I would like to ask some questions to former Protestants turned Catholic (Catholics welcome too).

[Dndspoon]

Hi, my name is David, I am 17 and am looking to become a Catholic. But I have a few stumbling blocks on the way, and I can’t ignore them. Right now I am currently an Evangelical Baptist, but I am not, how do you say, happy and full in my spiritual life, and something is pulling me to the Catholic Church. The unity, the love, the respect in your churches for the lord is just amazing. But like I said, there are a few things stopping me. So I was hoping, that people who were once Protestant, who understand my position, would share their experience in converting to Catholicism, and how they got through some of things that are a stumbling block like:

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

 

[Filioque]

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

While all of your questions are answered in different threads and postings here. I’ll give a shot at the short answer.

As a Baptist, you’ve probably been trained that if it is not in the Bible, it is not worthy of belief. First as Catholics we believe along with the Apostles and Early Church that Mary’s sinlessness was not based on her own merit alone, but was a singular gift of God in order that she may fulfil her role in the Divine Plan for our Salvation. Our Lord would not and did not enter into our world (By His Incarnation) through an impure vessle. That vessle like all of us had free will, and as we read in the Bible consented to her role. A summary of the rosary will be included in answer 2.

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth .

Those who fall asleep in Christ (the dead) are still members of the One Church. They do not end their membership in the Church by death, but become perfected in Christ in a manner that we are still hoping for in this life. The Apocalypse (Revelation in the Protestant Bible) Speaks of the souls of the Martyrs prayers rising up from the altar in heaven. While not mandated, we are free to utilize the close proximity to God of our fellow Chrisitans in heaven to interceed on our behalf before the Throne of God. Be it Mary or the Saints, they are both examples and fellow members of the Body of Christ.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

Once we die, we cannot do anything else for ourselves, we go through a final purification to make us ready to see God face to face. We are tried as gold is by the refiner’s fire. However those of us on earth, like those in heaven are part of the same One Body of Christ the Church as those in purgatory. We can interceed for them. It was done in the Early Church, and by the Jews in the OT. God unchanging allows for us to interceed for our brothers, what a wonderful gift.

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

If you isolate verses from the Bible, rather than taking the Bible as a whole you may have a point. Making graven images, and bowing down before them, worshiping them is forbidden. However there are also direct commands to make images after the Ten Commandments were given. The Bronze Serpant was commanded by God, and the people were instructed to look upon it. Not to worship it, but use it in a proper manner. Cherubim and other graven images were commanded to be made for the Temple. When we pray can enhance our prayerfulness by various means. We can kneel, stand or sit. I say some of my prayers in the morning before my feet hit the floor. Some people bow their heads, close their eyes, and fold their hands. All physical things we do to enhance our prayerfulness. Statues when used properly enhance our prayerfulness. If a Catholic were to worship them, (in the modern sense of the word) they would be in disobedience to God and the Church.

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

As appointed vicar of Christ there are some things he can change. What he cannot change is what Jesus commanded or revealed. Jesus taught us that He the Father, and the Spirit are One. The Pope cannot add or subtract from the Tritinty. Jesus taught that His flesh was food indeed; The Pope cannot change that. Jesus taught that All power/authority given Him he gave to His Apostles. The Pope cannot change that. What he does have the authority to do is to change church made rules, like the language the Mass can be offered in, or other disciplinary regulations. He can define what they Church has always taught, something usually done when questions or controversies arise. As an example, the Church did not invent the Eucharist or Transubstantiation after Luther, as some Protestants claim, but rather defined it more clearly after errors and questions arose.

This is only a start, and may not fully explain for you the full answers to your questions. Others more than likely will augment these answers to more fully explain. None of the explinations will be perfect, only seeking God’s graces to believe will do that. I for one will pray for your being able to open your heart and soul to understanding and belief.

 

[Dndspoon]

While all of your questions are answered in different threads and postings here. I’ll give a shot at the short answer.

