Becoming Catholic

[Skripper]

Why become Catholic? I'm not usually very good at short answers (quiet Shelb5!! ) but I can answer this one in three words:

Because it's true.

 

[Benedicta00]

Why become Catholic? I'm not usually very good at short answers (quiet Shelb5!! ) but I can answer this one in three words:

Because it's true.

Oh this is a first.

 

[SamInService]

But also, something else... I'm not sure, as if there is a part of God I am not finding yet, some kind of truer understanding, that I have not yet found within Protestantism, so maybe you hold it, in your tradition/history. I don't think it unimportant that there is more a feeling of God in Cathedrals than in small Baptist churches.

Mike--

So glad to hear you say that, its exactly what I felt some ten years ago or more. I remember sitting one evening in Nashville, TN, still a die-hard Protestant, looking at a Gothic-inspired church-related building, used on a Protestant or non-denominational building though with Catholic origins, trying to figure what about it and other such manifestations of art were so compelling. I never did have an answer then, and its only been in the past few years, since I joined the Church, that I have begun working at least on the fringes of an answer.

Some of you have heard me mention this concept before, but I just love to talk about it, so please have patience with me! I began to get a sense while in the various Protestant churches that I belonged to that the appeal was primarily intellectual, that it was an intellectual defense of an interpretation of the Bible, and that assent was intellectual. The sermons were where it was at, aimed at that one aspect of our humanity. The Church, however, (and here I use the phrase "the Church" in its broadest sense, including the various Catholic rites along with the Orthodox, who recognize all of the sacraments), recognizes the whole of the human person, that the person is more than an intellect who assents to Faith, but is a person in the fullest sense with emotional and sensory needs along with intellectual. Christianity is not simply a concept of faith to be grasped and assented to, instead it points us to a way of living our life and viewing everything around us.

With Augustine we see that the physical matter that surrounds us is good because it was created by God and therefore potentially perfect, and from that, with John Henry Newman, we see the world around us as sacramental. The Church uses the very materials that surround us, bread and wine, the incense that we smell, the metal, wood, and plastic beads that we hold in our hands, the pictures and statues that our imaginations and hands devise and our eyes gaze upon, along with the words that we read, speak, and hear, to help us to understand and come to our divine end. While we are rational creatures, we are also physical creatures who inhabit a physical world, and we believe that God uses these physical materials that surround us for our good and is able to transform them.

This understanding which we hold with the Church is only one among the many reasons that I find the Church and what it teaches to be compelling. It is also not to deny that there are very solid intellectual grounds for accepting the Church, nor to deny the importance of developing and explaining those grounds. It is simply to say that there is more than intellectual assent to the Christian faith, and I believe that the fullness of the Christian faith is found in the Church.

I'm sorry to wax on like this, but your comment about the feeling of God in the various churches struck a very responsive chord in me.

May the Peace of Christ be with you,

Sam

 

[Skripper]

Oh this is a first.

Hehe ... I knew you wouldn't be able to resist that! LOL!

 

[faerieevaH]

Why become Catholic? I'm not usually very good at short answers (quiet Shelb5!! ) but I can answer this one in three words:

Because it's true.

Aren't that 4 words? Because it is true? *Grins and ducks flying objects possibly launched at her*

 

[Benedicta00]

Aren't that 4 words? Because it is true? *Grins and ducks flying objects possibly launched at her*

Well it’s common knowledge that David can’t count any higher than to the number 3 (he is a little slow, you know, he's from up north) so we try to give him a break here and there.

 

[MParedon]

I guess what is getting me is that there is more to it all than just the Bible. What I mean is that there have ben some great Christians in the past that make up the Catholic Tradition, I would like to know more about their thoughts.

