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JustaServant
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| Joined: | Wed Dec 19th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Dec 19th, 2007 01:49 pm |
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Hello, I would like to share my journey back home to the Catholic Church:
http://www.speroforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4693
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Former fundamentalist preacher, now a Catholic.
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StephenC
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Dallas, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 51 |
| First Name: | Stephen | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, SBC, Nothing, Back home in 2006 |
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Posted: Wed Dec 19th, 2007 04:02 pm |
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| WOW! Welcome home!
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tedjenczewski
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| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 162 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 20th, 2007 11:35 am |
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| Praise God for this witness to the truth. The scriptural and historical basis for your return to the Catholic faith is well presented and will be helpful to many.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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TotusTuus
Member
| Joined: | Tue Oct 31st, 2006 |
| Location: | Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 113 |
| First Name: | Mark | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic (thanks Mom and Dad!) |
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Posted: Thu Dec 20th, 2007 05:33 pm |
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Hey James,
That is a great story. I really enjoyed reading it. But I think you must still have a couple of installments to go to describe your recommitment to the Church. Let us know when you post again!
Thanks.
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TTM!
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1227 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Nominal Methodist / evangelical non-denom / "Bapticostal" / Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 20th, 2007 05:38 pm |
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Welcome to the forum, James, and thanks for sharing your story.
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 1900+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1212 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Dec 20th, 2007 08:11 pm |
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Justaservant, thank you for the link to your story. I enjoyed reading it and saw some familiar observations. I'm glad you have found this forum, and we look forward to hearing from you again. God bless 
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JustaServant
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| Joined: | Wed Dec 19th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Dec 21st, 2007 11:11 am |
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Thanks for your kind words. I do indeed hope my experience is helpful to those coming out of fundamentalism.
Often fundamentalists will quote John "They went out from us because they were not of us". I often here this verse (ab)used by fundamentalists who encounter one of their own who (like me) has 'left the fold' of fundyism. Especially if they DARE to attend a Catholic or other Liturgical churches. It's an easy verse to pull out to pummel people with when they walk away from the craziness. 'Once saved always saved' becomes 'never saved to begin with'.
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Former fundamentalist preacher, now a Catholic.
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EMarshallBuckles
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 524 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Fri Dec 21st, 2007 12:50 pm |
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As one who loves and respects the Roman Catholic Church and my Catholic brothers and sisters, I have come to appreciate much about the Roman Catholic Church. One thing that is lacking in many of the protestant church denominations which have an independent local church structure (or lack of structure perhaps it would be better to say) is that they don't have the oversight that the Roman Catholics and other hierarchy denominations have. Mind you, although they are lacking in the eyes of our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, I have known of some independent protestant churches which have been models of Christian life. On the other hand, I have been aware of some independent protestant churches which have been, so to speak, "horror stories" of what a church should NOT be. The Baptist church of which I am currently at least a nominal member is seeking a new Senior Pastor. I have advised the Pastor Search Comittee that when they find a person whom they feel is a suitable final candidate, they really need to do a criminal records check (including running their fingerprints and DNA through national data bases), a child protective services record check, a credit records check, have psychological tests administered, etc. - in other words, a complete background investigation. My understanding is that they have agreed that this extensive check is needed and that they are arranging for an executive screening firm to thoroughly check out the top candidate when they decide upon one. Yes, this also sounds extreme, however, especially nowadays, you really cannot be too careful especially if you are looking for a Pastor or Ministers for independent, autonomous churches. On the other hand, if an independent church finds out that it's Pastor or one of its Ministers is involved in questionable activities or has committed a crime or moral indiscretion, it is a whole lot easier to, um, uh, "out place them" than it is for the hierarchy denominations although I have heard of some Bishops who will "kick hindparts and take names" (that is to say, to take disciplinary action") fairly quickly.
With the above in mind, some people do question the existence of hell and the existence of "the Evil One" (a/k/a "The Devil") however, Jesus, Himself, taught that they DO exist. Every Christian and every church and denomination has to remember that "the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." We have to put on the "spiritual armor" and be on our guard together with our Lord Jesus Christ Who is always with us. Some will fall into temptation and sin. They can be reconciled, if they are willing, however, whether or not they repent and turn from their sins, they can end up doing damage. The Devil has been defeated, he has lost the war, however, he is still engaged in final skirmishes, trying to see whom he can take into defeat with him. We need to be on guard. I am sorry that James (JustaServant) had the bad experiences which he had. He was a lot more patient with the Minister involved than I would have been (I try to be a gentleman at all times and to practice Christian compassion, however, there comes a time when "my slow fuse finally burns down" and "my cannon goes off" - one of my failings, I am sad to admit). At the church of my childhood, sadly, the Senior Minister there was a major problem for several years. I finally took action, behind the scenes, and he is not there anymore (last I heard he had moved out to the midwest somewhere after he "got the boot"). Thankfully, they now have a new Senior Minister who seems to be a true man of God so far. Anyway, I think that, especially in the protestant denominations, both the seminaries and the churches need to be more careful about screening candidates and about who actually become the church leaders and Ministers (or Priests in some denominations) as well as about monitoring their performance, in a fair way, while they are serving. Personally, I am glad that the Lord has not called me to be a Minister. That is one really tough calling in life.
