Possibly converting

[Laughing_Crow]

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong section but it seems the most appropriate sub forum to post in.

OK, I am no longer atheist and do believe in a god and ‘devil’ or dark god, and Im much more open to religion. However, I have encountered some problems, mainly information, as I know of no Catholic churches near me nor any practitioners (rather shunning religious people up until recently) thus lack any real resources to know ANYTHING about Catholics (other then this forum).

My second problem is accepting the ‘black and white’ view of religion after living most of my life seeing only ‘shades of grey’ in morality mainly (ie, seeing an act of evil that creates or results in a greater act of good acceptable, kill one to save ten etc).

The main problem Im having is the ‘trust’ needed for religions. I have lived most of my life believing that I can make it in the world alone, and to an extent still do. This obviously makes it hard for me to trust other people, let alone something I cant see, hear or touch:shrug:.

So basically Im asking for any books or pod casts that can help with information, and talking (on here or some place else) about views of morality, spirituality etc as no one out here can offer a Christian view (or what you may call a ‘true Christian view’ apposed to the ‘fake Catholics’).

 

[saveusfromhell]

enroll yourself in the brown scapular and wear it.

 

[LDNCatholic]

However, I have encountered some problems, mainly information, as I know of no Catholic churches near me nor any practitioners (rather shunning religious people up until recently) thus lack any real resources to know ANYTHING about Catholics (other then this forum).

Whereabouts in Oz are you? Unless you’re in a well and truly isolated region (we’re talking school by radio here) I find it hard to believe there are no churches in your area. Perhaps someone on this forum can offer a suggestion if they had a rough idea of location.

 

[Barbkw]

I honestly believe that the Holy Spirit intercedes with “basket cases”.

That’s what happened to me and I’ve heard Fr. Corapi talk about his conversion and he said the same thing.

Some people, find their connection through conversations with Mary. Some through Holy Hours before the Eucharist.

You might determine whom you would be most comfortable leading you into the Church.

God the Son, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, a saint, a martyr, a priest, a brother, a present day faithfilled Catholic, etc.

P.S. I listen to a lot of programs on EWTN. They bring up topics & have programs that I’d otherwise never consider thinking about.

Welcome to the Journey Home, by the way. :flowers:

 

[puzzleannie]

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong section but it seems the most appropriate sub forum to post in.

OK, I am no longer atheist and do believe in a god and ‘devil’ or dark god, ).

Christianity does not accept or preach a duality of divinity, a good god and an evil god. Such an idea is pagan in origin, not Christian. There is one God.

you are beginning in the right place, here on Catholic Answers

search the library on the homepage for articles that give good, brief, honest answers to most of your basic questions.

then come here to the forums to ask more specific questions.

check the stickies at the top of each forum for resources to answer common questions

if you have the internet you can go online and read the bible, your starting point, beginning with the gospels. Mark is the shortest.

you can also access the Catechism of the Catholic Church which explains the doctrine, teachings and practice of the Faith.

the Australian bishops I am sure have a website with these links, which will also help yo find a Catholic parish or mission near you.

 

[SonCatcher]

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong section but it seems the most appropriate sub forum to post in.

OK, I am no longer atheist and do believe in a god and ‘devil’ or dark god, and Im much more open to religion. However, I have encountered some problems, mainly information, as I know of no Catholic churches near me nor any practitioners (rather shunning religious people up until recently) thus lack any real resources to know ANYTHING about Catholics (other then this forum).

My second problem is accepting the ‘black and white’ view of religion after living most of my life seeing only ‘shades of grey’ in morality mainly (ie, seeing an act of evil that creates or results in a greater act of good acceptable, kill one to save ten etc).

The main problem Im having is the ‘trust’ needed for religions. I have lived most of my life believing that I can make it in the world alone, and to an extent still do. This obviously makes it hard for me to trust other people, let alone something I cant see, hear or touch:shrug:.

So basically Im asking for any books or pod casts that can help with information, and talking (on here or some place else) about views of morality, spirituality etc as no one out here can offer a Christian view (or what you may call a ‘true Christian view’ apposed to the ‘fake Catholics’).

