Looking to become catholic.. Maybe?

[Kamtre]

So, im non-denominational, and beleive in various different things from various different denominations. Recently I adopted the Rosary. I had a friend explain that catholics are not evil and don't worship mary (and all other things that are told about them) and I am really wondering whether catholocism is where I want to settle down in.. I was wondering where I can get a list of beleifs that the catholics have.. I know quite a few, and agree with quite a few: We can talk to the saints, mary is in high position in heaven, forgiveness of sins, and a bunch of others that coincide with other denominaitons. I don't quite agree with penance of sins, though.. I beleive that God gives us "karmic concequences" which is like Him punishing us in His own way.. I dunno if its biblical or not, its just what I think. So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? I am gonna try and get an appointment with a priest sometime soon to talk but in the meantime, i'd like some help, Thanks.

 

[Dream]

Before others get into the specifics, I thought I might just point out:

Unlike different Protestant denominations/faiths, somebody doesn't become Catholic because they agree with the majority of things that Catholicism teaches. Rather, somebody becomes Catholic because of only one belief: that the Catholic Church is the true Church instituted by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If one truly believes this, they will then work to conform their own beliefs to those of the Catholic Church, since it was created by God and is without error.

In the same way, you probably wouldn't say you believe in Jesus's teachings because you agree with him on a number of things. Instead, you would probably say that you believe He is the Son of God, and thus work to conform your life to match His teachings.

 

[Angeldove97]

Bless you and I hope you find the right path for your life with Jesus Christ

 

[Markh]

The Catholic Church claims a lot. She claims to have infallible authority, she claims if you reject her in full knowledge you are damned, she claims that her teachings have been protected from error, she claims to have an apostolic succession from the apostles.

She is the only Church who claims these things. These are truths which are conformed from Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Sacred Tradition is an authority source in Catholic Doctrine. The Early Christians were Catholics, all Christians up to 1500ad were Catholic.

Any good work we do is a work moved to by the Grace of God. God is giving you the grace to become a Catholic, do not reject this beautiful and merciful grace. The Church teaches that all men are offered sufficient grace to be saved.

Do not reject God's grace, rather correspond to it, increase your prayer life, pray the rosary frequently (devotion to Mary is the fastest way to Jesus, since God the Holy Spirit forms Jesus deeply in those who correspond to Mary), go and experience Holy Mass.

Catholicism is a beautiful, radical, anchient faith. It speaks with the voice of Christ, it acts in the person of Christ, it is rejected by the world as the world rejected Christ.

 

[Ave Maria]

May God bless you in your path to find the Truth.

 

[churchmilitant]

A good web site for you to check out is scripture catholic.com. I think you'll find it very useful.

 

[MaideninWaiting]

The Baltimore Catechism is good to read. This should help you a lot. Also, "Suprised by Truth: 11 Converts give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic" is a good one to read also.

God bless you on your journey of Truth.


In Christ,
Bridgette

 

[QuantaCura]

Unlike different Protestant denominations/faiths, somebody doesn't become Catholic because they agree with the majority of things that Catholicism teaches.

That's a good point. Scott Hahn, a well-known convert and Biblical scholar himself, said agreeing with the Church is not enough, even if you agree on every point. That is a nice coincidence, but it is not faith. Faith is believing everything the Church has handed down, not because it matches what you believe, but on the authority that it is revealed by God and we assent to what he has revealed because we trust Him to always say and do what is right and good.

 

[QuantaCura]

So, im non-denominational, and beleive in various different things from various different denominations. Recently I adopted the Rosary. I had a friend explain that catholics are not evil and don't worship mary (and all other things that are told about them) and I am really wondering whether catholocism is where I want to settle down in.. I was wondering where I can get a list of beleifs that the catholics have.. I know quite a few, and agree with quite a few: We can talk to the saints, mary is in high position in heaven, forgiveness of sins, and a bunch of others that coincide with other denominaitons. I don't quite agree with penance of sins, though.. I beleive that God gives us "karmic concequences" which is like Him punishing us in His own way.. I dunno if its biblical or not, its just what I think. So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? I am gonna try and get an appointment with a priest sometime soon to talk but in the meantime, i'd like some help, Thanks.

Hi and welcome! Yes, it is true that God punishes us for our own good like a loving father. But loving children often make amends on their own because they love their father so much. This is the essence of penance. It shows God how much we love Him and how sorry we are for our sins by denying ourselves or doing selfess acts of love like prayer, alms giving, or other acts of charity--because true love is selfless. Penance can also be restitution for our sins. While Jesus paid the price and saved us from the eternal consequences of sin, there are still temporal consequences. Just because a thief was forgiven by God, doesn't mean the person the thief harmed is now healed. The thief should make restitution if possible and return what he stole. The same can be said for sins solely against God. We deny Him honor due to Him when we sin against Him, and by offering prayers of penance we try to give Him the honor He is due.

