i said that the only born again Catholics I know PERSONALLY are the ones who have left the church. But I also said I’m sure there are many IN the church, I just haven't met any. The Catholics believe we are saved when we are baptized.
That is simply not true. Protestants have Church splits over whither or not Baptist is required for salvation, and you condemn Catholics because you THINK they believe. Here is what the new advent, the biggest Catholic Site online, says about Salvation:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13407a.htmRead it carefully. They do talk about Baptism at the end. The process of being saved takes place before hand. Being Baptized is all part of the process. Baptism is for remission of sins, just as Paul talks about in Acts.
Most of the people I know who were baptized as infants don't know Christ personally. Also, if Catholics do things wrong, they are supposed to say several "Hail Mary's". Why? How is Mary going to atone for their sins?
This is not for Mary to forgive our sins. Before it attack this little poem, I’d advise reading it. We are asking Mary to Pray for us, as we do with all Saints. Now, there are cults that do worship Mary. Do not confuse them with the Catholic Church.
Also the PRIEST gives absolution. How can another human being have the power to take our sins away?
No, I refuse to get into a debate about Absolution here. This is a major topic that no one is going to agree on. If you want to still talk about this, PM me.
That's why a lot of people call for a priest on their deathbed instead of looking up to Christ. I just feel that the institution of Catholicism is more important to Catholics than Jesus Christ.
Keep on feeling that if you wish, but it is not correct. Now, there are Catholics who do hold the Church above God, unintentionally, of course, but they are existent, and, it is sad to say, they are a group of reasonable size. But the majority are in it for God.
That is idol worship. I also agree that the Catholic church is not the only church that places emphasis on works, sacriments, and laws more than on the salvation we get from Christ. The Lutherans are just as guilty. I haven't studied the Methodist or Prebytarian church as closely yet.
And Anglican/Episcopalian and Eastern Orthodox, and Baptist and Church of Christ and Almost every other denomination in the world is just as guilty as the RCC. The only ones that don’t have people who focus more on there laws them God are groups that have no laws, like the Pentecostal, for example. But I don't see a thing from with focusing on works, sacriments, and laws after we are saved. We are Saved, now it is time to live like a Christian, and that is where the works, sacriments, and laws come in.