₦airaland Forum

A Response Grounded in Love and Understanding
Dear friend, your list reflects a desire to align Christian practice with the apostles’ example, which is a commendable pursuit. However, the Catholic Church’s practices, while sometimes distinct from the apostolic era, are rooted in Scripture, apostolic tradition, and the lived faith of the Church guided by the Holy Spirit. Let’s address each point with charity, acknowledging that all Christian denominations, including Pentecostals and others, have developed practices not explicitly detailed in the New Testament. What unites us is our love for Christ and our call to live in His love (John 13:34-35). Let’s explore these points together, not to divide, but to understand and grow in faith.
Addressing the 10 Points

1. Praying to Mary
Catholic Defense: Catholics don’t worship Mary but honor her as the Mother of God (Luke 1:43) and seek her intercession, just as the apostles sought prayers from one another (James 5:16). The wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) shows Mary’s intercessory role, as she brings a need to Jesus, who responds. The early Church revered Mary (e.g., the Council of Ephesus, 431 AD, affirmed her as Theotokos), and Revelation 12:1-5 depicts a woman, often understood as Mary, central to God’s plan.
Comparison: Many Pentecostal churches emphasize personal prophecy or speaking in tongues as intercessory gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1-5). These practices, while rooted in Scripture, were not universally practiced in the apostolic era as they are today, with structured “prophetic ministries” or “tongues and interpretation” services.

2. Praying to the Dead
Catholic Defense: Catholics ask saints in heaven to pray for them, based on the communion of saints (Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 5:. The saints are alive in Christ (John 11:25-26), and their prayers are powerful (James 5:16). This practice developed as the Church reflected on the unity of the Body of Christ across heaven and earth.
Comparison: Some Protestant churches hold “memorial services” or pray for deceased loved ones, assuming they can hear or benefit from prayers, a practice not explicitly apostolic but rooted in love for the departed.

3. Satanic Processions
Catholic Defense: This is a misunderstanding. Catholic processions, like Corpus Christi or Marian feasts, honor Christ or saints, echoing biblical practices of public worship (e.g., Psalm 68:24-26, where processions glorify God). No Catholic procession is “satanic”; they are acts of devotion, often with Scripture, hymns, and prayer.
Comparison: Pentecostal “praise marches” or revival street preaching are modern expressions of public faith, not explicitly apostolic but inspired by the Spirit’s call to proclaim the Gospel (Acts 1:.

4. Going to Mass
Catholic Defense: The Mass is rooted in the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25), where Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Early Christians gathered for the “breaking of the bread” (Acts 2:42, 20:7), which evolved into the structured liturgy of the Mass as the Church grew. The Eucharist is central to Catholic worship, as Jesus taught (John 6:53-56).
Comparison: Pentecostal services with extended worship sessions, altar calls, or “anointing services” are not described in the New Testament but developed as expressions of faith, much like the Mass.

5. Scapular
Catholic Defense: The scapular is a sacramental, a devotional tool to remind Catholics of their commitment to Christ, similar to wearing a cross necklace. It’s rooted in the biblical call to live faithfully (Galatians 2:20). While not apostolic, it reflects the Church’s tradition of using physical reminders of faith (e.g., phylacteries in Deuteronomy 6:.
Comparison: Many Protestant churches use “prayer shawls,” “anointed cloths” (Acts 19:12), or “promise rings” as faith symbols, practices that emerged later but serve similar devotional purposes.

6. Infant Baptism
Catholic Defense: Infant baptism is supported by the baptism of “whole households” (Acts 16:15, 16:33), which likely included children. The Church sees baptism as a gift of grace (Titus 3:5), not dependent on personal decision, akin to circumcision in the Old Covenant (Genesis 17:12). Early Church fathers like Origen (185-254 AD) affirmed this practice.
Comparison: Many Protestant churches practice “child dedication” ceremonies, not explicitly apostolic, to commit children to God, reflecting a similar intent to infant baptism.

