Expert: Kit Goins - 9/2/2007

Question
I stumbled across this website while researching catholicism.  I am a non-denominational and ALSO non-religious Christian - by that I mean that I do NOT believe in the organized church.  (If you have heard of Gene Edwards, his teachings describe my beliefs.)  Recently I am in a predicament because I am dating a Catholic guy despite my parents disapproval and even my own hesitation.  I have pursued the relationship because he is willing to discuss his religion and listen to what I have to say.  However, he does not plan to convert.  It has been very difficult to explain why Catholicism is wrong because he does believe in having a personal relationship with the Lord, and he says that he doesn't think Catholicism is necessary to be a Christian, he just thinks it is the best way.  I have been doing some reading but am wondering if you have any good literature to recommend on Catholicism?  And do you have any words of advice.
Thanks.
Ellen

Answer
Greetings, in the name of Jesus, the Christ...

First of all, let me say this;  I have never heard of this man Gene Edwards before today. I did a very quick research on this man before answering this email.

First, I read a little about him from the following pages:
http://www.geneedwards.com/

then I seen the following site:
http://www.house-church.org/genart_one.htm

from what you have told me briefly about yourself, and from what I have learned so far...I would tend to agreed somewhat on in-house churches, only as far as the early churches had done...and the fact that a "church" is not just a building..
it is a "meeting place" for christians. In other words, you don't HAVE to literally go to church building to worship and fellowship with like believers, you could also meet in a house....so says God's word in Mat 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  KJV  There is such thing as an organized church system.

As for your second inquiry regarding catholics, As a non-denominational christian...I hold the only position to the fact that there is only ONE religion (I hate using the term religion) according to God's word is christianity...

James 1:27  "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world."

The only advice I can give, is that you do not give up praying for him and others like him.

My personal belief about catholics and their so-called religion, would only add to his dismissal of ever converting.

I hope this helps.
In His Service, and Love
Bro.  Kit