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Prayerie Pal
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 24th, 2007 |
| Location: | Omaha, Nebraska USA |
| Posts: | 254 |
| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Apr 27th, 2007 10:06 pm |
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The same profound three words that Dr. Ray Guarendi's former parish priest, Fr. Kevin Fete, (God rest his precious, priestly soul) said come to my mind. I have nothing more to add. Nothing more matters.
Doc asked Father Kevin, "Why are you a Catholic?" and he replied:
"Because it's TRUE."
PAX,
pp
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God gave us memory so we could have roses in winter.
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
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| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 01:46 am |
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Prayerie Pal wrote: The same profound three words that Dr. Ray Guarendi's former parish priest, Fr. Kevin Fete, (God rest his precious, priestly soul) said come to my mind. I have nothing more to add. Nothing more matters.
Doc asked Father Kevin, "Why are you a Catholic?" and he replied:
"Because it's TRUE."
PAX,
pp
Yes! And paraphrasing something I once heard Fr. Benedict Groeschel say in a video series, "Why would anyone in their right mind be Catholic if it weren't true?"
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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Prayerie Pal
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| Location: | Omaha, Nebraska USA |
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| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 05:59 am |
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Amen sista! Amen! 
PAX,
pp
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God gave us memory so we could have roses in winter.
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Prodigal Daughter
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| Location: | Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania USA |
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| First Name: | Deborah/PD | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptized Catholic, received First Communion, left during Confirmation year. ... |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 08:55 am |
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Hi Susie,
What a great quote! Pray for TJ and I as we venture out for another talk on our conversion this morning. It is at a young adult retreat at a beautiful shrine in NJ. Hope your trip preparations are going well. Sorry I didn't get back to you in the e-mail, it's been a crazy week. God bless!
Deb
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"Man should tremble, the world should vibrate, all Heaven should be deeply moved when the Son of God appears on the altar in the hands of the priest."
St. Francis of Assisi
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3John4
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| First Name: | Dede | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Protestant, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 03:31 pm |
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I hope this doesn't sound harsh, because I don't mean it that way--but seriously, do you think anyone who isn't already convicted by the truth the Catholic Church holds would be moved by, "Because it's true." or "Why in the world would anyone be Catholic if it weren't true."? I'm sure there are plenty of Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses who have, in essence, said the same thing. If I tried to defend my faith to my militantly Protestant husband with either of those two quotes he would walk away, shaking his head at what he perceived to be as nothihg more than misguided arrogance.
I wish I had been able to participate in the chat. I'm sure there were some very compelling explanations. I am only responding to the posts here in this thread. And, again, I don't mean to sound like I am attacking anyone. I am just so frustrated living as an outcast in my own home because my husband and teen children think Catholicism is heretical, and nothing I say or do makes any difference.
Blessings,
Dede
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 04:00 pm |
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3John4 wrote: do you think anyone who isn't already convicted by the truth the Catholic Church holds would be moved by, "Because it's true."
No. A statement like that is one someone makes at the end of a journey. It's a summary of a lifetime of convictions, doubts, and eventual acceptance. It's not intended to convince anyone else, just to express faith.
I am Catholic because it is the only faith that is logical. It makes sense to my logical mind. That certainly won't convince anyone else of anything, but it's still the truth.
If Mr. Spock was human, he would be Catholic.
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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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Prayerie Pal
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| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 05:52 pm |
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Yes, I agree, Rick. That statement "Because it's TRUE" expresses faith, as you say, after grappling and wrestling with contradictions, doubts, convictions, and eventual acceptance along the journey...as in my case, although I wasn't completely aware of all the contradictions floating about "in my world" until I started really "digging for Truth" and having found myself in a pattern I'd been in for 30 years, the sprial of being "on fire" and then 'embers barely glowing' knowing there was "more than this" and more than "feelings or emotions." Yet my faith hat had been used to hanging on those things, those ''hooks.'' I was hungry for TRUTH, but I couldn't have articulated it 3 years ago exactly as that because for the most part, I'd thought I found "most of what I thought to be True" to get me by...in a wonderful fellowship of Inter-denominals/conglominationals if you will. Why we thought we had the 'best of all denominations' in our mega church. But it sure was hard to make lasting deep friendships when everyone would eventually leave seeking "something more" but what? Truth? Or a just the new 'buzz' in emotions or better music or better youth group, etc. I don't know, but I wanted more truth but was getting frustrated with the 'emptiness' and lack of "Fullness" that I knew existed, but it was evident it didn't exist at Trinity Interdenominational Church, though there were many good things, something was lacking.
