How do you explain to a non-catholic that the CC was est. by God.?

[Xochitl_Guzman]

My boyfriend was raised presbyterian and I was raised catholic. It wasn’t until recently I began learning more and more about catholicism. Though I believe EVERYTHING the CC teaches is the TRUTH, it is difficult explaining it to a non-catholic. We plan on getting married and he plans on becoming catholic. But I feel like he’s only doing it “just for me”. I would love him to do it more for himself rather then just doing it to please me. It’s been a challenge trying to talk to him about some of teachings of the church. So to start things off with him, how should I go about explaining that the Catholic Church was established by God?

Easy to understand answers would be great… =) Thank you so much.

 

[nsper7]

My boyfriend was raised presbyterian and I was raised catholic. It wasn’t until recently I began learning more and more about catholicism. Though I believe EVERYTHING the CC teaches is the TRUTH, it is difficult explaining it to a non-catholic. We plan on getting married and he plans on becoming catholic. But I feel like he’s only doing it “just for me”. I would love him to do it more for himself rather then just doing it to please me. It’s been a challenge trying to talk to him about some of teachings of the church. So to start things off with him, how should I go about explaining that the Catholic Church was established by God?

Easy to understand answers would be great… =) Thank you so much.

Well, you could try a process of elimination. Since your bf is Presbyterian, start with them. They were started by John Knox in Scotland in the 16th Century and their Reformed theology stems from John Calvin, whom Knox was a student of. In general, prior to the 16th Century, any Christian in the West would have been Catholic (any of the Pre-Reformation schismatic groups, except perhaps for the Waldensians, would be found theologically offensive by Protestant and Catholic alike; for more on the Waldensians, you can read here). Prior to the 11th Century, the vast majority of all Christians would have been Catholic (the only exceptions would be groups like the Oriental Orthodox and the Assyrian Church of the East, both of which schismed due to disagreements over the concept of the dual nature [human/Divine] of Christ).

Then, go back to the Church Fathers and read what they have to say on the defining characteristics of Catholicism such as the Papacy, Apostolic Succession and the origin of the word “Catholic” (first recorded use of the word is by St. Ignatius of Antioch in c. 106 A.D.).

Sorry for all the history, but it was history that caused me to realize Catholicism is the original Church.

 

[NFrancis]

Another good idea would be to explain to him that all bishops have apostolic succession (the apostles ordained someone a bishop then they ordained someone then they ordained someone… and this goes to all the bishops of today. Also tell him that St. Peter the apostle was the first Pope and use the Bible to back this up.

The following link to a youtube video explains these things very well:
youtube.com/watch?v=IRM95u0PWUU

(It is kind of long but just watching the first of six videos will explain a lot)

 

[Xochitl_Guzman]

Sorry for all the history, but it was history that caused me to realize Catholicism is the original Church.

No worries, in fact before reading this post I had asked him if he knew the history of his church. I’m assuming he didn’t because he didn’t respond. I myself know somewhat of the history of the CC, but not well enough to explain to a non-catholic. Thanks for your post.

 

[Xochitl_Guzman]

Also tell him that St. Peter the apostle was the first Pope and use the Bible to back this up.

)

THANK YOU!!

Do you know which verses or books in the bible I should read to help back me up?

 

[Callixtus]

I think these questions are best handled by sticking to the basics. The following might seem very simple (not simplistic!), but this is the reasoning that has led many brilliant minds into Catholicism in the recent past:

Presuming that one believes Jesus was/is the Son of God and that the New Testament is the word of God:

1. Jesus clearly founded a church.
2. The church he founded was, and must still be clearly recongizable as such (no, not a sprinkling of “faithful remnants” reading the Bible alone in their own homes.
3. There can only be one actual Church, so the next question is:

which denomination of those in existence today is that one?

Considering Presbyterianism, based on Calvin’s break with Rome, dates from the 16th century… do the math.

By the way, getting into Bible-quoting wars rarely goes anywhere productive.

Catholics regard the New Testament as God’s word because the Church says it’s so. Obviously, since St. Paul was writing to existing Christians of his time and mentions “the Church,” it already existed before his letters, which form most of the NT, were even written.

 

[upbeatjonm]

Since you say he is going to become Catholic, I presume he will attend RCIA, which should include brief history of the Church.

Best wishes.