I have some questions.

[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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Thanks,

Atriste

 

[severinus]

bump

 

[Celia]

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Thanks,

Atriste

Lots of questions. I’ll take a quick shot at it then maybe someone can broaden it a little.
1.) Catholics do not believe all others are “damned”. How do we know what was in that person’s heart when they were close to death? No one but God knows these things.

2.) Hmmm. A down to earth answer. I’ll try. Basically (very basically) artificial contraception puts a man made barrier in between a (hopefully) married couple. This couple should have 3 persons in their marriage…themselves, and the Lord. In the church we believe there are 2 aspects to the marital union: unitive AND procreative. If you are denying the procreative aspect, you are slapping God in the face by saying, Your plan of creation will not happen here if I can help it. You are denying the unitive aspect by saying, honey, you can have part of me, but not all of me, there’s one bit I want to keep to myself. That is selfish. This is just a basic outline, there’s really a lot involved in it, I recommend seeing what the CA library has on hand in that subject.

3.) Rituals like what do you mean? We have traditions in the way the mass is performed, things like that. Do you have family traditions, passed on from generation to generation? It’s kinda like that. Catholicism is 2,000 years old. Lots of tradition and revelation in there. I think you need to expand a little bit though, 'cause I don’t understand totally what you mean by that.

4.) Where do you hear Mary’s name more than Jesus? You mean like around here? A lot of people use Mary as an example of how a human should live their life, humbly, gracefully. They sort of look to her as a mother figure. We ask for her prayers when we are having troubles. However, she is NEVER a substitute for Jesus. Such a thing would be heretical.

5.) I doubt I convinced you to become Catholic, (although that would be really cool ) but I hope I have opened your mind a little to the church. Feel free to poke around and ask questions. I learned a lot here and I’m sure you will too. Welcome !

 

[Madia]

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

First, this is false. Please read #846-848 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#846

Why does the church outlaw contraceptives?

Please read #2360-2379 of the Catechism:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#III

These articles might also help:
christopherwest.com/works.asp

Why does the catholic church have so many rituals,

You may want to read Dr. Scott Hahn’s book “Swear to God” for a better understanding of the Sacraments.

Why is there such an emphasis on Mary?

From the Catechism:
scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm

What part of Mariology are you struggling with? We don’t worship Mary, She is not God.

You may want to read the Catechism to get a better understanding of what we Catholics believe:
scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm

 

[Didi]

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.

When you learn the “why” of certain traditions and rituals, it doesn’t take you away from God, it brings you closer to God.

The Bible is full of rituals. Just read all the instructions God gave to Moses! What about the Passover feast? God instructed Moses to take an unblemished male lamb with no bones broken to offer for the Passover feast. It was killed, its blood was shed, then it was eaten.

Jesus is the New Passover Lamb, the Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world. He was male, unblemished, and none of His bones were broken. His blood was shed for us all, and through the miracle of the Eucharist, we eat of the Lamb in order to fulfill and complete the New Passover.

What I LOVE about the Catholic faith is that there is a reason for everything, and a good one at that!

You might check out the Catholic answers website at www.catholic.com and just start reading, or get a Catechism and start reading. Everything is linked to the Scriptures, to the teaching of Jesus, to the tradition passed down by the apostles. It is awesome to be in the Church Jesus Himself established!

 

[awfulthings9]

Atriste,

God bless you and welcome. Thank you for coming to us with your questions and asking us honestly for answers. As the others have noted, the questions are a little vague and the premise is a bit off. This doesn’t mean your intentions are anything but sincere, just that it is difficult to know where to begin. Could I ask this favor on behalf of the posters here? Would you mind going to the Catholic Answers home page and looking at the tracts we have there. They are on the left hand side and are very nicely arranged in categories. I’d suggest starting in the section on Scripture. You must understand how Catholics approach Scripture to follow most of our answers. Then, if you would, start a thread on a specific topic. You’ll find that posting so many here will frustrate you more than us as the answers come back in something of a scattered way. You’ll find that we are very friendly people here if met with the same respect. We look forward to getting to know you and hope that you feel welcome.
Best

 

[Lady_Cygnus]

Atriste,

I’m going to try to answer your questions. I may not answer correctly, but I’m sure others will correct me if any are wrong. As you said you didn’t want quotes from obscure archbishops I haven’t included any references…certainly makes my life easier

atriste:

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.