Dede, I understand what you're saying and I don't feel attacked in the least. Bless your heart for your honesty. Thank you.
Back in Dec. 2004 when I read Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie (not seeking the Truth of the CC yet, but ''curious" by the words I was reading) Then reading Rome Sweet Home the next day, and then Surprised By Truth the next day... Then I guess the Person called TRUTH, must have radiated in my soul and I was suddenly, almost in a whirlwind convinced the CC had the FULLNESS of TRUTH that it had always claimed (which, to me, had always seemed or sounded a bit arrogant, too.)
Since we're to worship our Lord in "Spirit and in Truth"...and when someone is longing for Truth then...."Because it's True" seems to hit 'home.' I find there aren't too many of my protestant friends that are really that hungry for true truth, but are fairly content with the status quo in these mega churches....where it's "just the essentials"and everything else will fall into place when we die and go to Heaven. However, then we need to ask, (if we are seeking Truth) what are the TRUE essentials? "This is my Body" "This is my blood" are pretty much essentials and are true statements since Jesus said them. Yet those true words through some disciples for a loop and they left Him. Same results today. Many are thrown for a loop because they don't all believe the same about those two statements.
When confronted with that in the books I had delved into, I couldn't settle for less than True. Truth in its fullness as Jesus laid it out in His Church. Truth grabbed my heart and I ran with Him all way way Home. I'm certainly not against my Protestant past, (Methodist) or my family or friends who are Protestant and Evangelical and maybe they're always going to be, I don't know. Maybe they're not going to end up in the same place my famished soul did in Dec. 2004. I think that statement "Because it's True" can only sound like ''misguided arrogance'' to those who think they know 'most of all the truth they need to know' and simply aren't hungry for more. You're right, if they're not looking toward the CC at all, and don't have any inkling the CC is True, then it probably won't move them, but it might plant a seed.
If and when I'm ever asked 'Why are you Catholic, Susie?" the same answer will come from my lips as from Fr. Kevin's, only I because I've traveled the ''road to Truth" and I came to the banks of the Tiber and jumped in and am now swimming to find more Truth. I've come to the "end of a journey," in a sense, but never to the end of learning more about Truth, where the Fullness of Truth is found...in His church, not 'mine.' Protestant belief is so much more individualistic, and "American" than Catholic, I heard so many say, "Me and my Jesus." (I did too years ago) but when one wants the "whole" instead of just parts, then that one will be "moved," however, only by God's grace. It's a mystery to me why I crave Truth and some I know don't. I can only say "Thank you God, for opening my eyes, ears and heart to receive, because it was finally "time?" and "I hope to live in deep gratitude for the rest of my life, because now I'm astounded by Grace and surprised by Truth."
PAX,
pp
Last edited on Sat Apr 28th, 2007 05:57 pm by Prayerie Pal
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BodRod
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| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
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Posted: Sat Apr 28th, 2007 10:23 pm |
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"Because it's True" sounds so small and restrictive when I think of all the "work" I had to do and all the changes of thinking I had to go through over a five year period before becoming a Catholic. As I said on last Wednesday’s evening's chat session, my Grandma Ellyson MADE ME become a Catholic and even though she has been gone 64 years she had made sure that I will ALWAYS remain a Catholic. It is kind of funny when I think about it. She was VERY anti-Catholic (read "anti-what she thought was Catholic"). However, when I lived with her as a little kid, she insisted that I be responsible for my behavior and do what was right. So, 60 some years later, when I dared to read a book about what Catholics believe and checked the Bible references against the Bible I wound up having to do what Grandma said; do what was right, which meant joining the Church. Nowadays, I get a chuckle when I think about her and my mother, who was also VERY anti-Catholic ............. they are both Catholic now! 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Truthseeker
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| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sun Apr 29th, 2007 12:30 pm |
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3John4 wrote: I am just so frustrated living as an outcast in my own home because my husband and teen children think Catholicism is heretical, and nothing I say or do makes any difference.