I hope I can help you. You might want to read The Didache This was written and in use in the second half of the first century. This was before St. Johns writings and at the same time as Pauls later writings (paraphrasing Crossing the Tiber) There are soo many other writings from people that were taught by the Apostles themselves or by the disciples of the Apostles. I think their writings are important b/c they put down what the Apostles taught before the New Testament was put into canon and available as part of the whole Bible to the Church.
Read Clement of Rome (he was there during Paul's time) you might want to know what he says about the Eucharist.
Read Turtullian, he started questioning infant baptism in the second century, but it is a very telling thing that it showed that it was already practiced and he didn't produce the aguement that it was invalid or not Apostolic teaching.

But also, something else... I'm not sure, as if there is a part of God I am not finding yet, some kind of truer understanding, that I have not yet found within Protestantism, so maybe you hold it, in your tradition/history. I don't think it unimportant that there is more a feeling of God in Cathedrals than in small Baptist churches.

You definitly need to read Crossing the Tiber by Stephen K. Ray. He was raised in a Baptist family with his father as a deacon. He could explain things to you in a way that is more condusive for someone with a Baptist background. I find that one of the biggest Chasms between Protestants and Catholics is that we say 90% of the same things but with a different use of the language. So we don't understand each other b/c we put different meanings to words.

Hmm, I wish I could be more specific, though I feel I should say I don't believe in the bit where the bread turns to real flesh trans thingy, or that Mary is to be worshipped. But then these are not the important things, are they? Finding God is.

I think the other poster said it best

Because it's true.

The important thing is to find the Truth no matter where it leads you or even if you don't want to believe in it intellectually or don't want to leave what you know.

One of the things I love about Catholicism, is it's submission to God. We have all the tools for it, like Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the Magisterium (sp?) and can reference the Early Church Fathers, but the whole point is to be Faithful and Worship God above all else.

Another thing I love that might help you is that the Catholic Church is not relative. I like its set rules and what it defines as a sin. The modern world seems to want to bend things to suit them. Ex. "This isn't really a sin because excuse 1, 2, 3 etc" (I used to be like that). And the fact that the Catholic Church accepts things from other cultures, but does not let them sway the Truth or change it in any way.

I was barely a Catholic who didn't really know what it was to be a Catholic, but I knew the feeling of going to Mass and God's presence. That is a very strong experiance. All I needed was the Church to help me Worship God the way God says to and not to put my own wants and needs over that.


Aacck sorry, I can get long-winded (or worded as the case may be) I am really reading up on Catholicism and my excitement can get the better of me. I really don't want to get into Apologetics yet, I need a firmer understanding foundation of Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium before I can really witness to others the way I want to.

There are tons of really good Apologetisists our there, Scott Hahn, Karl Keating, Mark Shea. Just Amazon or Catholic Online Bookstore Search Apologetics.

But The ABSOLUTE FIRST BOOK you have to read is at Barnes & Noble. If you want to read about a person that REALLY has found Jesus. Mother Teresa's: Reaching Out in Love Compiled and Edited by Edward Le Joly and Jaya Chaliha. I love what she says about Jesus and where she finds him.

 

[thereselittleflower]

Guys and gals, sorry been a while, all so busy at work. Thanks for your replies, I guess what is getting me is that there is more to it all than just the Bible. What I mean is that there have ben some great Christians in the past that make up the Catholic Tradition, I would like to know more about their thoughts. But also, something else... I'm not sure, as if there is a part of God I am not finding yet, some kind of truer understanding, that I have not yet found within Protestantism, so maybe you hold it, in your tradition/history. I don't think it unimportant that there is more a feeling of God in Cathedrals than in small Baptist churches. Hmm, I wish I could be more specific, though I feel I should say I don't believe in the bit where the bread turns to real flesh trans thingy, or that Mary is to be worshipped. But then these are not the important things, are they? Finding God is.
I will endeavour to look at all the links, I have yet to have time.
thanks again,

Peace

Hi Mike

You don't know how much our hearts resonate to what you are saying

Everyone of us who have converted to Catholicism from Protestantism know exactly what you are trying to describe, and know the questions and concerns that arise . .

I am in the process of coming fully into the Catholic Church this Easter . .I am converting from Protetantism as well as many other here - there are several of us who are coming in this year at Easter . .and one who just came in, BAchristian!