As a Baptist, you’ve probably been trained that if it is not in the Bible, it is not worthy of belief. First as Catholics we believe along with the Apostles and Early Church that Mary’s sinlessness was not based on her own merit alone, but was a singular gift of God in order that she may fulfil her role in the Divine Plan for our Salvation. Our Lord would not and did not enter into our world (By His Incarnation) through an impure vessle. That vessle like all of us had free will, and as we read in the Bible consented to her role. A summary of the rosary will be included in answer 2.

Those who fall asleep in Christ (the dead) are still members of the One Church. They do not end their membership in the Church by death, but become perfected in Christ in a manner that we are still hoping for in this life. The Apocalypse (Revelation in the Protestant Bible) Speaks of the souls of the Martyrs prayers rising up from the altar in heaven. While not mandated, we are free to utilize the close proximity to God of our fellow Chrisitans in heaven to interceed on our behalf before the Throne of God. Be it Mary or the Saints, they are both examples and fellow members of the Body of Christ.

Once we die, we cannot do anything else for ourselves, we go through a final purification to make us ready to see God face to face. We are tried as gold is by the refiner’s fire. However those of us on earth, like those in heaven are part of the same One Body of Christ the Church as those in purgatory. We can interceed for them. It was done in the Early Church, and by the Jews in the OT. God unchanging allows for us to interceed for our brothers, what a wonderful gift.

If you isolate verses from the Bible, rather than taking the Bible as a whole you may have a point. Making graven images, and bowing down before them, worshiping them is forbidden. However there are also direct commands to make images after the Ten Commandments were given. The Bronze Serpant was commanded by God, and the people were instructed to look upon it. Not to worship it, but use it in a proper manner. Cherubim and other graven images were commanded to be made for the Temple. When we pray can enhance our prayerfulness by various means. We can kneel, stand or sit. I say some of my prayers in the morning before my feet hit the floor. Some people bow their heads, close their eyes, and fold their hands. All physical things we do to enhance our prayerfulness. Statues when used properly enhance our prayerfulness. If a Catholic were to worship them, (in the modern sense of the word) they would be in disobedience to God and the Church.

As appointed vicar of Christ there are some things he can change. What he cannot change is what Jesus commanded or revealed. Jesus taught us that He the Father, and the Spirit are One. The Pope cannot add or subtract from the Tritinty. Jesus taught that His flesh was food indeed; The Pope cannot change that. Jesus taught that All power/authority given Him he gave to His Apostles. The Pope cannot change that. What he does have the authority to do is to change church made rules, like the language the Mass can be offered in, or other disciplinary regulations. He can define what they Church has always taught, something usually done when questions or controversies arise. As an example, the Church did not invent the Eucharist or Transubstantiation after Luther, as some Protestants claim, but rather defined it more clearly after errors and questions arose.

This is only a start, and may not fully explain for you the full answers to your questions. Others more than likely will augment these answers to more fully explain. None of the explinations will be perfect, only seeking God’s graces to believe will do that. I for one will pray for your being able to open your heart and soul to understanding and belief.

Thank you, I really do need prayers right now. I have 2 follow up questions, if its ok, on Mary and purgatory. How do we know these things to be true, if its not in the Bible, then how do we know about the teachings on Mary? Was it the Pope or a council? And where did they/he
get it? Was it something passed down, or revealed, and if it was revealed, how does a
revelation happen? A dream, vision or like it just sort of happens? Lol sorry for all the questions, I just want to be totally informed on how everything works. Thanks!

 

[MontChevalier]

Hi, my name is David, I am 17 and am looking to become a Catholic. But I have a few stumbling blocks on the way, and I can’t ignore them. Right now I am currently an Evangelical Baptist, but I am not, how do you say, happy and full in my spiritual life, and something is pulling me to the Catholic Church. The unity, the love, the respect in your churches for the lord is just amazing. But like I said, there are a few things stopping me. So I was hoping, that people who were once Protestant, who understand my position, would share their experience in converting to Catholicism, and how they got through some of things that are a stumbling block like:

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

In the Catholic Church, Mary is accorded the title “Blessed,” [Luke 1:28] (from Latin beatus, blessed, via Greek μακάριος, makarios and Latin facere make) in recognition of her ascension to Heaven [As Queen of Heaven, Revelations 12:1] and her capacity to intercede on behalf of those who pray to her. Catholic teachings make clear that Mary is not considered divine and prayers to her are not answered by her, they are answered by God.