I can totally relate to that sentiment! I'm loneliest in my own home.
Laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Prayerie Pal
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| Location: | Omaha, Nebraska USA |
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| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 06:57 pm |
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Yes, we too are finding it much harder to try to explain things to our own family. Some are watching us with some curiosity, and some think we're just "too darn Catholic" now.....go figger. Just like Jesus said, paraphrased: "A prophet is never accepted in his own country."
PAX,
pp
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Prodigal Daughter
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| Location: | Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania USA |
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| First Name: | Deborah/PD | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptized Catholic, received First Communion, left during Confirmation year. ... |
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Posted: Mon Apr 30th, 2007 10:19 pm |
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Dede,
I really do feel for you. For 5 years my husband and step-children thought I was crazy for even considering Catholicism. In fact, it was one more thing that separated us as a step-family. I tended to feel like an outcast anyway because of being a step-mother and second wife (even though the first one passed away). However, because Catholicism was true, I couldn't stop pursuing it. I would watch EWTN when I could, read Catholic books every once in a while and say things here and there about Catholic doctrines which I firmly believed in.
More than anything though I prayed for the intercession of the Saints that I could be the best wife and mother possible. They heard my prayers because to this day, my husband says that it was the changes he saw in me which made him consider the Catholic Church.
Don't give up hope. Miracles happen. Just love your family as if they were Jesus in the flesh. And remember you have a family on this forum and a larger one in heaven interceding for you.
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"Man should tremble, the world should vibrate, all Heaven should be deeply moved when the Son of God appears on the altar in the hands of the priest."
St. Francis of Assisi
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
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| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 02:57 am |
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3John4 wrote: I hope this doesn't sound harsh, because I don't mean it that way--but seriously, do you think anyone who isn't already convicted by the truth the Catholic Church holds would be moved by, "Because it's true." or "Why in the world would anyone be Catholic if it weren't true."? I'm sure there are plenty of Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses who have, in essence, said the same thing. If I tried to defend my faith to my militantly Protestant husband with either of those two quotes he would walk away, shaking his head at what he perceived to be as nothihg more than misguided arrogance...
Dede
Dede,
I can't speak for Susie, but when I wrote "Why would anyone in their right mind be Catholic if it weren't true?" - I didn't really mean it as an answer to "move" someone towards becoming Catholic. It was simply a way of expressing that Catholicism makes sense only because it's true. I was paraphrasing Fr. Benedict Groeshchel, and he was talking about how difficult it is to be Catholic. We've been tortured, martyred, mocked... we've been persecuted, rejected, falsely accused... Catholicism is not for the weak of mind and heart, it isn't a popular thing to be, it isn't something that is considered prestigious. Fr. Benedict said the only reason he is Catholic is because Jesus Himself established the Catholic Church as the Way to the Father. There is no other reason to be Catholic.
Btw, quite honestly, I don't think that there are either Mormons or JW's - in fact I don't think there are all that many people of faith at all other than Catholics (I hope that doesn't sound too arrogant; I'm sure there are probably some, but I speak generally) who are really all that concerned with Truth in its Essence, and that's why they are where they are, and why they aren't Catholic. I mean, in my conversations with Protestants that I've come across, for most, the decision on which church to go to is based on mostly personal reasons like how engaging the pastor is, what kinds of groups the church has (like if they have a good youth group or whatever), how good the fellowship or music is, or other externals. But the Truth isn't usually considered as a requirement for Joe Seeking-a-Home-church - at least not in the beginning, usually. I think most people recognize they need "Church" but they're not really sure why until, like many on here, over time they come to realize that "Church" is about more than just fellowship and feelings - and that's when they start becoming interested in Truth and Catholicism.
