Considering converting to Catholicism

[faerieevaH]

Oh yeah, I'm a convert too. Well, I haven't officially converted yet but I start RCIA in September. That's another thing you'll want to do. You'll want to contact your local Catholic parish and sign up for RCIA as soon as possible. RCIA will be starting very soon.

Not certain if he'll need to take RCIA if he was raised Catholic till he was 18, Holly. *ss* If you already have been given confirmation, the process is much diferent. Depending on the parish you will get diferent suport, or you can follow RCIA as an observer. And confession will probably be the 'definitive step' that you take in re receiving the sacraments.

 

[NPH]

Not certain if he'll need to take RCIA if he was raised Catholic till he was 18, Holly. *ss* If you already have been given confirmation, the process is much diferent. Depending on the parish you will get diferent suport, or you can follow RCIA as an observer. And confession will probably be the 'definitive step' that you take in re receiving the sacraments.

I was never confirmed, the last step I went through was First Communion (and many beyond that ). For me all I am being required to do is receive a convalidation of my current marriage (a little paperwork is being necessary for my first marriage. Apparently I don't need an annullment since she was non-christian and the ceremony was in a private home) and then after confession i'll be able to participate in the Eucharist again. I will still need to be confirmed next year and Father John encourages me to attend RCIA (which I will!) but it's not necessary i've been told. I think that RCIA attendance in cases like mine (and Laserman's) may be at the discretion of the priest, but don't quote me on that!

 

[Maggie893]

Hi,

Actually I was born and raised a Catholic but left the church at 18 then later at 32 got involved in Baptist fundamentalism. Presently I'm a member of a PCA Conservative Presbyterian church which is Calvinistic and reformed for the most part. My Belief in Sola Scriptura is weakening by the day. I've been reading some good cathoic books and I'm beginning to see that I may have return to Rome soon. I'm fairly well read, I have Bachelor Degree in Bible from Baptist school and I've read a ton of Reformed Literature including Calvins Institutes and several of his commentaries.

Presently I'm working my Way through the New Catholic Catechism, Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Carl Keating's Catholicism & Fundamentalism. Great stuff so far.

So Far I've been intrigued by the early Fathers Church Goverment and Eucharistic teaching, the Catholic view of Church & Doctrinal unity and the contraception debate. The Usual Objections about pergatory and Mary don't really bother me. As Sola Scriptura falls I see no problem following the teaching and tradition of the church. If Sola Scriptura was a true doctrine there wouldn't be 300 denominations claming the Bible to be their authority. Seems to me that most people are their own authority. I mean, Moses had no scritpure in his hand, and I'm surely no better than Him. All Moses had was church tradition. unless they Job at that time. Pray for me!!

Barry

This is like Deja vu! Same timing for me. I left the Church around 18, found Jesus at 32, disected the Bible over and over again, then God managed to get those very same books in my hand and few years ago I returned to the Church.

Welcome! It's not always an easy journey but the blessings are incredible. I highly recommend that you dig into the Saints writings. You will find depth and love that is incomparable and it will help strengthen your understanding of the Church.

I'll be praying for you as well.

 

[NDIrish]

That's great news! Please let us know if you have any questions!

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

Welcome home!

It sounds like you can teach us a thing or two about Catholicism...you're certainly very well-read!

God bless you...us OBOBers are always here for you.

 

[D'Ann]

barry, first God bless you!!!! you're reading some great books there i'd recommend too picking up somehting by scott hahn, a presbyterian convert. he ROCKS! and his books show how he struggled NOT to convert once he began gaining the same insight you're gaining

Kimber,

You are awesome... I love Scott and Kimberly Hahn. They have written truly awesome books. I would recommend The Lamb's Supper which is about the Eucharist and Also "A Father Who Keeps His Promises"... both are awesome.

 

[RichSpidizzy]

May I also (In addition to Kimber) recommend adding Scott Hahn's books to your current reading list? He was a great read and at times brought tears to my eyes.

I also agree with Holly about RCIA, perhaps whether you "officially" need it or not. I'm a born and raised Catholic, 12 years of Catholic education, recieved all my appropriate Sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation), and never left the Church, yet I'm still considering taking RCIA as an observer. I think there's alot I might still learn from RCIA.

On last observation I've made: Has anyone else noticed that, generally speaking, the people that convert away from the Church know little about Catholicism, yet is seems the people that convert to the Church know a great deal about their own faith?

