteI do not mean to present Catholicism as harsh and uncompromising. At its heart it's message is one of a generous, loving and forgiving God. However, it is also clear about the responsibility we all have to be open to God's truth. Wilful rejection or stubborn ignorance will have consequences. God's Justice is as real as His Mercy.
Am I going to get into trouble for pointing out that Noah's Ark was built by Jews, but the Titanic was designed by Protestant Ulstermen, on the backs of Roman Catholic workers?
ReplyDeleteWow bro Dave! You are taking things too literally. I think Dodo is comparing and contrasting 'The Roman Catholic Church' and the other 'Protestant Churches'-didn't you listen to anything Cousin Lou says, man? One being a sturdy vessel for Christianity, the other liable to sink... except as you point out the true Ark was built by us Jews, which is why it is sturdy and could right all the animals in two by two, as usual Christianity depends on Judaism - gentiles just can't admit it (:
DeleteThe K's
ReplyDeleteTut, tut, for not paying attention to your Rabbis!
Er ... now as we all know Noah was goyim, not Jewish. Abram was the first Israelite, singled out by God, his faith tested before his covenanted mark, renamed Abraham, and destined to father a Chosen People for a Promised Land to make ready for the coming of the Messiah.
Dodo,
DeleteAh, it's all Sam's fault for wanting to make sure you are up ,about, awake , alert and paying attention....
Shabbat Shalom!
The Ark could not be Jewish. One thing I do know is that the Jews always provide nice accomodation.
ReplyDeleteTry telling that to Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
DeleteIf Joseph had been in schmattes instead building construction he could have afforded to pre book a nice inn!
DeleteLol ....
ReplyDeleteWicked girl, Cressida!