JMJ
- Cheri
Last edited on Tue May 1st, 2007 03:17 am by Talithacumi
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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3John4
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 12:33 pm |
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As I begin this reply I am hoping it won't sound too obtuse. Because I am convinced the only place for me to find peace and Truth is in the Catholic Church (I did spend 19 years as a Protestant), yet my husband, who also loves the Lord deeply, believes, for him, peace and Truth exist only in the Protestant church, I spend a lot of time right now wondering how this can be so.
It is definitely not because my husband is not fully committed to the Truth. In fact, we live very close to Wheaton College--which if you've been Protestant you may recognize is a well-known evangelical Protestant school with a reputation for being ant-Catholic. I have, in my Protestant days, sat in many a Sunday school class led by various professors from the college. I would say every one of these men and women craved the Truth, and honestly desired to love and serve the Lord. Many of them were brilliant and logical thinkers. To their minds Protestantism obviously made more sense, and it wasn't because they didn't know the facts. Again, I wonder, why is this?
I do not believe Christ wanted the Church to be divided, yet it appears that the Holy Spirit touches us each differently. Part of me says, "Stop complaining; your husband and kids are Christians." but another part of me says, "It's not enough. They are missing so much. I want them to have it all." It's difficult to understand how people whose lives are each focussed on honoring the Lord could interpret Truth so differently.
Dede
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Prayerie Pal
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| Location: | Omaha, Nebraska USA |
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| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 06:32 pm |
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I do not believe Christ wanted the Church to be divided, yet it appears that the Holy Spirit touches us each differently. Part of me says, "Stop complaining; your husband and kids are Christians." but another part of me says, "It's not enough. They are missing so much. I want them to have it all." It's difficult to understand how people whose lives are each focussed on honoring the Lord could interpret Truth so differently.
I totally understand. I have the same thing with many in my husbands family and the few remaining in mine. It's a mystery. I wonder and wonder why it is that we all see or interpret Truth so differently. I only want them to "taste and see" the fullness. I'm more a fulfilled Methodist/Evangelical now that I'm Catholic...and not anti-Protestant but some just don't seem to 'get that' about me now. To some I've become a traitor, to others just an oddity, "why would you go back to the CC when you had the "truth" where you were?" One even said it was fine that I was back in the CC now, because I "know the truth now." Her words. Only when I was in the Evangelical world, was it that I then discovered and finally "knew the truth?" Evidently to her it was. But now all i can say is how I LONG for her to KNOW THE FULLNESS OF THAT TRUTH. For it was only peanuts I got where we were....and in the Chex mix of life, it's best to have ALL the flavors for the whole taste...not just picking out what we think we like best. Mystery .... I'm just grateful to have been brought Home by my Momma Mary and I ask her to help me be the best wife, mom, sister, sister in law, friend that I can be knowing I'll fail a thousand times a day, it's my heart's cry to become a saint and pray for all of those who seem so adrift to finally return to HER blessed arms and those of HOLY MOTHER CHURCH.
PAX,
pp
Last edited on Tue May 1st, 2007 06:39 pm by Prayerie Pal
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lia
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 03:31 am |
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Why I am a Catholic...
Even before I learned some Cathecism and Catholic theology I've already chosen to remain and be Catholic all my life. Why? Because I like adventure Who would not think being Catholic an adventurous lifestyle? There are all these rules and regulation, guidelines, and lots of interesting stuffs to learn about...and all of them geared to make one holy.
Protestantism ... I'm afraid, in my thinking, is very weak and namby-pamby. They can only think of the Church's rules and regulations as "restricting" of their lifestyles...simply because they want to continue such lifestyles...even if deep within their hearts they know it's wrong. Protestantism doesn't make a stand on moral issues. Pressured by it's members, they'll give in. How can one be a member of holders of "truth"...when they can't defend the TRUTH.
