My #1 reason for not converting...

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I’ve started a thread on the “Roman Catholic” vs. “Catholic” label discussion. It’s come up in several threads, seems people want a little more on it. Please pop over and weigh in if you’d like so this one can get back to topic.
Which topic, or link please

From “them?”
 
You may all call me ROMAN Catholic.

Whilst the sign of the cross ‘denotes’ me as Catholic, it doesn’t necessarily differentiate me from the schism, or the sedes or anyone else who ‘crosses themselves.’

ROMAN Catholic does!..and I live in NZ.

I have come across Reformers who almost demand to be called ‘catholic’ and in spoken language, no one knows whether you’re using a ‘c’ or “C”

There is a Catholic Church in Rome, apparently different to ALL other churches. It is THAT one that I belong to!

However it arose, true or false, it is aptly descriptive, definitive and applicable to me.

*(The other thread is closed) *

:cool:
 
Let’s not confuse the Charismatic movement, and the Pentecostal movement within the Church, and this "gift of tongues’. If it is ‘infantile babbling’ and unintelligible, then it is very suspect. I could not find easily a reference in the CCC, and I don’t know what ‘vatican papers’ speak approvingly of such ‘speech’. Maybe you could assist me with references, which would be much appreciated.

peace
Many of the books to be found on the Charismatic renewal were written by the original members. Catholic Pentecostals, for instance was written in the 1970’s. There are some other books such as They Speak in Tongues written in the 1980’s.
I picked up the flyer I quoted by Jim Scully at the last healing Mass I attended. I do understand skepticism. I noticed that the scripture quotes I use when praying the rosary point to Acts 2:4 when the Apostles began speaking in foreign languages and making bold proclamations. This would refer to while they were still in the upper room. St. Paul also speaks of tongues as “a clanging cymbal” when there is not love.
Jim Scully’s flyer refers to special permission given by Pope Paul in 1975 allowing Cardinal Josef Suenens, Primate of Belgium to celebrate Mass at the high altar. In attendance were 12 bishops and 700 priests, all leaders in charismatic renewal.
At the moment, I need to leave for Mass myself. I will try to find some other references. Do you have a charismatic prayer group in your parish? I know that not all parishes do. When I first became involved I would drive 50 miles to the nearest group until a car accident made that no longer possible. Today I live in a city where I have the choice of attending two different prayer groups. If you do have a charismatic prayer group in your parish/city maybe they will have better updated material for you to look at.
May the Peace of Christ which is beyond understanding be with you now and always.
 
“It is [the Holy Spirit] who raises up prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, guides tongues, works wonders and healings, accomplishes miracles, grants discernment of spirits, assigns governance, inspires counsels, distributes and harmonizes every other charismatic gift. In this way he completes and perfects the Lord’s Church in all things.” (De Trinatate,29) quoted from Welcoming the New Millenium: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II.

As to a different issue that has been raised, I had to search my previous posts in order to find where I had used the term Roman Catholic, identifying myself as Latin Rite. Traditionally speaking, to be united with Rome is to be united under the Pope’s authority. We could play with semantics all day and never accomplish anything. The pope lives in the Vatican, located in Vatican City. Vatican City, like Singapore, is a city state. We refer to the documents of Vatican II. We do not speak of a Roman council which brings up images of Senators in togas. When we search for Catholic teachings, we go to the Cathecism of the Catholic Church.
 
The focus of most evangelical groups is to spread the good news and save souls. What better way to save souls than project a joy filled attitude.

Catholics do this as well but they are also concerned about living the gospel and growing in holiness. That is why you will find Catholics among the poor, visiting prisons, outside abortion clinics, in the blessed sacrament, on Catholic Answer Forums, hearing confessions, etc.!!!
 
“It is [the Holy Spirit] who raises up prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, guides tongues, works wonders and healings, accomplishes miracles, grants discernment of spirits, assigns governance, inspires counsels, distributes and harmonizes every other charismatic gift. In this way he completes and perfects the Lord’s Church in all things.” (De Trinatate,29) quoted from Welcoming the New Millenium: Wisdom from Pope John Paul II.

As to a different issue that has been raised, I had to search my previous posts in order to find where I had used the term Roman Catholic, identifying myself as Latin Rite. Traditionally speaking, to be united with Rome is to be united under the Pope’s authority. We could play with semantics all day and never accomplish anything. The pope lives in the Vatican, located in Vatican City. Vatican City, like Singapore, is a city state. We refer to the documents of Vatican II. We do not speak of a Roman council which brings up images of Senators in togas. When we search for Catholic teachings, we go to the Cathecism of the Catholic Church.
**Not only that, Rome is a temporal centralization of the Church.
Something could happen to the city in the future; yet, the Church would not only survive, but could take up its centralization someplace else in the world. **
 
Yes, that!!!

