Books by "John D. Smatlak"
2 books found
The Christian religion suffered three schisms during its two-thousand-year history. Orthodox, Protestant, and Anglican schisms occurred in succession. The Protestant schism resulted in the most significant change to how Christians worship. Catholics and Protestants have the same core Christian beliefs. However, their worship practices are very different. Currently, Catholics and Protestants have difficulty even talking about those differences. It seems like they speak in two different languages, and neither side can understand the other. In Crossing the Schism, author John D. Smatlak explains how Catholics and Protestants can reconcile their differences with a new way of approaching the Word. Although Smatlak was raised in a Protestant Fundamentalist church and joined congregations from a variety of Protestant denominations, he also attended many Catholic church services. Because of that broad experience, he successfully crossed the schism between Catholics and Protestants. Though he remains Protestant, he learned to speak both languages. By first unlearning some false beliefs, both Catholics and Protestants can accept that there are different ways to worship the same Christ. Crossing the Schism exposes the false beliefs and uncovers forgotten truths, building bridges of Christian love and understanding. Because it’s only when you learn about the perspectives of other Christians, that you more fully understand your own Christian beliefs and grow stronger in your faith.
Over multiple centuries, visionaries have reported seeing and speaking with the apparition of Mary, mother of Jesus. Nearly all of these apparition events include evidence of other miracles. Within the apparitions, Mary’s primary message is intended for all Christians to hear: the time to pray more is now. In an insightful spiritual discussion enhanced by biblical references, John Smatlak relies on the voice of Mary to directly answer many of the common questions asked by Christians such as what is important to gain eternal life and what is not? What behaviors cause a person to go to hell? Can prayer prevent war? Do we keep our earthly bodies in the afterlife? Throughout the presentation, Mary communicates clear expectations for Christians while providing a better understanding of Jesus, herself, and other supernatural beings. In perfect alignment with the Bible and Jesus, Mary expresses her deep love for people, warns of dire future events on earth, and explains how to either mitigate or avoid these events with prayer. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a valuable resource for Christians that provides twentieth century answers from heaven to many common questions while addressing the need for prayer.