 

[RichSpidizzy]

...snipped for space...
The Practical Problems of Sola Scriptura

I don't know if the last link lines up with the Catholic Church or not. I found it during a Yahoo search.

The last link was written by Jimmy Akin, the director of Apologetics and Evangelization at Catholic Answers. Considering his devotion to the Church, and the other things he's written, I think it's safe to say that last link lines up with the Catholic Church.

 

[AdJesumPerMariam]

May I also (In addition to Kimber) recommend adding Scott Hahn's books to your current reading list? He was a great read and at times brought tears to my eyes.

I also agree with Holly about RCIA, perhaps whether you "officially" need it or not. I'm a born and raised Catholic, 12 years of Catholic education, recieved all my appropriate Sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation), and never left the Church, yet I'm still considering taking RCIA as an observer. I think there's alot I might still learn from RCIA.

On last observation I've made: Has anyone else noticed that, generally speaking, the people that convert away from the Church know little about Catholicism, yet is seems the people that convert to the Church know a great deal about their own faith?

Yes! My son-in-law knows practically nothing. He was an alter boy and raised all his life in the Church. I would really like to see more people going thru something like RCIA, and learning, maybe before their Confirmation? I have talked to many people who "were Catholic" and they proceed to tell me everything they "think" they know.

 

[sneezingleopard]

Awesome news LAserman. May God bless your walk in faith and guide you into the fullness of truth. If tradition and scripture are your interest, I would say the best book to look to is First and second timothy in the new testament. Even this early on the church is being challenged by false teachings and false teachers. This situation demonstrates the importance of holding firm to the traditions and teachings of Jesus Christ.

2Timothy 1:13-14, 3:14-4:5, John 21:25

I haven't read the books you've already read but I know Carl Keetings is amazing. The books already suggested by Scott Hahn would also be great books for you. Someone whom I have had the opportunity to meet personally and talk to is Peter Kreeft. He is an extraordinary Catholic theologian who teaches at Boston College. I don't know if he has written anything specifically on scripture and tradition but I'm sure that is not your only interest. He's a great source for a catholic perspective on various issues dealing with the defense of Christianity in general. He also went through a similar struggle as you and Scott Hahn in converting from a protestant denomination to Catholicism. This will link you to his book page and from there you can get to his short papers, audio recordings of lectures, and presentations, and other cool stuff. http://www.peterkreeft.com/books.htm
Hope you enjoy your search.

By the way, Happy birthday passthepeace1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Christ,

Matthew

 

[Eryk]

Five point Calvinist, ex-Catholic here, and I come in peace.

Barry, I wish you well on your journey. A little brotherly counsel, and maybe this will be helpful: as a person who made the journey from daily-mass Catholic to Calvinist Protestant, I know that a study of these sectarian differences can occupy a lot of attention and time. But the important thing is to worship the Lord and serve his people in a church where you feel at home. I pray that you will find this. Whether we are in Geneva or in Rome, Christ is All, in all who love Him.

Thank you, OBOB'ers, for letting me stop in.

 

[azzy]

Hi,

Actually I was born and raised a Catholic but left the church at 18 then later at 32 got involved in Baptist fundamentalism. Presently I'm a member of a PCA Conservative Presbyterian church which is Calvinistic and reformed for the most part. My Belief in Sola Scriptura is weakening by the day. I've been reading some good cathoic books and I'm beginning to see that I may have return to Rome soon. I'm fairly well read, I have Bachelor Degree in Bible from Baptist school and I've read a ton of Reformed Literature including Calvins Institutes and several of his commentaries.

Presently I'm working my Way through the New Catholic Catechism, Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Carl Keating's Catholicism & Fundamentalism. Great stuff so far.

So Far I've been intrigued by the early Fathers Church Goverment and Eucharistic teaching, the Catholic view of Church & Doctrinal unity and the contraception debate. The Usual Objections about pergatory and Mary don't really bother me. As Sola Scriptura falls I see no problem following the teaching and tradition of the church. If Sola Scriptura was a true doctrine there wouldn't be 300 denominations claming the Bible to be their authority. Seems to me that most people are their own authority. I mean, Moses had no scritpure in his hand, and I'm surely no better than Him. All Moses had was church tradition. unless they Job at that time. Pray for me!!

Barry

May I ask a dumb question?What did God say?You did ask him didnt you?

Im wondering if you have the ability to hear from God?Im not trying to find fault with you,im just wondering.

