Anyone close to converting to Catholicism?

[josie_L]

Absolutely not!

Sacred scripture and tradition support Holy Orthodoxy. I thought we covered that already.

Your ideas about the Papacy are essentially circular reasoning. What you see today you read back into history… but it’s not there.

That’s OK, you are not the first to fall for that.

No we didn’t as no one refuted my post concerning scriptural support for the papacy. Now give me proof that Sacred Sripture does not support the papacy?

Here’s my evidence for the papacy courtesy of Sacred Scripture:

In Matthew 16 (you knew this was coming) Jesus demands of his apostles who they think he is, and it was Peter who responded first (Peter was always first in knowing the truth, you see this in acts with Ananias and Sapphira and the revelation given to Peter by Jesus about baptizing the Gentiles) through the Father. Jesus replies, “Blessed are you, SImon son of Jonah. . .” Now Jonah in hebrew means “dove” so Peter is the son of the dove, a dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, so Peter is a son of the Holy Spirit. Now name changes are really important in scripture as they connote the essence or destiny of the individual, Simon’s name was changed to Peter (the rock) just before he was handed the keys to the kingdom (just like the prime minister Eliakim was given the keys by the King of Israel).

"And I tell you that you are Peter (rock) and on this rock (Peter) I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.

Peter is the rock, the rock is Peter. And whoever should be part of this church built on rock the gates of Hell will not prevail.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The keys signify authority to loose and bind in a manner given to the prime minister in the OT.

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David (Jesus was the son of David and the King of Israel); what he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open.”

The prime (the first in authority and rank) minister was given the keys (which his fellow ministers were not given) just like Peter (our first Pope) that would allow him the final say in matters of loosing and binding.

to be continued . . . .

 

[josie_L]

I beg to differ.

Perhaps no where for you at present, but the Truth of Holy Orthodoxy will continue.

I harbor no ill will toward you.

And I harbor no ill will toward you.

 

[josie_L]

If I’m humble enough?

It sounded like you had heard all there was to hear on the matter and I was hoping that you would be willing enough to read the articles on the cite I posted, so by humble I meant willing.

By circumventing another of God’s natural laws?

What law would they be circumventing if they choose to abstain (the Bible does mention couples can abstain from sex)? You cannot violate God’s natural laws through inaction.

 

[josie_L]

double post

 

[Angel7]

No we didn’t as no one refuted my post concerning scriptural support for the papacy. Now give me proof that Sacred Sripture does not support the papacy?

Here’s my evidence for the papacy courtesy of Sacred Scripture:

In Matthew 16 (you knew this was coming) Jesus demands of his apostles who they think he is, and it was Peter who responded first (Peter was always first in knowing the truth, you see this in acts with Ananias and Sapphira and the revelation given to Peter by Jesus about baptizing the Gentiles) through the Father. Jesus replies, “Blessed are you, SImon son of Jonah. . .” Now Jonah in hebrew means “dove” so Peter is the son of the dove, a dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, so Peter is a son of the Holy Spirit. Now name changes are really important in scripture as they connote the essence or destiny of the individual, Simon’s name was changed to Peter (the rock) just before he was handed the keys to the kingdom (just like the prime minister Eliakim was given the keys by the King of Israel).

"And I tell you that you are Peter (rock) and on this rock (Peter) I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.

Peter is the rock, the rock is Peter. And whoever should be part of this church built on rock the gates of Hell will not prevail.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The keys signify authority to loose and bind in a manner given to the prime minister in the OT.

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David (Jesus was the son of David and the King of Israel); what he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open.”

The prime (the first in authority and rank) minister was given the keys (which his fellow ministers were not given) just like Peter (our first Pope) that would allow him the final say in matters of loosing and binding.

to be continued . . . .

Exactly my point.

Ther are links from Ancient Israel to the New Israel =The church

Ancient israel was very differnt then most Nations at the time.

