RE: The 'Secret Rapture'
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It doesn't help that the Book of Revelations is not clear in what it tells us, relying largely on visions that can lead to various interpretations.
It's extremely clear, you just need to read it's companion book is Daniel. Using that, reading through Revelation is quite easy. And you need historicist lenses. But that would challenge your faith ;)
But yeah every knee will bow, including Satans when it's all said and done.
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I don't think historicists challenge Catholicism. In fact, they bolster much of it.
I get the impression that you think Catholics aren't encouraged or expected to learn extra Ecclesiam. It might seem, from the outside that things are rigid and stale. The value to followers is that there is an authoritative and correct interpretation of scripture, supported by historical documents. We don't have to reinterpret, as in sola scriptura, with every passing generation. That means there is continuity that our children will learn the same things without having to become biblical scholars themselves. Parents can't be certain that they have passed all biblical knowledge they have acquired to their children. To us, that knowledge is passed down through the Church.
If we feel the need to seek more knowledge, the Church doesn't discourage it. The main difference is that deep understanding is not required for salvation. We just need to follow the rules and teachings the Church puts out. We leave the nerding to them.
I don't know about priests in other countries. In the US, most priests must have an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity. In short, they don't just learn church dogma. They have a broader knowledge than they let on.
Just to be clear, I'm not commenting to tell you that you're wrong, or to correct you. I'm just sharing what I have learned and my personal experience. I'm more interested in differences and similarities than proving anything. It is by learning about other things that I can more fully appreciate what the Church offers. I do enjoy reading different views. It helps me examine the church doctrine more thoroughly, which often results in a deeper appreciation of it. And I hope that you experience the same when learning about other traditions.
Oh I hear ya. Contrary to a few hardcore Seventh Day Adventists, I don't believe Catholics are 'lost' at all. In fact, I maintain most in heaven may very well be from the Catholic church.
The doctrines for me, when talking about the bible, is what I stand on. I'm not suggesting you need a PHd in theology, but we still should know what the Word says. Study to show thyself approved and all that.
Or be like the Bereans, testing scripture etc.
Fun stuff for sure :)
Similarly, the Church doesn't teach that non-Catholics won't go to heaven. The teaching is that the Church is the most direct and sure way to salvation. But, there are less certain, indirect paths to salvation which extend to non-Catholics and even non-Christians.