Here is the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, where I live, Catholicism is the predominant denomination. More specifically the counties of Tioga and Bradford. There is almost a missionary feel to many of the parishes in the area. Catholics make up about 23% of the Christian population of these two counties. Following Catholics are Non-Denominational Christians. And after that is the United Methodist Church (UMC) at about 14-17% of the Christian population. In the last 5-6 years things have changed a bit for the Methodists. A total of 17 UMC Churches have closed during that time period. Many more over the years have closed due to financial and attendance issues. But these 17 churches have closed due to the congregations choosing to leave the UMC and join another branch of the Methodist church or become completely independent of a structured religion.
What were the reasons for these 17 churches choosing to leave the parent church? There were a variety of issues but the two that proved to be the primary cause of the split was the ordination of homosexual priests and bishops as well as the issue of performing gay marriages within the church. These two issues were cited as the driving force behind the schism and the votes within churches to leave the UMC. As a consequence of the vote, parishioners left the churches and they had to be closed or sold. Overall nationally, the UMC lost about 25% of its members.
In today’s first reading, St Paul is writing to Timothy, his protege, to encourage him to keep up the faith. To not be discouraged during hardships. He also warns of false teachers that may try to sway their faith.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
The time will come when they follow their own desires and not tolerate sound doctrine. And stop listening to the truth. And as has been the case with the UMC, division often follows. It is very easy to adopt the attitude of go along to get along. To adjust beliefs to adapt to the prevailing culture. But that is not what we are called to do.
be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
And here is one reason, of many, that I am Catholic. The doctrines, the dogmas, of our faith do not change. I went to AI and got these tenents of the Catholic Church when I asked for some dogmas:
1. The Trinity and God the Creator
- The Trinity: God is a single, infinite being existing in three distinct Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Creation: God created the entire universe out of nothing.
- Divine Providence: God preserves and governs all things. [1, 2, 3]
2. Jesus Christ (Christology)
- Incarnation: Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity. He is true God and true man, possessing both a divine nature and a human nature.
- Hypostatic Union: These two natures are perfectly united in the one Person of Christ.
- Redemption: Jesus suffered, died on the cross, and resurrected to redeem humanity from sin.
- Impeccability: Christ was completely free from all original and personal sin.
3. The Virgin Mary (Mariology)
- Mother of God (Theotokos): Mary is truly the Mother of God, as she gave birth to Jesus, who is God incarnate.
- Immaculate Conception: From the very first moment of her conception, Mary was preserved free from original sin.
- Perpetual Virginity: Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
- Assumption: At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory.
4. The Sacraments
- Institution: Jesus Christ directly instituted all seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
- Baptism: Washes away original sin and is necessary for salvation.
- Real Presence: In the Holy Eucharist, the bread and wine truly become the literal Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
5. The Church and the Papacy
- Divine Foundation: The Catholic Church was founded directly by Jesus Christ.
- Papal Primacy: The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, is the visible head of the Church.
- Papal Infallibility: The Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra (from the chair of Peter) on matters of faith and morals.
6. The Last Things
- Grace and Justification: Humanity is saved through the grace of God, requiring both faith and good works.
- Resurrection: All humans will be physically resurrected at the end of time.
- Judgment: There is a Particular Judgment at the moment of death, and a General (Last) Judgment at the end of the world.
- Heaven and Hell: Hell is eternal punishment for the unrepentant; Heaven is the eternal beatific vision of God.
- Purgatory: A state of final purification and cleansing before entering Heaven
This is what we believe as Catholics. While some Popes, Bishops and Priests may stray from these teachings, the Church has never wavered. You cannot call yourself Catholic without accepting these teachings. And be willing to stand up for them when needed.
