hello everyone, i still have a few questions.

[ironford]

hello everyone, im sure no one remembers me posting on hear before but im still here and have been thing about god a lot lately and what to believe in i have read the case for faith and the case for christ. i just don't understand much about the pope and why we need one and what he really does and a bunch of other things about religion. i also don't understand a lot about the catholic church and how am i soupose to know its the right church i know my typing isn't the best right now but im typeing with a broken hand. (got drunk and mad and punched a lot of things quit drinking 2 weeks a go and this is the longest in 3 years i have been with out alchol) anyways can anyone suggest a good book or anything? or mabye tell me somethings you have learned or doubs you had and what you found out to be the truth


thanks,

joe

 

[Metanoia02]

joe,

Here is an online copy of a book by Robert Hugh Benson "Religion of the Plain Man".
http://www.archives.nd.edu/episodes/visitors/rhb/bensonm.htm

It is written to those who are searching for "The Church". It is not heavy in theology, because the way Benson puts it:

The book is intended for the "man in the Street," who, after all, has a certain claim on our consideration, since JESUS CHRIST came to save his soul. This man in the street, like myself, is entirely unable to discourse profoundly upon the Fathers, or to decide where scholars disagree in matters of simple scholarship. His religion is composed partly of emotion a good deal of Scripture, partly of imagination and, to a very small extent, of reason. He is competent to say what he thinks a text probably means; and to recognize a few of the plainer facts of history, such as that Rome has always had some sort of a Pope, and that ambition and wickedness may perhaps have characterized certain persons high in ecclesiastical affairs. He is capable also of understanding that oaks grow from acorns, and athletes from babies; and of perceiving a law or two in the development of life; he can grasp that poison has a tendency to kill; and that two mutually exclusive propositions require a good deal of proof before they can be accepted as different aspects of one truth.

 

[lonnienord]

my two fav books on these topics are:
The Bible
the Catachasm of the Catholic Church

 

[graysparrow]

First Aid 101?

Now, seriously:

"The way" by S. Josemaría Escriva de Balaguer, very easy to read.
http://www.opusdei.org/art.php?w=32&p=67

The book of James... easy and always helps

 

[ironford]

Catholicism for Dummies is this any good?

 

[Dream]

Catholicism for Dummies is this any good?

It's wonderful. I still use mine for a reference.

Go with the Dummies book and not the Idiot's Guide.

 

[Tawny]

I have it too, and anything I can't find in there I ask on here

 

[ProCommunioneFacior]

Definitely go with the Catholicism for Dummies. It is written by two great priests.

In addition, for a shorther read that does as a swell job in explaining the Catholic Church, try this:

http://www.catholic.com/library/Pillar.asp

Let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[Franze]

All of them, are wonderful book, now read

 

[ironford]

why do catholics need a pope?

 

[AMDG]

why do catholics need a pope?

Jesus decided that we need a head of His Church to guide His Church until the end of time and avoid the chaos that comes when everybody thinks that whatever he does is right. Jesus chose Peter to be that head and every Pope is a successor of Peter. (We can actually see how that works from various Biblical texts.) IOW, Jesus decided.

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

hello everyone, im sure no one remembers me posting on hear before but im still here and have been thing about god a lot lately and what to believe in i have read the case for faith and the case for christ. i just don't understand much about the pope and why we need one and what he really does and a bunch of other things about religion. i also don't understand a lot about the catholic church and how am i soupose to know its the right church thanks,

joe

Hay Joe,

Here is something you should seriously consider:

Discerning the Church which JesusChrist founded.

There are a few things we know about this true church:

1) Jesus only foundedt ONE church (Matt 16:18).

2) It was built by Jesus Christ himself which means that the "true church" must be about 2000 years old. (Matt 16:18)

3) This church is the God -ordained upholder, protector and defender of the truth (1 Tim 3:15).