This forum can help you get started but you should really try to find a Catholic church for more full instruction. To find a church near you, try masstimes.org/

Once you find a parish, ask about RCIA. Essentially, this is a class to prepare people to enter the Church. Entering the class does not obligate you to become Catholic. Some can be ready in a few months; others may take years. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t “get it” quickly.

Also, I wouldn’t say Catholic view on morality is “black and white” but more “living color” since it is illumined by the Holy Spirit. Granted, there are some deep concerns (forbidding “evil so that good may come”) that may take time to understand sufficiently. Everything will be handled in due season.

 

[KarenElissa]

You might check out this blog. The author was a life long atheist and converted. If you scroll down on the left you can find some good links to her thoughts on her conversion. From what I remember, she struggled with similar issues that you have.

 

[Kirk_O]

Watch EWTN:thumbsup: If you don’t have it on your TV you can watch it online live.

 

[prodigal-sun]

First off, sorry if this is in the wrong section but it seems the most appropriate sub forum to post in.

OK, I am no longer atheist and do believe in a god and ‘devil’ or dark god, and Im much more open to religion. However, I have encountered some problems, mainly information, as I know of no Catholic churches near me nor any practitioners (rather shunning religious people up until recently) thus lack any real resources to know ANYTHING about Catholics (other then this forum).

My second problem is accepting the ‘black and white’ view of religion after living most of my life seeing only ‘shades of grey’ in morality mainly (ie, seeing an act of evil that creates or results in a greater act of good acceptable, kill one to save ten etc).

The main problem Im having is the ‘trust’ needed for religions. I have lived most of my life believing that I can make it in the world alone, and to an extent still do. This obviously makes it hard for me to trust other people, let alone something I cant see, hear or touch:shrug:.

So basically Im asking for any books or pod casts that can help with information, and talking (on here or some place else) about views of morality, spirituality etc as no one out here can offer a Christian view (or what you may call a ‘true Christian view’ apposed to the ‘fake Catholics’).

Some good answers here but the “ONE” most important thing to do is “PRAY” THis you can do by yourself no needs to show you or be with you. Just simply talk with “God” (there is only one) Open yourself to him, tell him, ask him, praise him. THen (this is very important) “LISTEN”. Open your heart and mind to what he has to say to you. Watch and listen for the little things that begin to happen in your life. Trust in him will not happen over night but if ask(pray) for it trust will happen. If you are also inclined, begin praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet these prayers are all about conversion of heart and getting to know GOD.

My advise for right now is forget about the books and the “Theory of Religion” . Go straight to the meat & potatoes, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

It will be easier to wrap your heart & mind around Christianity when we have been talking with the Man!

Peace!

 

[lizferg]

Look up EWTN online and find the audio library. The Journey Home show has many stories of former atheists converting. I’d listen to all I could. You are certainly not alone on your journey.

 

[Laughing_Crow]

Thank you for your replies, I would use the quote coding but frankly im to tired to at the moment (midnight here). First off I am in Queensland, Mt Tambourine, and any distance is a long way for me as their is no public transport nor do I have a drivers license.

Secondly, what is ‘RCIA’?

in reply to Barbkw, i apologize but i find your term ‘basket cases’ offensive as both my father and brother suffer Bi Polar disorder and I have spent my teen life questioning my own sanity (another reason I never approached religion as I wanted to be sure in myself rather then have another try and make me sure)

Ill check out EWTN though Im not sure if it broadcasts in OZ so I may need to look at it online.

Also, to the recommendations of reading the bible, I have problems with this as, being an atheist so long, I may have trouble under standing or comprehending what I read, thus, I’d like to have a catholic to answer any questions I may have so I do not take anything in the wrong context.

In reply to prodigal-sun, my main problem is Im having trouble with the whole trust issue, and I find praying is filled under that. To put a long story short i have had very little social life and was bullied my entire school life, so Im not exactly willing to trust people easily, let alone something i cant see (old habit, learnt to read body language to evaluate a persons attitude)

 

[mcrow]

LC,

I’m currently on my journey to converting. Much like you, I was not religious in anyway for most of my life. I had serious questions about many aspects of the Christian Faith, particularly the Catholic Faith.