Pretty sad, but ya, so far in my life journey, Protestants as a group are light years ahead of Catholics in terms of their relationship with God. Catholics know about God. Protestants know God. Measured as a group, not by the individual.
I disagree 100% with you. Not to offend anyone but what you call Protestants knowing God, in my opinion is that they talk about them “A LOT” and put us down even more. I don’t see were they know God more than we do at all. If I’m wrong then please explain.

I don’t mind telling you I’m more than a bit offended.
 
If you put this notion in a historical context, it could be said that protestants “know” God because in their POV, a renewal towards that love of God was needed.

But of course, that’s the protestants’ point of view.

Catholics historically have known of this love of God for centuries. Our practices, devotions, dedication, actions reveal it in a not-so-obvious manner. If someone from outside of the Church would like to see the depth and intense nature of this love, see those members of the Church that are faithful, fruitful, and free to love God in a manner that, IMHO, pales in comparison to the outward signs of our non-Catholic brethren. The knowledge we have in form of the Eucharist brings us (again, IMHO) closer, infuses us with Christ.

Can’t get any closer than that! 👍
Thank you, you said what I could not!
 
I sorely disagree. I think the Catholic Church is the one light years ahead, by the plain fact that we become one with him in Holy Communion. Protestants know God too, but only in an incomplete way in his Word. We know him in both Word and Sacrament. If anything it is we who possess the fullest knowledge of God.

The sad thing is, many Catholics never bothered to appreciate this. But the Church does, and always has, for two thousand years.
Again I agree with you 100% you are amazing as are most here. But and there is always a but. Many of us (Catholics) appreciate everything the Church is and has given us. The problem is with some of us that we can’t express as you do with words about our faith. I was always taught and I’m an old timer I guess, that what we experience with our Lord is totally private. I for one don’t feel comfortable constantly having to justify my faith to Protestants and mostly born again Christians who I know for a fact call us idolaters and a cult. I just get so upset and I have to walk away. I know I should stand my ground and explain but I find myself unable to do so. 😊 I hope I didn’t confuse anyone.
 
Woah.

Sounds like you are correct. Dont convert.

Stick with prayer.

You need to focus.

You are looking for signs and wonders? Look no further if that is what you want- we have more than anyone.

But- thats no reason to convert or contrast this group you mention.

You need much more to consider before leaping in.

Go to RCIA, then consider again. If you reduce Jesus to miracles, you are no better than the Pharisees. He denied them for demanding in scripture.

He did many miracles however. When HE wanted to do them.

You must go to Him first, and you will end up here anyway.

One step at at time. Slow down.
Hi,

I know title is provoking. But seriously, I’m not looking for a fight.

There are many things in Catholicism that I like, and it seems to be the church that makes the most sense compared to others. Dogmas are well-defended and generally plausible.

However, I know so many Christians that are not Catholics (mainly Lutheran Charismatics) yet are on fire for God. I don’t talk about worship-song-i-love-you-jesus on fire, but REALLY on fire, giving their lives to the Lord, trusting in him. And I see God bless them, do miracles through them. I know several prophets and a few that speak in tongues, and some time ago, a miracle somewhat like the one with loaves and fish happened at a church I know.

If I looked solely at teachings and apologetics, I might as well be a Catholic, but when I look at these people, I can’t really believe that the Catholic Church is superior to other churches, as it claims. I can’t believe that these people are not the church.

If these miracles are not due to God, who then? I can’t believe it’s the devil.
  • CB
 
However, I know so many Christians that are not Catholics (mainly Lutheran Charismatics) yet are on fire for God. I don’t talk about worship-song-i-love-you-jesus on fire, but REALLY on fire, giving their lives to the Lord, trusting in him. And I see God bless them, do miracles through them. I know several prophets and a few that speak in tongues, and some time ago, a miracle somewhat like the one with loaves and fish happened at a church I know.
  • CB
You have to follow your conscience. If you feel that strongly, I wonder why you are here, since you seem to have it all together.
God bless you. Go in peace.

peace
 
I disagree 100% with you. Not to offend anyone but what you call Protestants knowing God, in my opinion is that they talk about them “A LOT” and put us down even more. I don’t see were they know God more than we do at all. If I’m wrong then please explain.

I don’t mind telling you I’m more than a bit offended.
**Protestant ecclesial communities are those which have separated from Christ’s Church. They still have a life of grace (provided there is a valid baptism), accept Christ as their Lord and personal Savior, and they also have our Scriptures. But they do not possess the ‘fullness’ or ‘completeness’ of the Faith because of this separation. I know very good and holy individuals who belong to nonCatholic ecclesial communities; I know very good and holy individuals who belong to the Church. And I know individuals in both who are horrid.

But nonCatholic ecclesial communities do not have a valid priesthood; hence, they do not have the Eucharist.**
 
Dear Contrabass101,

Am in RCIA. Coming from Hare Krishna many years (Hinduism). Born Episcopalian. Typical of many westerners in eastern religions, i had a stunted conception of so much - which was exacerbated by the Protestant background and so went east early on.

