My thoughts about Catholicism and the Catholic Church

[Wesley7]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.
**

 

[Catholic87]

Though I can not make the decision for you…I’ll still put my (name removed by moderator)ut in…haha I truly believe that becoming one of my Family members through the church would be outstanding…In joing the Roman Catholic Faith there is no losing…Only Gaining…ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit…and see what happen…God Bless

 

[Answersplease]

Welcome to the forum Catholic87.

 

[Answersplease]

**

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity…**

I’m not surprised by that, smaller groups have an easier time ensuring proper teaching of their faith.

The Catholic Church is very large and wide spread.

The teaching at the very top is correct, but you will find that down near the bottom there are “Cafeteria Catholics” who pick and choose what they want to believe.

But I would’nt let that stop you on your journey for Truth,
what other people choose to do is ultimately up to them, even though you try to enlighten them.

**
…while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching.
**

Yes, the teaching at the top level is correct, it would have to be or The Holy Bible itself is in error about The Church built by Christ Himself.

**
So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.
**

You are required to MOVE TOWARD greater TRUTH,

if you have learned more Truth and refuse to move, then is’nt that a rejection of the Truth you have learned?

That rejection of Truth could weigh in your salvation.

Jesus Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

 

[ufamtobie]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.

Wesly7,

Come on Home, the doors are opened the Catholic Church is Home to every Christian. Here is a “CLUE” No one can deny that the Catholic Church was the First Church in Christiandom, and that being the case then why not come home ASAP!

Ufamtobie

 

[Monte_RCMS]

**
However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

Outstanding summary.

Some people have expressed it this way: Catholicism represents the fullness of the Faith.

 

[ChadS]

Wesley, you certainly wouldn’t be the first person to convert from a protestant faith, to Orthodoxy and finally to Catholicism. I think you should continue your search into Catholicism, even if it is to only put to rest your lingering thoughts and any doubts you have. That way, no matter which way you feel you are being led then you will know with certainty that it is the right path for you.

ChadS

 

[chris_molter]

I always say that the only reason to become Catholic is that you believe that the Catholic Church is what she says she is. If so, then you should feel compelled to join her, formally, since you believe what she teaches about herself. If you don’t, then why bother?

If you’re not “there” yet, keep reading, praying, researching. You definitely should continue going to Divine Liturgy and receiving communion. Find a good Catholic Priest and talk to him. You may want to find an Eastern Catholic Priest, since he would probably be more knowledgeable about your Orthodox background, or possibly you can find a local Priest who converted from Lutheranism. It always helps when you come from similar theological/ecclesial backgrounds!

 

[Metamorphoo]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.

Wesley7, this is a Catholic forum. Every Catholic on it will tell you to become a Catholic.

Eastern Orthodox, like Catholics, believe they are the One True Church established by Christ. Every Eastern Orthodox will tell you to remain in the Orthodox Church.

No one can tell you what to do except the Lord. Ultimately, he is the one you have to answer to. He knows your heart; even if you happen to make a sincere but wrong choice in the matter, He is mericiful. The Lord knew that Adam would fall before he was created–and had a plan in place to restore mankind to the fellowship He had intended to have with him. If God is able to redeem man in spite of the sinful choices he makes, he is certainly able to redeem us for our honest mistakes.

It’s clear that you have studied the issue. If you have not already done so, make the issue a concerted matter of prayer. Then do as you think the Holy Spirit is leading you, trusting that His Grace will cover you even if you are making a mistake.

Peace be to you.

 

[Nicea325]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.

Pray and where God calls you to be,then follow it. None here can tell you where to go or belong,only you alone can answer it.

 

[jmcrae]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.

If you choose to become Catholic, it is more likely that you would become a member of the Rite that corresponds with whichever Orthodox Church you are in right now, rather than the Latin Rite, so there would be no change in your practice of the faith - only in your relationship to the Church.

All things being equal, if you have become convinced that the Catholic Church in her 23 Rites is the True Church, it would cost you very little to make the switch - you have already received all of the Sacraments of Initiation validly, and you would not be required to repeat them. Nor would you be required to undergo RCIA, although you might be asked to attend an adult Catechism class or else to meet with a priest, to get up to speed on various differences in theology.

 

[crazzeto]

Let me put it this way, certainly it is my belief that the fullness of the truth can be found in the Catholic Church. In fact, another poster here (Anna Scott) put it best imho

“it seems like the closer you get to the Catholic Church, the purer the truth”,

She is a former evangelical who isn’t quite ready to join the CC last I talked with her (she was attending an Episcopol church). I think she’s spot on to be honest. Now I will say that the enthinic Orthodox communions are very close to where the Catholic Church is. The main problems I see revolve around schism and a struggle with authority (a mostly ancient struggle mind you), though it seems like we are at the very least on the best terms with the Orthodox communities that we have been since 1054 (even investigating what reunification would require!!).