There is something missing in Protestantism . . it is as if you have so much of God as a Protestant . . yet, there is a sense that there still something missing . . and you said it well . . "a part of God I am not finding yet, some kind of truer understanding" . . . this is very, very true!

The deeper presence of God you feel in a Cathedral you feel for a reason .. and it is absent the emotionalism you may find within Protestantism, because no emotionalism is necessary to achieve feeling the presesnce of God . .

I can't explain this any better than you can .. but there is something fundamentally more real, differently real, really REAL, than ever I have experienced within Protestant sevices . . it is like God is reaching through the depths of my soul . . and touching my awareness . .

There is a solidity, a frimness that goes deeper than anything I ever experienced before . . you are in for such wonders . .. I almost envy where you are at to experience the wonder of it all for the first time as you progress in your journey to understand Catholicism to embrace God in all His wonder . .


There are misconceptions that you will find need to be cleared up .. you mentioned worshipping Mary . . and that you think at present that the Catholic Church worships her, yet that has not put you off, says something to the DEEP desire you have to know and move into the fullness of faith and truth . . that is awesome!

But, as others have already posted, you don't have to worry about worshipping Mary, as we don't . . it is a misconception based on misunderstanding what Catholics mean by certain words, like "pray" and misunderstandings of what the bible means when it speaks of idol worship, etc . . We do not put Mary in the place of God, or worship her in any way . . we venerate her, we give her honor, but this is not worship . .

When I began coming to terms with my misconceptions about Mary, I was pondering how do I know if I cross the line and begin worshipping Mary? And I envisioned several scenarios in my mind of acts I do when I am praying to or worshipping God, and with one act, as I was envisioning it, suddenly the Holy Spirit spoke immediately, urgently, and ever oh so clearly in my herat "NO!" . . I was stuneed that the Holy Spirit spoke so clearly, so urgently . . but I knew from that moment what worship of Mary was, and what is was not . . And Catholic Church does not teach us or encourage us in any way to worship Mary . .

We can go deeeper into this when you like. . .



The belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the bread and wine after it has been consecrated is something that as you seek the truth, you will see the evidence and proofs for . . some of which will so astound you . . .

I do believe that one of the reasons you so more deeply experience God's presence in a Catholic Cathedral is because Jesus is REALLY there in the consecrated host . . the wafers that have been consecrated, yet not consumed, are reserved safely in a special box that we call a tabernacle . . and these are always present . . making Jesus really present in this very special way . .

Jeus came to save us body, soul and spirit . . He is just as interested in our bodies as He is in our souls and spirits, and He gives us this heveanly food - Himself - to transform us body, soul and spirit . . .


Please ask any questions you have .. start with what is uppermost on your mind, and we will do our best to help you!


Peace in Him!

 

[chilehed]

... there have ben some great Christians in the past that make up the Catholic Tradition, I would like to know more about their thoughts. But also, something else... I'm not sure, as if there is a part of God I am not finding yet, some kind of truer understanding, that I have not yet found within Protestantism, so maybe you hold it, in your tradition/history..... I wish I could be more specific, though I feel I should say I don't believe in the bit where the bread turns to real flesh trans thingy, or that Mary is to be worshipped. But then these are not the important things, are they?...
Peace

The grace and peace ofour Lord to you as well.

Mike Uncle, by all means get the letters of the early church fathers, but be careful. I did it a year ago intending to confirm that I should remain a Protestant, and, go figure, I'll be entering the Catholic Church this Easter, thank God. By the way, guys, I just went through the Rite of Acceptance! I'm totally geeked about this.

Yes, there is a very important part of God that you aren't finding yet - it's the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The bread turns to flesh trans thingy is EXACTLY what you're missing - its ENTIRELY biblical, it's what Jesus said would happen and it's what EVERYONE in the Church believed until the reformation. It's the most awesome thing you can possibly imagine, and it's INCREDIBLY important!

Glad you're here. Two sites that help me a lot are www.catholic.com (they have great radio archives), and www.usccb.org (they have a good online Catechism). www.catholicity.com is good too.