You’ll be comforted to know Catholics do not believe this! We believe that only God knows who he lets into heaven, and it would be a sin to suppose “Joe” was let into heaven while “Sue” went to hell. The Church believes she has the fullness of the Truth, so it’s easier to get to heaven if you are Catholic, but that doesn’t mean all Catholics get to heaven, or that all non-Catholics go to hell.

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

The Church believes that human life is a gift from God, and shouldn’t be abused or insulted. The Church also ‘outlaws’ murder, adultery, theft, etc, which I’m sure you agree are sins. Contraceptives are a symptom of a sex crazed world, they do not fix the problem. For the Church to allow Contraceptives would be an implicit acceptance of fornication.

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.

The Church is not ‘more about the show’ either, everything is done for God and he is the focus of the Mass. The rituals are just there to do him honor. Also, since we are spiritual and physical creatures the rituals help us to be involved in the Mass and connect us with God. Even (most) Protestant Chruches have baptism, which is a ritual.

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

I don’t, and I’ve been a Catholic all my life. Catholics believe that Mary has a special honor as the Mother of God, but she is not above Jesus. Many times you can make it through an entire Mass without hearing her name.

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

Only the Holy Spirt can do this. I’ll pray for you on your search for Truth

Hope this helps,

 

[MonicaC]

Well I’ll try to take a stab at it also

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

Well Catholics have never tried to assume ones place in heaven or hell. That would be presumptuous (sp?) and that would be a sin.:tsktsk:

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

Well first of all God made us in his likeness right? Well in the trinity you have God who gives everything to the Son who in turns gives it all back through the holy spirit. Now in the same way you have the man (husband) who pours himself out with out holding nothing back (including his seed) to the women (wife) who does the same for her husband which creates a baby. God – Son – Holy Spirit. Man(husband) – Women(wife) – Child. Image and Likeness. I know I probably didn’t explain this very well. It made more sense on a blackboard.

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.

Well we don’t have anymore rituals than the old testement had look at Leviticus.

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

I hate to disagree with Jesus when he so kindly offered to me his mother while he was dying for me knowing full will how sinful I am.

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

Oh I don’t think any of us could ever convience you to become Catholic only the Holy Spirit can do that. I will pray for you though.

Good Luck and thank you for your questions.

Monica

 

[JCPhoenix]

atriste:

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

Why does the church outlaw contraceptives? Give me a down to earth answer…

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.

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

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

Atriste

I’m going to start from the bottom up.

First, we are not here to convince you to become Catholic. That is the job of the Lord, for only he calls…we are called to respond. So you can only answer this question through heart-to heart talks with Jesus and your own steps to learn more about the faith. The burden of your conversion or lack thereof is between you and God.

Regarding the emphasis on Mary…we honor her as being the woman prepared to carry the Savior, but even in the face of what could have happened to her (divorce, stoning, etc), she said “Let it be done to me according to your will.” Secondly, when you go to a friend’s home, do you not greet the parents? Or do you push them aside and say, “I"m here to see your son, you don’t matter. I don’t care that he’s only here because you said “yes”:”

There is much more to this and so I would suggest you use the search tool and look for threads on this topic…there are many. You will likely learn a lot more than what I can provide in a short synopsis.

The “rituals” you refer to are actually the liturgy…we have the liturgy of the Word and the liturgy of the Eucharist. You said, “I feel as though the Catholic Church is more about the show…”

Now, speaking as one who grew up Catholic…there is no “show”. We do not go to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to be entertained. Each movement has meaning. Take, for example, the reading of the Gospel. As the gospel acclamation is read/sung (Ex: Alleluia, Alleluia. The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. By his hand we have been saved… Alleluia, Alleluia ) , the priest rises, bows and gives reverence by kissing the cloth upon which the Eucharist will be consecrated. He picks up the book containing the Gospel reading, holds it aloft while we sing, and then as he opens it, he bows and kisses the Word he is to read. He announces the gospel reading for the day and at the same time, he, and we, mark our foreheads, lips, and hearts with the sign of the cross. We do this in silent prayer, “May the Word of God be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart”.

…cont…

 

[Sherlock]

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Thanks,

Atriste

1-Catholics do not believe that all non-Catholics are damned to hell.

2-Jesus founded a Church—why would you not want to belong to the Church that He founded? And as for belief being “enough”—you must also feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick (Matthew 25: 31-46). You must also eat His flesh (John 6:51), which is the Eucharist, which was the teaching of the Church from the earliest times until the present. That’s just a few items from Scripture…

3-What particular “rule” or “doctrine” are you upset about? Is it better to have no doctrines, and thus no truth? Is there such a thing as objective Truth? If so, how can the thousands of Protestant churches who believe very different things, all be right? Is it possible for there to be falsehood–that is, some people have truth, and others do not? If someone says, “this is the truth: Jesus is the Son of God”, do you despise that person because they have posited a doctrine?