One thing you have to come to terms with is that God, the Holy Trinity, is so complex that not even the brightest of us can possibly know the reasons God allows or disallows certain things to happen.

Along with this you have to have Faith. Pure and simple, without Faith you cannot believe. As stated above, we cannot know everything about God, we are not blessed with his thoughts outside of the Bible and Church (except, perhaps in rare occaisons) though he knows all of ours. You have to have Faith that the Bible is the Holy text of God, nobody can give you a certificate of authenticity, you must simply believe that it is.

I recognize that Faith is a hard thing to turn yourself over to. I too had a less than easy life. I was born to single mother who became an alcoholic and left me an my brothers alone for days, unattended as children. I had one father figure in my life and he died when I was 8 of a heart attack. I never got over his death. I was depressed, antisocial, and dirty poor as a teen. Drank, did drugs, committed crimes and was violent. I straightened myself out some just to keep from an early death, but I was still not happy. I had 6 close relatives die in my early to mid twenties. One of those was my father who I had not met until I was 22. He was a street thug who did several years in prison and was an drug addict most of his life. By the time I had met him he had turned himself around as was doing good for himself morally and financially. So, I got to know him a well over the next few years. Then just 5 days before the attacks of 9/11 he was murdered by a street thug in my grandmothers back yard and he died in the arms of my 7 & 8 year old cousins who were playing with him when it happened.

I cannot say why all of this happened or what God’s plans were/are. The for 25 years of my life, it seemed as though God (if there was one, as I thought at the time) had it out for me. Howver, the next eight years were great. I earned a degree, got a good job and made a decent living. I made some good friends. My mother got help with her problems and is has not had a drink in 8 years. I was set up on a blind date by a Co-Worker. On that date I met my future wife and mother of my daughter. We’ve been married 4 years and have wonderful 2 1/2 year old daughter. We own a home and make enough money to attend to a lifestyle we enjoy, though we are not more than middle class. And most recently, I’ve accepted the dvinity of Christ through the Catholic Church.

It’s been a tale of two lives, for me.

The only way I can explain it away is God has plans for us all. These plans are far too intricate for us to fully understand. The Lord plans are wheels within wheels. Everything that happens to me (from my POV) doesn’t just affect me, it affects everyone else involved and even people we are totally unaware of. Not only that but everyone invovled is affected in a different way. IMO, everything God does, allows or disallows results in good, though we may not be capable of understanding what good was done because we don’t know everything (or much really) God knows.

Now, I’m very new to the Catholic Church and what I said above may not jive with the Church because I’m not yet very well versed in the Churches teachings. Please feel tell me free if I messed anything up, as I’d like to know the correct possition.

 

[SonCatcher]

I’m a Yank but managed to find some information local to you. Your nearest church is likely St Mary’s in Beaudesert. The diocese page for the parish also lists mass times and addresses for other nearby parishes (in case you are on some other part of the mountain). If none of those are near enough, you might consult the full list.

You might also contact the Archdiocese of Brisbane for guidance. The diocese has a page specifically for people who want to explore the Catholic faith. There is even a page describing the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). (As stated previously, it is a class. If you go through the whole class and are not ready for Catholicism, you can take it another year or go on your way. In the early Church, most converts took years.)

 

[Della]

Thank you for your replies, I would use the quote coding but frankly im to tired to at the moment (midnight here). First off I am in Queensland, Mt Tambourine, and any distance is a long way for me as their is no public transport nor do I have a drivers license.

Secondly, what is ‘RCIA’?

in reply to Barbkw, i apologize but i find your term ‘basket cases’ offensive as both my father and brother suffer Bi Polar disorder and I have spent my teen life questioning my own sanity (another reason I never approached religion as I wanted to be sure in myself rather then have another try and make me sure)

Ill check out EWTN though Im not sure if it broadcasts in OZ so I may need to look at it online.

Also, to the recommendations of reading the bible, I have problems with this as, being an atheist so long, I may have trouble under standing or comprehending what I read, thus, I’d like to have a catholic to answer any questions I may have so I do not take anything in the wrong context.