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Man can't b forced 2 accept the truth.He can b drawn toward the truth only by his own nature, that is, by his own freedom w/c commits him 2 search sincerely 4 truth & when he finds it, 2 adhere 2 it both in his conviction & his behavior.-- JP2
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Prayerie Pal
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 24th, 2007 |
| Location: | Omaha, Nebraska USA |
| Posts: | 254 |
| First Name: | susie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian,Methodist, Charismatic Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and now Truly Catholic |
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Posted: Wed May 2nd, 2007 08:53 am |
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Amen sista!
I love ADVENTure too! And in the Catholic Church, the whole liturgical year is celebrated (which protestantism mostly disregards except for Easter and Christmas and sadly those are just "days" to them) and so much adventure can be found in each season....so deep and so vast and so very rich in its gifts to us, its members, its 'sheep' who crave a Shepherd who "speaks and holds the Truth" ..... and what a Shepherd we have! PAPA BEN! We left the CC shortly after Pope JPII began his pontificate and returned just before he passed on to glory....I KNOW he prayed us home because of the spread of the New Evangelization...
I love HOLY MOTHER CHURCH and though I never thought I'd be back in her let alone anywhere too near her, the beacon of Truth draws the hungry heart! I'll soon be blessed to go to the Eternal City in two weeks with the Hahns and Mike Aquilina to "BEHOLD OUR MOTHER!" Please pray for me, everyone, that this indeed will be a transforming pilgrimage for me. I so long to grow in holiness and in love. That in the end, in all debates and defense of our faith, I may speak the Truth in love....and when necessary shake the dust from my feet and 'move on'
PAX,
pp
Last edited on Wed May 2nd, 2007 08:57 am by Prayerie Pal
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leavingtheSBC
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Posted: Fri May 4th, 2007 12:40 pm |
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I know it's probably to late for me to get in on these conversations. However, I feel like I have something to say. I was raised Southern Baptist...and I fell in love with this denomination. I went to church by myself as a young child, and my parents decided to join me when i was a teenager.
My life felt like it was complete. I knew the Bible, knew Jesus, and knew the ABC's of salvation...the Southern Baptist Church calls these abc's (admit, believe, confess) 1. Admit you are a sinner. 2. Believe in Jesus Christ. 3. Confess your sins to the Son of God. This is what I was taught and I felt like I had 100% truth. I never even thought about the church fathers, Martin Luther, or Jesus' church founded on St. Peter.
I feel like we need to be careful when we a conversating about people of different faiths. I find that EWTN in many ways addresses different religions very properly and respectfully. We must remember that people of different faiths, like myself at one time, feel like they are connected with Jesus Christ as well. Of course, we want these people to find the truth (the Roman Catholic Church) Yet, we must not forsake the compassion that Jesus Christ commands us to have...as well as the Holy Mother Church.
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church with my family on May 15, 2005. (Pentecost Sunday) My mother, father, and myself entered a world that was totally foreign to us. However, we knew we were in God's hands. Joining the Catholic Church has been a challenge. We miss our family, friends, and pastor. Yet, we go on because we KNOW that the Roman Catholic Church is the Church of Jesus Christ. People showed us this by their love...presenting a pure Catholic embrace.
All I am trying to say is...if we want to reach out and show the light of Catholicism...we must be willing to share our love with one another. Open your hearts to those of different faiths...don't condemn them, or look down upon them. They are only doing what they have been taught.
To the lady who is having problems with your family. (Husband and children protestants) All I can suggest is to love them. Let them know that you are there for them. At times this may be difficult. However, if you really want to reach out to them... show them the love of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...
Thank you all for your time and may God Bless the Coming Home Network.
Josh
Leaving the SBC
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twiggymoo
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Posted: Fri May 4th, 2007 12:53 pm |
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3John4 wrote:
I wish I had been able to participate in the chat. I'm sure there were some very compelling explanations. I am only responding to the posts here in this thread. And, again, I don't mean to sound like I am attacking anyone. I am just so frustrated living as an outcast in my own home because my husband and teen children think Catholicism is heretical, and nothing I say or do makes any difference.