4-All Christian faiths, up until the Lambeth Conference of 1928 0r 1930 (can’t rememer which), agreed that contraception was wrong, as it separated the procreative element of sex (“be fruitful, and multiply”) from the act of sex. This was the teaching of the Church from early times. When the Catholic Church re-affirmed her teaching against contraception, she predicted that it would lead to increased divorce, abortion, and the breakdown of the family. Was she wrong? If you want to know why the Church teaches against contraception, read Christoper West’s books about the “Theology of the Body”. I’m sure they will give you much food for thought.

5-All humans are ritualistic–the only difference is whether they recognize it or not. You don’t go to a wedding dressed as if you were going to the grocery. When you graduate from college, ther is much pomp and circumstance: so it is with all of the truly important things in human life. Ritual is a way of elevating an event (birth, death, marriage, worship, etc.) by using a common language. If you think ritual is wrong, just attend a bunch of “spontaneous” wedding ceremonies: the words are banal, the effect often ludicrous.

6-If Mary was good enough for Jesus, she is good enough for me. Since I wish to imitate Christ, I will honor His mother, as He did. She is the Ark of the New Covenant: if you want to see a parallel, look at how the Jews of the Old Testament honored the Ark of the Old Covenant. Honoring her does not take away from the worship of God: she is a creature, not the Creator. But we give glory to God by honoring His obedient servants.

You have a lot of misconceptions about Catholicism.

 

[StCsDavid]

atriste:

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.

We don’t believe that all non-catholics are damned to hell. In fact we’re not allowed to presume anyone’s salvation or damnation…what is your source for this belief? It is good you have accepted Christ. Why would you not want to follow the church He gave to us? All of these rules you seem to object to have a scriptural basis.

atriste:

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

Probably for the same reason most Protestant churches forbade them until the middle 20th century. Contraceptives are an outward action denying the fruits of the God given gift of sexuality between a man and woman in a sacramental marriage…that being life itself. The are an affront to human dignity. They have been directly or indirectly responsible for an increase in divorce, abortion, and sex outside the covenant of marriage.

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

Two things to consider here. First, the bible wasn’t assembled until several hundred years after Christ rose from the dead…and not widely distributed for over a thousand years more. What do you suppose people did during that time? Without a bible, only the sacred rituals that the Apostles passed down and each generation continued kept the church going. A Catholic mass you see today is nearly identical to the mass practiced by our first people.

Second, while protestants view saraments as mere symbols of God’s grace, Catholics know from scripture that the sacraments are actual conduits for grace.

atriste:

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

If you do even a small amount of reading about Mary, you will discover that she directs everyone to Christ. Mary is the mother of Christ. That alone warrents special reverence, though not worship. Would God have used an imperfect vessel to come into this world?

atriste:

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

I can’t convince you to become Catholic…only the Holy Spirit can convert you if you harden not your heart. I can; however, share with you the good news. I’ve only briefly touched on your questions. There is so much more awaiting you if you care to learn. If there is anything in particular you want to really go into more detail over, let’s take your questions one at a time.

 

[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

 

[puzzleannie]

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.

I have a few questions.

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

the Catholic Church does not believe and teach this, although some individual Catholics are mistaken in their interpretation of the doctrine that all salvation comes through the Catholic Church. For a complete very understandable explanation of this doctrine, please check out the CA homepage tracts and library under Salvation. In fact, you can save a lot of time by doing your homework on the homepage first, then coming here to ask more detailed questions about what you don’t understand.

 

[JCPhoenix]

…Cont… (sorry, wasn’t sure if I was running out of space or not)

Anyway, getting back to the gospel reading, after the priest reads the gospel, he says, “This is the Word of the Lord” and he holds up the Bible.

We respond, “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ”, and in some seasons, we sing “Alleluia, Alleluia” again, while the priest kisses the Word of God and places it in front of the lectionary to be displayed in a honored position.

Each step has meaning, and it has meaning in the way we are to worship our Lord. Do you agree that God and Jesus are a BIG DEAL?

We believe that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity…shouldn’t we be on our knees?

I will admit that many don’t understand their faith or why we do what we do, why our posture changes and the small movements we make during the Mass. But it is not about show for those who have the love of Christ in their hearts. This is a very large topic and appropriate for a thread all to itself.

