For strong Catholics firm in their faith - how do cope with these kinds of remarks?

[Lady_Bug]

I have a Blog bookmarked by this man named Bob Lonsberry. I think I bookmarked him a couple of years ago simply because there are some things he says that I like, that get my attention.

However, he wrote a recent blog that was very critical of the Rochester Diocese. lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?story=2297&go=4
He permits comments, and needless to say, the overwhelming majority of the comments were very scathing to Catholicism and its history and put a damper on me.

I still plan to keep on reading about the Catholic faith. But I am wondering if it is good to keep reading anything that might be detrimental to my journey to Catholicism. My journey to Catholicism is inspired by my belief that their perspectives on the key issues of Christianity contain truth. It has a fullness and depth that I do not find in non-Catholicism.

My intent is not to have a debate on the issues in the Blog per se, but to ask how people who may be weak in the faith but nonetheless interested in the faith, can maintain their journey to Catholicism in light of these obstacles.

 

[Oshiego_Rod]

…how people who may be weak in the faith but nonetheless interested in the faith, can maintain their journey to Catholicism in light of these obstacles.

Let the Catholic bashing begin! Times like these I would turn the other cheek praying and loving those who judge us. Christ set this example of not only loving our neighbor but our enemies as well, not saying that this man is our enemy. Sometimes our Christian brothers and sisters tend to judge and dictate to us like the Pharisees did with Christ and His followers.

I can only suggest to read books from well known Catholic sources. I highly recommend Patrick Madrid’s “Where is that in the Bible?” and “Answer Me This.” Here is a link to my Google search which has more books to check out: books.google.com/books?as_auth=Patrick+Madrid&ots=wDlGzjGn-v&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=author-navigational&hl=en. Typically you would purchase a book by Ignatius Press at ignatius.com/. I find reading and learning more about my faith before the Blessed Sacrament fulfilling (after giving reverence of course).

Also, seek a spiritual director as well. It is recommended you find a priest and this may take some time to find the right one.

Retreat during times like these and seek out your fellow Catholic brothers and sisters like you are doing now. And let not your faith be shaken. The most influential passionate speakers of the faith are converts like Fr. Corapi or Jeff Cavins.

Pax tecum

 

[blossom02]

You will hear many of these kinds of things from others. You do need to be carefull as to what you listen to and read as you are learning your faith. This mans comments are due to his lack of knowledge. He mentions that catholics don’t want to share these things with others, but this is far from the truth. He mentions joining the church, but it isn’t a club that you can join and then change your mind about belonging when ever the mood stricks it is somthing that we believe and it is important to become a catholic not join a catholic church. I hope that makes sense.

I see him trying to challenge the catholics to something they need challenged at. I also agree with him that catholics need to spread the faith. Catholics are hit very readily with alot of anti-catholic lies that takes many hours of to refute and unfortunatly catholics have not been catechised well in the last 30or so years so they don’t know how to answer to many of these lies. That is why catholic answers and others groups are here and they are helping to turn things around. They are bringing many back home to the faith and bringing many others to the faith.

I welcome you to the faith and I know your journey will bring you to a truth that is inspiring and fullfilling.

 

[po18guy]

Such experiences can be helpful, because they force you to research your faith to answer their charges. If you begin to feel drawn away or that your faith is weakening, take a vacation from the blog. Just your voice alone on the blog, telling of the goodness of the faith, may lead a stray sheep back to the fold. You may never know your effect in this life, but it can be very rewarding in the next.

Christ’s peace.

 

[Tietjen]

My intent is not to have a debate on the issues in the Blog per se, but to ask how people who may be weak in the faith but nonetheless interested in the faith, can maintain their journey to Catholicism in light of these obstacles.

I this case I’d suggest that you talk to a local Priest about RCIA classes. There’s no obligation to become Catholic by simply joining RCIA, but it does allow you the opportunity to discern whether you are being called to become a Catholic while at the same time gives you much information on Catholicism.

We live in a world that rejects Catholicism (and Christianity in general) more and more. In order to counter the lies we must ensure that we are educated in our faith. God bless.

 

[blessedtoo]

My intent is not to have a debate on the issues in the Blog per se, but to ask how people who may be weak in the faith but nonetheless interested in the faith, can maintain their journey to Catholicism in light of these obstacles.

Actually, the blog piece and comments were pretty tame compared to some!

When I was first making my way back into the Church, I found that such things could easily rattle me. The best remedy, I discovered, was to read books by Catholic authors who specifically address issues that exist between Protestants and Catholics. This author seems to draw an equivalency between “advertising and sales” and evangelization. The Church is not in a “business” in the way he has framed the discussion.

However, the Church does it’s own form of evangelization. Our Legion of Mary group goes door to door. Our diocese has countless outreach programs to the poor and homeless. The list is really endless.

But, you asked how to handle being a bit shaken by such comments. I spent a lot of time here at CAF where I received a great education in apologetics. Just for kicks and giggles, I would spend time on threads where non-Catholics would challenge Catholics on matters of faith and doctrine and quickly found that any questions or doubts I may have had could be quickly dispelled.

Counteract your confusion with a proper Catholic education. Read, spend time here on CAF, and pray. You’ll be just fine.

 

[InLight247]

If you are exploring Catholicism and the possibility of converting, it will be better to focus on the truth the Church teaches, not on someone’s opinion about the church.

You may be used to like this person’s writings; however, his perspective cannot represent the Magisterium. And there is no need to be discouraged by this person’s opinion on a particular diocese.

Have you ever read Scott Hahn’s “Rome Sweet Home” and “The Lamb’s Supper, Mass as Heaven on Earth”? Scott Hahn used to be a Protestant minister and professor who has converted to Catholic. His insightful books will be more helpful to you than this person’s blog.

 

[drafdog]

Let’s face it: God put the church in the hands of weak and sinful human beings and we have not historically behaved always as the saints we are called to be. Even Peter made some truly notable blunders. Accept the fact that there have been charlitans and knaves who were Catholic. Accept the fact that not all of the popes and bishops have been saintly men. We are still here and still trying to travel our twisted and uneven paths home to the Father. Look more at what the Church holds up as hope for mankind and less at how badly we have behaved in spite of that hope.

Matthew