Non-Catholics: Why are you here?

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RevPhil said:
First of all, the word “catholic” means “universal”. The “catholic church” is the “universal church” that Christ founded. We are all children of God. Those that have accepted Christ are Brothers and Sisters to each other in Christ.

No man or individual denomination can claim all knowledge when it comes to Christ, God, or Salvation. To do so means that you would be placing yourself on an equal level with God, and that just doesn’t happen.

The "catholic’ (universal) church has always been made of of many different groups from the earliest days. For 2000 years, man has argued over differences of interpretation and very rarely has agreed on much. That was why the early “councils” happened and why statements of faith such as the “Apostles Creed” and the “Nicene Creed” were written. This was a way to at least get the vast majority of believers to agree on the basics. The Roman Catholic (denomination) is not the “universal” church, though they are a part of it.

I am a believer in Christ and I try to follow in His footsteps. I associated myself with the non-denominational Protestant movement because I have found them to be more tolerant and forgiving than either of the two extreme ends of the Christian spectrum. I am a Franciscan by vows and by my love of and belief in the teachings and examples of St. Francis and St. Clare.

I can not, and will not, accept hatred or intolerance as a way of Christianity, and I don’t care what denomination it comes from. Our first task is to love God, and the second is to love each other as Christ loves us. Any church that teaches separation, division, or superiority above another, is not practicing true Christianity!

Pax et bonum

Rev. Phil Evans, n/OEF
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Reverend, we agree that The “catholic church” is the “universal church” that Christ founded. We also believe that Church can be traced through beliefs and practices in time over the past 2000 years. We believe that all baptized and as you say those that have accepted Christ are Brothers and Sisters to each other in Christ are part of that Church. We believe as others believe that Baptism is regenerative as do the Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists and a form of entry into the Church.

I agree that no man or individual denomination can claim all knowledge when it comes to Christ, God, or Salvation. To do so means that you would be placing yourself on an equal level with God, and that just doesn’t happen. The Catholic Church is the Church. Denominations are a Protestant Phenomenon. There are 22 Catholic Churches united by one Church in rome. While no one claims all knowledge we believe that the Church as Pual says in Ephesians is the mystery hidden for all ages through which the manifold wisdom of God is known and even the angels learn from it. Blame Jesus for calling the Church the Body of Christ. If the head is divine then so is the body. If Paul says that the wisdom comes through the body blame him.
If you believe that the councils were the was a way to at least get the vast majority of believers to agree on the basics, then the Nicene creed states one baptism for the forgiveness of sin, One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, and more.

A non-deominational church is a protestant ecclesial community. I like to think of this as Adam and Eve, man and woman. To call a man a non-woman does not mean that he is not a sexual being. To call a community non-denominational does not mean it is not denominational. It is the denomination of non. I like to check the statement of faith when it comes to these churches. You will see then if it Armenian or Calvinistic or a blend of the two. You will also see commonly bible alone and faith alone.

Denominational Protestant thought has at its roots division, thus Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Anabaptists and the like commencing in 1600. This is where the division emanates from.

The Geneva of Calvin was hatred and intolerance. The synod of Dort, Calvinists declaring the Armenians heretics, was hatred and intolerance. The One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church has signed agreements on Justification with the Lutherans and the Methodists agreeing in part on many things. There are Reformed and Baptist dialogues with the Church. The Eastern Orthodox are dialoging about unity and as you recall Constantinople is the seat of primacy in the East. You may also want to consider that Eastern Orthodox admit that Rome has primacy to Constantinople. This Church is not divisive but uniting in spirit.

I am glad you are here. Pray for me and I will pray for you.
 
Dear CopticChristian,

I just saw your handle and wanted to send you a PM, but your PM account is not set up. I just wanted to say “WELCOME!!!” to CAF (probably a little late given the number of your posts:D). I am also a Copt who translated to Catholicism from Coptic Orthodoxy several years ago. I hope to see you over at the Eastern Catholicism Forum once in a while.

