I am new here, here is my Challenge

  • Thread starter Thread starter go_Leafs_go
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I think one of your challenges will be the language barrier. For example, as Catholics we say pray to Mary. She hears that and puts it on the same level as God. You need to start saying “I asked Mary to pray for me”. Because this is in reality, what we are doing. It is not that we have to have Mary intercede for us, for Christ got rid of all that. It is that as Christians we are supposed to pray for one another. Ask her if she asks her mother to pray for her. The term for that is intercessory prayer. That is what Mary does for us, intercessory prayer. Not intercede as in the way the jewish religion means it.

Devotion and worship. She may have daily devotions. She means prayer and worship to God. We say devoted to Mary, we mean as we are devoted to our wives, husbands and children not worship as we reserve only for God.

Born again. another one that is frequently misunderstood. If they come here, you can start threads on these subjects, but be prepared to be an interpreter of words Catholic and protestant throw around but really never mean the same thing.

God Bless
 
Good day to you. Well…I was exactly where your girlfriend and her family are now. I can tell you that after much reading and praying, I am becoming Catholic. My sponsor was brought up in Azores, in a devoted Catholic home. It wasn’t until I came into his life with my challenges, mockery, etc. that he had to take a hard look at himself and what he believed and why he believed it. he is now (only after one year) a very learned Apologist for Catholicism, and it was my constant ambushing that did the trick. the trick was on me however, since I found the truth and joy of my Lord in the Catholic church, and I thank God every day that he brought this Catholic man in my life as my friend. You received some good advice from another reply about being careful about marriage to a non-Catholic. Sound advice brother. But if she really is seeking the truth and a personal depth with God that it beyond what she has now, then I think you constant prayer with guidnace will lead her to the truth also. God never disappoints those who seek Him with a pure heart. Peace, Bro’.
 
👍 Yes Lets treat all of Gods children with the respect that they deserve…after all we are all made in the image and likeness of God…Be as swift and gentle and mostly patient!!!
Amen Alleluia
go Leafs go:
Hi, I am new here, here is a little about me.

I must say that I was raised Catholic, baptized, communion, confirmed, Catholic youth group, Catholic school, alter server, etc. However, I didn’t understand the meaning of everything because partly I thought everyone was Catholic until I got older. I always laughed at my mom because she was so devoted and called her crazy, but this has all changed.

I met this AMAZING woman who I want to call my wife some day. I live in Toronto and she lives in Montreal. She is a Protestant (born-again christian) and so is her family. Her parents were both Catholics but now are Protestant, so obviously the influence is there. I have been challenged by her mother mostly but some things that she says are totally inaccurate (i.e. Virgin Mary being a sinner, having other children, etc) and also she likes to think that the Sacraments are just symbols, to rejecting infant baptism and The Real Presence in the Eucharist, Worshipping Mary as Deity, and so on and so on.

This is why I am here. I have read Dave Armstrongs Bibilical evidence for Catholicism and it’s companion, reading currently Karl Keatings Catholicism & Fundamentalism, and have the Footprints of God videos as well as Scott Hahn’s book Hail Holy Queen which I have not yet begun and won’t until I finish Karl Keatings book. I have come to know more in the last 7 months then I coul have ever imagined and I truly thank God for bring these people into my life so that I can see clearly now what is the truth. I want my kids to be raised Catholic and I want them to grow up in the Catholic faith, in Catholic School, going to a Catholic Church because only there is more bible read than anywhere else and the main event is not the guest speaker but the Eucharist.

I have invited them both to this forum, I don’t know if they will come, though I hope so. Not to convert them as I know they truly love Jesus (otherwise I wouldn’t be dating this girl) but I do feel as though my girlfriend has been misguided (though that is entirely a matter of opinion) with a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about the Catholic faith. She tells me that she has studied apologetics yet I hear the same common errors coming from her, she knows nothing about what the Early Fathers believed, has no idea of the concept of Apostolic Succession, etc. This is not her fault of course, however I do want her to make this a priority to read and learn, so she will understand fully why I feel so strongly about my faith and raising the kids in my faith, thus why I have invited her here to ask questions and also want her to read the books that I am reading since I stink at explaining it even though I understand everything.

I just hope that people treat them with compassion if they do come here, they are awesome people. Thanks for reading this.
Click to expand...
 
Anthony, Maria, and Suzi. Thank you so much for your insight, all of you and everyone else. It’s so nice to see genuine people who really care. Great advice, I will use it.
 