4) This church is the fullness of Christ (Eph 1:22-23) which means that it is also the fullness of truth (John 14:6).

5) The unity of this church will be proof to the world that Jesus was sent by God (John 17:21,23). In order for this unity to be seen by the world this church must be a visible church.

6) The unity of this church must be a unity like that which exists between Jesus and the Father (John 17:21-23), therefore there can be no contradictions in doctrine. The Father and the Son do not disagree on doctrine therefore neither can the "true church".

7) This church can never change what it proclaims to be true. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) therefore truth is the same yesterday, today and forever (John 14:6).

 

[MParedon]

Hi fordracing_man, I just wanted to say that I do remember you! If I'm correct you posted about medals, right? and Patron Saints.

As for books there are many that explain Catholicism the one that decided Catholicism for me once and for all was Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating, he left me no wiggle room at all. But I do warn you that any reader needs some thick skin reading through some parts (I know I did).

I also suggest Spiritual Workout of A Former Saint by Danny Abramowicz. It might be a book to help you out a little, while you struggle with alcohol, etc..

 

[ZooMom]

Hey, Joe! I remember you! Glad to see you here again! Maria, I think I remember his thread about dogs...


All the book recommendations are great. The best one is going to be the Catechism. It will explain everything you want to know, and the language truly isn't that high-flown.

In short, the Pope is the Apostolic Successor of St. Peter the Apostle, whom Christ entrusted with 'feeding His sheep', the Keys to Heaven, and being a rock to build the Church upon. Christ established a visible 'head' of the Church on earth. He wouldn't have done that if He didn't think the Church needed one. We follow His example.

Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[LeadingLady]

why do catholics need a pope?

Religion tells us we need alot of things...Jesus said we worry about many things but only one thing is needed...GOD..

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

why do catholics need a pope?

To manage funds and accumulate wealth.

With good stewardship over the centries we'd be as broke as most protestant churches

 

[LeadingLady]

Hay Joe,

Here is something you should seriously consider:

Discerning the Church which JesusChrist founded.

There are a few things we know about this true church:

1) Jesus only foundedt ONE church (Matt 16:18).

2) It was built by Jesus Christ himself which means that the "true church" must be about 2000 years old. (Matt 16:18)

3) This church is the God -ordained upholder, protector and defender of the truth (1 Tim 3:15).

4) This church is the fullness of Christ (Eph 1:22-23) which means that it is also the fullness of truth (John 14:6).

5) The unity of this church will be proof to the world that Jesus was sent by God (John 17:21,23). In order for this unity to be seen by the world this church must be a visible church.

6) The unity of this church must be a unity like that which exists between Jesus and the Father (John 17:21-23), therefore there can be no contradictions in doctrine. The Father and the Son do not disagree on doctrine therefore neither can the "true church".

7) This church can never change what it proclaims to be true. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) therefore truth is the same yesterday, today and forever (John 14:6).

Very well said...I have to agree with all that you said..We need to get back to the basics and stop adding to the word of GOD or removing stuff we dont like...Its not about us..Its about HIM...Pleasing HIM and doing what HIS word says to do..

 

[MParedon]

Hi LeadingLady, Welcome to OBOB!

You are correct only one thing is needed...GOD! And when God gives me a Pope for His Church, I will not turn my back on Him.

 

[Carrye]

Jesus said we worry about many things but only one thing is needed...GOD..

And just as God, in his wisdom, brought salvation into the world as a baby through a woman (a most unusual means), so too he gave us Peter and Peter's successors. Why? So his followers would never be lost.

 

[LeadingLady]

Hi LeadingLady, Welcome to OBOB!

You are correct only one thing is needed...GOD! And when God gives me a Pope for His Church, I will not turn my back on Him.

No one said you should...That was not my goal..I have pastor..you have a pope both are meant to lead us like you said...I agree....It does not matter if you have a pope or pastor...Just get under a Godly Leader. One that will not change the word ...