Non-Catholics: Why are you here?

[Genovefa]

I am an Anglican with Catholic leanings, such as a devotion to Mary and conservative views on birth control, medical ethics, etc.

There is really no place for me, unfortunately. I had considered converting, but I probably will not.

However, many of the views and discussions on this forum are interesting and helpful to me.

I would like to think that the Catholics on this forum are happy to share their faith with people like me.

 

[elgar]

I am an Anglican with Catholic leanings, such as a devotion to Mary and conservative views on birth control, medical ethics, etc.

There is really no place for me, unfortunately. I had considered converting, but I probably will not.

However, many of the views and discussions on this forum are interesting and helpful to me.

I would like to think that the Catholics on this forum are happy to share their faith with people like me.

Ditto!

I,m fortunate as an Anglican to have found a home in the ACNA. My wife and I travel 50 miles every week as we are the only church in our state. We have beautiful liturgies and provoking theological discussions every week. As I mentioned before it looks unlikely an Anglican Use parish will be forming here anytime soon, and even if it happened I wouldn’t trust the local bishops to really back it they wouldn’t understand what this is all about or what we’ve gone through. I’m staying put for now.

 

[awantz]

What brings you, as a non-Catholic, to Catholic Answers Forums?

My husband is Catholic and I think of Catholics the same as I would any other Christian. Why do you ask? Do you not want us here?

 

[BrotherLawrence]

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?

Because I am as close as you can get to being a Catholic without actually being one.

 

[RevPhil]

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

 

[jesuspsr]

I’ve just joined two minutes ago. To understand the Catholic faith better, I thought participating in a forum would be eye-opening. Being raised Baptist, it has never once been important for me to know anything about the Catholic church. Recently that changed. My husband of three years expressed a passionate desire for me to convert to Catholicism. At first, I vehemently refused to discuss the matter. My faith is personal and cannot be controlled by him. Later today I realized I don’t even know what I’m fighting against. So I found a local church. I found this forum to educate myself so I don’t feel like a total alien when I visit the church. Things we do for love…

Wellcome to CAF and may the Holy Spirit guide you in you search for knowledge.

Since joining CAF I have learned so much more of my faith, and has made me a better catholic. So THANK YOU all catholic and non catholics, for if not for you we could not discuss our faith.

May God bless you all

jesus g

 

[jesuspsr]

I’ve just joined two minutes ago. To understand the Catholic faith better, I thought participating in a forum would be eye-opening. Being raised Baptist, it has never once been important for me to know anything about the Catholic church. Recently that changed. My husband of three years expressed a passionate desire for me to convert to Catholicism. At first, I vehemently refused to discuss the matter. My faith is personal and cannot be controlled by him. Later today I realized I don’t even know what I’m fighting against. So I found a local church. I found this forum to educate myself so I don’t feel like a total alien when I visit the church. Things we do for love…

Wellcome to CAF and may the Holy Spirit guide you in you search for knowledge.

Since joining CAF I have learned so much more of my faith, and has made me a better catholic. So THANK YOU all catholic and non catholics, for if not for you we could not discuss our faith.

May God bless you all

jesus g

 

[jesuspsr]

I’ve just joined two minutes ago. To understand the Catholic faith better, I thought participating in a forum would be eye-opening. Being raised Baptist, it has never once been important for me to know anything about the Catholic church. Recently that changed. My husband of three years expressed a passionate desire for me to convert to Catholicism. At first, I vehemently refused to discuss the matter. My faith is personal and cannot be controlled by him. Later today I realized I don’t even know what I’m fighting against. So I found a local church. I found this forum to educate myself so I don’t feel like a total alien when I visit the church. Things we do for love…

Wellcome to CAF and may the Holy Spirit guide you in you search for knowledge.

Since joining CAF I have learned so much more of my faith, and has made me a better catholic. So Thank you all catholic and non catholics, for if not for you we could not discuss our faith.

May God bless you all

jesus g

 

[TheExorcist]

What brings you, as a non-Catholic, to Catholic Answers Forums?

Because I can’t convert at this time, to get help in my self-catechesis and to receive support from current Catholics and ex Mormons

 

[Mark_of_Ephesus]

To give a defense for the Orthodox faith (as did my namesake at the Council of Florence, St. Mark of Ephesus) and to eliminate any misconceptions surrounding the Orthodox Church.

I was formally Roman Catholic (in fact, I was a seminarian), so many of the topics and discussions on this site are of interest to me.

 

[Kouyate42]

I’m a former Baptist Christian who thanks to CAF is being educated with a view to conversion to Catholicism.

During my 5 years as a Christian, the atmosphere around me meant I learnt little about the Catholic faith other than the usual ‘they worship the Virgin Mary/they’re all anti-abortion fanatics/they’re against divorce etc’ rubbish. Few attempts were made by anyone to actually understand the faith reasons as to why Catholicism is as it is. Certainly little scripture reading was involved.

