Advice for a evangelical beginning his search?

[mitex]

Good luck on your journey Dean! Although when I went through mine I did not end at my intended destination Roman Catholicism has a lot to offer protestant Christians. Don’t give up and keep asking questions!

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Hello all -
I’ve been protestant my whole life…the last 12 - 15 yrs we’ve been attending an evangelical church…basically raised 2 daughters there. And really have had the stereotypical view of the Catholic faith that most of you all imagine. On Easter Sunday, I watched the movie “Song of Bernadette”. To say it started me thinking is a great understatement!..but for some reason, my view toward the Catholic faith is now very different…I just knew that the God that I love (and try to serve) would not doom such faithfull servants. I also realized that all I know is what I’ve been taught…and all I’ve been taught is what I’ve been open to learn about . Make sense? Let’s just say my view is starting to widen. I am ashamed of how close minded I’ve been…and of the fact that I taught my kids in this manner, too. I feel like a sheep that has been just following along. Oh, BTW…both of my grown daughters have married Catholic men.

I’ve got plenty of questions to get answers to…starting with the basic things, I guess. The Catholic Answers site has an amazing amount of info…and I’m becoming addicted to reading it. I’m wanting to gain enough knowledge to honestly make my own decisions. Right now, I have no idea how I’ll think about things…but I’m truly motivated to learn.

One of my concerns is how to explain this to family and friends…the fact that I am even reading and learning about Catholicism will be enough to flip some of them out. Any of you have to deal with this?..maybe I should just keep it to myself.

I just found the thread about books to read to learn…so I may pick up a book or 2.

I guess this thread might be an appeal for support as much as anything, as I am a little unsure about all of this…

I guess for now, I’m thanking God for opening my eyes a little.

Any thoughts or advise would be most welcome. Thanks.

Dean

Dear Dean,

Welcome to Catholic Answers! The Non-Catholic Religions forum is still overwhelmingly packed with these creepy Catholics (just kidding), but there are plenty of people from other Christian denominations (and non-Christian faiths) willing to answer whatever questions you might have.

Until a couple of years ago, I was very much in your same position. I was raised Evangelical (Pentecostal, to be precise), and never thought anything of it until a watershed moment changed things dramatically. It was on Christmas Eve. My church had neglected to do its traditional Christmas Eve service, and it annoyed me greatly. A good friend of mine at the time invited me to attend her Lutheran church. And I thought: why not? After all, since we’re descendants of Lutherans, we must be similar in worship. But when I attended the Divine Service (as they call it) I saw just how remarkably similar Lutheranism was to Catholicism. So I began to research, and I prayed, and I said to God “show me where you want me, and lead me there no matter what I want” - realizing that it would also mean huge doubts, a lot of confusion, and a lot of seemingly dead ends.

I am still searching, though I’ve come to fall somewhere between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and High Lutheranism (leaning mostly toward Catholicism).

If I could give you any advice, it’d be:

I) Realize what you’re getting yourself into. If you want to get into an in-depth search on theology, know that it will be heard, and will require a lot of studying, fact-checking, counter-checking, and discernment.

II) Baby steps - Some of it is a lot to process. Trying to understand it all can be a daunting task. Take it slowly. Don’t rush with any of this. It’ll be a long process either way.

III) You might learn some things you do not want to ultimately know. Please don’t take this as a swipe toward you. One of the more devastating episodes in my journey is when I came to a conclusion (my personal conclusion, of course, it may not be yours) that most of what I grew with in Evangelicalism was wrong. Realizing that you might have gotten it wrong can sting real bad. You might not have that conclusion. You might be solidified in your faith. But know that even for that to happen, you will have to accept learning things that might greatly shake that faith.

IV) Talk to a priest! I attended a few times an Orthodox parish near my house. I eventually mustered the courage to ask the priest if I could ask him questions about Orthodoxy and Church history. He happily agreed. And it was exceptionally rewarding and I learned a lot.God bless that man and his lovely parishioners. I would strongly encourage you to try this, or something similar to this.

V) Praaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Oh, I think it should be important to add:

Know that, despite everyone’s best intentions, we are all biased one way or another, so be sure to take all of our recommendations and our book suggestions with a grain of salt.

 

[dal61]

Again, thanks for all of the loving support…

Very informative, FabiusMaximus…thanks for sharing.

Our grandson was born last evening (we are so blessed)…so my attention has been diverted a little…but I’ll soon have some time to try to take advantage of some of the suggestions here.

Blessings to you.

 

[Miriam1947]

Welcome to the journey!

dal61, Have you thought of asking your sons-in-law about the Church?

They might be able to answer a lot of questions for you.

 

[David]

I recommend EWTN. Their website is great and you can watch via the live stream on your computer. The Journey Home, which I think is on every Monday is hosted by a former Evangelical and has conversion stories.
I like to download the free mp3’s from the audio library section, and put them on my mp3 player.