Moving on…

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

Why does the church outlaw contraceptives? Give me a down to earth answer… "

Catholics don’t believe that all non-Catholics are damned to Hell. Whoever told you that is full of it. I’m glad you asked so that we can correct this thinking. We do believe that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, and we also believe in the infinite mercy of Jesus. What we believe is that we, as Catholics, have the “fullness of the faith”. This is difficult to explain, and I think you will only understand if you continue your research into our beliefs.

Contraceptives…ah, yes. I would recommend that you complete a search on this also to look up threads on this topic. I also would refer you to Christopher Wests taped series on The Theology of the Body, but of course you want a “down to earth” answer. I still refer you to Christopher West.

But I will answer, anyway. I used to be on it. Here’s the deal…hormones mess with your hormones, and I used to be on it so I have it on good authority I was not better off. In fact, I would say that it enabled me to engage in immoral behavior as it lessened my fear of consequences of what I knew to be wrong. It also did not protect me from other physical consequences and as such I am now staring at a good possiblity of uterine or cervical cancer. And you know…one of the reasons I went on it was for irregularity…and it’s still there. Worse, now, that I’m off the stuff.

For those who are married, what contraceptives do is cause the couple to say to each other and to God, “I give you everything…I give you my body (most of it, but not my reproductive gifts, just the pleasure part), I give you my soul, joining with yours in Holy Matrimony, I give you my finances, I give you everything I am, and I accept all that you are and all that you have, (except for anything that creates life that I have to carry)” Contraceptives say, “I give an oath to God and to you, my dear husband/wife that I will be there for and with you through everything, as long as we can prevent children, and buck God’s order to multiply”.

So I ask…what is the point of marriage other than to co-create with God? To come together, create children in God’s image and raise them as God has defined? (I do not speak against couples who, for some reason, cannot have children due to some kind of health problem, etc.)

Additionally, I will say this: Those marriages that celebrate their 50th, 75th…etc…Here is what I learned from them: They did not use contraceptives. They gave their concerns to God, and if they had big families, God provided. It wasn’t easy, but God provided what they NEEDED, not what they wanted. They communicate, and although the physical feelings may have faded, they have a wealth of love for each other that shines in such a special way. They did not consider divorce when times got rough; rather, since they never had a barrier between them, they worked things out.

Contraception does not only mean a barrier between the man and woman’s reproductive areas, it is a barrier in communication.

I really urge you to really read up on this, and I pray that God bless you on your journey.

Thank you for asking your question…I really do hope you find the answers God has waiting for you.

 

[Sherlock]

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

Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew10:37-38)

It might be better to go to a Mass (it’s not called a “service”) after you have more information about what it is that Catholics believe and why. Your initial post suggests that you have a lot of misconceptions about Catholicism, so I would respectfully suggest that you inform yourself about what goes on at Mass before you go. It’s very different than a Protestant service.

 

[Sherlock]

JCPhoenix,

Hey, gurl! Good to see you here. We didn’t go on vacation after all—too many bills (eeyargh). We’ve been busy this past half-week but I’ll give you a call tomorrow evening. By the way, was working at Holy Family and happened to talk to Ed W, who called the office–small world!

 

[MonicaC]

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

I will be praying for you and all those who have such a hard road to walk. Keep asking the Holy Spirit for guidance as I am sure He already got you here so far. And don’t forget that there are so many others in your shoes right now. You see about going to an RCIA class at your local parish you will get a lot of answers there and a lot of support from others who are walking the same path as you.

Good Luck!

Monica

 

[JCPhoenix]

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

I will say this…your journey of faith is your own, not your family’s.

Jesus said, “I came to cause division…brother against brother, father against son…” (sorry, can’t remember the exact wording, writing off the cuff),

If you are being called, the only right thing to do is to follow Christ on this journey. He is with you, he loves you and he wants what is best for you AND your family. How do you know you won’t lead others?

You will find many here with the same “odd situation” of protestant family. You are not alone.

By the way…we don’t have “services”, we have Holy Mass. It is actually found in the Bible, beginning in the gospels at the Last Supper and described in Acts. But it is not a “service”. Never.

You will understand as you go forward in your inquiry.

God bless you!

 

[Madia]

You may want to get in contract with the Coming Home Network:
chnetwork.org/

 

[Church_Militant]

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

What you really have to decide is if the Holy Spirit is calling you into the Catholic Church because if so then you are disobeying God to not pursue that aren’t you?

“…an odd situation.” So was hangin’ on that cross…
Pax tecum,