C
ChrisB103
Guest
Keep searching and you will find the answers. Here’s a recent thread that talked about Purgatory some. Maybe you’ll find some of the responses useful. God bless.
Thread
Protestants, what's holding you back from coming to the Catholic Church?
- Status
Thread
T
Tommy555
Guest
Discernment – is discernment given to the Church for the Church to teach the people, or is discernment given to individuals? It would appear that, if discernment is given to the individual, truth becomes relevant, since it would be dependent upon private interpretation. If discernment is given to the Church to teach the individual, then the question becomes: “Which church is the Church?” As far as I know, no Protestant church–with the exception of one branch of the Church of Christ–will stand up and say that they are the Church. The Catholic Church does state that they are the visible Church, and puts forth evidence to prove it.
The Reformation did start with one individual, Martin Luther. This has to cause one to ponder, for all heresies is begun by an individual, as a result of private interpretation. It is important that there is hierarchy to ensure that pastors do not stray from truth. In most Protestant denominations, it is up to the individuals–who are the ones that are supposed to be the pupils–to discern whether the pastor/teacher is teaching truth. This is backwards.
Unfortunately, in these modern times, it is Protestants who are not afraid to do in-depth Bible studies; and, let’s face it: Many people yearn for in-depth Bible studies, and are therefor drawn to these “teachers,” who are giving private interpretations.
The early Church fathers were not afraid to teach Scripture verse by verse; but they adhered to set doctrine.
Christians have always been despised. This has to be, for they are not of the world. Which denomination is most despised? I think it almost has to be the Catholic Church. This almost makes one to look toward the Catholic Church. Christ was despised; His Body therefor will also be despised.
The Reformation did start with one individual, Martin Luther. This has to cause one to ponder, for all heresies is begun by an individual, as a result of private interpretation. It is important that there is hierarchy to ensure that pastors do not stray from truth. In most Protestant denominations, it is up to the individuals–who are the ones that are supposed to be the pupils–to discern whether the pastor/teacher is teaching truth. This is backwards.
Unfortunately, in these modern times, it is Protestants who are not afraid to do in-depth Bible studies; and, let’s face it: Many people yearn for in-depth Bible studies, and are therefor drawn to these “teachers,” who are giving private interpretations.
The early Church fathers were not afraid to teach Scripture verse by verse; but they adhered to set doctrine.
Christians have always been despised. This has to be, for they are not of the world. Which denomination is most despised? I think it almost has to be the Catholic Church. This almost makes one to look toward the Catholic Church. Christ was despised; His Body therefor will also be despised.
M
Melanilove
Guest
This is how I feel as well! I am glad there is somebody out there that has the same feelings as I do… I guess we just have a lot of research to continue on doing
M
mlz
Guest
Ouch! You are sure harsh and have never been in the shoes of many sincere Christian protestants who have NEVER ever felt or intended to be “against” the Catholic Church. You make it sound like that is what drives their faith. It isn’t and wasn’t for me ever. I wanted to grow closer to Jesus. I never even thought about the Catholic faith. I now am becoming Catholic but it’s a good thing I didn’t meet someone with your position it might have scared me away! Ease up, not a good way to evangelize I assure you
In Him,
mlz
S
Swiss_Guy
Guest
Not emancipated. Have to honor the 4th commandment more strictly according to the Church. 
S
Swiss_Guy
Guest
I was in your shoes a year ago. Trust me, if you search with an open heart, you will find a spiritual home in Catholicism.
Z
Zenkai
Guest
Hopefully we will soon discover what the truth is, and in the meantime we will continue with our research.
-God bless
F
FabiusMaximus
Guest
This is exactly what I am talking about.
The tone espoused in your post seems to indicate the belief that I am either too naive or ignorant to understand. Essentially it strikes me as the position of “The Catholic Church is so obviously the one true Church that to think otherwise is simply astonishing and absurd.”
For the record, I’ve been quite charitable to the Catholic Church in my participation in the discussions of this forum. But I’m getting increasingly exasperated by what I perceive to be a “we’re Catholic and thus we know better” attitude. Few are the attempts in which Catholics attempt to understand the Protestant side of things, instead of dismissing it entirely before expounding the Catholic position. At least from what I’ve seen on here, lately.
