Authentic Conversion

[Veritas]

A while back I attended what seemed like a Catholic/pentacostal revival with Alex Jones who'd come to town to give a couple of talks. For those who don't know who he is, he converted from being a Pentacostal minister to Catholic. He really helped explained why people leave the Catholic Church (and how to get them back!) He said that many of these Evangelical churches offer authentic conversion without authentic doctrine. In other words, they change lives through a conversion process (the "sinner's prayer) and on-going fellowship and study. This of course, is a positive thing and what they felt was missing in their Catholic faith. And it's no secret that these churches also provide exciting worship services with pop music and hour long sermon's. For some this fills a need. The real weakness comes in when you disect their biblical interpretation and beliefs. (I don't think many fallen away Catholics are aware of this, personally) I'm sure there are some who do experience "authentic conversion" but I'm not sure this is always the case. What do you all think? Are there any here who are reverts who know this to be true for them? It just seems to me that an easy believism sort of faith, is not really authentic. Thoughts?

 

[Metanoia02]

Veritas,

I am a convert who was woed by the easy beliveism of some Protestant denominations. But as I approached the Church and began to see it for what it was, I realized that the only way we can truly call Jesus, Lord, was to change the whole orientation of our lives. It was not something that happened when I was recievd into the Church. Iwas not something that happened because I was baptized; The conversion we are all called to is ongoing and never stops until the day we die. The word many theologians use is the word metanoia.

The continuous and progressive nature of our conversion requires struggle, sacrifice and surrender. For those who believe in the "one and done" salvation, can not accept progressive conversion. As a human, what person would undergo a life of struggle, sacrafice and surrender? Only those who have an eternal perspective and a true relationship with Christ can submit themselves to this. On the other hand those who believe in the "one and done" salvation can not comprehend this as a way of life. When hard times come and the sacrafice becomes more then they can bear, it is easy to give up and say "I have done enough, afterall I am already saved".

Can Protestants have an authentic conversion? Of course they can, but it will be in spite of the doctrine of thier denomination.

 

[Rising_Suns]

I've heard Alex Jones speak before. I think the talk I heard was entitled; "Can I get a Witness?". It was entertaining to say the least, but also insightful as well. He sure is a lively and humerous fellow. I think he was also at the Atlanta Diocese Eucharistic Congress a while ago.

Anyway, I think there is alot of truth in what he says. And being a former Pentacastol Pastor, he certainly has a unique persepctive on all this.

-Davide

 

[Veritas]

The conversion we are all called to is ongoing and never stops until the day we die. The word many theologians use is the word metanoia.

I agree with that. It's called take up your cross daily and follow Christ. It's not a one shot deal.