I have some questions.

[beckyann2597]

Hi atriste,
A show you can watch (or listen to) that may be helpful is called “The Journey Home” on EWTN. To listen to old broadcasts of this show go to www.ewtn.com and click on “Libraries” then “audio library”. Then type in “The Journey home” and you can listen to all the episodes from the past 5 years or so. I find it fascinating. It is hosted by a former protestant minister who converted to the Catholic faith and every week he interviews former protestant ministers or intelectuals who have also converted. I am a cradle Catholic but I have learned so much from this program, especially about the common misconceptions people of other faiths have about us. Even if you choose not to convert, I am sure you will understand our Faith even more. Good Luck and God Bless

 

[Mijoy2]

severinus:

bump

what on earth does “bump” mean?

 

[VociMike]

atriste:

Ok let me start by saying that i am a protestant, however i have been looking into the caholic faith more closely out of interest.

Hi and welcome to our little corner of the world.

I have a few questions.

Why do catholics believe that all non catholics are damned to hell? I believe in Christ and that he rose from the dead, i accept him into my life, i have confessed my sins. Is that not enough? Or do i have to be a member of a church group (Catholic Church) that has like a million rules and doctrines, almost more than the bible.

The Church does not teach that all non-Catholics are damned to hell, and I expect that very, very few Catholics believe that they are. The Church recognizes that both non-Catholic Christians and non-Christians may obtain salvation by heeding the call of God as they receive it.

Why does the church outlaw contraceptives? Give me a down to earth answer, not some answer from the archbishop of wherever.

Because it separates sex into a selfish component (pleasure) and a selfless component (openness to new life), and then rejects the selfless component. Sex with contraception is like eating with bulemia. It causes a natural function and gift to become disordered.

Why does the catholic church have so many rituals, i feel as though the catholic church is more about the show than the content. Really what does doing a dozen different steps to a ritual have any bearing on the bible and god.

Because we are physical beings, and ritual fills a need in our natures. That’s why ritual is a part of the human experience, even outside of Catholicism. It is part of what we are. The Church accepts this fact and does not fight against it but incorporates it into her worship. The Church celebrates our physical nature as well as our spiritual nature, because both were created by God and both are good.

Why is there such an emphasis on Mary? Its not like she was Jesus, i hear Mary’s name more than Jesus’s.

That’s a great exaggeration. In fact, I hear about Mary much more from Protestants than from Catholics. Protestants are always bringing her up, so if you’re hearing Mary’s name more than Jesus’s it’s probably because you’re listening to Protestants, not Catholics.

I once counted the references to God and/or Christ at Mass compared to the references to Mary. In the Catholic Mass there are about 100 references to God/Christ, and 4 references to Mary (one asking for her prayers and three references to the virgin birth). 100 to 4. Does that sound like we think she was like Jesus?

If you can, convince me why i should become Catholic.

I don’t presume that I can convince you, but if you are looking for the fullness of truth, and the Church founded by Christ Himself and sheparded by the successor of Peter and the successors of the Apostles, and if you desire the food of life, the flesh of the Paschal Lamb who offered Himself for you on the cross and who further offers Himself to you each and every day, then you must become Catholic.

 

[VociMike]

Mijoy2:

what on earth does “bump” mean?

It’s an “empty” response to a thread that causes it to go to the top of the threads list. It’s a way to keep a thread visible rather than having it fade away down at the bottom of the list.

 

[Didi]

VociMike:

Because it separates sex into a selfish component (pleasure) and a selfless component (openness to new life), and then rejects the selfless component. Sex with contraception is like eating with bulemia. It causes a natural function and gift to become disordered.

What an excellent explanation! Great job VociMike!

 

[Ignatius]

atriste:

Ok let me start by saying that i am a protestant, however i have been looking into the Catholic faith more closely out of interest.

I have a few questions.

Why do catholics believe that all non catholics are damned to hell?

You have been misinformed. The Catholic Church does not teach this.

Why does the catholic church have so many rituals, i feel as though the catholic church is more about the show than the content.

The liturgy of the Church has been handed down from the Apostles, it is derived from the Liturgy of Saint James. Don’t you think it is wise to follow what the Apostles gave the Church?

Why is there such an emphasis on Mary? Its not like she was Jesus, i hear Mary’s name more than Jesus’.