40.png
Suzi:
Good day to you. Well…I was exactly where your girlfriend and her family are now. I can tell you that after much reading and praying, I am becoming Catholic. My sponsor was brought up in Azores, in a devoted Catholic home. It wasn’t until I came into his life with my challenges, mockery, etc. that he had to take a hard look at himself and what he believed and why he believed it. he is now (only after one year) a very learned Apologist for Catholicism, and it was my constant ambushing that did the trick. the trick was on me however, since I found the truth and joy of my Lord in the Catholic church, and I thank God every day that he brought this Catholic man in my life as my friend. You received some good advice from another reply about being careful about marriage to a non-Catholic. Sound advice brother. But if she really is seeking the truth and a personal depth with God that it beyond what she has now, then I think you constant prayer with guidnace will lead her to the truth also. God never disappoints those who seek Him with a pure heart. Peace, Bro’.
Click to expand...
Ahh Portuges, qual ihla?

Joao
 
go Leafs go:
petra: Just to clarify, you’re saying that she THINKS Catholics worship Mary as a deity—you’re not saying Mary is a diety, right? According to Catholic doctring, Mary was fully human and was simply saved in an unsual manner so she could be set apart for her very special task.

go Leafs go: No, I totally disagree with that.
Click to expand...
:confused:
Which part do you disagree with?
A. That Mary is a diety
or
B. Mary was fully human and was simply saved in an unusual manner so she could be set apart for her very special task.
 
Which part do you disagree with?
A. That Mary is a diety
or
B. Mary was fully human and was simply saved in an unusual manner so she could be set apart for her very special task.
[/quote]

I disagree with her being Deity (which means a being with divine nature).
 
In all this discussion the focus seems to be on the differences between her faith tradition and yours (which is very similar to mine.) Perhaps you should consider what you have in common.

I think it would be worth focusing on words stated by Pope John XXlll and reaffirmed by Pope John Paul ll. “That which seperates us as believers in Christ is far less than what unites us.”

If both of you have a similar vision of Jesus, who he was and what he taught, your marriage has a great chance to succeed and your children will likely share your values.

You stated that she loves Jesus and you made clear that is important to you. If you both hold true to that, I believe understanding and acceptance of each others faith tradition will come in time.

We are all greatly influenced by the way we are brought up. Your faith tradition will never likely mean to her what it means to you. The love of God that you seem to share can more than make for that - but it may be a struggle.

Anyway - just some thoughts

good luck
-Jim
 
I am glad to read that you are strong in your faith and nothing willmake you leave the church. No one can really tell you what to do but please enter into this with much prayer and open communication between the two of you.

I have had two very difference experiences with “mixed” marriages.

My own experience - I married a southern baptist who told me clearly that he would never convert to Catholicism; however, he supported 100% our children being Catholic and he has always attended mass with me and, later, me and the children. I never asked him to convert. About five years ago he did convert and it was totally his decision - one that made me very happy. So it worked out. I was lucky that he was always supportive, and never really had anything against the Catholic religion to begin with.

My brother’s experence - He married a southern bapties who looked us all right in the eye and said that she had no problem with raising her children Catholic. Shortly after the chilren started to come along, she did a 180 and will not allow them to go anywhere near a Catholic church. She is such a head strong, dogmatic individual that it has created problems in their marriage, so badly that my brother has been forced to drop the issue in order to save the marriage. Right or wrong, that is the decision he has made. But, it is still a strained marriage at that. They hardly speak and are not close as married couples should be (my personal observations) We are all heartbroken , especially my brother. The kids are now in ages 5th grade and up and have not received any sacraments since baptism (they did receive Catholic baptisms). I might mention that while they cannot go to the Catholic church, my brother gets up every Sunday and attends Mass and guess what? mom and the kids lay in bed because she doesn’t get up and take them to the baptist church either. :banghead:

Anyway, my point is, that I think I was lucky that my experience was a positive one. BUT, looking at my brother, I would have to say that people change as the years go by and you cannot count on what they promise - they might do a 180 like my sister in law did. I don’t mean to generalize my brother’s experience, I’m just tring to give you another view point.

Make it very, very clear to your fiance what you expect and what you want out of the future.

I’ll pray for you. 🙂
 
go Leafs go:
Thanks Judy, I just asked in another forum if that was possible actually. I don’t know if she would, but I would sure hope so. It’s something I’ll consider, that’s for sure. My fear I think is are RCIA directors aware of these questions that are raised about the faith from Fundamentalists/Protestants/etc and are they ready to counter these when pressed? I’ve never attended RCIA so excuse my ignorance.
Click to expand...
I would hope that whomever is leading the RCIA would be ready to counter any false beliefs. After all, they are there to teach the Truth about the Church. I’ve never attended RCIA, either, but from what I know of it, it is exactly the place to ask those kinds of questions and gain clarity on what the Church teaches. I hope that your girlfriend would want to learn the truth about what you believe.
Have a great day,
Judy
 