Anyway, I’m kind of rambling I guess. Best advice I have is this, how much do you now know about Catholisism, and what doctrines do you find the most pertinate to your question about whether or not you should come home?

 

[Stephentlig]

Follow your heart wesley, and not your mind. its Obvious every Catholic is gonna invite you home in their responses, and why wouldnt we? For we retain the Fullness of the Truth.

You are on a search for the fullness of Truth, and you should meditate on the scriptures, fast, pray and ask the Lord who is the Good Shephard, to lead you to him.

On this great Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I begin a Novena, and I shall offer it up for you Wesley, my friend and brother in Christ Jesus.

Pax Christi
Stephen <3

 

[adelore]

Wesley7, this is a Catholic forum. Every Catholic on it will tell you to become a Catholic.

.

Although this persons quote would seem to make sense, I (a Catholic) will not tell you to become Catholic.

I will suggest that you continue your study of the Catholic Faith though and then decide if you believe all that the Catholic Faith has to offer and why we believe what we believe.

Either way if you do decide to become Catholic after you’ve studied and answered all your questions about the Catholic Faith, then that’s great. If for some reason you decide not to become a Catholic after all your studies, then at least you’ll have a better understanding about what we believe as Catholics and this is also great.

In the end…you and only you can decide. Search for the Truth, the Complete Truth. Then you’ll have your answer.

 

[StevenDunn]

Depending on your location, you could attend an Eastern Catholic parish. Here is a directory for the United States:

byzcath.org/index.php/find-a-parish-mainmenu-111?catid=24

You do not have to abandon the liturgy and theology of Holy Orthodoxy to become Catholic, rather you have to accept that the Roman Catholic Church is not in error and is an authentic part of the one true Church.

Speaking personally, I am drawn more strongly to the spirituality of the East, but agree with the theological statements of the West(if not always their particular expressions). I currently attend the Latin Mass, but also study the teachings of the Eastern Church.

I may be a strange hybrid, but I have the comfort of knowing that I am both spiritually nourished and intellectually satisfied. Sometimes people don’t fall neatly into categories. So what?

I suggest you pray, study and consider all the options available to you. God loves you and wants you to come closer to Him.

 

[MelanieAnne]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Ok here is how I will break it down

A couple years ago I was former Lutheran seeing as my family is Protestant. As a result of careful inquiry and study about Orthodoxy I became a catechumen and after completing instruction I was chrismated and accepted into the Eastern Orthodox Church. I understood the elements in Orthodoxy to be a authentic expression of Christianity ~ Which was the main reason why I converted.

After some more study I came to learn more and more about the Catholic Church and could not ignore some of the relevant and fundamental truths of the Catholic faith. After reading so many posts from other Catholics it cause me to think more carefully about which Church I should actually be in - the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church. Im “somewhat” convinced the Catholic Church is the place to be because of careful study.

So, my basic question is should I remain in the Orthodox Church or continue my studies about Catholicism and the Catholic faith?? What are some thoughts about other Orthodox and Catholics about this issue that I’ve had for quite sometime.

However, in Orthodoxy it seems like there truly is authentic Christianity while the Catholic faith seems more complete and has a better consistency when comes to Church teaching. Another important point I had was accepting the authority of the Bishop of Rome** as a principle of Unity.

So, should I remain in Orthodoxy or become truly Catholic?? I’ve considered this the past couple months.

I think you should listen to the Holy Spirit. And if the Holy Spirit doesn’t seem to be answering your question, you should pray for the Grace to understand what the Holy Spirit is communicating (because often a breakdown in communication between us and the Holy Spirit is on our side!)

When you recognize communication from the Holy Spirit, at least my experience has shown this, it is unmistakable from anything else. But sometimes the Holy Spirit can suggest things that you might not expect. And that is, perhaps, good, I suppose, since that way you know it actually does come from the Holy Spirit and not from some personal over-active imagination. Whenever you receive this sort of communication, even if it makes no sense to you, my advice is to act on it.

Whether it is about your question, or something else, whatever the Holy Spirit “says” you should do it. It reminds me of the story of the wedding at Cana where Our Lady told those serving the wine, which had run out, to follow whatever instructions Jesus gave to them. Whatever the Holy Spirit recommends to you, you should do. It doesn’t matter if the subject is very big and important (such as the question you are pondering) or something far more trivial (such as the Holy Spirit just told you to take out sandwiches to those people doing roadwork in front of your house.)