The MOTHER of the King, was the Queen, not Wife. and acted as intercessor to people

Link it to Mary =Mother of G-d, she is an intercessor for us, and prays for us

Jesus is King = Matches Ancient Israelite King

12 Disciples = the 12 Ministers of Ancient Israel

1 of which was the PRIME minister = Matches Peter

Jesus when he built the Church (the new Israel, you can say) Matched everything together, it fit.

 

[Hesychios]

Exactly my point.

Ther are links from Ancient Israel to the New Israel =The church

Ancient israel was very differnt then most Nations at the time.

The MOTHER of the King, was the Queen, not Wife. and acted as intercessor to people

Link it to Mary =Mother of G-d, she is an intercessor for us, and prays for us

Jesus is King = Matches Ancient Israelite King

12 Disciples = the 12 Ministers of Ancient Israel

1 of which was the PRIME minister = Matches Peter

Jesus when he built the Church (the new Israel, you can say) Matched everything together, it fit.

This is all conjecture and myth-building.

It smacks of the same kind of thinking that millenialists use to support their own ideas predicting the “end-times” and the rapture. In other words, you are just proof-texting, pulling out convenient verses and notions to mix and match according to your needs. This disregards the historical facts, but is great for historical revisionism.

In any case, saint Simon Peter was our apostle too. He is honored in Holy Orthodoxy and new parishes are still dedicated to his memory. There is nothing you can say about Peter that we don’t already know, or that can justify Papal Universal Jurisdiction and Papal Infallibility.

Peter himself knew of no such doctrines, and never exercised any such powers.

As for the power that once was accorded to the bishop of Rome, it hasn’t gone anywhere. The Ecumenical Patriarch exercises those responsibilities today.

If Benedict XVI wants to know what exactly the bishops of Rome did in the first millenium he can just take a look at the modern EP, and what he does (which is… not much). Some day the bishop of the See at Rome may once again be able to claim the first place among his equals. Patriarch Bartholomew, who currently takes that honor, is his longtime friend. I am sure he can coach the bishop of Rome on the particulars…

http://www.asianews.it/files/img/VATICANO_-ecumenismo%28470_x_289%29.jpg

 

[pismopal]

I am converting, or more acurately becoming catholic, since I have never been baptized I don’t consider myself a convert.

I don’t really have any questions right now, the parish I have been attending mass at has been very helpful and my RCIA classes begin on Aug. 19. I have done alot of self study and research about the catholic church and I am really looking forward to learning more about the faith as part of the RCIA.

May I welcome you…if not first…at least enthusiastically. RCIA is a great start but I find that the more I learn…as little as that may be the more I realize is there. The Church is a big beautiful colorful historical and religious tapestry.

 

[josie_L]

Exactly my point.

Ther are links from Ancient Israel to the New Israel =The church

Ancient israel was very differnt then most Nations at the time.

The MOTHER of the King, was the Queen, not Wife. and acted as intercessor to people

Link it to Mary =Mother of G-d, she is an intercessor for us, and prays for us

Jesus is King = Matches Ancient Israelite King

12 Disciples = the 12 Ministers of Ancient Israel

1 of which was the PRIME minister = Matches Peter

Jesus when he built the Church (the new Israel, you can say) Matched everything together, it fit.

:extrahappy: :extrahappy: :extrahappy: :extrahappy:

 

[StillWondering]

Hello. So is this thread about those talking about their conversion experience? They are wonderful =). Or is it about individuals coming here arguing against being Catholic? Seems out of place and why the commotion?

 

[kristanl]

Hello. So is this thread about those talking about their conversion experience? They are wonderful =). Or is it about individuals coming here arguing against being Catholic? Seems out of place and why the commotion?

