Protestant seeking answers . . . (long - SORRY!)

[Peace-bwu]

“Charismatic” Catholics? Sounds VERY interesting

I’ve heard of them before, but have never really investigated them. A**re their beliefs in alignment with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church? **

You hit the nail on the head. Make sure that if you become involved with a charasmatic group that they* are* aligned with teh Magisterium and Doctrine of the CC. I can tell you from personal experience that my when I was a kid my mom was involved with Charasmatic Renewal and it was fully aligned with Catholic Church doctrine and the Magisterium. Members of the Body of Christ have various gifts of the Holy Spirit, not all Catholics understand the Charismatic Catholic groups because they may not have the same kinds of gifts, they may be gifted in other ways. My mom has a wonderful story about speaking in tongues. She did not understand what she was saying until just last year when she was watching a show on EWTN and she heard the phrase she said nearly 20 years ago translated. It was wonderfully comforting to her. Translated in English it was “you are my bride.” she took this to mean that the Church is the bride of Christ and this included her. You might also enjoy reading about some of the Saints who were gifted in Charismatic ways.

 

[MariaG]

I am just in awe at the wonderous working of the Holy Spirit in your life. I came from the AoG, among others, and I find that Scott Hahn really explains Catholic doctrine to me in a way that reaches me.

I proudly proclaim that I still have a special love for “finding it in the Bible”. One of my favorite verses are John 20:21-23 when Christ institutes the sacrament of Reconciliation.

I am excited for you. I also am slightly afraid for you. Spiritual attacks will come.

If you feel comfortable asking others to pray for you, you may wish to ask St. Michael the Archangel to pray for you.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou o prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

If you are not comfortable with that, please remember to put on the full armor of God every morning for you and your whole family. Both would be best, in my opinion.

God Bless you on your journey. It’s amazing what you see when you ask God to show you the truth no matter what!

Maria

 

[Disconnector]

I proudly proclaim that I still have a special love for “finding it in the Bible”. One of my favorite verses are John 20:21-23 when Christ institutes the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Wow . . . I just quoted that verse to someone else on this board who was asking me a question via personal messages. That verse has been my rallying cry so far with others within my denomination. Neat!

Due to some of the out-of-band messages I have been receiving, let me make something crystal clear. The folks that I worship with within the AoG are some of the most holy, God-fearing folks I have ever met. I’m not quite sure (yet) of the full Catholic definition of a Saint, but my pastor surely meets whatever requirements are involved He raised me as one of his own children and has spend innumerable hours pouring his life and the Truth of God into me. These folks know and love God. The worship is modern and powerful - people are spiritually and physically healed and liberated almost every Sunday. 6,000+ folks worshipping God and crying out His name. . . we have literally seen the physical Presence of God as a “Cloud of Glory” that drove everyone to their knees. We built 4 churches in Eastern Europe and South America and gave over 1 million dollars to charities and missions in the last year alone. Regardless of any Catholic belief I will never in good conscience be able to doubt the true Presence of God there. The Lord is MERCIFUL and JUST with those who truly seek him.

What I am struggling with is some of the foundational truths that the entire AoG faith is built upon. The thought of leaving my church fills me with pain and dread, but I MUST follow the leading of the Spirit. I asked the Lord to reveal to me the Truth (capital T intentional) and He in His infinite mercy and wisdom is leading me down a path that I cannot understand or hardly believe.

I am praying for His wisdom and strength daily.

Thank you all for your insights and information. It is extremely valuable to me in my search for Truth.

I have contacted a local Parish . . . I will let you guys/gals know how it goes. Please, keep me in your prayers if you have the time and inclination.

Rich B.

 

[Peace-bwu]

Second is a three VHS tape set titled “Our Father’s Plan” by Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins, who is also a convert. Send me your mailing address at bthal59@aol.com and I will send you the above described DVD and tapes as a gift

Our Father’s Plan is WONDERFUL, it is a Bible Study by Scott Hahn which goes through the history of the Bible, focusing on the themes of covenants and family dynamics thoughout Scripture, and it gives great insight for looking at the Bible as a whole, rather than in bits and pieces, which is so easy to do as it was written by such a variety of authors over many thousands of years. I would also recommend this series to you. Your wife might also enjoy this with you, but you might want to do it on your own first, so you can drink it all in.