Blessings,
Dede
Dede,
I can really identify with the feelings of being an outcast. I have felt the same way in my own home and although I am convinced of the truth of Catholicism, I have other influences on the home front that tell me otherwise. It makes life difficult and our challenges we face in life become multiplied because in the midst of those challenges, we sometimes question whether we are in the right.
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Darlene
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Posted: Fri May 4th, 2007 02:11 pm |
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twiggymoo wrote: 3John4 wrote:
I am just so frustrated living as an outcast in my own home because my husband and teen children think Catholicism is heretical, and nothing I say or do makes any difference.
Blessings,
Dede
Dede,
I can really identify with the feelings of being an outcast. I have felt the same way in my own home and although I am convinced of the truth of Catholicism, I have other influences on the home front that tell me otherwise. It makes life difficult and our challenges we face in life become multiplied because in the midst of those challenges, we sometimes question whether we are in the right.
Yes, Twiggymoo, what you say is so very true. This past week has been one of those weeks that have made me question whether what I am being drawn to in the Catholic Church is really Truth. I have had fightings from within and without. Bad dreams, inner voices of conflict, and some serious questions about the parish I have been attending. I won't go into that right now, but suffice it to say, I have heard some very troubling things about the parish I have been attending, and oddly enough, from other Catholics. The means whereby I have been hearing these "bad reports" is more than coincidental, and I'm wondering WHY I'm hearing these things at this time. I God trying to tell me something? Is He trying to keep me from making a mistake? I pray every day for the Jesus to lead me into the TRUTH, HIS TRUTH. So I have begun to wonder if the Lord led me to this parish after all.
In addition, I have been in contact with some dear Protestant brethren within the last week, whom I have known for many years. I must say that I have had wonderful fellowship in Christ with them. We have shared very personal matters with each other and keep each other in prayer. I love these dear ones so very much. And they are just like family to my husband and me. We are always welcome in each others' homes, and when we meet, we read the Bible together, we pray for each other, we lay hands on each other if need be, and we even help each other out financially when necessary. In other words, I have witnessed love in action among us over the years. And this is composed of a large network of brethren, all Protestant Evangelicals. These brethren would be "there" for me in a drop of a hat, and the same goes for me with them.
So now, why do I say all of this? Because what I have personally witnessed within the Catholic Church among those whom I have met is a respectful aloofness. Recently, while listening to Father Corapi, he admonished Catholics by saying in effect that how can Catholics just ignore their brothers and sisters who are hurting when they come together for Mass? If the love of Christ is within us, we are compelled to show love in action toward our brothers and sisters and not have the attitude of "I'm here just to worship God and can't be bothered with your problems." Now mind you, this is not an exact quote, but very close.
So I am left with wondering, how in the world is it that those who have the fullness of the truth, can only live as though they have an iota of it? And yet, those who only have some of the truth, can be so filled with joy and love as to embrace it in its totality? I hope you understand what I am saying here, and again, this is my experience. I realize that experiences differ across the board, and are subjective in nature.
I am going through such an inward struggle right now, and just don't know what really awaits me over on the other side through Catholic doors. I am used to living within a Christian environment that expresses love for Jesus in words and in actions, unashamedly. I want the fullness of the truth EXPERIENCIALLY, both in my personal love and worship of the Living God, but also seeing it LIVED OUT among God's people. Often, the reason Catholics can be easy prey for Protestant Evangelicals is because they are able to meet a "Jesus with skin on" so to speak. These Catholics will encounter Evangelical Protestants who are filled with the love and joy of Jesus Christ and are able to express that in words and actions, something they found lacking within the Catholic Church. Again, please don't misunderstand what I am saying. These Catholics who leave their faith are NOT justified in becoming anti-Catholic and as a result, condemn Catholicism. If one has the love of Christ within them, they are compelled to love their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Yet, we as humans need to "feel" the love of Jesus from within the body of Christ. We need to experience fellowship with one another so that when one person is hurting, or physically suffering, or having financial problems, we can depend upon our brothers and sisters in Christ to sympathize and empathize with us. Right now, in "Protestantland" I have access to this blessed fellowship of believers. What, I ask, awaits me on the other side? I want to SEE God's love in action.