Dear Leafs,
The first thing I would tell you is to pray. Pray every day, morning and night. If you already do, then pray specifically for guidance. Don’t make it complicated or specific. God already knows how and where to guide you. Just make it simple and sincere. Pray for yourself. Prayers for the others, your girlfriend and others, will follow. Keep it simple, but remember to listen and be patient.
I saw at the beginning of the movie “Song Of Bernadette” a quote: For those who believe in God no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none will suffice. This relationship you have with this girl is, if nothing else, an opportunity to find God. Concentrate on your relationship with God and what he wants to tell you. Seek sources sanctioned by The Church. Look for Imprimaturs and Nihil obstats in the books you read. Read the Catechism. Leave your girlfriend to God. Pray for her, but concentrate on “the plank in you own eye so that you can better see to remove the splinter in other’s.” If this girl and her family are sincere about finding God, they will. God does not hide from us. He “stands at the door and knocks.” Find God in everything in your life and everything in your life will be in God.
This is an opportunity for you to know God better. Pursue it. You should avoid topics of dissension with your girlfriend and her family, at least for now. Some people study Catholocism to attack it, not to find Truth in it, and many can misrepresent things that, without a solid knowledge can rock your own faith. Only God knows the true motivation of your girlfriend’s search. You don’t, even though you might think you do. She might not even really know, but if she’s really seeking God, even if for the wrong reasons, God will not decieve her. You find The Light and it will eminate from you. Even if your mouth is closed. Let God into your life and He will radiate. If she is about God, she will be attracted and inspired. If she is not, she will go away.
“If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it does not, it never was.” God is Love. You cannot be in love and not be in Love. Find God and you will find True Love.
God bless you and please pray for me. I will pray for you.
 
40.png
Bobby:
Dear Leafs,
The first thing I would tell you is to pray. Pray every day, morning and night. If you already do, then pray specifically for guidance. Don’t make it complicated or specific. God already knows how and where to guide you. Just make it simple and sincere. Pray for yourself. Prayers for the others, your girlfriend and others, will follow. Keep it simple, but remember to listen and be patient.
I saw at the beginning of the movie “Song Of Bernadette” a quote: For those who believe in God no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none will suffice. This relationship you have with this girl is, if nothing else, an opportunity to find God. Concentrate on your relationship with God and what he wants to tell you. Seek sources sanctioned by The Church. Look for Imprimaturs and Nihil obstats in the books you read. Read the Catechism. Leave your girlfriend to God. Pray for her, but concentrate on “the plank in you own eye so that you can better see to remove the splinter in other’s.” If this girl and her family are sincere about finding God, they will. God does not hide from us. He “stands at the door and knocks.” Find God in everything in your life and everything in your life will be in God.
This is an opportunity for you to know God better. Pursue it. You should avoid topics of dissension with your girlfriend and her family, at least for now. Some people study Catholocism to attack it, not to find Truth in it, and many can misrepresent things that, without a solid knowledge can rock your own faith. Only God knows the true motivation of your girlfriend’s search. You don’t, even though you might think you do. She might not even really know, but if she’s really seeking God, even if for the wrong reasons, God will not decieve her. You find The Light and it will eminate from you. Even if your mouth is closed. Let God into your life and He will radiate. If she is about God, she will be attracted and inspired. If she is not, she will go away.
“If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it does not, it never was.” God is Love. You cannot be in love and not be in Love. Find God and you will find True Love.
God bless you and please pray for me. I will pray for you.
Click to expand...
I honestly have to say, I am truly touched by your words and everyone else’s. Thanks so much.
 
40.png
juno24:
I would hope that whomever is leading the RCIA would be ready to counter any false beliefs. After all, they are there to teach the Truth about the Church. I’ve never attended RCIA, either, but from what I know of it, it is exactly the place to ask those kinds of questions and gain clarity on what the Church teaches. I hope that your girlfriend would want to learn the truth about what you believe.
Have a great day,
Judy
Click to expand...
Judy is exactly right. I just finished RCIA 2 months ago. The instructor should be fully qualified to address the issues you’ll be having. And as was said earlier, it is not a hard push to convert or anything. In our class of 14 or so candidates, I think that three did not become Catholic for various reasons. There was one couple (the wife was not Catholic, the husband was) and they stayed late with the teacher after class every single week hashing out the issues. In the end she did not convert, but I sensed no pressure anywhere in the group. Everyone was at a different state and there to learn, and each made their own decision with the knowledge afterwards. Heck there were even a few older Catholics there just to have a “refresher course”!

Even if she did not convert during RCIA, your girlfriend would understand your faith and WHY you believe as you do. So much belief out there is misunderstanding. I think that a full 90% of what I thought about Catholic beliefs were incorrect!

Best wishes to you!
 
Two more great books to read “Why Catholics genuflect” by Al Kresta and “Born Fundamentalist, Born again catholic” by David Currie. I have read both of these books twice. These guys do a fantastic job explaining catholic teaching. I believe they were both former protestants. I also enjoy reading the writings of the early church fathers. It is also interesting to read what the early re-formers thought about Mary. It is quite different from what protestants today think of her. Luther and Calvin have given sermons on her.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top