Well I kind-of intented to here why people converted or why the didnt convert… People are also talking about why they do and dont agree with the Church as well.
I would love to hear your story

 

[StillWondering]

Well I kind-of intented to here why people converted or why the didnt convert… People are also talking about why they do and dont agree with the Church as well.
I would love to hear your story

Thank you for your invitation. I can tell you I agree with the Church and I do not need the Church to agree with me. If I disagree, I will learn why the Church teaches such and where errors arise in my own understanding.

Of course, a quality thinker would search in both their own understanding as well as the understanding of the other disagreeing party. From my own experience, however, I should look for my own errors first. This matches Christs teaching to first remove the log in my own eyes before attempting to remove a twig in another.

If I fine no fault in myself, then I will ask Church authority. However, I have never found myself to be either free of error, free of ignorant pride, nor having all the vital information whenever I find something I do not understand in Church teaching.

As for the other part of the question, many people have asked me why I am Catholic. My answers summed up to be because the Church has all I need. Each time I consider another church or community, by request or attack, I cannot find the fullness of God’s love that I find in the Catholic Church.

 

[Zundrah]

Just wondering if theres anyone that is interested in converting,… but doesnt know where to start, or still has questions that need to be answered? What are reasons you want to convert? Thanks!

I am trying but failing badly…

 

[NoWings]

What law would they be circumventing if they choose to abstain (the Bible does mention couples can abstain from sex)? You cannot violate God’s natural laws through inaction.

They’re deliberately choosing not to have sex during a woman’s fertile periods which is a form of contraception. It is a conscious effort to NOT get pregnant no matter how you spin it.

Thanks for the links.

 

[Carlan]

They’re deliberately choosing not to have sex during a woman’s fertile periods which is a form of contraception. It is a conscious effort to NOT get pregnant no matter how you spin it.

Thanks for the links.

NoWings, IT just sounds to me that you are trying yourself to justify a behavior of your own ???

 

[Carlan]

I am trying but failing badly…

goodness Zundrah, What is the matter? you are in the process aren’t you? Perhaps you can consult with the parish priest. We all know how persistant the evil one can be, tell him to go sit on his tail , he will drive you around the bend if you don’t put him in his place. And remember what Father Corapi reminds us of,‘Our Mama wears combat boots’. Double up on the rosary beads!:thumbsup:Carlan

 

[Zundrah]

I am trying but failing badly…

CARLAN; I thought that I was becoming catholic, but then the Eucharist came and stopped me right in my tracks! I don’t believe in the Eucharist, this is all that is blocking my way to catholicism.

 

[Roy5]

Just curious

 I am a mainline Protestant, quite content to live with the idea that God isn't all that interested in our religious labels, our church affiliations, or even our theologies. You will recall how Christ was asked how to inherit eternal life? He responded by saying nothing about doctrine but commanded us to love God and our neighbor, and he illustrated that with the parable of the Good Samaritan. As for me personally, I treasure the freedom to entertain all sorts of teachings about matters of faith, respecting most of them, even embracing one here and there, although I do have some difficulty with those expressions of Christianity - whether Catholic, Orthodox, or various forms of Protestant fundamentalism - which argue dogmatgically that there is only one true religion and it is theirs! I revere God enough to believe that God is beyond the comprehension of our finite minds. As Harry Emerson Fosdick once said: "I can only believe in a God I cannot understand."

 My own paternal family was French-Canadian Catholic a couple generations ago and became Protestant. My late and beloved wife was Catholic, attended parochial school and such, but had abandoned Catholicism by the time we had met and were married. Frankly, she became strongly Protestant (liberal Protestant, if you will), in part perhaps because she had some painful memories of the nuns from childhood, but also because, like me, she enjoyed discussing different faiths without feeling limitations on exploring and even smiling upon different beliefs. For example, she never embraced Buddhism, but she admired much about it. She also admired the Bahais as well as Unitarianism, etc. At the same time, she sought to follow those teachings of Christ that spoke of other flocks, focused on reaching out to the poor and others in need, and espoused other principles found particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (peace etc.).