And so to CAF I came, wanting to actually know for myself what this Catholicism lark was all about and quickly realized that there are solid Scriptural, historical and spiritual reasons as to why Catholics believe as they do. And the one thing that struck me is Catholicism’s constancy- during it’s two millenia of history, it really has remained the Historical Church.

Indeed, CAF has been instrumental in converting me to Catholicism. I’ve read the Faith Tracts, This Rock, CAF Radio and also these forums and in a short time learnt a great deal. I’m now finding an RCIA parish and converting later this year.

 

[CopticChristian]

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

In consideration that you are seeking answers I would suggest that you pose your postings in that way. I find that asking an honest question gets an honest answer. If we and you follow Christ then we love one another. It is not loving to pose arguments. We Christians are family. Children, Adolescents argue. In a family mature members pose questions and even preface them with, based on my reformed background I need help understanding…My responses are always posed and framed as the question is asked. If I sense an argument then I politely try to respond believing that it is an argument. Is this honest to present a question as an argument when all you want is an answer. This is what the Family of God, Christians do. I tell my priest my problem and then ask a question. I do not pose it as an argument. The Family of God, the Church has some unhappiness, as it is human, the body of Christ needs us to act as if we are not just justified but as you believe sanctified. This is what I expect from a reformed Christian. I expect no less from myself.

 

[techno]

There could be many reasons why non-catholics are on this forum. Some may be seeking truth. Others may want to impart ‘their truth’.

If we’re strong in our own faith this shouldn’t worry us. We should be able to tell genuine seekers about the truth we know, and we should be able to hold our own against anyone seeking to impart ‘their’ truth.

In short. Why be concerned about others with different views. It’s a God given opportunity.

 

[2Rollin_Stoned]

I am an Anglican with Catholic leanings, such as a devotion to Mary and conservative views on birth control, medical ethics, etc.

There is really no place for me, unfortunately. I had considered converting, but I probably will not.

However, many of the views and discussions on this forum are interesting and helpful to me.

I would like to think that the Catholics on this forum are happy to share their faith with people like me.

Count me in!

Sure there is a place for you here my friend and we are glad to have you.

I think that a lot of times some of us Catholics forget that we are charged with the task of sharing our faith, and CAF is actually a vital tool in that process.

Why’re non-Catholics here? The same reason that we Catholics are here…because the Holy Spirit has led us here, whether we realize it or not.

If someone comes in here with an agenda to proselytize or is contemptuous and disrespectful of our faith then that’s for the mods to deal with, but aside from that we should rejoice in the opportunity to share with others. This is one place where people should be able to come to charitably get the facts so they can make an informed decision as to where God is leading them.

So far as apologetics is concerned, (which is defined as explaining and defending our faith), we can always look to St. Peter’s 1st epistle which tells us.

14] But even if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
15] but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
16] and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
17] For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than for doing wrong.

 

[Pacos_Pete]

WHY! Over the years I have worked or socialized with some fine Catholics. I met Catholics in the military, I watched them and listened to them. I just wanted to know what made them tick. For over 14 months I worked very close with one of the finest Catholics you would ever want to meet. One day she mentioned that she was not going to continue attending church because of what the local Clergy and members were doing. I ask her if the Catholic Church was God’s Church, why was she not going, was she mad at God? She became a Sunday School teacher in her parish. She mentioned that the Priests were on their knees 24/7. That is different than the Priests I knew or know. Also she found it necessary to go to confession before going to mass, for what I can’t even guess.
A soldier I met at Ft Sill, Oklahoma, would party hardy all week. Then he would go to confession every Sunday. One of his Catholic associates was discussing this, he wondered how many times God would forgive him for the same offense.
So you ask why? For the same reason I joined a Mason group, and why I have latter-daylights.com on my computer KNOWLEDGE!!!

 

[KathleenGee]

I am a Catholic, but I have not wanted to be on CAF, many times saying I am leaving…but some how the Holy Spirit keeps me drawing back…I have learned alot here.

 

[Arrowsmith1994]

Short version: too strict.

Extended version: I don’t like how the Church tells people how to act and that if they don’t follow the rules, they are offending God and might even go to Hell. Even when one’s conscience says it’s okay to do something, the Church basically says nope you’re wrong. I don’t understand why the Church is so bossy, and I even more can’t understand why people let Her boss them around.

“My conscience says it is ok to kill Jews in a gas chamber.” — Adolf Hitler

Got your attention. None of us make the rules for ourselves. We all need to search for the Truth. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church delievers God’s Truth to humanity.

 

[Faithdancer]

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 just had these exact thoughts, Mathematoon, and voila! I discovered you had started a thread about them. Excellent topic, look forward to reading the posts. Especially those from the atheists!

 

[Faithdancer]

Couldn’t have said it better.

Jon

I love your signature, Jon. How interesting that Luther said that. Well, I’ve read that of all our “separated brethren” Lutherans are among the least “separated.”

 

[Faithdancer]

I am a Catholic, but I have not wanted to be on CAF, many times saying I am leaving…but some how the Holy Spirit keeps me drawing back…I have learned alot here.

Hey Kathleen, at least CAF is a lot more productive than Facebook, eh?