The Catholic Church does not “teach” (As if they were wrong) that the Blessed Virgin Mary is a virgin and sinless, they merely transit what the Bible says. Matthew 1:23. And don’t worry, what you’re feeling is nothing more than Protestant influence gripping your soul. Understand that the Protestant faith is man-made. Just merely looking at Protestant history you’ll be asking yourself this one important question: Where were the Protestant before the Reformation in the 1500s? The answer is simple: Nowhere, they did not exist. Looking at the history of other Christian churches, you’ll find the same answer, and more and more you’ll be asking yourself, where they before that time? But only the Catholic Church was divinely selected by Jesus Christ, so that st. Peter would lead the church. Matthew 16:18 and from him Pope after Pope would follow. (One note that Protestants won’t tell you is that the word Pope means Father)

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp

catholic.com/library/Intercession_of_the_Saints.asp

These should help with this.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

catholic.com/library/Purgatory.asp

catholic.com/library/Roots_of_Purgatory.asp

These two should help on the matter. They have all been resolved.

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

catholic.com/library/Do_Catholics_Worship_Statues.asp

This link should help with this.

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

If you look at the commentary on the first question, I think I’ve already answered this one. But to be sure, here’s the link to the question:

catholic.com/thisrock/1993/9312vbv.asp

catholic.com/library/Authority_of_the_Pope_Part_1.asp

catholic.com/library/Authority_of_the_Pope_Part_2.asp

These should all be helpful.

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

Stumbling block… Yep, you’re one of those Christians alright. Saying words like that have always made me feel weird and fake. But then, maybe that’s just my style.

I will try and answer those questions as best as I possibly can, but remember that I am still a newbie, and have answered these questions on my own previously. (Except it was research and the aid of other people which helped influence me into taking further steps). Have you read the Bible? The verses are all in there.

I’ll place the answers in red, in the box above, if that’s okay, and the commentary in blue.

-MontChevalier

 

[asd72]

Hi David,

I found the best way to get a basic understanding of the Catholic doctrine is to get a book which systematically goes through each issue. I read ’ Born fundamentalist, born again Catholic’ by David Currie. He was also Protestant and understands the issues you are confronting. There are also other similar books, but that is the one I know and can recommend. Then you can p(name removed by moderator)oint particular issues you still are trying to clarify by asking further questions here.

There is also a lot of information on the site aside from the forums, I would put links for you but can’t work out how to do it using my phone!

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

Hi, my name is David, I am 17 and am looking to become a Catholic. But I have a few stumbling blocks on the way, and I can’t ignore them. Right now I am currently an Evangelical Baptist, but I am not, how do you say, happy and full in my spiritual life, and something is pulling me to the Catholic Church. The unity, the love, the respect in your churches for the lord is just amazing. But like I said, there are a few things stopping me. So I was hoping, that people who were once Protestant, who understand my position, would share their experience in converting to Catholicism, and how they got through some of things that are a stumbling block like:

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

Hi, David, and thanks for your sincerity. Remember that some objections you have are not only mental but sentimental. That is, if you drank your your mother’s milk such and such a position about Christian Faith, though you agree with Catholic Faith, you feel that is a betrayal your your upbringing to feel otherwise. It is instinctive, like you said for praying the Rosary. I tell you, the biggest hurdle, for me, is the Pope. I think Protestant and Catholics are a world apart on this subject, as I notice participating in discussions with Protestant friends.

For Catholics, the Pope is the cornerstone and without Pope there is no Church. We have a saying in Latin that says: “Ubi papa, ibi Roma” - where is the Pope, there is Rome, meaning where is the Pope, there is the Church. If the Pope is New york, there is there the Church, the center, the cornerstone. You may discuss it till the end of times. But you see what is a Church without the Pope? See the Protestant Churches. I thought they were 200 but I saw the number 33000 denominations and 200 added each month. I was dumbfounded. When we have the authority to interpret according to own’s won conscience, see the result. In 400 years we have that much, in 500 years more you will have one-person churches. Meaningless.