O
onemangang
Guest
Here is some info on that, don’t know if you’ve come across it yet or not
philvaz.com/apologetics/CouncilNicaeaSixthCanon.htm#NOTES
C
ChrisB103
Guest
I’ve noticed that you are always charitable in your posts, and I appreciate it. Notice that there were also two Catholics (me being one of them) who took issue with ufamtobie’s post as well. Unfortunately, I think there will always be those who don’t try to think about what it’s like to walk in other people’s shoes. Sorry for this
A
AnglicanForMary
Guest
My reasons can best be seen from this post: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=8713535#post8713535 , but basically, it is ecclesiology, specifically claims of the Bishop of Rome regarding the election/appointment of Bishops, claims about universal ordinary jurisdiction and supremacy over the rest of the world’s bishops (such as during the time of the Pentarchy); the inability to call the Pope to account in Council as in to, sit in judgement upon him, or to depose a sitting pope for heresy; claims to infallibility in doctrine when speaking ex cathedra (despite all the restrictions on when said office is exercised) I see as stumbling blocks on the route to reunion. I do agree though, with the Agreed Statement “The Gift of Authority” of ARCIC II, but in essence, I have not been convicted by the Holy Ghost, that the Office of the Papacy, as currently exercised is necesssary or required for Christian unity (he’s still the sole Patriarch in the West though, despite claims of Moscow to the contrary 
)
)
P
Publisher
Guest
“Apostolic authority” was the “device” both the Gnostics and “proto-catholics” developed to “prove” their claim of being the “continuation” of the faith of the apostles…it took on significant importance as the various claims of the various sects of Christianity began to grow…especially those sects which eventually became the “Orthodox/Catholic” church.
Marian devotion was a development which began in the second century as a “bolster” of the developing Christology.
Heirarchal “priesthood” from the early second century of the “proto-catholic/orthodox” gained influence in defining Christian belief.
Sacramental developments of the various competing sects which became important in the second century to “separate” the “heretics” from the “orthodox”…the competing factions and sects all claimed an “authority” of an apostle.
E
exnihilo
Guest
I have no problems with most doctrine and can say I agree with most and do not disagree with much after I’ve sought better understanding. Of course universal jurisdiction and the role of the Bishop of Rome I do not yet assent to, otherwise I would have no choice but to become Catholic. I have no problems with the Marian dogma, though I do have some discomfort for how far people take their devotion to Mary. But I have just as much discomfort to how little devotion some in Protestantism give to Mary.
I find it difficult to understand how to accept the broadness of the Catholic church and live with its imperfections. What I mean is my church is obviously flawed. If the Catholic church is the true church I would hope that it would not be flawed like my church. But it is flawed. It is imperfect. Now I understand Catholics will say in teaching it is not. But it seems local priests can teach wrong doctrine and practice. When the Catholic church promotes herself as the true church working those imperfections out can be tough. For instance my church is a member of the NC Council of Churches which supports gay marriage by stating that defining marriage as between a man and a woman is discriminatory. The current leader of this council is an openly gay man. My church is a member, which I think is bad. But both NC Catholic diocese are also members.
I struggle with the Catholic church with regards to mysteries and difficult articles of faith. Part of me loves Thomistic philosophy. Part of me thinks the Orthodox are wise to not try so hard to explain things.
It bothers me that the Catholic church withheld the cup from the people for so long. I agree with the idea that Christ is contained fully in each element. But I have problems with the justifications used to withhold the cup.
I am a traditionalist in terms of worship style and it seems many Catholic parishes have embraced contemporary worship which I find lacking in depth and beauty. The funny thing is I think I would find more draw from the Catholic church pre Vatican II. Then again that might be a false notion. Vatican II has done a lot to be more welcoming to Protestants.
I find it a bit discomforting when I look at a couple local parishes bulletins and find on the front page information on how to nullify a marriage.
This is a trivial matter but something I’ve experienced. Being in my area of the South southerners are not typically Catholic. I went to a baptism at a Catholic church and I felt a slightly of place. The people seemed a bit alien to me. They were not unfriendly just different. Its not that I have a strong dislike for that which is different or unwillingness to experience different cultures. I’m well traveled and enjoy other cultures when I do. It is that part of my experience in church is the community and sense of roots. It was not like when I’ve been to the Greek Orthodox church where I really felt out of place and know to some extent I would be viewed as an outsider. But I would feel a bit like a stranger, beyond just the religious practices.
I find it difficult to understand how to accept the broadness of the Catholic church and live with its imperfections. What I mean is my church is obviously flawed. If the Catholic church is the true church I would hope that it would not be flawed like my church. But it is flawed. It is imperfect. Now I understand Catholics will say in teaching it is not. But it seems local priests can teach wrong doctrine and practice. When the Catholic church promotes herself as the true church working those imperfections out can be tough. For instance my church is a member of the NC Council of Churches which supports gay marriage by stating that defining marriage as between a man and a woman is discriminatory. The current leader of this council is an openly gay man. My church is a member, which I think is bad. But both NC Catholic diocese are also members.