I hope that helps!

 

[selfintercession]

Hey! If you're looking for a good resource, I'd definitely recommend Catholicism for Dummies. Funny as it sounds, it was actually written by two priests and is officially Catholic-approved It's a great resource and it's organized so that you can go straight to the parts that really interest you rather than having to read through it in order if you're a bit short on time.

Also, www.catholic.com and their forums at forums.catholic.com are great resources too.

I was just confirmed this past Easter after spending about 5 years deciding whether this was really the best choice and it was a really awesome experience. When I first started looking into it, I actually spoke to a couple of priests at the local parishes who were really helpful -- I'm sure the priests in your area would be happy to talk either by phone or in person as well, so you should definitely feel free to talk to them once you're ready.

Anyway, good luck and feel free to PM if you ever want to talk about stuff

--Eric

 

[jbarcher]

So, im non-denominational, and beleive in various different things from various different denominations. Recently I adopted the Rosary. I had a friend explain that catholics are not evil and don't worship mary (and all other things that are told about them) and I am really wondering whether catholocism is where I want to settle down in.. I was wondering where I can get a list of beleifs that the catholics have.. I know quite a few, and agree with quite a few: We can talk to the saints, mary is in high position in heaven, forgiveness of sins, and a bunch of others that coincide with other denominaitons. I don't quite agree with penance of sins, though.. I beleive that God gives us "karmic concequences" which is like Him punishing us in His own way.. I dunno if its biblical or not, its just what I think. So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? I am gonna try and get an appointment with a priest sometime soon to talk but in the meantime, i'd like some help, Thanks.

FWIW, as someone who "is not yet there," I recommend you approach this with a lot of patience and engage the people of OBOB. They are kind, very willing to help, and some will do so in ways that will knock you off your chair.

The moral of this post is to nail your chair to the floor.

 

[Kamtre]

FWIW, as someone who "is not yet there," I recommend you approach this with a lot of patience and engage the people of OBOB. They are kind, very willing to help, and some will do so in ways that will knock you off your chair.

The moral of this post is to nail your chair to the floor.

Lol, well thanks for the advice. I am doing alot of thinking, praying, and questioning. I appreciate everyone being so eager to give me advice.

 

[BAFRIEND]

So, im non-denominational, and beleive in various different things from various different denominations. Recently I adopted the Rosary. I had a friend explain that catholics are not evil and don't worship mary (and all other things that are told about them) and I am really wondering whether catholocism is where I want to settle down in.. I was wondering where I can get a list of beleifs that the catholics have.. I know quite a few, and agree with quite a few: We can talk to the saints, mary is in high position in heaven, forgiveness of sins, and a bunch of others that coincide with other denominaitons. I don't quite agree with penance of sins, though.. I beleive that God gives us "karmic concequences" which is like Him punishing us in His own way.. I dunno if its biblical or not, its just what I think. So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? I am gonna try and get an appointment with a priest sometime soon to talk but in the meantime, i'd like some help, Thanks.

Good luck to you.

I also recommend the Baltimore.

There is Catholic little "c" and then there is Catholic big "C" .

The saints in general and the rosary may be considered little "c". Those are not mandatory things. I know that most converts do not pray the rosary or ask intercession rom the saints... But penance is big "C". Ask the Priest about it, he can lead you better than I.

Set up an appointment then go through inquiry and your questions will be answered in time.

 

[stivvy]

....Yes, it is true that God punishes us for our own good like a loving father. But loving children often make amends on their own because they love their father so much. This is the essence of penance. It shows God how much we love Him and how sorry we are for our sins by denying ourselves or doing selfess acts of love like prayer, alms giving, or other acts of charity--because true love is selfless. Penance can also be restitution for our sins. While Jesus paid the price and saved us from the eternal consequences of sin, there are still temporal consequences. Just because a thief was forgiven by God, doesn't mean the person the thief harmed is now healed. The thief should make restitution if possible and return what he stole. The same can be said for sins solely against God. We deny Him honor due to Him when we sin against Him, and by offering prayers of penance we try to give Him the honor He is due....

This is an excellent explination. Everyone read this again!

This is one of the great things I have taken away form this site and all my friends here. A great way to explain my faith and belief to others. I hope many of you know I borrow your sayings and examples very often in my everyday testimonies.