Once you accept that it is up to the Pope and the Tradition (it means all the Christians along the times connected with the Pope, they have the authority the interpret the Bible), everything is easy. It is not up to you to say that doctrine is this or that way, but it is up to Everybody, to the faithful along the times connected to the Pope. So, you see the doctrine of the Church and though you think that should be other way, you accept it for it is the doctrine of the Church and … attention … the church knows better than you …

So, #1,#2,#3,#4 you accept the doctrine of the Church because it is the doctrine of the Church. Nothing special: an air hostess accepts the uniform not because she likes red (she hates it), but because it is the Company’s uniform. We are in everyday life accepting facts of life that are not our choice: the timetable of trains, the coworker with bad temper, the country where we were born and its town and neighbors, our gender and time (you could be born in 2516 !!), your language, family and relatives, ans so on. Why is it so that the Catholic Church would not be permitted to have doctrine, uniforms, language codes, and so on? Remember, you may think whatever you like, but you must obey.

Yes, you will wee here in CAF many arguments but, in the end, we accept the Church’s teaching. It is not easy to reach a dogma, you know? For instance, #1, did you know that famous medieval theologians had your opinion about May? It too 1900 years to reach the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and of the Assumption of Mary. That is why I find strange that each Protestant may interpret as he sees fit, when something like that dogma took 1900 years to confirm.

As for saints, see my post clicking here. Maybe the text may be too much for your age, but you will understand. It is not exactly the topic mas that gives and idea. anyhow, if you have questions, feel free to contact me.

GBY

 

[The_GreyPilgrim]

Hi, my name is David, I am 17 and am looking to become a Catholic. But I have a few stumbling blocks on the way, and I can’t ignore them. Right now I am currently an Evangelical Baptist, but I am not, how do you say, happy and full in my spiritual life, and something is pulling me to the Catholic Church. The unity, the love, the respect in your churches for the lord is just amazing. But like I said, there are a few things stopping me. So I was hoping, that people who were once Protestant, who understand my position, would share their experience in converting to Catholicism, and how they got through some of things that are a stumbling block like:

Hi David, I appreciate your concerns. I shared them myself. Living in the midwest I was given a heavy dose of evangelical/fundamentalism mostly in either pentecostal or baptist churches. I then left christianity for atheism, but recently came back and joined God’s true Church. I’ll do my best to help you.

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

Mary was also a big obstacle for me even after I joined RCIA. My protetsant misgivings crept to the surface when we talked about her role in salvation or whenever there were songs or prayers about her. I trusted in God that He would not lead me wrong and I asked Him to help me better understand. Eventually I read Scott Hahn’s “Hail Holy Queen: the Mother of God in the Word of God”. Don’t read it right away, though. Get grounded in the other parts of the faith first, and just continually pray for God to keep guiding you. Then when you’re ready come back and take another look at Mary. There is plenty of foundation work that needs to be laid beforehand, but for you there is plenty of time.

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

Praying for the dead is not useless because of purgatory. And purgatory exist because of God’s mercy. Praying for those in hell is useless, praying for those in heaven equally so. But praying to those in Sainst in heaven, who are with God and who help Him govern affairs on earth, are entirely beneficial.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

Yes. Our prayers go to God as a memorial sacrifice, and by our love and prayers those in Purgatory are aided. It’s called the mystery of human solidarity.

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

Not at all. We aren’t praying to the stone or the wood, we are lifing our minds and hearts to the one whom the wood or stone represents.

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

If you mean “change things” as in say that Jesus did not come in the flesh? No. The Church teaches that God has granted the Pope a grace of infallibility when teaching faith or morals; and that the Holy Spirit protects the Pope and the Church from teaching error. You must understand that it is a negative protection. It in no way guarantees that the Pope won’t same some stupid thing about politics or basketball. And it is not to be confused with impeccability, the Pope is a man just like the rest of us. He sins and goes to confession just like the rest of us.

What it does guarantee is that no matter what the Holy Spirit will not allow the Pope to ever declare something as true which is false.

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

I hope I have helped. If you have any other questions shoot me a pm and I’ll give you my email.