I struggle with the Catholic church with regards to mysteries and difficult articles of faith. Part of me loves Thomistic philosophy. Part of me thinks the Orthodox are wise to not try so hard to explain things.
It bothers me that the Catholic church withheld the cup from the people for so long. I agree with the idea that Christ is contained fully in each element. But I have problems with the justifications used to withhold the cup.
I am a traditionalist in terms of worship style and it seems many Catholic parishes have embraced contemporary worship which I find lacking in depth and beauty. The funny thing is I think I would find more draw from the Catholic church pre Vatican II. Then again that might be a false notion. Vatican II has done a lot to be more welcoming to Protestants.
I find it a bit discomforting when I look at a couple local parishes bulletins and find on the front page information on how to nullify a marriage.
This is a trivial matter but something I’ve experienced. Being in my area of the South southerners are not typically Catholic. I went to a baptism at a Catholic church and I felt a slightly of place. The people seemed a bit alien to me. They were not unfriendly just different. Its not that I have a strong dislike for that which is different or unwillingness to experience different cultures. I’m well traveled and enjoy other cultures when I do. It is that part of my experience in church is the community and sense of roots. It was not like when I’ve been to the Greek Orthodox church where I really felt out of place and know to some extent I would be viewed as an outsider. But I would feel a bit like a stranger, beyond just the religious practices.
B
Bezant
Guest
I definitely agree with you, but bear in mind that CAF doesn’t really resemble any parish I know.
J
jam070406
Guest
The Church is undergoing an infection of liberalism. I think Pope Benedict has done much to counter it.
If I may suggest, perhaps finding a Latin Mass in your area.
S
stewstew03
Guest
Great point, Calgar. Unfortunately there are too many Catholics (this includes liberal priests and nuns, along with former Catholics) that are either uninformed about what the Church teaches or they intentionally disregard it.I hear this a lot. Although you could substitute some kind of orthodox church or lutheran church where you write catholic.
There’s a joke us sbc types say when asked why more people aren’t southern baptist. “It’s because of all the baptists.” Perhaps this applies?
S
Stepson
Guest
Melanilove and Zenkai,
I was here as well. I spent months researching the Catholic way of worship. But ultimately, there came a point to where I had to ask myself how can I tell if these devotions are divinely inspired or are the creations of man? And if I embrace them am I putting my soul in jeopardy? A question I suspect many Christians ask of the Catholic teachings.
For me it boiled down to 1 Timothy: 14-15. This one was pretty clear for me in my faith walk. For if the Church incorporates anything that is incorrect or against God, then the Bible has untruthful parts. As Christians, we know this just isn’t true!
But beyond this, I can say that my family has been blessed by following the Catholic teachings. My wife and I decided after months of research, to attend RCIA. As soon as we were getting serious about joining the Catholic Church, we decided to start following its practices. Kind of like a dry run if you will. This included meatless Friday.
We started to make pizza on Friday nights. My wife bought individual pizza pans for us all so we could make our own. We make the dough, cut up all the ingredients and put them in separate bowls on the table. We cover the table with plastic wrap. And along with my wife and two sons, both under the age of 11, we start making our own pizzas. We even have contests to see who makes the best one.
Soon it became our Friday night tradition. One we all look forward to. I then noticed something. We started to spend time together. For an hour or two, there are no I-pads, Wii’s, TV’s or the internet! We grew closer as a family.
We started out following a teaching from the Catholic Church and grew closer as a family. For me, this was another truth about the Catholic Church.
Hope this help some.
Z
Zenkai
Guest
Hello and thank you for the response. What chapter in 1 Timothy are those verses in?
S
Stepson
Guest
Sorry, it’s 1 Timothy 4 :14-15
R
Radical
Guest
- IMHO the Catholic Marian doctrines appear to be the product of pious imagination with a starting popint around the middle of the 2nd century…getting ever more grandiose from then on.
- the view WRT the real presence at the Lord’s Supper was varied and hardly unanimous. Kilmartin identifies the 4th century Antiochene school as the source of the “real somatic presence”…before then, the presence involved was something less than a real bodily presence…even Augustine did not hold to a real bodily presence.
- Indulgences and the whole economics of grace being earned, stored and doled out like a commodity
- Status