I prayed for you, and you have been in my thoughts,
God Bless You!

 

[MariaG]

posted by Disconnector

The folks that I worship with within the AoG are some of the most holy, God-fearing folks I have ever met. I’m not quite sure (yet) of the full Catholic definition of a Saint, but my pastor surely meets whatever requirements are involved He raised me as one of his own children and has spend innumerable hours pouring his life and the Truth of God into me. These folks know and love God. The worship is modern and powerful - people are spiritually and physically healed and liberated almost every Sunday. 6,000+ folks worshipping God and crying out His name. . . we have literally seen the physical Presence of God as a “Cloud of Glory” that drove everyone to their knees. We built 4 churches in Eastern Europe and South America and gave over 1 million dollars to charities and missions in the last year alone. Regardless of any Catholic belief I will never in good conscience be able to doubt the true Presence of God there. The Lord is MERCIFUL and JUST with those who truly seek him.

In the Catholic Church, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church we are all saints, those who follow Christ. However, most Catholics do not refer to themselves as, (or sometimes don’t know they are?) saints. That is because in the Catholic church, over time, the practice of calling someone a Saint is given to those who have shown themselves to be true warriors for God, and have passed on to the Church Triumphant.

I truly understand your dilemma. I know that some of the most Godly people I know, are AoG. And unfortunately, many frequently think Catholics are going to Hell. It hurts deeply. It also hurt when those whom you are being called towards don’t understand how truly Godly these people are. Just consider that sometimes we are called to suffer not because what Christ did for us is not enough, but because He suffered so must we.

It also can be hard when you meet some Catholics who are really lukewarm, or even cold. You have to think, I left a church that was on fire for God for this? But I truly believe that God is calling out people like you, (and me and many others) to light a fire under His Church.

You will also find that Catholics express themselves much differently. Unless you are blessed enough with a Charasmatic Catholic Church, you will find it much different.

People tend to come to Mass and leave with little to no socialization. It is not that they are trying to be unfriendly, but they see Mass as a very personal form of worship and meeting with Christ. They do not wish to disturb that for awhile.

And I am so happy that I could quote Scripture to you that helps you to realize you are on the right path. God is truly merciful.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

 

[VociMike]

I am sorry you have received some less-than-charitable (or maybe less-than-informed) responses. While Catholics believe that we are bound in a sense to the Catholic Church (that is, we are bound to the fullness of truth we have been given), we do not believe that God is bound by His Church. God calls people to Himself where He will and how He will, and those people who have answered His call are very easy to spot. From your descriptions there’s no doubt that people in your church have responded, and for that we should rejoice, while at the same time be ready to guide those who recognize that God is holding out even more for them in the Catholic Church.

 

[Stephen_T]

Richard,

I was reading through the Baltimore Catechism and found a section that I think may help you to understand some things about the Catholic faith. The question is asked, “How do we know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ?” The catechism says that there are four MARKS of the Church that help us know this:

1. It is ONE: The Catholic Church is one because all its members, according to the will of Christ, profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice and sacraments, and are united under one and the same visible head, the pope.
2. It is HOLY: The Catholic Church is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ, who is all-holy, and because it teaches, according to the will of Christ, holy doctrines, and provides the means of leading a holy life, thereby giving holy members to every age.
3. It is CATHOLIC or UNIVERSAL: The Catholic Church is catholic or universal because, destined to last for all time, it never fails to fulfill the divine commandment to teach all nations all the truths revealed by God.
4. It is APOSTOLIC: The Catholic Church is apostolic because it was founded by Christ on the apostles, and, according to His divine will, has always been governed by their lawful successors.

Finally, “How do we know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ?” Answer: We know that no other church but the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ because no other church has these four marks.

Hope that helps! Also, when you look for books to help to teach you about the faith, look for the words “Imprimatur” or “Nihil Obstat” on the title page. This means that the archdiocese has looked at the book and found that nothing in the book goes against Catholic teachings.

Dominus Vobiscum

-Stephen