The Grey Pilgrim

 

[GaryTaylor]

“Mary was also a big obstacle for me even after I joined RCIA. My protetsant misgivings crept to the surface when we talked about her role in salvation or whenever there were songs or prayers about her. I trusted in God that He would not lead me wrong and I asked Him to help me better understand. Eventually I read Scott Hahn’s “Hail Holy Queen: the Mother of God in the Word of God”. Don’t read it right away, though. Get grounded in the other parts of the faith first, and just continually pray for God to keep guiding you. Then when you’re ready come back and take another look at Mary. There is plenty of foundation work that needs to be laid beforehand, but for you there is plenty of time.”

Well spoken, many raised in the CC have a difficult time with the teachings on Our Lady also. I wasn’t sure about this for some time. It is most definately correct, however you will have to ulimately trust the Mystics of the Church and God on this one. Though their is a rich history of the Blessed Mother from 2-AD foward, 4-AD in the Church, over 2500-Biographys, Art and Literature.

There is no woman in this worlds history more venerated than Our Lady. And that is a fact which btw you can also take as a sign from God. That is unless one believes in chance or luck.

 

[Church_Militant]

Hi, my name is David, I am 17 and am looking to become a Catholic. But I have a few stumbling blocks on the way, and I can’t ignore them. Right now I am currently an Evangelical Baptist, but I am not, how do you say, happy and full in my spiritual life, and something is pulling me to the Catholic Church. The unity, the love, the respect in your churches for the lord is just amazing. But like I said, there are a few things stopping me. So I was hoping, that people who were once Protestant, who understand my position, would share their experience in converting to Catholicism, and how they got through some of things that are a stumbling block like:

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

First, you might want to read My Testimony so that you know I can relate.
It will probably be easiest if I give you links to articles that can clear up your problems, so here goes. I love the Blessed Virgin and so I have read up a lot on all this.

• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part I (This Rock: August 1992)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part II (This Rock: September 1992)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part III (This Rock: October 1992)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part IV (This Rock: November 1992)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part V (This Rock: December 1992)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part VI (This Rock: January 1993)
• CRI’s Attack on Mary: Part VII (This Rock: February 1993)
• The fallacy of the Queen of Heaven attack
• Pillars of Reformation on Mary
• The Perpetual Virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Reasons Why I Believe in The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption

I realize that’s a lot, but these are very good articles, (except maybe for the last 3, which are my own.)

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

This I answer in another article from my blog.

• The Intercession & Communion of Saints

(Cont’d)

 

[HerrZJA]

Hi, David. I realize a few other people have already begun to answer your questions, but I thought I would also give it a try. I was never a protestant, but I am a convert, so hopefully I have the sort of perspective you’re looking for.

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

I wanted to answer these two together, because they have a similar root. It is important to note that Mary and the Saints are not terribly different. Mary, of course, has special position as the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven. Still, when we pray to Mary and the Saints, we don’t pray in the same sense that we pray to God. Our prayers to God are worshipful; our prayers to Mary and the Saints are to ask for them to take up our own prayers with us, to become our advocates. And, this is just my personal practice, mind you, but I find it helpful to include God in all my prayers, even those for which I ask the intercession of Mary or a Saint.

As to the feelings of guilt you felt in praying the Rosary, perhaps that particular devotion is not yet for you. True, it is a popular devotion, but it is not required of the laity by any means. I myself prefer to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which uses the same physical Rosary, but is focused on the passion of Christ.

Myself, I had the hardest time perhaps with these two points of doctrine. Apologetics was what fixed it for me; I wasn’t interpreting certain passages correctly and had failed to notice others.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

This one, I’m not so strongly grounded in. Filolique hit the nail on the head in his first response, though.

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

Absolutely not, no more than praying before a cross or a stained glass window would. It is important to note the distinction between praying to Jesus/Mary/The Saints and praying to the statue of them. Some people find the visuals to be a helpful focus if they are prone to having their mind wander.

For myself, I don’t have any statues, but I do have a print of a painting of the Divine Mercy. I find it helpful on days when I just can’t focus, but I also recognize it to be nothing more than that; a print of a pretty painting, in a pretty frame.

