I've decided to take Anna's advice and expand our FAQ's by responding to a few comments that we often receive here. I doubt that many actually read the FAQ's but regardless, I'll answer them anyway:

(Comment 1) You are so hurt, you poor things - striking out blindly in your pain.

Upon first glance it may appear that both Reformed Pope & Catalyst are very bitter and angry towards City Bible Church and Frank Damazio…of course if you stick around long enough you'll see that we really aren't all that upset. We just find what they teach to be wrong, and "We aren't going to take it…"

Of course, saying that someone is "striking out blindly" due to hurts and bitterness is a defense technique (used by many Christians) called deflection. The goal here is to take the attention off the original subject and deflect it to another issue. As I always say in these kinds of situations…I'm more than happy to talk about my issues, but that is a topic for another day…now, back lets get back to you…

(Comment 2) Before you criticize these leaders publicly, you must go to them personally.

Did it. Loved it.

I have attempted to set up a meeting with Pastor Frank Damazio of City Bible Church in Portland, OR, He refuses to meet with me. You can read our email exchange here. In addition to the meeting attempt, I sent PF a letter listing my concerns about his teachings. I have successfully met with 2 other elders from CBC…and had one writing posts on this blog for a short time…That discussion can be read by clicking on the following 6 links: Dear _______, Dear Howard, Howard's Response, How Howard Saved the World (Part 1), How Howard Saved the World (Part 2), and finally, Addressing the Mob. In addition to ALL of that I have had a few months worth of email exchanges with another elder @ CBC (I have not posted those emails, because I told him I wouldn't. You can, however, read his defense of the "Faith Harvest Doctrine" here…start at the bottom and work your way up).

We also received a kind letter from CBC's lawyers…we were able to work out that dispute…You can read those posts (best post ever) here.

So, before you run to your Matthew 18 defense, please know that we have had a lot of contact with City Bible Church. Oddly enough…we still don't see eye to eye…I guess the next step would be for us to cast Frank Damazio out of the congregation, but I bet he would still keep coming.

(Comment 3) Every leader is appointed by God, therefore they are exempt from human evaluation - Do not touch God's anointed!

I have to answer this comment with a question of my own: What makes someone "God's anointed"? Who gets to set that bar? Are any and all "pastors" to be considered "God's Anointed"? What about small group leaders or mentors? I would also like to ask that any and all people who use this line of defense need to think real hard about it, before they start talking about our political leaders…my oh my, how many Christians wanted to bash ole Bill Clinton when he was in office…If PF is one of "God's Anointed" then so was Bill Clinton…and Hillary in '08 will be as well…enjoy that one.

(Comment 4) Satan is the accuser of the brethren, so when you accuse a leader of any wrong-doing, you are just satan's pawn.

Satan is the founder of the Prosperity Doctrine…when you follow that teaching you are just satan's pawn. How's that for a little Rosie-Dosie?

(Comment 5) Don't you have anything better to do than sit around criticizing people who are attempting to do God's work?

No…although things have slowed down lately so maybe I'm getting a life…probably not though.

Also, if you want to learn more about my personal life, you can go to my family blog, which I am far more proud of than this site. Look at how happy everyone is and tell me if I am letting bitterness ruin my life? And as always, you are welcome to contact me directly if you have any other questions or concerns…and I am happy to meet with anybody who wishes to do so.

Johnpaul Morton (Reformed Pope)

Mortonjp14@hotmail.com

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