Yes, I thought that knowing and then rejecting god would be considered an unforgiveable sin. To address your other point, I don't actually recall if we were told that Protestants were all going to hell, but I do distinctly remember admonishments to stay away from them. Years later, I realized that what the church was teaching was bigotry and intolerance. As far as I know, it's changed in that regard since the '60s. At least, I hope so!
Pretty much in a nutshell Mark 3:28-29 King James Version 28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Blasphemy includes ridicule and attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to the devil.
The word 'ridicule' Didn't think it was a part of blasphemy Heh, at one time I thought blasphemy was just swearing I haven't been a Christian all that long
Actually, blasphemy is defined as speaking irreverently and disrespectfully about god/holy things. I guess ridiculing would qualify. Come on now, Gary. I'm an atheist and I know these things. LOL!
I think that most Protestant churches no longer teach that Catholics are going to hell. They might think it, but they don't say it. Then again, there are probably Baptists who think that those of a differing Baptist denomination are going to hell. I suppose it's a good thing that we don't get to choose who goes to hell.
This has been a good discussion, but I would like to get back to why the Christian churches are tearing themselves apart from the inside. Any other ideas?
When I attended both several Protestant churches and Catholic churches, the Catholics never really cared that I also attended Protestant services, but the Protestants certainly did care that I attended Catholic services.
Just a little joke while we're off topic; A group of Catholics were touring Heaven They came up to a wall Someone asked the tour guide 'why the wall?' The guide said 'shhhh On the other side of that wall are all the protestants They think they're the only ones here' Anyway I do believe there'll be folks from all walks up there I hope to be there to see them Now, back to our regular programing