The Alpha movement is gradually being incorporated into Catholic teaching. But it sometimes disagrees significantly with older Catholic teachings.
Some sacraments have been dropped.
On the web we learn from an Alpha writing (Questions Of Life, p. 222].
ALPHA recognizes only one priesthood, "The priesthood of all believers" [ibid, p. 230].
"The priest is understood merely as an "elder", "a leader in the church" but one who "is not a sacrificing priest". Thus, it follows, that the 'Eucharist' is understood solely as 'the Lord's Supper' when "we remember his sacrifice with thanksgiving and partake of its benefits" but not as a holy sacrifice as in Catholic teaching. The explanation of this thinking is that "now Jesus, our great high priest (hiereus), has made the supreme sacrifice of his own life on our behalf. No further sacrifices are necessary and no further priests are necessary" [ibid, p. 229].
This, of course, is contrary to previous Catholic Church's teaching."
Are Catholics dropping five sacraments?
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Re: Are Catholics dropping five sacraments?
Post #2What is "the ALPHA movement in the Catholic Church?polonius wrote: The Alpha movement is gradually being incorporated into Catholic teaching. But it sometimes disagrees significantly with older Catholic teachings.
Some sacraments have been dropped.
On the web we learn from an Alpha writing (Questions Of Life, p. 222].
ALPHA recognizes only one priesthood, "The priesthood of all believers" [ibid, p. 230].
"The priest is understood merely as an "elder", "a leader in the church" but one who "is not a sacrificing priest". Thus, it follows, that the 'Eucharist' is understood solely as 'the Lord's Supper' when "we remember his sacrifice with thanksgiving and partake of its benefits" but not as a holy sacrifice as in Catholic teaching. The explanation of this thinking is that "now Jesus, our great high priest (hiereus), has made the supreme sacrifice of his own life on our behalf. No further sacrifices are necessary and no further priests are necessary" [ibid, p. 229].
This, of course, is contrary to previous Catholic Church's teaching."
What is the relationship, if any, between Alpha and Pope Francis?
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Re: Are Catholics dropping five sacraments?
Post #4Why would you post such a ridiculously dishonest claim??polonius wrote: The Alpha movement is gradually being incorporated into Catholic teaching. But it sometimes disagrees significantly with older Catholic teachings.
Some sacraments have been dropped.
On the web we learn from an Alpha writing (Questions Of Life, p. 222].
ALPHA recognizes only one priesthood, "The priesthood of all believers" [ibid, p. 230].
"The priest is understood merely as an "elder", "a leader in the church" but one who "is not a sacrificing priest". Thus, it follows, that the 'Eucharist' is understood solely as 'the Lord's Supper' when "we remember his sacrifice with thanksgiving and partake of its benefits" but not as a holy sacrifice as in Catholic teaching. The explanation of this thinking is that "now Jesus, our great high priest (hiereus), has made the supreme sacrifice of his own life on our behalf. No further sacrifices are necessary and no further priests are necessary" [ibid, p. 229].
This, of course, is contrary to previous Catholic Church's teaching."
This is a LIE of gargantuan proportions.
The Catholic Church is not "dropping" an sacraments - now or ever. Alpha is merely a program that introduces people to Christ in a personal way. It's NOT meant to make "changes" in doctrine. As for the Priesthood - the Catholic church teaches as the BIBLE does:
In the Old Testament, there were three levels of Priests:
The High Priest
The Levitical/Ministerial Priesthood
The rest of the people were a general priesthood of believers.
In the New Testament, there are also three levels of Priests:
Jesus, our High Priest (1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 7:22-25)
The Ministerial Priests (James 5:14-15)
The general priesthood of all Christians (1 Peter 2:5-9).
Just as with all New Testament fulfillments, the fulfillment is always more glorious than the Old Testament type.
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Post #5
MarysSon wrote:
Why would you post such a ridiculously dishonest claim??
This is a LIE of gargantuan proportions.

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Re: Are Catholics dropping five sacraments?
Post #6[Replying to post 4 by MarysSon]
I gotta say, I agree with MarySon's position on this. From what I can see, (and so far you have not explained exactly what the "Alpha" movement is despite at least two requests to do so) the Alpha movement is ecumenical and incorporates Protestant notions as well. It does not speak for the RCC, and the RCC is not dropping any sacraments as far as I know. You have given the false impression that Alpha speaks for the RCC by using terms like "incorporates" into their teaching on the matter of the Sacraments.
And when you make the disclaimer, "this, of course, is contrary to previous Catholic teaching". That leave the impression that current Catholic teaching on the matter of the sacraments has changed, and now incorporates Alpha teaching into official doctrine.
I gotta say, I agree with MarySon's position on this. From what I can see, (and so far you have not explained exactly what the "Alpha" movement is despite at least two requests to do so) the Alpha movement is ecumenical and incorporates Protestant notions as well. It does not speak for the RCC, and the RCC is not dropping any sacraments as far as I know. You have given the false impression that Alpha speaks for the RCC by using terms like "incorporates" into their teaching on the matter of the Sacraments.
And when you make the disclaimer, "this, of course, is contrary to previous Catholic teaching". That leave the impression that current Catholic teaching on the matter of the sacraments has changed, and now incorporates Alpha teaching into official doctrine.
My theological positions:
-God created us in His image, not the other way around.
-The Bible is redeemed by it's good parts.
-Pure monotheism, simple repentance.
-YHVH is LORD
-The real Jesus is not God, the real YHVH is not a monster.
-Eternal life is a gift from the Living God.
-Keep the Commandments, keep your salvation.
-I have accepted YHVH as my Heavenly Father, LORD and Savior.