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

The pope is, by my understanding, not a representative of Christ but a representative of Saint Peter, the Rock upon whom Jesus built his Church. The extent to which he can change things is limited by doctrinal concerns, and you could write an entire book about the influence of the Papacy and still find an aspect you didn’t manage to cover.

Electing a pope isn’t a matter of deciding who is descended or not from Saint Peter, either. All priests are descended, in terms of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, from one of the Apostles. And, most impressively (to me, at least), you can draw an unbroken line of succession from Holy Father Benedict XVI all the way back to Saint Peter, the first Pope. Yes, there were times of plural popes and anti-popes, as well as popes with failings (Alexander Borgia comes to mind), but, just as with priests, the papacy is held by a human, prone to err as we all are.

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

God bless you, David! It is a wonderful journey you’ve embarked upon, and it is good to see people taking their faith seriously. Don’t let doctrine stand in your way, either. What seems ludicrous at the moment may just need the right homily, or the right conversation with the pastor, or even the right moment of inspiration to suddenly make sense.

 

[Church_Militant]

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

These should help.

• Biblical and Jewish Traditional Beliefs About Purgatory
• Purgatory
• The Roots of Purgatory (Fathers*)

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

Well, how would that not be praying in the spirit? I have another article on my blog that might help you out here though.

• Iconoclasm: Or: Catholics Worship Graven Images NOT

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

There’s a bunch of articles that explain our beliefs about the Pope and can be found at Church & Papacy

These are pretty much it, I think. As for everything else, I believe, like the true presence in the Eucharist (even Martin Luther believed that), the sacraments, child baptism, etc. But the five things I listed have been bugging me, I mean I have heard Catholic apologetics on EWTN answer these questions of mine, but still, it feels like a huge leap for me. So if you could please share your stories with me, I would be very thankful. Hopefully, I can soon join the Catholic Church. Thanks so much and may God Bless You All!

We are happy to help answer your questions. May the Holy Spirit affirm these things in your heart.

Thank you, I really do need prayers right now.

I’ll be praying for you and will remember you at Mass this morning.

I have 2 follow up questions, if its ok, on Mary and purgatory. How do we know these things to be true, if its not in the Bible, then how do we know about the teachings on Mary? Was it the Pope or a council? And where did they/he get it? Was it something passed down, or revealed, and if it was revealed, how does a revelation happen? A dream, vision or like it just sort of happens?

Well I think probably the links above will have answered most all of that, but if not, by all means shoot me a PM and I’ll see what all else I can find to help you out. It’s not a problem, and people asking questions like you are is pretty much one of the main reasons that CAF is here.

Lol sorry for all the questions, I just want to be totally informed on how everything works. Thanks!

Oh, and by the way. There are a number of very good sources for Catholic teaching you can access on the intarwebz Here are some very good links.
The Bible Christian Society offers some of the best FREE stuff around. They have terrific Bible study notes and MP3 downloads that just cannot be beat.
The Catholic Home Study Service is an excellent resource as they offer FREE Catholic courses that you can take. I have completed everything that they offer and recommend them all. (I do send them donations when I can.)
Scripture Catholic is a great website that offers great resources for your research.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.

 

[Credendum]

#1. Mary. She is my biggest problem. The Church teaches that she was born sinless, remained a virgin all her life, was assumed into heaven body and soul, and now is “Queen of Heaven”. As a Protestant, that’s really hard to swallow. Also the rosary,# I bought one at a Catholic gift shop, and I memorized the prayer and everything. So I thought I would pray. In the middle of the prayer, I began to feel such guilt that I was hurting Christ by doing this. So I stopped and haven’t prayed since. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

As a former protestant, I can relate to the feeling that you are hurting Christ when praying the rosary. However, the rosary is scriptural: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Luke 1:28, 41-42
Here is more info: ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/rosary/scripture.htm

#2. Praying to the saints. I was always taught that praying to dead people was useless, and it would not be Heaven for them if they saw the sufferings here on earth.

The body of Christ is not only earthly, but spiritual. Those who die in Christ are made alive in Christ. The saints are alive.

#3. Purgatory. Not in so much of its existence, but do we really have power to help the dead by praying prayers?