In reply to prodigal-sun, my main problem is Im having trouble with the whole trust issue, and I find praying is filled under that. To put a long story short i have had very little social life and was bullied my entire school life, so Im not exactly willing to trust people easily, let alone something i cant see (old habit, learnt to read body language to evaluate a persons attitude)

The difficulties of life can make it hard for us to understand how it all works and what’s behind everything. Despair is too easy an answer–as you’ve discovered. How does just giving up help any situation? You’re right–it doesn’t. Whenever I have been tempted by despair I think of how negative a thing that is and how destructive it is and how it won’t really help my problems. So, I look to the opposite–to hope. And where does hope come from? It comes from the One who hopes all things because his love is infinite–it comes from God.

Even when we can’t perceive God’s hand in our lives, it’s still there. You don’t have to learn to trust God. All you have to do is recognize that he is already working with you and for you. That’s why you’ve come here–because the Holy Spirit heard the cry of your heart. There are answers to all your difficulties. The axiom: “Faith is needed before one can understand” is true. And what is faith? It is simply seeing what you haven’t seen before–that God is there–that he’s always been there and will still be there when you are ready to acknowledge him. Faith is like diving into a lake/river. All you have to do is let go and fall in.

You are wise to not read the Bible cold. You don’t need to have a degree in theology to read it, but it can be baffling if you have little to no background/teaching in it’s precepts and no understanding of the times and cultures in which it was written. Having said that, though, do start with one of the Gospels. Someone recommended Mark. That’s a good one to start with. It was written by a disciple of St. Peter (who was the first pope and the leaders of the Apostles). It is very brief because it was written to emphasize Jesus’ mission as the Son of Man–the Messiah. In most Bibles (get a Catholic version–that would be best) there’s a brief description and what it’s main message is at the beginning of each book.

Although we cannot see God, we can see the consecrated host. Catholics believe Jesus when he said at the Last Supper, “This is my body, this is my blood” when he blessed and consecrated the Passover bread and wine. This means that they truly are the body and blood, soul and divinity of the risen, glorified Christ. He is really and truly present although all we see is bread/wine. Most Catholic parishes have a tabernacle either in the main church or a chapel where you can go and sit and talk to Jesus who is present in the tabernacle. Or the parish closest to you may have “Eucharistic adoration”, which just means the consecrated host is set out where it can be seen. Either way, go and sit before Jesus there and talk to him. Tell him everything. You will come to understand what trusting him is all about because he will meet you there and give you peace.

Do call your local parish and talk to the priest. Make an appointment to see him. He will help you with your concerns as you continue your journey to God.

 

[casey_zia]

Laughing Crow:

God bless you in your journey!

We live a somewhat isolated existence in northern Canada. We do have a local Catholic church, but are far from any conferences or retreat centres. Most of what I have learned about the faith has been through what I’ve read (I’m sure CA forum fans can find you lots of really GOOD authors) and from listening to podcasts and CDs (CA, St. Joseph’s communications), and from EWTN on radio. At first we listened to shortwave, but have recently purchased a Sirius radio, and the radio programming on EWTN is wonderful. If you have highspeed internet, you can listen to EWTN live with your computer access. There are also some online apologetics courses that you could take, with real teachers and fellow students from around the world. I don’t know much about these, but they are advertised on sound Catholic sites. Good luck!

 

[LDNCatholic]

Also, to the recommendations of reading the bible, I have problems with this as, being an atheist so long, I may have trouble under standing or comprehending what I read, thus, I’d like to have a catholic to answer any questions I may have so I do not take anything in the wrong context.

Just want to note how refreshing it is to see someone go about it the right way, and being honest enough to not trust his own private interpretation.

It may be possible to speak to a priest over the phone/internet for basic explanations.

 

[Laughing_Crow]

Thank yo uto suncatcher, i had seen that church but did not know if it was a catholic church.

To Della im afraid I was the opposite. You looked to hope, I turned to nihilism (nothing in this world has any value what so ever). You turned to the bible, i turned to “The will to power” and “Twilight of the idols and the antichrist”. I like you analogy on faith being a lake to dive into, unfortunately im still on the shore wondering if the water is deep enough that I dont hit the bottom and break something. Basically, Im afraid to step forward in case all I do is get hurt again.