 

[WarriorAngel]

So, im non-denominational, and beleive in various different things from various different denominations. Recently I adopted the Rosary. I had a friend explain that catholics are not evil and don't worship mary (and all other things that are told about them) and I am really wondering whether catholocism is where I want to settle down in.. I was wondering where I can get a list of beleifs that the catholics have.. I know quite a few, and agree with quite a few: We can talk to the saints, mary is in high position in heaven, forgiveness of sins, and a bunch of others that coincide with other denominaitons. I don't quite agree with penance of sins, though.. I beleive that God gives us "karmic concequences" which is like Him punishing us in His own way.. I dunno if its biblical or not, its just what I think. So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? I am gonna try and get an appointment with a priest sometime soon to talk but in the meantime, i'd like some help, Thanks.

Hi.


Nice to see you following where the Spirit leads you.

Everyone said so much and so many good resources.
Just wanted to help you understand that karma is not a Christian doctrine.
It is more Buddhist I do believe.
Karma comes back around as in reincarnation.

Penance is in the Bible.

And I wish you the very best, and God Bless.

 

[HeavenBoundByBlood]

"selfess acts of love like prayer, alms giving, or other acts of charity--because true love is selfless" I think we should do these regardless. Love is demonstrated not just said. It has to be actualized in order for it to be a "real" love.
Is Catholicanswers.com a good site to learn of the Catholic faith?

In His Grace,
Tommy

 

[Amylisa]

That's a good point. Scott Hahn, a well-known convert and Biblical scholar himself, said agreeing with the Church is not enough, even if you agree on every point. That is a nice coincidence, but it is not faith. Faith is believing everything the Church has handed down, not because it matches what you believe, but on the authority that it is revealed by God and we assent to what he has revealed because we trust Him to always say and do what is right and good.

This is a great quote, thank you for sharing this.

Kamtre, it took me almost 3 years to finally become Catholic. I've been a Christian for about 25 years. Jesus gave me faith in His Presence in The Eucharist, and everything grew from there.
I am glad for you that you are praying the Rosary, it is a true blessing. I noticed right away that as I prayed the Rosary, my heart was stirred with so much love for Jesus. And I am SO thankful that Mary is my Mother! As she is yours.
God will lead you. I pray His blessing on you as you seek Him! Love to you in Christ.

 

[restlesslilly]

Hello brother Duckworth and welcome to the Catholic Forum. The Church does not teach that a priest pays for our sins. Are you assuming that we think they do? Could you please restate this and explain what you mean by this brother?


Yours in Christ.

I look forward to the day I realize how much better it is to respond they way you have then with the tone I did. I pray someday I will soon be a better person for God and able to show my beliefs without being defensive about it. God Bless brother

 

[Renton405]

The Catholic Church claims a lot. She claims to have infallible authority, she claims if you reject her in full knowledge you are damned, she claims that her teachings have been protected from error, she claims to have an apostolic succession from the apostles.

She is the only Church who claims these things. These are truths which are conformed from Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Sacred Tradition is an authority source in Catholic Doctrine. The Early Christians were Catholics, all Christians up to 1500ad were Catholic.

Any good work we do is a work moved to by the Grace of God. God is giving you the grace to become a Catholic, do not reject this beautiful and merciful grace. The Church teaches that all men are offered sufficient grace to be saved.

Do not reject God's grace, rather correspond to it, increase your prayer life, pray the rosary frequently (devotion to Mary is the fastest way to Jesus, since God the Holy Spirit forms Jesus deeply in those who correspond to Mary), go and experience Holy Mass.

Catholicism is a beautiful, radical, anchient faith. It speaks with the voice of Christ, it acts in the person of Christ, it is rejected by the world as the world rejected Christ.

Beautiful.. Couldn't of said it any better.. Which church today is constantly persecuted for their beliefs?? THAT is the church of Christ .. The people persecuted christ and his apostles , and the only church today that is persecuted as such is the CC.. I believe this to be a sign from the Holy Spirit

 

[hsilgne]

So why do catholics beleive in Penance for sins? .

QuantaCura really hits the nail on the head.

I would point out that Penance does not "let us off the hook" so to speak. Penance is an outward sign of our committment to God and to follow Him. It's a way of saying "thank You God for your forgiveness".

As for karma... like WA said this is not of Christ.

Sure we have to live with the consequences of our decisions. If we drive through a stop light without stopping, chances are pretty good that we will cause an accident. Just like our decision to not stop has consequences so does our decision to sin. On the contrary, our decisions to do the right thing will naturally have positive consequences in this life and/or thenext.