I am inspired by Jesus to worship none but YHVH, and to serve only Him.
-God created us in His image, not the other way around.
-The Bible is redeemed by it's good parts.
-Pure monotheism, simple repentance.
-YHVH is LORD
-The real Jesus is not God, the real YHVH is not a monster.
-Eternal life is a gift from the Living God.
-Keep the Commandments, keep your salvation.
-I have accepted YHVH as my Heavenly Father, LORD and Savior.
I am inspired by Jesus to worship none but YHVH, and to serve only Him.
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Re: Are Catholics dropping five sacraments?
Post #7[Replying to post 1 by polonius]
I have no idea if they are or if they are not, but it seems that MarysSon might be a Catholic and (s)he probably knows better about Catholic beliefs than I do. I think they hold the ceremony central to tneir beliefs so I doubt if they will abandon it.
JW
I have no idea if they are or if they are not, but it seems that MarysSon might be a Catholic and (s)he probably knows better about Catholic beliefs than I do. I think they hold the ceremony central to tneir beliefs so I doubt if they will abandon it.
JW
INDEX: More bible based ANSWERS
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 81#p826681
"For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah" - Romans 14:8
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 81#p826681
"For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah" - Romans 14:8
Haven't you heard of the Alpha Movement
Post #8RESPONSE:onewithhim wrote:
Please explain this Alpha movement further, polonius.
Sure. Where have you been? This is becoming the new Catholicism. Ask you pastor.
“I must make it clear that the program may not be used, in any form�
Cardinal Raymond Burke has condemned the Alpha Program now used in thousands of Catholic parishes in 70 countries as a tool for evangelization and catechesis.
RESPONSE:"ALPHA recognises only one priesthood, "The priesthood of all believers" [Questions of Life, p. 230]. The priest is understood merely as an "elder", "a leader in the church" but one who "is not a sacrificing priest". Thus, it follows, that the 'Eucharist' is understood solely as 'the Lord's Supper' when "we remember his sacrifice with thanksgiving and partake of its benefits" but not as a holy sacrifice as in Catholic teaching. The explanation of this thinking is that "now Jesus, our great high priest (hiereus), has made the supreme sacrifice of his own life on our behalf. No further sacrifices are necessary and no further priests are necessary" [ibid, p. 229]. [This, of course, is contrary in essence to the Church's teaching"]
"But the times they are a'changin "-Bob Dylan
Re: Haven't you heard of the Alpha Movement
Post #9And as I already schooled you back in post #4 -polonius wrote: RESPONSE:
Sure. Where have you been? This is becoming the new Catholicism. Ask you pastor.
“I must make it clear that the program may not be used, in any form�
Cardinal Raymond Burke has condemned the Alpha Program now used in thousands of Catholic parishes in 70 countries as a tool for evangelization and catechesis.
RESPONSE:"ALPHA recognises only one priesthood, "The priesthood of all believers" [Questions of Life, p. 230]. The priest is understood merely as an "elder", "a leader in the church" but one who "is not a sacrificing priest". Thus, it follows, that the 'Eucharist' is understood solely as 'the Lord's Supper' when "we remember his sacrifice with thanksgiving and partake of its benefits" but not as a holy sacrifice as in Catholic teaching. The explanation of this thinking is that "now Jesus, our great high priest (hiereus), has made the supreme sacrifice of his own life on our behalf. No further sacrifices are necessary and no further priests are necessary" [ibid, p. 229]. [This, of course, is contrary in essence to the Church's teaching"]
"But the times they are a'changin "-Bob Dylan
The Catholic Church is not "dropping" an sacraments - now or ever.
Alpha is merely a program that introduces people to Christ in a personal way. It's NOT meant to make "changes" in doctrine. The Catholic Church has NEVER change a single doctrine in 2000 years.
As for the Priesthood - the Catholic church teaches as the BIBLE does:
In the Old Testament, there were three levels of Priests:
The High Priest
The Levitical/Ministerial Priesthood
The rest of the people were a general priesthood of believers.
In the New Testament, there are also three levels of Priests:
Jesus, our High Priest (1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 7:22-25)
The Ministerial Priests (James 5:14-15)
The general priesthood of all Christians (1 Peter 2:5-9).
Just as with all New Testament fulfillments, the fulfillment is always more glorious than the Old Testament type.
So, instead of bearing FALSE witness, which is abhorrent to God - try telling the truth for a change . . .
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Post #10
MarysSon wrote: And as I already schooled you back in post #4 -
So, instead of bearing FALSE witness, which is abhorrent to God - try telling the truth for a change . . .

The substance of your post here is fine, but the tone expressed in comments like this are completely unacceptable. Please make your points without an antagonistic or uncivil tone.
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My theological positions:
-God created us in His image, not the other way around.
-The Bible is redeemed by it's good parts.
-Pure monotheism, simple repentance.
-YHVH is LORD
-The real Jesus is not God, the real YHVH is not a monster.
-Eternal life is a gift from the Living God.
-Keep the Commandments, keep your salvation.
-I have accepted YHVH as my Heavenly Father, LORD and Savior.
I am inspired by Jesus to worship none but YHVH, and to serve only Him.
-God created us in His image, not the other way around.
-The Bible is redeemed by it's good parts.
-Pure monotheism, simple repentance.
-YHVH is LORD
-The real Jesus is not God, the real YHVH is not a monster.
-Eternal life is a gift from the Living God.
-Keep the Commandments, keep your salvation.
-I have accepted YHVH as my Heavenly Father, LORD and Savior.
I am inspired by Jesus to worship none but YHVH, and to serve only Him.