In reply to mcrow, Im glad you dound faith, but my problem is that you have moved on from your old life and suffering, but I still hold onto it. In fact, many of you will be offended, when I was 16 (and a very outspoken atheist) I once destroyed a friendship I had with a catholic. One day id been having it rough, and my friends said not to worry as God has a plan for all of us. I guess I just snapped and said to him if Gods plan is to subject my entire family to suffering then he is, and I regret these are the exact words I said, “Then God should be condemned to hell for being the most sadistic bastard to ever exist” obviously i regret that now, and the lose of that friend.

Still, i find it odd that Im actually looking into religion after years of basically waving the finger at any religion I passed.

 

[joandarc2008]

Thank yo uto suncatcher, i had seen that church but did not know if it was a catholic church.

To Della im afraid I was the opposite. You looked to hope, I turned to nihilism (nothing in this world has any value what so ever). You turned to the bible, i turned to “The will to power” and “Twilight of the idols and the antichrist”. I like you analogy on faith being a lake to dive into, unfortunately im still on the shore wondering if the water is deep enough that I dont hit the bottom and break something. Basically, Im afraid to step forward in case all I do is get hurt again.

In reply to mcrow, Im glad you dound faith, but my problem is that you have moved on from your old life and suffering, but I still hold onto it. In fact, many of you will be offended, when I was 16 (and a very outspoken atheist) I once destroyed a friendship I had with a catholic. One day id been having it rough, and my friends said not to worry as God has a plan for all of us. I guess I just snapped and said to him if Gods plan is to subject my entire family to suffering then he is, and I regret these are the exact words I said, “Then God should be condemned to hell for being the most sadistic bastard to ever exist” obviously i regret that now, and the lose of that friend.

Still, i find it odd that Im actually looking into religion after years of basically waving the finger at any religion I passed.

Laughing Crow,

I cannot speak for anyone here but I am not offended at all - the only sins we cannot be forgiven for are the ones that we will not ask the Lord for forgiveness for.

That being said - there are many great videos on YouTube as well that will take things piece by piece. Catholic Answers and EWTN have their own channels.

I would start with the Sacaments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Confession, Annointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Ordainment. I would also check out whatever other topics you have questions on and come back and ask - also put in the word apologetics when you search and it will keep to an informational video instead of a music video.

God bless,

 

[GreggAlvarez]

Laughing Crow,

I was almost the exact same as you, obviously not exactly. I pretty much shut down everybody in life and regarded theists as morons and ultimately I was a nihilist. An ultimate nihilist is a weird way to put it but my philosophy was “The ultimate meaning is that there is no ultimate meaning.” Really almost hedonihilism if there is such a thing. I search for pleasure and thought there was no meaning. I was a militant and outspoken atheist who fell under the spells and rituals of Richard Dawkins and mistook his rhetoric and clear hatred for theists as the most reasonable information EVER! In a sense I worshipped him, as I believed and read every word he wrote. Although I did not bow down to him, I had hoped that he would make a private or public revelation, I looked to his words for guidance, used his words in defense of atheism, thought he died and was resurrected at the time of publication of The God Delusion, used his quotes as daily verses, thought he knew everything, thought his mother was the mother of Life and Truth, thought him, Sam Harris and Chris Hitchens were an atheistic Trinity, tried to live like he did, and so on… I did not believe in God but I was willing to place all my blind trust in him and others. I am surprised I never prayed to him. Seems silly now that I look back at it. 10 years of it! UGH… I converted August 2008 by the way.

Now, I still read atheist books (as well as Catholic), of which Sam Harris is my personal favorite (although I was kind of disappointed with The Moral Lanscape), and have found out that even atheists cannot trust atheist literature (unfortunately, Catholics cannot trust all Catholics as well). I found that many atheists actually disliked Richard Dawkins (and his fellows) and had contempt for much of his writing. Some saying that he would be given too much credit to say that he would barely pass a sophomore philosophy course.

