Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 12/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Expert,

I have 2 questions to ask, 1st do Protestant celebrate Christmas just like Catholics do?( i mean the understanding of Christmas especially SDA, because i have a friend which is SDA and she is not allow to do anything beside worship on Saturday, so she miss-out a very important Final Exam in University.

2nd ,

  Can a Catholics married a non Christians people?

ANSWER:
Dear Susan

         Some protestants, especially Pentecostals do not believe as we do about "what/who" Christ is. Also most see Christmas as a celebration of the Birth of Christ only. Catholics also see it as a joyful season to celebrate/prepare for HIS Return, at the end of the world for the faithful.

They can have a lawful marriage but it would not be possible to recieve the Sacrament of Holy Matriomony.

If you write me in about 2 weeks, I can look in my private archives for an article I have written on your second questions. According to Catholic doctrines, most forms of SDA are not Christian. They deny the Incarnation of Christ and the sad reality of Hell, and many related doctrines to both these doctrinal principals.


         Your servant in Christ
         George





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So you mean they can't have a Matrimony inside the Church. Anyway can help? Can the non-Christian only attending the Marridge Course and not Baptist? Because the others really wish to have a Matrimony in her Church.

Answer



Peace

Marriage and Holy Matrimony are to different things. Marriage is a union in the natural order of things. Holy Matrimony is a union within the order of grace, and can only be received by those who are baptized.

  Catholics believe the Christian receives both if they seek Holy Matrimony within the sacramental system of the Catholic Church, and in some rare case outside the visible society of the Church.

Write again next week, I will explain with more details. I am on a public computer, so my time is limited. I am about out of time for today.


         your servant in Christ
         George