Considering Catholicism

[tigersnare]

No reason too.

A little late Sierra...

 

[AndOne]

The Church that included selling indulgences to its doctrine - cannot be taken seriously - nor can its doctrines be considered correct any longer as it is direct defience to the gospel message.

Pope being "infallible" - is not supported in scripture

Mary being "free from sin" - is not supported in scripture

Communicating with the dead (for any reason) - forbidden by scripture (I admit I may have used the word idolatry out of term in reference to this)

Thanks - but no thanks - for the theology lesson, Alcehmist.

 

[Terri]

Well, I'm certainly convinced. I'll be converting first thing tomorrow if not sooner!!

 

[Knee V]

I'm sure this isn't going to sit well, someone will be in here to "correct" your misunderstandings of the Catholic faith shortly I bet.

I will not try to correct the misunderstandings (and that is exactly what those things are). I wish only to talk about why I decided to join the Catholic Church.

Another point that concerned me for several years (and the misunderstanding of which kept me from joining the Church) was the "5 points". Reformed people are very fond of quoting Augustine, and rightfully so. Being a theologian in the first few centuries who taught the doctrines of grace, he gives considerable weight to the reformed position of those doctrines. Reformed people are also fond of believing that although the Church once taught those things, over time it gave in to semi-pelagianism, a heresy similar to pelagianism. It is believed that the Church now officially affirms what it at one time renounced as heresy. If the Church changed like that, I thought, then it can't be what it claims to be. And I thought that for several years. Then I discovered something this past summer. The church's stance on those doctrines have not changed one bit over time. The difference is between what the Church "requires" to be believed and what the Church "allows" to be believed. Not every one of Augustine's or Pelagius' doctrines were in question or officially upheld. Some of what Pelagius taught was condemned (no original sin, man can come to God based on his own abilities). Some of what Augustine taught was upheld (original sin, man can not come to God unless God first gives him the grace to do so). Other doctrines were left open for different schools of thought. To this day, a Catholic is perfectly free to believe all that Augustine taught. We are "allowed" but not "required" to be Augustinian. We are allowed to believe in an effectual calling. We are allowed to not believe in an effectual calling (for example). However, we must believe that one cannot save one's self, nor even take any steps toward faith and repentance without the prevenient grace of God. Beyond that, there is room for different schools of thought.

That was the big thing PREVENTING me from joining the Church for a few years. Once I realized that I didn't have to give up my beliefs in the doctrines of grace, it didn't take much to bring me the rest of the way to the Church.

 

[bigsierra]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to knee-v again.

Perfect Description. That was the exact same process I went through.

 

[bigsierra]

A little late Sierra...

Typical for me.

 

[rmwilliamsll]

I will not try to correct the misunderstandings (and that is exactly what those things are). I wish only to talk about why I decided to join the Catholic Church.

Another point that concerned me for several years (and the misunderstanding of which kept me from joining the Church) was the "5 points". Reformed people are very fond of quoting Augustine, and rightfully so. Being a theologian in the first few centuries who taught the doctrines of grace, he gives considerable weight to the reformed position of those doctrines. Reformed people are also fond of believing that although the Church once taught those things, over time it gave in to semi-pelagianism, a heresy similar to pelagianism. It is believed that the Church now officially affirms what it at one time renounced as heresy. If the Church changed like that, I thought, then it can't be what it claims to be. And I thought that for several years. Then I discovered something this past summer. The church's stance on those doctrines have not changed one bit over time. The difference is between what the Church "requires" to be believed and what the Church "allows" to be believed. Not every one of Augustine's or Pelagius' doctrines were in question or officially upheld. Some of what Pelagius taught was condemned (no original sin, man can come to God based on his own abilities). Some of what Augustine taught was upheld (original sin, man can not come to God unless God first gives him the grace to do so). Other doctrines were left open for different schools of thought. To this day, a Catholic is perfectly free to believe all that Augustine taught. We are "allowed" but not "required" to be Augustinian. We are allowed to believe in an effectual calling. We are allowed to not believe in an effectual calling (for example). However, we must believe that one cannot save one's self, nor even take any steps toward faith and repentance without the prevenient grace of God. Beyond that, there is room for different schools of thought.

That was the big thing PREVENTING me from joining the Church for a few years. Once I realized that I didn't have to give up my beliefs in the doctrines of grace, it didn't take much to bring me the rest of the way to the Church.

one big tent whose only entry requirement is assent to correctness of institution. so it doesnt matter what you believe as long as you believe that the pope is right. hard to depreciate correct doctrine more than this.

 

[tigersnare]

Protestant Reformed Brothers, if you do happen to read the sermons please leave some feed back, but if you don't read them, please don't tell us why you won't be converting, it seems to draw a undesired reaction.

Catholic Brothers, I don't recall asking for personal testamonies as to why you are Catholic. That's what OBOB is for, chances are we are going to disagree with everything you have to say. That is exactly what the sermons are about.

 

[bigsierra]

The sermon had mentioned the 10 PCA preachers and other well know Evangelicals that had moved to the Catholic Church. I guess from knee-v and my view, that isn't too surprising since that's what happened with us.

 

[AndOne]

Knee-V -

Interesting point - I have often wondered if one could believe (or be allowed to believe) in any type of reformed theology and still be Catholic (that is be accepted by the Church itself). I guess from your post - your saying its possible. My major hang ups with the RCC have already been menioned and so I won't rehash them - but your post was enlightening never the less....