Why do I know this? Because any time I didn’t pay attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have been sorry. So I have learned to follow the requests of the Holy Spirit. (They’re not demands, they’re requests!) If you make a way within yourself to listen to the Holy Spirit, you will know what to do. Pray for this and you will know.

 

[Khrystyne]

Although this persons quote would seem to make sense, I (a Catholic) will not tell you to become Catholic.

I will suggest that you continue your study of the Catholic Faith though and then decide if you believe all that the Catholic Faith has to offer and why we believe what we believe.

Either way if you do decide to become Catholic after you’ve studied and answered all your questions about the Catholic Faith, then that’s great. If for some reason you decide not to become a Catholic after all your studies, then at least you’ll have a better understanding about what we believe as Catholics and this is also great.

In the end…you and only you can decide. Search for the Truth, the Complete Truth. Then you’ll have your answer.

Search for the “Complete Truth” and then be bold and proclaim it.

God Bless!

 

[Wesley7]

Anyway, I’m kind of rambling I guess. Best advice I have is this, how much do you now know about Catholisism, and what doctrines do you find the most pertinate to your question about whether or not you should come home?

**From what I understand ~ I have the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the book Catholicism, a Catholic prayerbook. Study about Vatican I and II. A complete view of the role of the Bishop of Rome, the history of the Papacy and the Chair of St. Peter as the first Pope. Various doctrines state the Catholic Church is the Church of Jesus Christ. Purgatory, Mary as Mediatrix of all Graces, the Immaculate Conception,And other pertinent stuff. **

. . .

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

**I need help with this.

(I’ve already been to confession and spoke with the orthodox priest)

Wesely you have hit on something that gets passed up in discussion; that is “the bishop of Rome as a principle of Unity”. All the Early Church fathers wrote and taught upon this principle. What is troubling today; we have some Orthodox not in unity with (Peter) the Popes who misinterpret the Eastern Early Church Fathers with a Protestant mindset of individualism apart from the bishop of Rome.

All the Eastern Patriarchs and Bishops who are united with the Pope and all the world wide bishops in unity with the Pope reveals the true One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church united as one. Many different rites in practice and authority, never the less what makes these the Catholic (universal) Church Jesus founded is revealed from their unbroken succession to the apostles and remain in unity with Peter’s Chair in the succession of the Popes from Peter.

With out unity with Cephas “Rock” (Peter) you only have an indepent body of believers apart from the Rock upon which Jesus built his Church.

I like what St. Cyprian wrote about Peter’s Chair.

“…when the one had been made so before him, when the place of **(Pope) Fabian, that is when the place of Peter and the degree of the sacerdotal throne **was vacant; which being occupied by the will of God, and established by the consent of all of us, whosoever now wishes to become a bishop, must needs be made from without; **and he cannot have ordination of the Church who does not hold the unity of the Church”. **

Letters, No. 55:8 (mines in paranthesis)

St. Augustine lists the "order of succession of bishops is to be considered how much more surely, truly and safely do we number them from Peter, to whom, as representing the whole Church, the Lord said; "Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Mt. 16:18) For, to Peter succeeded Linus, to Linus Clement, to Clement Anacletus, to Anacletus Evaristus, to Evearistus Sixtus, to Sixtus Telesphorus, to Telephorus Hyginus, to Hyginus Anicetus, to Anicetus Pius, to Pius Soter, to Soter Alexander, to Alexander Victor, to Victor Zephyrimus, to Zephyrinus Calistus, to Calistus Urban, to Urban Pontian, to Pontian Antherus,to Antherus Fabian, to Fabian Cornelius, to Cornelius Lucius, to Lucius Stephen, to Stephen Sixtus, to Sixtus Dionysius, to Dionysius Felix, to Felix Eutychian Gaius, to Gaius Maracellus, to Marcellus Eusebius, to Eusebius Melchiades, to Melchiades Sylvester, to Sylvester Marcus, to Marcus Julius, to Julius Liberius, to Liberius Damasus, to Damasus Siricius, to Siricius Anastasius.

The early church Fathers all made the office of Peter one of great importance.

Peace be with you

 

[Wesley7]

I think its been the guidance of God (the Holy Trinity) in learning to appreciate the Catholic Church. The thing is, the 1054 schism is a complicated matter. I spoke with the orthodox priest several times about the Great Schism and the view of the Orthodox Church is that the Roman Catholic Church is in schism with the Orthodox Church And that the ~ Orthodox do not accept the authority of the Bishop of Rome ~ as a principle of unity as described in Catholicism.

So, I decide whether to remain Orthodox or become Roman Catholic.

Can other Catholics offer some insight to this? -