This is linked to the previous question about praying to the saints. Since the body of Christ is spiritually connected, w can pray for the souls in purgatory.

#4. Statues. Now I don’t mind using them for decorations like the nativity scene, but using them as a visual when praying, doesn’t that go against the verse in the Bible where it says that we are to pray in spirit?

Filioque answered this very well.

#5. And finally the Pope. Is he really the representative of or Lord Jesus Christ on earth, and can he change things?

Again, Filioque, thank you.

 

[Tayaban]

I pray for your conversion
I hope that you could visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration, this might help you in your meditation and prayer.
sorry if it’s Off topic.
+AMDG

 

[Netty1]

Hi, David, and thanks for your sincerity. Remember that some objections you have are not only mental but sentimental. That is, if you drank your your mother’s milk such and such a position about Christian Faith, though you agree with Catholic Faith, you feel that is a betrayal your your upbringing to feel otherwise.

David, I agree with this view put forward by Pfaffenhoffen and it may be part of the stumbling block you are seeking to overcome.

If I can just side-track to get to my end point: after the Reformation, it was illegal (and at times punishable by death) to be a Roman Catholic in England right up until the Catholic Emancipation Acts of Parliament. Up until 19thC, Roman Catholics could not purchase land, hold offices or seats in Parliament, inherit property, or practice their religion without incurring punishment.

I cite this to explain that, when it comes to Christianity, England has a hard-wired Anglican/Protestant reaction which, albeit unconsciously, produces many of the qualms you mention in the minds of those wanting to convert. I found them myself and I was a “nothing” religion-wise before converting. But still, the background Protestant theme in the country in which I grew up coloured my reaction to the very same topics you have raised.

Pfaffenhoffen is right, and when trying to break stride with one drummer and march to a different drum, it is hard in the beginning.

I know people here are far better qualified than me to guide you through the doctrine and Church teachings, so I won’t go there. But I will offer words of encouragement for your journey and suggest that you contact a user-friendly Catholic church, ask to either speak to the priest or a qualified catechist.

Priests are often extremely busy and may not have the time, but a qualified catechist (one who has gone through the RCC’s certification process, in this country qualified catechists take a two year distance learning course at a Catholic college ) should be able to help and there is no obligation to take things further unless you want to.

I hope and pray you find useful answers to your questions, and if you do make that swim across the Tiber, then I wish you a hearty “welcome home”.

 

[Newsy]

Hi David,
I joined the Catholic Church at Easter, after several months of intense study. I would recommend getting a notebook and listing any objections you have to the Church. I filled a couple of pages on a legal pad, then I started studying on this forum. Ask An Apologist is a good source and the search function is helpful. Keep an open mind, it will help you to understand the information given. Read books like “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn, it gives his testimony and factual arguments.

RCIA is a great source for information. Classes should be starting soon, there is no obligation to join at the end of the classes. These classes will cover the doctrines of the Church as well as give insight into Christian living.

Keep in mind that the Bible was given to us by the Catholic Church. If you have a protestant Bible, you are missing several books. These “missing books” shed a great amount of light onto some of the doctrines you asked about (prayer for the dead, purgatory). Try not to fall into the trap of “if its not in the Bible, it doesn’t count”. As a protestant it was easy to use this idea, but there is a lot of useful information outside of the Bible. For instance, if you read the Early Church Fathers you can see what first and second century Christians (Catholics) believed.

Also remember, it will be difficult to leave your current church. I had almost no family in the Catholic Church, my family was all protestant. It was very difficult to “break from the family”, but I found many friends in the Catholic Church to help me. I found such richness and depth in the Catholic Church, it was the best choice for me. There may be people you love, who will attack the Catholic Church, most of them think they are helping. Don’t let this discourage you.

Prayer is essential, spend time in prayer each day. God will lead you in this journey, have faith.

Please private message me if you need more info or need to talk. I am praying for you.

Welcome to the journey home!

 

[tundramom]

I am a former Mormon, then Born Again Christian, now Catholic.

You hit the nail on the head at the most glaring problems I saw as well before I made the jump. Others have answered well. Please know that I am praying for you as well! Don’t give up. These questions of yours are valid, but can be explained. I’m praying that God will answer them directly to your heart. The Holy Spirit will guide you!

