Choosing between Orthodoxy and Catholicism -- how and why did you do it?

[jwinch2]

As for the question of what drew me to Orthodoxy over Catholicism: I found Orthodoxy’s argument that we must look toward God noetically rather than emphasizing reason was a big draw. I honestly will never be able to believe that one can arrive to the conclusion that God exists from reason alone.

Interestingly, I feel the exact opposite. It was the process of reason which led me to belief in God in the first place and to the Catholic Church in the second. I spent about 15 years with little to no belief in God. The process of study and reason is what led me home. This is not to say that the approach of the east has no merit for me. Far from it. I think it is very important and now that I have come to God through reason, the spiritual aspect is where I am focusing my development, if that makes sense.

I have been reading a good deal of St. Thomas Aquinas lately. Aquinas is one that often gets brought up in these sorts of debates an example of over-thinking the faith. However, one of Aquinas’ major goals was to synthesize mysticism (Eastern, Western, Oriental) with reason and philosophy (Western, Arabic, Eastern). A good book on this is out by Gerald Vann, OP.

Peace,

 

[Marybeloved]

Interestingly, I feel the exact opposite. It was the process of reason which led me to belief in God in the first place and to the Catholic Church in the second. I spent about 15 years with little to no belief in God. The process of study and reason is what led me home. This is not to say that the approach of the east has no merit for me. Far from it. I think it is very important and now that I have come to God through reason, the spiritual aspect is where I am focusing my development, if that makes sense.

I have been reading a good deal of St. Thomas Aquinas lately. Aquinas is one that often gets brought up in these sorts of debates an example of over-thinking the faith. However, one of Aquinas’ major goals was to synthesize mysticism (Eastern, Western, Oriental) with reason and philosophy (Western, Arabic, Eastern). A good book on this is out by Gerald Vann, OP.

Peace,

And St. Thomas was no spiritually bereft rationalist. He was a mystic throughout his whole life, receiving great mystic graces until his death. In fact, we are convinced that it’s precisely his powerful spirituality and filial humility that “loosened” his mind to an extent that is truly unparalleled. Prime example of Grace building on nature. I remember my first impression on encountering the Summa- Wow!! I was convinced that it could not be the work of a saint but some type of Divine revelation, or (as many thought throughout the centuries) that St. Thomas must have been instructed by an Angel. I’m so proud of St. Thomas!

Beloved Angelic Doctor, pray for us that our minds may be enlightened with the eternal truths of God, and our wills yield to the goodness they reveal!