Blessings,
Marduk
 
QUOTE=mathematoons;8114582]I’ve noticed that there are a lot of non-Catholics here, and many of them seem to just want to argue with Church teachings. I can’t help but think they’re here to convert us.
However, I know that not all the non-Catholics are like that–I just can’t figure out why else they spend their time on a Catholic message board. So I thought I’d ask.
What brings you, as a non-Catholic, to Catholic Answers Forums?

I not one for chatting in this chatroom that much so I felt it was a good reason to at least send this one.

I only here to see what you Latins think of Orthodox Christians and to keep up with what you RC are doing or saying to one another. What I’ve seen so far is that RC have hangups when it comes to Orthodox Christians. RC are no angles when it comes to being nice to Orthodox Christians. I’ve seen it in my own life over the year, so please don’t try to tell me other wise.

If you were to ask me how I view Roman Catholic Religion; I look upon them just like Roman Protestant no more or no less like their counter parts the Protestant Religion. You guys are just the others side of the same coin. Hey Pope Paul VI said it best when he was asked about the New Mass and I quote the changes in the Mass was too “ Make it more acceptable to Protestant” I could say it better…

Oh! The Quote in the start of the question (I can’t help but think they’re here to convert us) You don’t any help from us. You guys are doing just great in driving out Catholic who just get sick of what they see in their Church and join and convert to Orthodoxy. About half or the Parish I’m a part of, use to be RC at one time. Keep up the good work……
 
To learn. To ask questions. To seek answers. To refine understanding. To try and resolve doubts.

Plus, I am a high school teacher, so all my years of theology are wasted. 😦
 
CAF vs Facebook?

I finally started again by accepting friendship from my sister in law…It was fine…then I clicked 3 others waiting for several years…then all these people started coming…I read some trashy conversations by a few of my nieces out of town…and let them know about it…

I am glad people don’t talk trash on CAF. One time I did type in this word you hear all the time…and it is not a trash word…but it came out in 4 asterisks.

Any way, welcome Non-Catholics…and let us work for unity…this country and this world needs our unity.
 
Hello (name removed by moderator),

It was not my intention to take a dig at you. I been burned many time and it shows up when I talk about Roman Catholic Religion. I felt I wanted to let some stream off here and felt that I had to say what is on my mind.

Like I said in my chat I don’t chat much for I feel that one can’t always say what is on ones mind with out getting a warning from the one running the show in this chat room. I like to be straight forward and say what is on my mind. I’m not here to attack anyone here in this chatroom. I just want to get some stream off when I don’t hear Roman Catholic talking about my religion in not a respectful manor in past chats.

You said that you married a woman that is a part of my Church. You will learn that just like her that you are going to learn to bend in all directions if you are going to make your marriage work. I’m Russian Orthodox Christian and my wife is Jewish so I know of what I speak about. Your first heated debate is how are your kids going be raise like, Orthodox or your religion, my wife and I have travel this root. You’re just getting start so I like to say good luck… being in mix-marriage hard. I work on it every day.
 
I was born into the Catholic church but left at age 11 when my parents divorced. I am a Non-denominational Christian but have been recently thinking more about Catholicism. There are things that I am having a hard time understanding and agreeing with in the Church so I come here to see other people’s questions and responses. I just like reading different dialogues and hopefully I’ll learn more about the Catholic Church.
 