 

[Mike Uncle]

well, very very interesting peopel, good to see you all so excited. i can't see members of other denominations getting so hyped. Sorry about the Mary worship thing, it comes from seeign opeople quing up to kiis the feet of statues of Mary. I still find it a bit odd though, why go through Mary to Jesus when he made it clear that we had free access. I can talk to Jesus now, why suddenly start going through Mary? And why venerate her? She didn't do anything but be a good Jew and a loving mother. And as for the wedding in Cana when Mary asked Jesus to sort it out he told her to leave him out of it all. If anything it seems to me that she was interfering there. So yes, I have troubles with such stuff. I can't see how I could find truth in Catholicism when such a thing seems at the least pointless. Something else that strikes a weird note is that you all seem to think that I can only find God fully by being part of a certain denomination, the Catholic. Can I not find God away from church all together? Is God not bigger than denominations? I guess what I mean is why is Catholicism true and protestism not, or better anyway?
Having said all that I am still interested I still feel like I am on the edge of something but can not take the final step in to, ?, the light. Thanks for your continued help, it is v. groovy.

Peace to all

 

[Benedicta00]

You can talk to Jesus with out going through Mary directly. This is not what we mean by her interceding. Behind things even if you don’t acknowledge her she prays for you, she prays for all mankind to know her son. But once you do get to know who she is, you will develop a special love for her because you will know in a special way that she is your mother who cares about your salvation.

You can be saved and not be Catholic but only God can judge who is and isn’t saved. Catholicism is the fullness of the Christian faith. No error in theology, doctrine etc. You can trust what she teaches is truth. That is what we mean by Catholicism is the true Church. You aren't denying yourself any truth in Catholicsm as you may be in Protestantism.

 

[MParedon]

Is God not bigger than denominations?

Absolutely!

At the same time Christ founded the Catholic Church. We believe that we have the full Deposit of Faith (what Christ entrusted to the Apostles). So even if God is bigger than denominations we are not. It's best to follow the Church that Jesus started.

I hope I made sense, I don't know if that came across correctly

 

[KennySe]

Mike Uncle,

I invite you to attend a Catholic Mass sometime after seeing the movie "The Passion of The Christ".

http://www.masstimes.org/ASP/

Peace be with you.

 

[Aaron-Aggie]

Mike,
Open your heart and hand over your Worries to the Holy Spirt
If what we say is true the Holy Spirit will guide you if open your heart

 

[chilehed]

...I can talk to Jesus now, why suddenly start going through Mary? And why venerate her?...I can't see how I could find truth in Catholicism when such a thing seems at the least pointless...

My best advice on how to start with Marian teaching is to go to http://www.catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp and read the material there. It helped me out a lot, and now I find that it's not pointless at all.

...Can I not find God away from church all together? Is God not bigger than denominations? I guess what I mean is why is Catholicism true and protestism not, or better anyway?

Well, yes, God provides us with enough evidence in nature to prove he exists and all, but few of us have the towering intellect of Aristotle or St. Thomas Aquinas that would allow us to come to any good idea of what His nature is or what He wants from us. And of course, even that kind of intellect would never be able to discover those truths about God that can only be known through His revelation.
In the same way that Protestants have more truth about God than non-christians do (both quantitatively and qualitatively), so does the Catholic Church have more thruth than the Protestant denominations. This is necessarily so, in that the Protestant reformers made a concious decision to reject the binding authority of the Apostolic Tradition.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

why go through Mary to Jesus when he made it clear that we had free access.

You can talk to Jesus with out going through Mary directly.

True.

Also remember that the prayers of a righteous person are very powerful. That is right out of the New Testament, but I forget the chapter/verse right now.

Mary takes our "dirty" prayers, cleans them up, so to speak, and offers them to Jesus, so that they are more effectual than if we just went to Him directly.

Think of it like this...you can go into the throne room and ask the King a favor by yourself, or you can get the King's mother to go with you and hold your hand.

It's up to you.