ExplainingtheCatholicFaith

DON'T DIE UNPREPARED:  The Frightening Truth About Heaven You Can’t Afford to Ignore by Clive Fernandes (Catholic Christianity Facebook page) INTRODUCTION:  The Ultimate Reality Awaits Heaven is not merely a nice idea for religious people or an abstract paradise for sentimental comfort.  It is the eternal destination for souls who have conformed themselves to God.  The Catholic Church does not treat Heaven as a vague hope, but as a divine promise with conditions.  Scripture tells us bluntly:  “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many will attempt to enter and will not be strong enough”  (Luke 13:24).  Heaven is real, glorious, and terrifyingly exclusive. The danger lies not in God’s justice—but in our own apathy, distraction, and sin. --- 1. What Heaven Really Is (And Isn’t) The Essence of Heaven: The Beatific Vision Heaven is not floating on clouds with harps. It is the Beatific Vision—the direct encounter with God’s essence, an intellec...

 PURGATORY  by Bro. Leylin Falier -CFD (borrowed  with permission from him from the Catholic Faith Defenders Facebook page) SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/459804204197210/permalink/2986391341538471/?app=fbl Let say we agreed that Purgatory didn't really exist at all as per protestants claim to be.  Here is the thread using logical reasoning by consequences (reductio ad absurdum) to expose the flaws in common Protestant objections to Catholic doctrines of Purgatory.  ❓ “If Purgatory Doesn’t Exist… Then Explain This” ❗ This is a logic-heavy breakdown with consequences that expose contradictions in rejecting purgatory. 1. If purgatory doesn’t exist… then why did Paul say people will be saved “through fire”? > “He himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15) 👨‍🏫 Logic: This clearly speaks of being saved, yet through a painful purification process. ❌ Consequence: If there's no purgatory, Paul must be talking nonsense—becau...

 Are Catholic Religious Icons Idolatry? A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Defense by AE JMJ Introduction Catholics are often accused by non-Catholics (including  my dear family member who is now a committed converted Baptist😔) of committing idolatry for using statues, icons, and religious images in worship. But such claims overlook key theological distinctions and historical truths. The Catholic Church has always made it clear that religious images are not worshipped; rather, they serve as visible reminders of invisible realities. Scripture, tradition, the saints, Church Fathers, and the Catechism all show that "sacred images are not idolatry,"you but a beautiful expression of the Christian faith. 1. Biblical Context: Graven Images and the True Meaning Exodus 20:4-5 says: > "You shall not make for yourself a graven image... You shall not bow down to them or serve them." This commandment forbids the worship of images as gods not their use for sacred purpose...

Why Everyone—Regardless of Religion—Should Experience the Holy Mass by AE JMJ The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:19–20 : "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." That’s why I personally believe that any Christian gathering (please correct me if I'm wrong)—whether it be praise and worship, prayer meetings, or services—is good and noble too —as long as we did not diliberately miss Sunday Mass if you are Catholic —and  as long as it’s done sincerely and for the greater glory of God.  What matters is the intention of the heart , not the label of the gathering. It should never be used as an occasion to attack or judge fellow Christians—especially us Catholics who strive to remain faithful and persevering in our journey despite the modern-day challenges and oppositions  I think that such sincere Christian worship is far better than giving any attention, honor, or praise to God’s enemy - the ancient serpent. With that be...

  Debunking the Most Common Myths About the Catholic Church and Faith by AE JMJ The Catholic Church, with over 2,000 years of history, is one of the most studied and yet most misunderstood institutions in the world. Myths and misconceptions have persisted due to misinformation, historical biases, and misunderstandings of Catholic teaching. This article will address some of the most common myths and provide historical, biblical, and factual evidence to refute them. Myth #1: Catholics Worship Mary and the Saints The Truth: Catholics Honor, Not Worship, Mary and the Saints One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Catholics "worship" Mary and the saints, placing them on the same level as God. In reality, the Catholic Church teaches that worship (latria) is due to God alone, while honor (dulia) is given to saints, and the highest honor (hyperdulia) is given to Mary because of her unique role in salvation history. Biblical and Historical Evidence: Exodus 20:3-5 f...

 Seven Ways Demons Harass Us (Msgr. Stephen Rossetti)  The lowest level of demonic involvement in our lives is "temptation".  Demons tempt everyone.  God allows this for our sanctification.  The next level up in their evil involvement is "harassment."  Many people are subject to demonic harassment.  Most of the time it is so disguised that people do not realize it is demons who are the cause.   After years of ministering to people who are victims of demonic harassment, we can identify some common types.  It is important not to see a demonic cause for every negative event in life.  Bad things happen to us all.  But it is just as important to recognize when the Evil One is harassing us and to respond properly.   Here are seven common types of demonic harassment.  No doubt, there are many more 1. Impeding holy ministry/works.  Satan will target particularly holy works and ministries which directly interfere wit...

The Catholic Church: The One True Church of Jesus Christ – A Path to Unity and Love by AE JMJ In a world where religious differences often lead to division and unnecessary, unpleasant conflict, it's crucial to remember that Jesus Christ, our Savior, called and prays for us all Christians to be one (John 17:21). As Christians, we are called to love one another, to respect our differences, and to seek the truth that unites us. For those seeking to understand the true Church established by Jesus Christ, it’s important to explore the evidence that the Catholic Church is not only the true Church, but also the one that continues to fulfill Christ’s mission of love, unity, and salvation. 1. The Biblical Foundation: Christ’s Promise to His Church The foundation of Catholic belief begins with Jesus Christ Himself. In the Gospels, we read of His establishment of a Church to carry on His work after His ascension. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Simon, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will b...