The CDF approved of the form but not issue a universal curriculum which is what I meant by ‘concept.’ The Vatican did not issue a book and say “here’s the RCIA curriculum.” The content of the program is left to the local ordinary or the conference of Bishops.
I didn’t take you to task over that part. I specifically addressed your first statement that ‘Faith has nothing to do with doctrine’ which is manifestly false. These other things I don’t disagree with and never said so.
Hello, Tantum ergo,absolutely grand Post on the matter!
CarlanBe happy you weren’t a catechumen in the 4th Century…you would have had to strip naked, have oil rubbed all over your body, and then be plunged into cold water three times.For what it is worth, having gone through RCIA myself, I have no clue where people are getting the idea it is some sort of touchy feely cumbaya session until Easter VigilMine was kind…but…made very clear there are rules, expectations, etc. and this was a very important path we were embarking on.
Being painfully shy by nature, I was scared to death to enter into the Church at Easter Vigil. I didn’t want everyone looking at me while I got doused! Let’s be realistic!!! I said.tried like crazy to get out of it. But the catechists were great, and yep, in front everybody, I got baptised. I know the sheer terror the OP’s wife must feel but, the vast majority of unbaptised come into the Church this way, and we all survived it
In fact, when you do come into the Church, it amazing the pure love you see on faces of those Catholics in attendance when they witness your baptism. It really builds you up and lets you know instantly you made a good decision
I did not say “faith has nothing to do with doctrine”. I said, “faith is not about doctrine” and I stand by that. Faith is about belief in and acceptance of God. Doctrine is the intellectual understanding about God. Faith is not intellectual understanding. Any Atheist can have that, without faith.
Your idea of faith is incomplete. Faith is more than “belief in and acceptance of God.” An agnostic believes in and accepts the truth that there is a god. Faith is a supernatural gift from God to not only believe in Him but to believe those truths which He has revealed (ie. doctrine - especially solemnly defined doctrine; the dogmas of the Faith). This doesn’t imply that everyone has to have knowledge of all doctrine - there are some that are necessary such as the incarnation, the Trinity etc. but it’s false to say “faith is not about doctrine.”
The CDF and Pope approved a Rite, not a (vague) “form.” The Rite very clearly indicates what is required. If you haven’t read it I highly recommend it.
Yes , I’m aware of St. Aidan’s mass in the round… It may be good theater, but where’s the tabernacle?
Agreed. I think some tend to forget that there was faith before any doctrines (dogma, solemnly defined, precept, etc.)
You’re missing the point entirely and now veering off into saying things that nobody said (ie. Faith is not a doctrine). Re-read everything I wrote up until now. Faith includes belief in what was revealed by God (ie. doctrines/dogmas revealed by Christ) as every quote of just about every catechism out there mentions yet you still do not grasp. You cannot say “faith is not about doctrine” when it’s inseparably united to it. Faith includes believing in the doctrine of Christ but knowing the doctrine of Christ does not necessarily include faith.
whatever. Christ talks about faith the size of a mustard seed. The virtue of faith needs to grow, and part of the process of RCIA is aimed at growing it. RCIa also needs to provide information - doctrine, etc. There are those who are very uncomfortable with anything that has to do with an exercise that can increase a virtue, they tend to call it “huggey feely”. The are of the opinion that RCIA should be limited to dispensing information about doctrines, and when one can pass the test by reciting the doctrines correctly, one is ready to be baptized.