7. Belief in Purgatory
Catholic Defense: Purgatory is inferred from Scripture’s teaching on purification after death (1 Corinthians 3:13-15, where works are tested by fire) and prayers for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:46, though not in Protestant canons). It reflects God’s mercy, ensuring holiness before heaven (Revelation 21:27). The concept developed as the Church reflected on salvation’s process.
Comparison: Some Pentecostal churches teach “post-death sanctification” or pray for the dead’s repose, practices not explicitly apostolic but rooted in hope for God’s mercy.

8. Holy Water
Catholic Defense: Holy water is a sacramental, blessed for spiritual protection, rooted in biblical uses of water for purification (Numbers 19:9, John 2:6-7). It symbolizes God’s grace, as seen in baptism (Acts 2:38). Its use grew as a tangible sign of faith.
Comparison: Pentecostal churches often use “anointed oil” for healing or blessing (James 5:14), a practice expanded beyond apostolic times into structured rituals.

9. Calling Peter a Pope
Catholic Defense: Jesus gave Peter a unique role as the “rock” (Matthew 16:18-19) with the keys to the kingdom, indicating leadership. The term “pope” (from Latin “papa,” father) evolved to describe the bishop of Rome, Peter’s successor. Early Church fathers like Clement (1st century) show Rome’s primacy.
Comparison: Many Protestant churches have titles like “senior pastor” or “apostle” for leaders, not used by the apostles but developed to organize growing communities.

10. Bowing Down or Worshiping Idols
Catholic Defense: Catholics don’t worship idols but use icons and statues as reminders of Christ and the saints, like photos of loved ones. Bowing is a sign of respect, not worship (Exodus 20:4-5 prohibits idolatry, not images; see Exodus 25:18 for God-ordained cherubim images). The early Church used art (e.g., catacomb paintings) to teach faith.
Comparison: Protestant churches often use crosses, banners, or worship screens with images, not apostolic but aids to devotion, similar to Catholic icons.
Practices in Non-Catholic Churches
Just as Catholic practices evolved, so have those in Pentecostal and other Protestant churches:
Contemporary Worship Bands: Modern music with guitars and drums isn’t in the New Testament but enhances worship.
Altar Calls: Inviting people forward for conversion or prayer is a 19th-century revivalist practice, not apostolic.
Church Buildings: The apostles met in homes (Acts 2:46), but dedicated church structures are now standard across denominations.
Denominational Structures: Organized denominations with hierarchies or synods developed post-apostolically.
These practices, like Catholic ones, arose from the Church’s mission to adapt to new contexts while remaining faithful to Christ’s teachings.
The Heart of the Matter: Love
The apostles’ core mission was to spread Christ’s love (John 15:12). Debating practices can divide, but love unites. The Catholic Church, like all Christian communities, seeks to live out this love through its traditions, guided by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Rather than attacking differences, let’s celebrate our shared faith in Jesus, who prayed for unity (John 17:21). If you have concerns, let’s discuss them with mutual respect, as brothers and sisters in Christ.

God bless you abundantly.

Seen

Feeling good is good for me

Good judgement

Antoeni:
Such a caring Young Man, god bless Her for surprising His Dad, She is Such a Good Man. Happy Brthday Sir, You Have a Good Man as a Daughter

Welcome

That means people are already sitting at home. I can't see military moving like this and I will want to risk my life going about my normal business. Peace is supreme

Then he should sue the government for damages.

Conjoin twins is all I see

blazepascal:
the pope is an Illuminati

May God forgive you

It's obviously obvious that Nigeria is gradually being fulanized

MickzyDonald:
Kidnapping is now getting profitable everyday,
I hope you are not thinking what I'm thinking

Sorry I am thinking right.

famouscargo4u:
No, you don't pay any 7.5% on profit, it is paid to your suppliers quoted on the invoice for goods supplied to you. Thereafter, you pay your normal tax for the year which maybr 20 or 30% on profit depending on size of your company. You will also charge Witholding Tax of 5 or 10% from your suppliers which will deducted from your tax payable for the year. It may be confusing to you, why not let us prepare this for you at a token.