Pray for me that the Holy Spirit guides me during this conflicting time in my life.
Love in Christ,
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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twiggymoo
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| First Name: | Twiggymoo | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Nazarene, Free Methodist, Baptist..Romeward bound |
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Posted: Fri May 4th, 2007 04:19 pm |
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I agree with Darlene in the previous post. However, for me the draw to Catholicism is more on an intellectual level, as well as the truth. Jesus said "I will build my Church". I can see in history that this is exactly what He has been doing, "building". The Catholic Church is a strong bulwark, a structure, 2,000 yrs old. The writings of the saints are full of depth and wisdom that is timeless. What wisdom and depth do the writings of today's evangelicals reflect? How to be purpose-driven? How to succeed? Or why do bad things happen to 'good' people? The church in its writings has already dealt with the issues of life.
Protestants, in their bias, refuse to believe what is in Scripture right before their eyes if it sounds too "catholic". Thus we see how they treat Mary and how they dismiss purgatory, etc...when there are clear indications of Mary's holiness and virginity and mention of a middle place. Just their biases alone move me away.
Yes, what is lacking in Catholic people can be made up in Protestant evangelicals - they are more fervent in their faith, belief. I wish it wasn't so and I think this poses a real dilemma for many seeking the truth in Catholicism.
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 868 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Fri May 4th, 2007 05:05 pm |
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twiggymoo wrote: I agree with Darlene in the previous post. However, for me the draw to Catholicism is more on an intellectual level, as well as the truth. Jesus said "I will build my Church". I can see in history that this is exactly what He has been doing, "building". The Catholic Church is a strong bulwark, a structure, 2,000 yrs old. The writings of the saints are full of depth and wisdom that is timeless. What wisdom and depth do the writings of today's evangelicals reflect? How to be purpose-driven? How to succeed? Or why do bad things happen to 'good' people? The church in its writings has already dealt with the issues of life.
Protestants, in their bias, refuse to believe what is in Scripture right before their eyes if it sounds too "catholic". Thus we see how they treat Mary and how they dismiss purgatory, etc...when there are clear indications of Mary's holiness and virginity and mention of a middle place. Just their biases alone move me away.
Yes, what is lacking in Catholic people can be made up in Protestant evangelicals - they are more fervent in their faith, belief. I wish it wasn't so and I think this poses a real dilemma for many seeking the truth in Catholicism.
Yes Twiggymoo, you hit the nail on the head, for me anyway. :? Yet I too have been drawn to the Catholic faith on the intellectual/truth level and even the mystical level. But again, I need a Jesus with skin on! Help me out here, man!!
I can see the fallicy of Sola Scriptura, and this weak link in the chain has convinced me intellectually of the need for an objective ruling body to interpret the scriptures and to lead the Church into the truth, namely the Magesterium. And I have read much literature about the Eucharist and the Early Church Fathers and their belief in the Real Presence. John 6, and St. Paul's statements concerning the Lord's Supper as well as early church history, have convinced me that the Eucharist is more than just a memorial meal. Thus I will have a hard time this Sunday even taking Communion and most likely will not. Then the mystical side of prayer. I have had such joy so many times over praying the Holy Rosary. And I've also grown in meditative prayer, just focusing on the mysteries. All of these experiences have been truly wonderful.
Yet I say to myself, perhaps I can just continue on as I have been, being blessed by Catholic doctrine, reading Catholic literature, praying the rosary, being blessed by the truth of the Catholic Church. And yet, at the same time, continue in fellowship with my Evangelical brethren and being blessed by their hospitality and encouragement in the faith. Then I'll have the best of both worlds, so to speak.
Ho hum, what's a Catholic seeking Protestant to do?  :? 
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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