  My question? What is the position of Catholicism today on my Catholic grandparents who became Protestant, and, more important, what about my wife? Could they be in heaven, according to Catholic doctrine? I recall a Catholic priest accusing her years ago of 'living in sin' - that her marriage was invalid - because she had been baptized and confirmed Catholic but was married outside the church, by a Protestant minister. I rather thought that this sort of thinking had disappeared from Catholicism after Vatican II, but the priest's accusation came two decades or more after the Council had adjourned in 1965.

   God bless people of every creed, color and country, and may religion become a bridge and not a barrier among us.

 

[Carlan]

CARLAN; I thought that I was becoming catholic, but then the Eucharist came and stopped me right in my tracks! I don’t believe in the Eucharist, this is all that is blocking my way to catholicism.

Zundrah ,How long have you been in the process? By now you should be understanding that the Mass and the Holy Eucharist is at the absolute center of our Christian life. You need to be having a deep coversation with your instuctors and soaking your self in prayer. Sorry if I sound preachy, but you did say only Eucharist has stopped you in your tracks, hard for me to understand that. Sorry, Carlan

 

[Zundrah]

Zundrah ,How long have you been in the process? By now you should be understanding that the Mass and the Holy Eucharist is at the absolute center of our Christian life. You need to be having a deep coversation with your instuctors and soaking your self in prayer. Sorry if I sound preachy, but you did say only Eucharist has stopped you in your tracks, hard for me to understand that. Sorry, Carlan

I have been in my roman catholic church now only for 6 weeks. Not comfirmed… I have had introductary RCIA but the real course begins in september.

 

[Zundrah]

Just curious

 I am a mainline Protestant, quite content to live with the idea that God isn't all that interested in our religious labels, our church affiliations, or even our theologies. You will recall how Christ was asked how to inherit eternal life? He responded by saying nothing about doctrine but commanded us to love God and our neighbor, and he illustrated that with the parable of the Good Samaritan. As for me personally, I treasure the freedom to entertain all sorts of teachings about matters of faith, respecting most of them, even embracing one here and there, although I do have some difficulty with those expressions of Christianity - whether Catholic, Orthodox, or various forms of Protestant fundamentalism - which argue dogmatgically that there is only one true religion and it is theirs! I revere God enough to believe that God is beyond the comprehension of our finite minds. As Harry Emerson Fosdick once said: "I can only believe in a God I cannot understand."

 My own paternal family was French-Canadian Catholic a couple generations ago and became Protestant. My late and beloved wife was Catholic, attended parochial school and such, but had abandoned Catholicism by the time we had met and were married. Frankly, she became strongly Protestant (liberal Protestant, if you will), in part perhaps because she had some painful memories of the nuns from childhood, but also because, like me, she enjoyed discussing different faiths without feeling limitations on exploring and even smiling upon different beliefs. For example, she never embraced Buddhism, but she admired much about it. She also admired the Bahais as well as Unitarianism, etc. At the same time, she sought to follow those teachings of Christ that spoke of other flocks, focused on reaching out to the poor and others in need, and espoused other principles found particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (peace etc.).

  My question? What is the position of Catholicism today on my Catholic grandparents who became Protestant, and, more important, what about my wife? Could they be in heaven, according to Catholic doctrine? I recall a Catholic priest accusing her years ago of 'living in sin' - that her marriage was invalid - because she had been baptized and confirmed Catholic but was married outside the church, by a Protestant minister. I rather thought that this sort of thinking had disappeared from Catholicism after Vatican II, but the priest's accusation came two decades or more after the Council had adjourned in 1965.

   God bless people of every creed, color and country, and may religion become a bridge and not a barrier among us.

You seem to be very open and kind, you are one of those very rare protestants that are open to the beliefs of other christians, be it catholic or not, as long as they are christian they are saved, right? That is how I see things some times too. That is the whole methodist doctrine, is it not?