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 877 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Fri Dec 21st, 2007 01:24 pm |
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I think those of us who have suffered abuse and mistreatment within a particular church/fellowship, must keep ourselves and our attitude in check. I was part of a sect/cult that treated its members atrociously. The leader was a despot, who openly and unabashedly attacked anyone who would question him. Since I've left that cult, I haven't encountered anything in the Protestant world that even comes close to the treatment members suffered there.
Jesus has done a wonderful work within my heart over the years. I wanted to be healed of my unforgiveness toward that cult leader for quite some time. It plagued me that I was so angy with him. Just recently I was thinking about him. I imagined meeting him. And just then such love welled up in my heart toward this man. I was truly saddened at the spiritual condition of this man. My desire is that he will ask forgiveness for the wrongful treatment of so many under his care. May the Lord have mercy on his soul. May God grant him the ability to humble himself and repent of his wrongful deeds.
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4981 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 01:23 pm |
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Darlene wrote: Just recently I was thinking about him. I imagined meeting him. And just then such love welled up in my heart toward this man. I was truly saddened at the spiritual condition of this man. My desire is that he will ask forgiveness for the wrongful treatment of so many under his care. May the Lord have mercy on his soul. May God grant him the ability to humble himself and repent of his wrongful deeds.
Darlene, this is an incredible breakthrough for you. You have made a tremendous stride in your path to holiness, and it is a marvelous Christmas gift to all who have been praying for your recovery. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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tedjenczewski
Member
| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 162 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 07:11 pm |
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| Darlene, I am deeply moved by your obedience to faith. God wil be the judge, and he has pronounced judgement in those who would scatter his flock. God bless you
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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JustaServant
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| Joined: | Wed Dec 19th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Dec 23rd, 2007 06:00 pm |
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| I have been blessed by the fact that any abuse me or my family has recieved within the walls of fundamentalism has been minimal. That is not so for others. Victims many times are blamed themselves and accused of 'whining' as the powers that be minimize their experience. Man centered religion will always reap havoc on peoples lives.
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Former fundamentalist preacher, now a Catholic.
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JustaServant
Member
| Joined: | Wed Dec 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 11:34 pm |
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It has been a real joy to start off this new year as a Catholic once again. Words cannot express the joy I have had since I returned. The completeness one feels is overwhelming. I look back on my days in fundamentalism now as a fading memory of a child. I don’t know if others have felt this way who have returned to the Church. I felt like what I had before was only a ‘50%’ Christianity. I look back on it like an adult looks back on the errors and mistakes of adolescence. God has restored so many things in my life.
I feel like I’ve finally grown up and became adult.
What a joy it is to receive the Eucharist knowing it is the Body and Blood of Christ. What joy it is to WORSHIP once again the way God intended. What a joy it is to go to a priest and confess my sins and know they are forgiven. What a joy it is to pray to our Lady who loves us and prays for us daily. What a joy it is to know there is an old German fellow in Rome who watches over our souls and one whom I can call a brother in Christ. What a joy it is to be part of a Church that is 2000 years old.
If non-Catholics knew how wonderful it is to be a Catholic, they would flock to it in droves.
I pray to our Lady for more converts.
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Former fundamentalist preacher, now a Catholic.
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4981 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sat Jan 19th, 2008 02:06 am |
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JustaServant wrote:If non-Catholics knew how wonderful it is to be a Catholic, they would flock to it in droves.
A famous convert (Chesterton?) once said before he became Catholic that if Catholics truly understood the Eucharist, the churches wouldn't be big enough to contain them. We pray that some day Catholics will understand the wonders of the Eucharist, and then the non-Catholics will see their joy and follow them to Jesus!
Welcome home.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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JustaServant
Member
| Joined: | Wed Dec 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 11:32 am |
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Created a blog for my Journey Home to the Catholic Church.
http://thetrailhome.blogspot.com/
Starting next month this former fundamentalist preacher will be serving as a lector.
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Former fundamentalist preacher, now a Catholic.
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Parodyonlife
Member
| Joined: | Mon Jan 14th, 2008 |
| Location: | Corning, New York USA |
| Posts: | 112 |
| First Name: | John | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | NEW CATHOLIC!!! W( ) ( )T!!! |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 11:00 pm |
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Welcome home. Many many blessings, And my prayers  .
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Jackie
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 12th, 2007 |
| Location: | Jersey Shore, New Jersey USA |
| Posts: | 114 |
| First Name: | Jackie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Feb 8th, 2008 07:47 pm |
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James, your story is facinating. By Page 3 Post 30 the knot in my throat gave way to unabashed tears. You bring the reader into your anguish/turmoil and triumph. Welcome to the forum.
God's Peace Always ~ In All Way's Jackie
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