Stupendous, authenticated miracles are a major part of Catholicism. Any focus on past and present miracles is a good way of marketing Catholicism, in fact. If I had unlimited funds…billboards! Information campaigns about the authentification process the Church undertakes, etc. etc.!!! coupled with History leaflets! Seminars! Internet advertising pop-ups!. I dream on… :angel1:

I prepared several reduced laminated colorful “cards” and have been distributing them, with short explanations on the back, to various contacts, business contacts, homeless drop-in place, etc. Included: Guadalupe, DIvine Mercy Image, and others.

One who does any reading - I’ve been reading back into the 1600’s, will encounter amazing, longlasting, extreme intimacy between Jesus and various persons, Margaret Mary Alcoque (sp?), St. Faustina more recently, and many others. You could get SF’s Diary at amazon for about $7.95 - 700+ pages. By about page 62, the sheer miraculous nature of what I was reading, and the statement it made about spiritual advancement - was clear.

The Catholic Church has somehow managed over the years to be the host of an astonishing array of happenings.

I as a born Episcopalian, former Hare Krishna (deeply involved) cannot point to anything similar in either background.

Nandarani
 
Consider the Great Commission.
Catholics don’t.
“Go ye therefore into all the world and TEACH them all the things I have told you.” Catholic priests don’t teach the things that Jesus and the Apostles taught.

That’s the problem.

Yesterday was the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The homily was 4 1/2 minutes long. (I timed it.) The Sunday before Thanksgiving! This is the season of thinking about all the things we have to be thankful for. We’ve had ten full months of experience with God (Jan – Oct) in this year alone. Multiply that by the 6500 families at my parish, and that’s a whole lot of things to talk about! Then there’s all the years before.

**Sheesh, I could come up with 12 hours of material about God, but the priest could not talk about God for even 5 minutes on the day of Thanksgiving!! **:eek:

After the 8 am Catholic mass I went to the 11 am Baptist church. The preacher there spoke for 45 minutes about the things that God has been doing in his immediate sphere. The Protestant is so close to God that he could talk for 45 minutes straight about what God is doing in his life, but a Catholic priest could only go for 4 minutes.

And you’re going to tell me that the Eucharist bonds you closer to God than whatever it is that the Baptist is doing? Get real. Over here that is so not true. It’s not true. The Catholics are stuck in the past, imagining themselve to be close to God because their spiritual forefathers were close to God. The Baptists, meanwhile, are living the saints’ lives right now today. They’re living it. That is how they can talk about God so readily, but a Catholic priest cannot.

I hope some day things change. I really do. It makes me sad to see Catholics unable to talk about what God is doing in their lives.

And then you’ll say, “The homilies are supposed to be short.”

And then I’ll say, "It’s not that they are supposed to be short. They homilies are short only because the parishoners cannot suffer to sit in the house of God for more than an hour at a time nor listen to someone talk about God for more than ten minutes at a time, maximum. Every single deacon and priest says so. " Case proven.

I really, really hope someday this changes. It’s a sufficient reason for not converting.
Hi scottm,

I think it depends on what you’re looking for. The source and summit of the Catholic faith is the Eucharist. The homily in the Mass is just icing on the cake.

I agree that it would be nice if more priests would talk about the faith because so many people just don’t know it very well. I’m very blessed to have a priest at my parish that is always teaching in his homilies. We had an awesome sermon on Sunday!

My parish has 5 Masses on Sundays so I don’t know how they would accomplish this if the Masses were longer than an hour. The one I go to on Sunday evening is usually an hr and 15-30 minutes, probably because it’s the last Mass of the day.

Comparing the Eucharist to a pastor’s 45-minute sermon to me is a no-brainer! The Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ - can’t get closer to God than that! 😉
 
**Not only that, Rome is a temporal centralization of the Church.
Something could happen to the city in the future; yet, the Church would not only survive, but could take up its centralization someplace else in the world. **
Good point. We are talking about the Universal Church.
 
Hi, I do not know if this is the way to reply. Here it is however. I was away from the Catholic faith and hated the institution of it for 40 years. Miracles from God brought me home. There was no choice once I humbled myself. I know now that God works miracles everywhere because of His love for all of us. I know now that He wants us to be united together in love with Him as Our Lord prayed before He turned Himself over to be crucified for us. God uses these miracles to show us that He is real and to motivate us to help others come to Him. I returned to the Catholic faith because the “flesh” needs the sacraments that Jesus created for our help in knowing Him more intimately. He is in the Communion I receive and the Confession where I have felt his forgiveness of a lifetime of sins with a love that cannot be measured. I have seen individual miracles outside the Catholic faith but the unity of our Christian faith under the universal church can create such a unity of love through Christ that the world would watch in awe as the love of God would “… renew the face of the world.” I want to say so much more but I have learned that the Infinite Being of God is too much for me to express. I now love like I never imagined!!! God Bless You
 
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