Anyway, I commend you for opening your heart and mind to at least the possibilities beyond the senses. Do not be sad about the past. “And so it came to pass…” (Where that is in the Bible, I have no clue. ) There is nothing you can do. Pray and hope that maybe you and your friend can be reconciliated. I had many friends and was put in the same situation. In any case, I will be your friend if you so choose. For the time being, take your own advice and read some Catholic books. Again, as an militant atheist convert, I personally would not recommend the Bible. Maybe only a verse or two. I personally like 1 Pt 3:15-16, 1 Pt 1:7 and Rv 2:10. I say those because as an atheist convert those are like my ultimate, “Hell, Yeah!” verses. That is just me though. However, I am an unintelligent being and I get dumber by the minute.

As books to recommend (seeing as how you are pretty into philosophy and stuff) to assist you on your journey, I have a few to mention. Pick as you like or ask me what they are about to help make your decision:
Fulton Sheen - The Divine Romance; The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God; Old Errors and New Labels
G.K. Chesterton - The Everlasting Man; Orthodoxy
Scott Hahn - Answering the New Atheism; Reasons to Believe
Fr. Thomas Crean - God is No Delusion
Peter Kreeft - Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing; Fundamentals of the Faith
Benjamin Wiker - A Meaningful World
C.S. Lewis (although not Catholic, his content was very Catholic): Anything by this dude.
There are MANY MANY MANY others but these are the ones I can think of.

Although they are all great books, I would read The World’s First Love by Fulton Sheen. I just finished reading it and was taken aback at the man’s mind (not to mention it is a spectacular read!), as I am sure you will too. I should have read it as an atheist. If you are wondering how theological content deals with everyday reality, there it is. An awesome work to understand theology and its relevance in our lives. I believe any honest atheist would agree with its content whether or not they believe in God.

I know it may seem pointless at first, but at least consider asking Mary for guidance at least once a day for at least a couple seconds. It will help you; I promise. You will not get hurt in the process. If you are afraid, pray, even if you feel like you are not heard.

I hope this helps you! Let me know (via message or E-mail: Gregg851@hotmail.com) how things are going! I have 0 atheist convert friends (only some saints, of which hopefully I will meet someday), so maybe this could be the first. Who knows? Correspondence is always welcomed though. I have trouble getting on here sometimes. Certainly leave a post here though because everybody is happy for you! We are all here to help! Take care and God bless.

Gregg Alvarez

P.S. You can disregard the Mary and prayer stuff if you really end up not believing (although I certainly hope you do, but that is besides the point). Do not disregard the books though if you insist on checking the Church out. About the atheist convert friends thing, I was only stating that IF you were going to convert. We can be friends regardless. It was just another pointless statement of mine

 

[Della]

To Della im afraid I was the opposite. You looked to hope, I turned to nihilism (nothing in this world has any value what so ever). You turned to the bible, i turned to “The will to power” and “Twilight of the idols and the antichrist”.

Yes, turning to mud when looking for food will give us nothing but mud, won’t it? The whole of Lord of the Rings is about turning to the right things or the wrong things when encountering the difficulties of life. I love how Tolkien terms hope in the teeth of presumed utter uselessness and doom as a “fool’s hope”, but hope is never for fools for the opposite of hope is despair. Despair only leads to bitterness and ends in destruction–of the heart, mind, soul and spirit.

I like your analogy on faith being a lake to dive into, unfortunately im still on the shore wondering if the water is deep enough that I dont hit the bottom and break something. Basically, Im afraid to step forward in case all I do is get hurt again.

Thanks, but I should have given credit where it is due. That analogy belongs to C. S. Lewis who also came out of atheism into the light of Christianity. Be assured that the water is infinitely deep because it is the ocean of God’s love and mercy which has no bottom.

Still, i find it odd that Im actually looking into religion after years of basically waving the finger at any religion I passed.

I can relate to this, in a way, because I was a Pentecostalist who never dreamed she’d end up a Catholic. Both Fundamentalism and atheism are closed systems of belief. They’re both like being in a box of one’s own making–a prison, if you like. But, Catholicism is all of life written large and lived to the full because it’s true–like the universe is true or love is true or hell is true. Truths are deep things and can be hard things as well as bright things. The whole of human experience is taken up into the divine life of God in the Catholic faith. It’s really quite amazing and endlessly fascinating.