Rogare said:
I am a Reformed believer that has been forced to question a lot of beliefs recently. I would classify myself as a former anti-Catholic. I am now honestly seeking answers to my questions. I may engage in arguments, but it’s for my benefit, not the conversion of anyone here. In short, I am a potential convert ironing out my own concerns and misconceptions. Thanks for asking 🙂
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I’ve read Rome Sweet Home 3 times. I now have a website that has my rebuttal to that book that I call “Rome Sweet Home? Hmm…” I have plenty of answers to Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s queries. In fact, I’m trying to get their permission right now to publish what I’ve written. I was informed by another author that if you quote more than 300 words from a persons book into your book you need their permission. But since my website is free – daveswaves.org – I don’t need their permission. So far I’m up to page 93 of their book that has a total of…182? I think… CHECK IT OUT! Comment on it, please! I can’t seem to get any Catholic apologists to answer my questions… Not sure why…do have notions, though…
 
Chickabee22 said:
I was born into the Catholic church but left at age 11 when my parents divorced. I am a Non-denominational Christian but have been recently thinking more about Catholicism. There are things that I am having a hard time understanding and agreeing with in the Church so I come here to see other people’s questions and responses. I just like reading different dialogues and hopefully I’ll learn more about the Catholic Church.
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Check out my website, Chickabee. I have lots of answers to Catholic queries!

daveswaves.org
 
mathematoons said:
I’ve noticed that there are a lot of non-Catholics here, and many of them seem to just want to argue with Church teachings. I can’t help but think they’re here to convert us.

However, I know that not all the non-Catholics are like that–I just can’t figure out why else they spend their time on a Catholic message board. So I thought I’d ask.

What brings you, as a non-Catholic, to Catholic Answers Forums?
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I think I have a fairly good handle on the significant Protestant (especially evangelical) misconceptions about Catholicism, church history, and the Bible, so I basically come here to learn more about the flip-side of the coin, i.e., what I would see as Catholic misconceptions about Protestantism, church history and the Bible. Frustrating but enlightening!
 
I am attracted to the Roman Catholic Church, love the tradition and beauty, am curious and desirous of learning more about the deep faith, love Catholic radio, which directed me here.🙂

I have been surprised to discover how much we have in common.
 
Frank_J said:
QUOTE=mathematoons;8114582]I’ve noticed that there are a lot of non-Catholics here, and many of them seem to just want to argue with Church teachings. I can’t help but think they’re here to convert us.
However, I know that not all the non-Catholics are like that–I just can’t figure out why else they spend their time on a Catholic message board. So I thought I’d ask.
What brings you, as a non-Catholic, to Catholic Answers Forums?
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QUOTE]

I speak to too many Roman Catholics that have never been to an Eastern Catholic or Orthodox service. It is truly an experience to attend Melkite, Chaldean, Byzantin, Orthodox services. It is also truly amazing to engage in the social events these Churches have. The Greek Festival and other festivals are really wonderful. It provides that true sense of community that the Church Universal is all about. It would be good for Protestants of any kind to visit any and all of these. The meaning of using your body for worship is truly seen in these Churches. Reverence is seen in these Churches. The Latin Church has all the same stuff however in the East it is like journeying back in time. Jesus was an Asian Jew, not a German, not a Frenchman and was not born in Geneva. The flavor of Christianity, the Eastern religion, is in the Churches of the East.
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RevPhil said:
The Roman Catholic (denomination) is not the “universal” church, though they are a part of it.

I am a believer in Christ and I try to follow in His footsteps.

Any church that teaches separation, division, or superiority above another, is not practicing true Christianity!

Pax et bonum

Rev. Phil Evans, n/OEF
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I believe in most of what you say; but I have a few questions for you which I ask in sincere desire to understand your viewpoint more fully. Hopefully this will become a discussion of greater length. In order to not be impolite, and in deference to your mark of separation before God as expressed in your title, I will not quote the words of Jesus without explaining why: that is, so as not to appear I am lecturing one who of course should teach me.
  1. Was wondering if I am correct in believing that all men are truly equal, regardless of ‘Roman Catholic (denomination)’? Mt 6:45. the sun rises on the bad and the good and many other passages
  2. You say that any church that teaches separation, division, or superiority over another is not practicing true Christianity. Was wondering why Jesus himself was “a cause of division” Mt 10:34ff
  3. When you say above, “over another” do you mean over another ‘man’ or over another doctrinal system? Does it really matter? When Jesus spoke and then explained the parables, he established a tradition of interpretation. For me this means trying to see the kingdom here and now, yet knowing it is not so yet in time. Nonetheless, he privileged his disciples with his interpretation of his own words. This suggests a kind of superiority, if not only of understanding, but of place in time [those first to hear the interpretation]. If Apostolic Succession is broken in protestantism, does this not break the method of teaching and interpretation that we have inherited, and hence result in a tainted, or inferior way of understanding–since we Roman Catholic (denomination) preserve Jesus’ own privilege and primacy?
Please take no offense at these questions. I simply want to know the truth.

