AnnieTwo: I do not wish to spoil

Hi Angela,

You stated this:

 "I often wondered if they knew what they meant by "saved."

As half my family are Methodists, I can honestly say that, yes, they do know what it means to them.  Many Protestant denominations believe you need to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to also ask Jesus to "come into their hearts" to help them live a good Christian life.  Some Protestants believe this is necessary because Jesus said in the Gospels, "If you deny me before men, I'll deny you before my Father who is in Heaven."  Based on that scripture verse, they feel it is important to acknowledge before the congregation that they truly have "accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and have repented of their sins."  I am not Protestant, but I respect them, and I still remember the "altar calls" from my wandering around through various churches days.  This is when the individual who is seeking salvation in a Protestant church comes forward to the altar, or just down in front of the minister and congregation, and confesses, out loud or silently, (the choice is up to the person) their sins to God, and also publically states that Jesus is their Lord.  It is not my way as a Catholic, but I certainly have no problem with their beliefs, nor anyone else's beliefs. 

Our faith is something personal and individual.....we all have to choose the path we will take on our journey through this life.  We are constantly learning and making choices as to how we will go about serving Allah/God, aren't we?

God's Peace to All!

bmzsp wrote: I don't know Patty why but in real life, I find the Catholics more loving, caring and sweet-natured than the Protestants. Any idea, why is that so? You may choose not to answer. I would like to hear from a Protestant here, not evangelical though! Good Night BMZ

Humm, what can I say, BMZ?  To know me is to love me!   Sometimes it's just not so much what is said, but rather, how one says it.  In my case, I just really love people.  I think we're a lot more fun than we give ourselves credit for, and I think we're also capable of being a lot more forgiving, tolerant, and kind.  Everyone should try to behave more like God expects.

God's Peace!

Catholics believe they know the truth, BUT they also believe that many others, even though we have different doctrines, are also correct in their beliefs of God, and upon Judgement Day, if they have loved God with all their being, and have loved their neighbor as themselves, as following moral, ethical, and just laws that God set forth, then God will grant them salvation.  We believe many people from ALL religions will be in Heaven!

I believe that Almighty God is a very loving, kind, an merciful God.

Annie,

Thats the belief of countless religions.  Not everyone can be right.  Yes, Mormons believe they are the only ones with the Whole Truth.  I've heard this same statement from Protestants, Muslims, Catholics, Hindus (yes, Hindus).  But, if you think about it.....if you truly believe in your faith, you do believe its the only true religion.  Or you'd be something else.  However, we are taught there are fragments of the Truth in all religions, since we are all from the same creator.