Steph

 

[lutherlic]

David,

You have a lot of learning and some unlearning ahead. Try not to think of these as “issues” so much as they are areas where your catechesis is insufficient. RCIA will help, this forum will help, reading the Catechism will help, prayer (specifically for an open heart and mind) will help.

Take these areas one at a time. As you work your way through them it will get easier and you will trust the Church more and more. Remember that conversion is a life-long process so even when you “get” the answers and are OK with them, you will grow deeper over time.

FWIW, my quick stab at your questions:

#1 on Mary - I think this video is excellent.
#2 on praying to saints - I wrote about it in this piece.
#3 on purgatory - my guess from the sound of your question is this is not a big concern, but the Church Militant (us) can pray for the Church Suffering (those in purgatory). They are dead only in the mortal sense and will absolutely join the Church Triumphant (heaven).
#4 on statues - see #2
#5 on the pope - always a favorite; realize that the pope does not actually go around infallibly declaring new doctrine all day; in fact, it is extremely rare and is more a matter of confirming long held tradition than anything else; yes, he is the Vicar of Christ and direct successor of Peter, the rock upon who the Church is built, the receiver of the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and to who authority was given (Matthew 16:18-19)

 

[Miriam1947]

lutherlic, thanks for the posting of the The Truth About Mary and Scripture video.

It is one of my favorites.

This one by John Michael Talbot is also beautiful. Holy is His Name from the Magnificat.

youtube.com/watch?v=0TEL_7TS5FE

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

David, I agree with this view put forward by Pfaffenhoffen and it may be part of the stumbling block you are seeking to overcome.

If I can just side-track to get to my end point: after the Reformation, it was illegal (and at times punishable by death) to be a Roman Catholic in England right up until the Catholic Emancipation Acts of Parliament. Up until 19thC, Roman Catholics could not purchase land, hold offices or seats in Parliament, inherit property, or practice their religion without incurring punishment.

I cite this to explain that, when it comes to Christianity, England has a hard-wired Anglican/Protestant reaction which, albeit unconsciously, produces many of the qualms you mention in the minds of those wanting to convert. I found them myself and I was a “nothing” religion-wise before converting. But still, the background Protestant theme in the country in which I grew up coloured my reaction to the very same topics you have raised.

Pfaffenhoffen is right, and when trying to break stride with one drummer and march to a different drum, it is hard in the beginning.

I know people here are far better qualified than me to guide you through the doctrine and Church teachings, so I won’t go there. But I will offer words of encouragement for your journey and suggest that you contact a user-friendly Catholic church, ask to either speak to the priest or a qualified catechist.

Priests are often extremely busy and may not have the time, but a qualified catechist (one who has gone through the RCC’s certification process, in this country qualified catechists take a two year distance learning course at a Catholic college ) should be able to help and there is no obligation to take things further unless you want to.

I hope and pray you find useful answers to your questions, and if you do make that swim across the Tiber, then I wish you a hearty “welcome home”.

Netty1, … and still the Princes cannot marry a Catholic but yes a Buddhist, and cannot be Kings and Queens and the culture went to the States as Kennedy as a President was a shock.

I do not know Protestants well so I register to a Protestant forum and stated my purpose. What I feel now is that, as a Protestant, it is difficult for you to accept the Pope, for they discuss everything on and on and on and put almost everything in cause. I find it tiring.

Coming from that viewpoint and as you said marvelously, “march to a different drum”, for me, it would be strange and difficult…

 

[razredge]

You don’t have to have a devotion to Mary or the saints if you don’t want to, you know? You definitely don’t have to say the rosary (which after all is only a medieval invention).

The Pope is the successor to St Peter trusted to guide Christ’s flock until he returns.
Purgatory actually makes a lot of sense, in that unlike Protestantism a lot of people will end up in Purgatory rather than Hell, while also fulfilling God’s justice. (There’s no being a mass murderer and then saying you accept Christ as saviour on death row and ending up in heaven scott free).

Pretty much the only big difference between Protestantism and Catholicism is the Eucharist, that’s also the hardest thing to accept.