There is another question I want to ask, but I shall wait to see your amenability to discussion in general with me on these issues first.

In Friendship
 
I was baptized, confirmed and raised in the church - but decades ago joined another. I still consider myself Catholic, though clearly not in the orthodox (sic) sense. I retain a Marian devotion at the very core of my faith, for example. This site is a touchstone, one of several, in fact, that keeps me connected to my Catholic roots. I’m Catholic … and not.

Culturally, this is a very familiar place. I also value its generally respectful tone, the large number of informed and authoritative contributors, and the wide range of topics. My faith is fed here.

bc
 
Because I am a Protestant attending a Catholic college and have learned an incredible amount in the two years since I transferred. I find many aspects of Catholicism quite appealing, but have some deep-seated questions that I cannot rightly ignore. I usually post a question when I need the perspective of a Catholic on an issue troubling me. And, I might add, I find it amusing to correct certain Catholics’ beliefs about their own faith. As a Theology major at Franciscan University, I find it intriguing (and sometimes awkward) to be in a position of knowing more about Catholicism that some Catholics! That being said, with the number of questions I still have I fear I still have much to learn. 🙂 I know a lot of facts and “proper” doctrine, but there is far more I do not know. I am hungry for knowledge, and more than that, hungry for the truth itself. Beyond anything else, I desire to follow my Lord Jesus Christ, whom we all serve, and am glad to follow where he leads. Therefore, it will be up to him whether I become Catholic. I do not resist it (sometimes I actually think I’m too emotionally biased towards it!), but I cannot allow myself to be dishonest about my misgivings. If my faith is to be solid, I must honestly answer the questions I have, and do justice to the faith I already profess in the Lord Jesus Christ. That, I trust, cannot be dishonorable :).

The peace of our Lord be with you all!🙂
 
QUOTE=Ophoe;8181723]Because I am a Protestant attending a Catholic college and have learned an incredible amount in the two years since I transferred. I find many aspects of Catholicism quite appealing, but have some deep-seated questions that I cannot rightly ignore. I usually post a question when I need the perspective of a Catholic on an issue troubling me. And, I might add, I find it amusing to correct certain Catholics’ beliefs about their own faith. As a Theology major at Franciscan University, I find it intriguing (and sometimes awkward) to be in a position of knowing more about Catholicism that some Catholics! That being said, with the number of questions I still have I fear I still have much to learn. 🙂 I know a lot of facts and “proper” doctrine, but there is far more I do not know. I am hungry for knowledge, and more than that, hungry for the truth itself. Beyond anything else, I desire to follow my Lord Jesus Christ, whom we all serve, and am glad to follow where he leads. Therefore, it will be up to him whether I become Catholic. I do not resist it (sometimes I actually think I’m too emotionally biased towards it!), but I cannot allow myself to be dishonest about my misgivings. If my faith is to be solid, I must honestly answer the questions I have, and do justice to the faith I already profess in the Lord Jesus Christ. That, I trust, cannot be dishonorable :).
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The peace of our Lord be with you all!🙂
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If you are at Franciscan University of Stubenville then you may run into Scott Hahn. He probably knows more about Catholicism than most Catholics and learned it as a Protestant. I would be proud of what you know. In my experience the most knowlegable Catholics are former Protestants. I have learned more from Scott Hahn than anyone else. If it were not for him then I would be one of those guys you were correcting. Correct away as long as you are correcting per Catholic teaching.
 
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