Peace
David

 

[nevadairenaeus]

I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I did read the book The Song of Bernadette before I became Catholic. Did you know that it was written by a non-Catholic, a Jewish refuge from Nazism?

For 2000 years Christ has been working through his Church, producing great saints in every age. You might also like the book My Life with the Saints by James Martin, which was for me a kind of introduction to the whole saints thing. Now as a newly baptized Catholic I find the ‘communion of the saints’ to be one of the most beautiful and powerful aspects of the Catholic faith. All the faithful men and women of the past and present belonging to one Body whose Head is Christ. As Paul wrote, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.”

 

[VeiledCatholic]

Hi Dean!:tiphat:
I guess I am what you would call a re-convert, no…that’s not the word…eh, we’ll just go with lapsed Catholic… I was baptized, did my 1st Communion, Confirmation etc in the Catholic church. Left the Church at 16. Mind you I came from a non practicing Catholic Christian home.
Got saved / born again /gave my heart to the LORD at the age of 20 in 2001. Was part of the Pentecostal church for several years…then floated…then was part of the conservative Mennonite church, plus got involved in the Torah keeping / Hebrew Roots movement until just recently. The LORD is leading me back home to Rome. HalleuYAH :egyptian:
I’m an apologetics junkie and enjoy defending Truth when I see it. I thought I ‘saw’ it in all those other denominations, boy was I wrong. But that’s what life is about, learning. And I am not ashamed to admit I was wrong.
I’m currently reading ‘Catholicism For Dummies’ and I would recommend that if you haven’t read it already. It really simplifies Catholicism for ya and makes it easy to understand.
Maybe begin attending Mass. Most parishes have a weekday service every day (it’s usually only 30 minutes). Since coming back home to Rome, I’ve been trying to get to Mass daily, sometimes twice on Sunday to different parishes because I can’t get enough of it. Plus I am learning all the new stuff that has come about since I left 15 years ago.
Blessings to you Bro!

 

[maltmom]

Again, thanks for all of the loving support…

Very informative, FabiusMaximus…thanks for sharing.

Our grandson was born last evening (we are so blessed)…so my attention has been diverted a little…but I’ll soon have some time to try to take advantage of some of the suggestions here.

Blessings to you.

Congratulations on the birth of your grandson. I’m so thankful that it went well.

 

[dal61]

Thanks maltmom - He was 6 lb, 15 oz and handsome as ever. I love Proverbs 17:6 - “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

I took a little time and watched a couple you-tube videos on Eucharistic Adoration. I really don’t know what to say, but this is a concept that I’ve never even heard of. I can see that this is a way to really feel the spirit of the Lord.

Keeping in mind I have just gone throught the birth of a grandson…the first thing the midwife does when the baby is born is lay the newborn on his mama’s chest for a time of “skin to skin” bonding…and a time for the baby to learn to nurse…what a wonderful way for both the mama and the baby to just experience and bask in that special love they share…adoration, if you will. I can’t help but to compare it a little with the Adoration of the Eucharist…being able to, in a way, spend some “skin to skin” with our Lord. A way to form a closer bond with Him. If I am on track here, this could be a powerful thing.

 

[Erich]

I will second the recommendation of Scott Hahn’s books which several on this thread have already made. Rome, Sweet Home is his/Kimberly’s conversion story.

I also recommend Mark Shea’s By What Authority? an Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition; it’s a fairly small book, but carries a powerful punch.

 

[maltmom]

Thanks maltmom - He was 6 lb, 15 oz and handsome as ever. I love Proverbs 17:6 - “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”

I took a little time and watched a couple you-tube videos on Eucharistic Adoration. I really don’t know what to say, but this is a concept that I’ve never even heard of. I can see that this is a way to really feel the spirit of the Lord.

Keeping in mind I have just gone throught the birth of a grandson…the first thing the midwife does when the baby is born is lay the newborn on his mama’s chest for a time of “skin to skin” bonding…and a time for the baby to learn to nurse…what a wonderful way for both the mama and the baby to just experience and bask in that special love they share…adoration, if you will. I can’t help but to compare it a little with the Adoration of the Eucharist…being able to, in a way, spend some “skin to skin” with our Lord. A way to form a closer bond with Him. If I am on track here, this could be a powerful thing.

awwww what a beautiful thought. I went to Adoration for the 1st time two days before speaking to my priest about being confirmed. It was one of the most intense (in a good way) spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. I could feel the presence of God the min I walked into the church. 17 days later I was confirmed and received the Eucharist for the 1st time. Please go to Adoration at a local church. Most of them have webpages. I’m sure there is a church in your area that will have a time that you can go. It is a very powerful thing.

 

[neophyte]

…Any thoughts or advise would be most welcome. Thanks.

Dean

Commit yourself to an hour of Eucharistic adoration once a week.