Mary is the mother of the Son of God. If someone loves your mother, does that mean they disrespect you? No. Honoring His mother only pleases Jesus.

Also, no offence, but it doesn’t seem that you have looked into much or studied the Faith at all. Here is a site that might help if you really are seeking the Truth.

www.scripturecatholic.com

May the Lord richly bless you and lead you to the Pillar and Foundation of Truth.

Your brother in Christ.

 

[AquinasXVI]

Atriste:

Pray Pray Pray!!!

Read Read Read!!!

The Catholic Faith is so deep that the more you read, the bigger the universe gets. But without reading what the Church really teach we easily make false assumptions of the faith, so arm yourself with scripture, history, apologetics, devotional reading, etc.etc.

As for becoming Catholic…it soulds like you’re still young. Be patient and when the time comes you can come over. Many people have faced what you fear with the family’s acceptance but trust God that truth benefits everyone. The church is beautiful, noble and true. Share that with your family when you’re ready.

God bless your sincere heart, persevere and be joyful!

in XT.

 

[Catolico]

AquinasXVI:

As for becoming Catholic…it soulds like you’re still young.

I didn´t know we had an age requirement

According to his/her profile this person will be 20 years old in a couple of weeks.
I do agree he/she should take some time to learn the Catholic Faith, but this is because of the obvious misconceptions he/she has, not because of age.

 

[AquinasXVI]

We don’t have an age requirement although let’s say a 14 year old kid from a Methodist family desires conversion. He or she should be cautious for the parents are the providers and may cause great rifts. Prudence that’s all.

Now that I’m enlightened that Atriste is 20!!! That’s a different story.

Atriste: we’re here waiting for you!!!

Thanks Catolico for making that clarification.

in Xt.

 

[Philthy]

atriste:

I have a few questions.

Why do catholics believe that all non catholics are damned to hell?

That’s easy, we don’t believe that! Actually, though you have to be a little careful about the term the “Catholic Church”
The Catholic Church, which is the mystical body of Christ, has as its membership everyone who will go to heaven and everyone in Heaven. This means you might be part of it!

atriste:

I believe in Christ and that he rose from the dead, i accept him into my life, i have confessed my sins. Is that not enough?

You must remain “in Him” for the duration of your earthly life - persevere in the Truth which His Church and His word will teach you. You seem to be hinting that your eternal salvation is a done deal. Here’s one example that speaks otherwise - reread the parable of the unforgiving servant. If you don’t live a life of forgiving others, then neither will your Heavenly father forgive you your sins. People will continue to sin against you - you must continue to forgive…

atriste:

Or do i have to be a member of a church group (Catholic Church) that has like a million rules and doctrines, almost more than the bible.

There aren’t so many rules, just many applications to a few rules.

atriste:

Why does the church outlaw contraceptives? Give me a down to earth answer, not some answer from the archbishop of wherever.

God ordained sex as a means of reproduction and intimacy. You don’t get to exclude one for the other simply because you want to - simple.

atriste:

Why does the catholic church have so many rituals, i feel as though the catholic church is more about the show than the content. Really what does doing a dozen different steps to a ritual have any bearing on the bible and god.

Im not sure what you mean. What rituals? They are simply to take you away from the ordinary and draw you into union with God. Like incense - it is to awaken you in a unique way to prepare yourself to be in his presence. It isn’t mandatory

atriste:

Why is there such an emphasis on Mary? Its not like she was Jesus, i hear Mary’s name more than Jesus’s.

Mary is unique as the mother of God. We believe she functions like the Giberah of the OT Davidic Kingdom in the heavenly kindom: she has a special relationship with her son and her prayers are powerful.

atriste:

If you can, convince me why i should become Catholic.

The Catholic Church is the church that Jesus Christ founded on St Peter. If you wish to follow Christ, you must follow the Church he founded as the “pillar and foundation of Truth”.

Phil

 

[Philthy]

atriste:

well thanks for the answers.

I had already been to catholic.com and read all the stuff.

I would maybe consider joing the church but all my family and friends are potestant. could create an odd situation

i would even try to go to a service on a sunday but i dont know how that would work

One last thing about becoming Catholic…
If you come to a knowledge of the Truth regarding the Catholic
Church and then reject it, you are rejecting Christ himself - not good.
I sympathize with your struggle due to “your family and friends” but your first obligation is to God and perhaps you are meant to be the one to lead them here as well…

Prayer helps

Phil