Does God speak to you?Can you recieve direction from him?Do you know his voice?

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

Hi,

Actually I was born and raised a Catholic but left the church at 18 then later at 32 got involved in Baptist fundamentalism. Presently I'm a member of a PCA Conservative Presbyterian church which is Calvinistic and reformed for the most part. My Belief in Sola Scriptura is weakening by the day. I've been reading some good Catholic books and I'm beginning to see that I may have return to Rome soon. I'm fairly well read, I have Bachelor Degree in Bible from Baptist school and I've read a ton of Reformed Literature including Calvins Institutes and several of his commentaries.

Presently I'm working my Way through the New Catholic Catechism, Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Carl Keating's Catholicism & Fundamentalism. Great stuff so far.

So Far I've been intrigued by the early Fathers Church Goverment and Eucharistic teaching, the Catholic view of Church & Doctrinal unity and the contraception debate. The Usual Objections about pergatory and Mary don't really bother me. As Sola Scriptura falls I see no problem following the teaching and tradition of the church. If Sola Scriptura was a true doctrine there wouldn't be 300 denominations claming the Bible to be their authority. Seems to me that most people are their own authority. I mean, Moses had no scritpure in his hand, and I'm surely no better than Him. All Moses had was church tradition. unless they Job at that time. Pray for me!!

Barry

Welcome home. When I was a protestant, I also began to see the holes in Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide and their inconsistency with the scripture teaching as well. The Catholic Verses by Dave Armstrong is a great exposition of the Faith by a former protestant. Highly recommended. We will pray for you and you must also pray, pray, pray. Pray for Divine Wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for Him to lead you to the Pillar and Foundation of Truth. God Bless.

Your brother in Christ.

 

[Laserman]

Thanks Everyone,

Your prayers and support mean a lot. I have not yet talked to a priest but I plan to shortly. In fact, I plan to attend a Catholic Mass this Sunday. I have several Catholic friends and they all feel that since I was baptised, confirmed and have had the sacraments I may be able to just go to confession and talk to a Priest and be able to come back in, but I will probably want to take the classess anyway. As far as " Talking to God" He is making things pretty plain for me to see. This has been coming on for awhile. I haven't been happy in the PCA for awhile. We'll just have to see. I'm in no rush. I have alot a doctrines to re-study besides solo scriptura But the handwriting is on the wall for me.


Barry

 

[kimber1]

that's great news barry

 

[chilehed]

ALRIGHT, Laserman. I'm a recent convert, your post sounds familiar. Have you found the Catholic Answers website at www.catholic.com? Lotta good resources there.

 

[Kasia]

We'll all keep you in our prayers as you take this spiritual journey home. This really is joyous news! I wish you the best.

 

[Rising_Suns]

Hi,

Actually I was born and raised a Catholic but left the church at 18 then later at 32 got involved in Baptist fundamentalism. Presently I'm a member of a PCA Conservative Presbyterian church which is Calvinistic and reformed for the most part. My Belief in Sola Scriptura is weakening by the day. I've been reading some good cathoic books and I'm beginning to see that I may have return to Rome soon. I'm fairly well read, I have Bachelor Degree in Bible from Baptist school and I've read a ton of Reformed Literature including Calvins Institutes and several of his commentaries.

Presently I'm working my Way through the New Catholic Catechism, Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Carl Keating's Catholicism & Fundamentalism. Great stuff so far.

So Far I've been intrigued by the early Fathers Church Goverment and Eucharistic teaching, the Catholic view of Church & Doctrinal unity and the contraception debate. The Usual Objections about pergatory and Mary don't really bother me. As Sola Scriptura falls I see no problem following the teaching and tradition of the church. If Sola Scriptura was a true doctrine there wouldn't be 300 denominations claming the Bible to be their authority. Seems to me that most people are their own authority. I mean, Moses had no scritpure in his hand, and I'm surely no better than Him. All Moses had was church tradition. unless they Job at that time. Pray for me!!

Barry

Welcome, Barry. Your background will no doubt provide a unique and insightfull perspective to our discussions here in OBOB.

May God richly bless you and may you enjoy your stay here.

Blessings,

-Davide

 

[bigsierra]

I came from the PCA also. May God bless you on your journey.

 

[RichSpidizzy]

I was going through my old subscribed threads, and I came across this. I wonder what ended up happening with our friend Barry? He hasn't signed back onto CF since his last post in this thread