Not sure what books you’ve gotten, but I recommend “Catholicism and Fundamentalism” by Keating, and “Frequent Confession” by Benedict Baur.

And, of course, the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

And Peter Kreeft’s podcasts… the list goes on and on. There’s an overwhelming wealth of Catholic writing.

OH, OH!!!.. “Story of a Soul” by St. Therese of Lisieux.

 

[po18guy]

I guess for now, I’m thanking God for opening my eyes a little.

Any thoughts or advise would be most welcome. Thanks.

Dean

Hi Dean,

I’m in a very similar position. I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, and much of my church experience has been either Baptist or non-denominational. I recently completed a graduate degree in history, with my thesis focused on Church history from the Byzantine era. During my thesis research I found myself becoming more and more interested in Catholicism. My mother always referred to herself as a “recovering Catholic,” and my wife thinks of herself in much the same way. The only devout Catholic in my life was my grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. As a Protestant, I never fully understood her beliefs-- but, I didn’t ask, either! So, my feelings on Catholicism have never been particularly positive. But, I feel like my eyes are finally being opened, and I am much more willing to learn about what may very well be the true Church Christ intended. I still have a lot of questions, but I’ve read a couple books recently that have helped in my path: Why Catholic?, by Ray Chidell, and What Catholics Believe, by Fr. Martin Pable. I’m looking to read more, so any recommendations are also greatly appreciated.

Thanks and God Bless!
R

IMO, an excellent introduction to the faith is Catholicism for Dummies. It is an easily read, plain English book, written by two Priests who have two PhDs and a ThD between them. It explains the whats as well as the whys of Catholicism. I highly recommend it. Even if you do not convert, you will possess the truth about the faith. I learn something about the faith each time I open it up.

A slightly more serious delving into the faith can occur at your local parish. They have inquiry classes for those interested. Far better, the Lord Jesus Christ is there. Ask about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, or as it’s commonly known: holy hour. Go and spend silent time before our Lord and ask Him to reveal His presence to you. You may be amazed sooner, or you may be amazed later, but you will be amazed.

 

[JeremyDuo]

Hi Dean,

I hope you know the Heavenly population are preparing your ‘Homecoming’ party as we speak!! Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Lk 15:7) I will raise a glass at home in your name on the day.

If you would like, Private message me and together we can walk the path home. I will answer any questions you may have or point you in the direction you need to go.

If you prefer I can give you my email in a private message.

I hope and pray your Grandson was born healthy, and I congratulate you on his birth.

In my prayers, Dean!

God bless you abundantly!!

Jeremy xx

 

[KathleenGee]

Dal…

God bless you! St. Bernadette touched my soul the most. So humble. You have been given good advice and love by others here.

 

[dal61]

To you all -
What an amazing week this has been for me. On top of welcoming my grandson to this world, I am almost overwhelmed by all of the responses of love , support, suggestions and advice I’m getting here. Because I can only have 5 messages stored in my folders, it is difficult to get in touch with all who have offered…my folders have been clogged up…maybe email is the best way. Do all of you have a 5 message limit?..or is that because I’m new here?

I am going to order S. Hahn’s “Rome, Sweet Home”…and maybe one more book, not sure which one…and start reading. I live in a small rural town…and I cannot find an Eucharistic Adoration time/service listed on any local schedule I can find on-line…but will look in some neighboring towns. I do want you to know that I am going into this a little unsure what to expectl…but am really interested in learning …and to continue to seek God’s truth.

I truly appreciate all of you reaching out to me…

Blessings to you.

 

[po18guy]

In 1985, before I was even baptized, my wife and I went on vacation to Europe. She had to visit Lourdes, so we went. I crossed myself with the water form the grotto, not even knowing the what or why. Well, we left France and drove to Italy. Near Genoa, we encountered an increasing number of pedestrians beside the Autostrada and slowed down. Some were carrying signs. “It’s the Pope!” shouted my wife. We stopped and waited for an hour or so beside the street in Genoa. The crowd began to cheer loudly, and we watched as Pope John Paul II passed by, bestowing his Apostolic blessing upon all of us. I was occupied taking a photo of him. Next year, I was in RCIA. One day, I will know exactly how those events, which shaped my future, came to pass. I can only guess at this time. But, I think that Saint Bernadette started it all when I was at the grotto.

 

[dal61]

Dal…

God bless you! St. Bernadette touched my soul the most. So humble. You have been given good advice and love by others here.

I have mentioned “The Song of Bernadette” to my daughters and they both want to see it…I am heading to the library tommorrow. I hope they have it…if not, I’ll order a copy. What a perfect way for me to start a conversation…

Thanks and blessings to you.

 

[dal61]

What a nice story, po18guy…

I was really moved watching the movie on St. Bernadette’s life…powerful stuff. I feel like she is having an effect on me somehow.