What's the cost of hiring an auditor?

Pandev:
Hey, Okada, carry me go la.las.ticl.ala house, this must enter fp and you go carry me back to this thread. How much?

I trust Lalasticlala will listen to you. We need more people to comment. There's much to learn especially the young entrepreneurs amongst us

famouscargo4u:
You pay 7.5% VAT on supplies which is due in 21 days . You pay 20% for a small company on your profit within 6 months after your accounting year and 30% for a big company

I'm confused now. So apart from the 7.5% tax on profit, there's a 7.5% on vat and another 20% every 6 months. Really it's complicated and will wonder how much will be left for the owner of the company

dedons:
You are to ensure you deduct all expenses and pay only 7.5% of the profit for the year. It could be lesser depending on how well you can play your game.

Nice one. The bolded is the icing on the cake.

Trustedpro:
You are only required to pay 7.5% of your net profit when your company turnover 20million naira annually. I think you will be asked to pay a token for your annual audited account if you are not making such turnover.

Thank you bro. This token you talk about, will the government decide it for me or I am to use my discretion?

For a business man who owns a bnx Nig Ltd., Assuming he has a starting capital of 2,000,000 in naira and at the end of the financial year he makes 500,000 in naira after paying salaries for himself and workers and every other things. How much of this 500,000 will government charge as tax and how is it calculated? Thanks as you provide answers

joseph1832:
Where is his proof Gowon took half of CBN? Like what does he even mean by saying Gowon took half of CBN?

Where is the proof Abacha stole money that we still recovering till 2050?

RamessesIV:
This dude is an idiot and the people who follow him are bigger idiots Christianity is not islam that promote a singular arab culture,the bride price we pay is native culture not "religious" no Nigerian pays bride price because it's in the bible is just coincidence of values that's why you don't pay your bride in church,in europe christian women used to pay dowry to the men they married even though bride price is mentioned In the bible,Christians who don't know their religion

If you want to christianize yourself good that's why Mohammed created Islam

Wrong class sir

espn:
yes we loosed...

You are wickedly wicked. Loose

Hmmh

sapphiere:
i

J

Juliusmalema:
ENDSARS: Over 92.5% of protesters are Jobless so do not blame them for catching fun with available space.

When they know well that there is no work to go or nothing to do the best thing for them is to waste their time

When they are done, both those cooking in benin Lagos road, they should go back to their fathers houses.

We appreciate all of them for the short time fun.


Nigeria does not start or end in Lagos and Abuja..


Waste of time and space.

Very pathetic of you. During Black lives matter, according to you, all those who protested are jobless. Even those currently protesting in different countries for Endsars are jobless. Don't worry by the grace of God and the spirit of the youths, they will triumph.

I am happy this ongoing protests across Nigeria happening in my life time. It gives me pleasure that my kids have a future here in Nigeria. I salute the audacity of the youth of this time. Mind you I am still under 50 years old. More wins to this generation.

Davash222:
Did anyone notice there’s been so much love between the youth since the protest began?

No more Afonja, Ipig, Yoloba moslem, Flath.ead, Conehead, Skull miners, Chest beaters.

This simply shows we love each other, regardless of our cultural, religious and ethnic differences.

Na our leaders dey use us against each other.


Let’s keep the spirit going. #EndSARS

God bless you real good. More wins in Jesus name amen to you and every youth in this struggle.

Nanorest:
You all are saying end bad government but will never condem PDP government. All of them are saints to you. All you pray for is for PDP to take over every states which means APC is the bad government. Now it is clear that PDP are the sponsors of endsars movement

Your insensitivity stinks. Thank God we can't afford to think like you. We simply can't afford it. It's very expressive. Fool