RCC and the Gospel

[detles]

Hello! I’m new here and am jumping right in.

Long story as short as I can, I was raised Catholic, but left the church as a teenager, due primarily to the church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. But, in the ensuing 25 years, I’ve returned to Christianity, and I have been in a Presbyterian church for the last 5 years. However, my husband (who was also raised Catholic) and I have recently both been feeling led to at least consider returning to the RCC.

I don’t know if I never paid attention in church (well, I know I didn’t pay attention!) or if I just wasn’t at a very theologically solid church (the Catholicism I grew up with was very much a cultural Catholicism–everybody went to church every Sunday, but I don’t remember having a single conversation with any adult in my life about faith ever), but I thought “the gospel” was for evangelicals. And, I misunderstood what it was. When I finally had the ears to hear the gospel in my early 30s (the bad news that I am indeed a sinner and the good news that God loves me and made provision to deal with my sin), it was a very important and meaningful and defining moment for me. And it was Calvinists who best articulated the gospel in a way I could make sense of.

But, lately I feel like, while Calvinism kind of got me in the door, I’m stagnating. I understand intellectually God’s love for me, but I just don’t feel like I’m experiencing it. One issue I’m having is with the idea that, when God looks at me and accepts me, it’s because he sees Jesus, not me. While that makes theological sense, I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is.

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Greetings.

You are feeling the call and responding to it. I applaud you on that. It’s not easy to do after you’ve been protestant for a while. If you were to come home to the Catholic church you risk alienating your protestant friends/church family. I’m sure you’ve put some thought into that already.

I’d say the gospel of ‘mere Christianity’ as described by CS Lewis is faitly accurate. We do have a lot in common.

Some major differences are for example, justification. In protestant theology you say a sincere prayer and that’s it. You are totally justified for life.

In CC theology, redemption differs from salvation and justification is a process and is improved synergistically through the sacraments. So the soteirology differs but we arrive at the same place, ultimately.

Luther says we are dung covered in snow. The CC essentially says that God takes that dung and converts it into a flower bed.

And so we are essentially in purgatory here in this life full of trial and tribulations… We can be negligent of our responsibilities and deal with it later in actual purgatory, or we can ‘man up’ , so to speak , do what’s right now so God has less to work out in us at our personal judgment. 1 Cor 3:15. It’s our choice as the Spirit is a gentleman.

This is the biggie between us if you are just talking basic gospel. The Pope and other matters are there, but justification was a real monster of a topic around the time of the reformation and it still stands out today.

 

[Joe_5859]

Welcome! We’re glad to have you here and I hope and pray that your time here is blessed and fruitful.

It sounds like you are sincerely seeking the Lord in your life. That’s awesome!

Yes, you have struck upon one of the main limitations of Calvinist theology right there. The idea that we basically “disappear” and God only sees Jesus downplays the fact that God doesn’t want to erase us, he wants to transform us.

If you’re looking for the Catholic articulation of the Gospel and all Christian teaching, I would encourage you to pick up the Catechism of the Catholic Church (often abbreviated as “CCC”). You can find it online in several places (here, here, and here), but I’d recommend picking up a paper copy, too.

If you find that looking through that has you scratching your head wondering what some of the big theological terms mean, you might look into the “Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church” or the “YOUCAT” (Youth Catechism). Both of those are in question and answer format and make it a little easier to digest the info. The “United States Catholic Catechism for Adults” and “Catholicism for Dummies” are both good resources, too, that can be more readable that the CCC.

If you’re looking, for example, for the Church’s teaching on sanctification to compare with the Calvinist teaching, you can look at the Catechism (CCC) paragraphs #1987–2029.

The core message of the Gospel—that God became man in Jesus to save us from our sins through his life, death, and resurrection—is pretty universal for all Christians. But what that looks like in practice can differ. For Catholics, we know that Jesus intended to leave a visible Church to guard the deposit of faith (AKA the gospel) and hand it on from generation to generation in a manner in which we could have certainty that we are receiving the genuine teaching of Christ rather than some misinterpretation. We also know that Christ instituted sacraments to be visible, physical signs that actually convey grace. Those are some of the biggest points of departure for many non-Catholic Christians.

All in all, I would suggest that you keep searching, keep praying, keep reading, and feel free to ask any questions here on the forum. Just be patient with the grumpy posters when they decide to chime in with their 2 cents. You might consider calling the priest at your local parish to meet with him in person and go over some of these things. As great as this forum can be, having that “real world” in person connection is always going to offer help beyond what we are capable of giving through our posts.

God bless you on your journey!

 

[rinnie]

Hello! I’m new here and am jumping right in.

Long story as short as I can, I was raised Catholic, but left the church as a teenager, due primarily to the church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. But, in the ensuing 25 years, I’ve returned to Christianity, and I have been in a Presbyterian church for the last 5 years. However, my husband (who was also raised Catholic) and I have recently both been feeling led to at least consider returning to the RCC.

I don’t know if I never paid attention in church (well, I know I didn’t pay attention!) or if I just wasn’t at a very theologically solid church (the Catholicism I grew up with was very much a cultural Catholicism–everybody went to church every Sunday, but I don’t remember having a single conversation with any adult in my life about faith ever), but I thought “the gospel” was for evangelicals. And, I misunderstood what it was. When I finally had the ears to hear the gospel in my early 30s (the bad news that I am indeed a sinner and the good news that God loves me and made provision to deal with my sin), it was a very important and meaningful and defining moment for me. And it was Calvinists who best articulated the gospel in a way I could make sense of.

But, lately I feel like, while Calvinism kind of got me in the door, I’m stagnating. I understand intellectually God’s love for me, but I just don’t feel like I’m experiencing it. One issue I’m having is with the idea that, when God looks at me and accepts me, it’s because he sees Jesus, not me. While that makes theological sense, I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is.

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it.

Hi and welcome. Scott Hahn IMO has a way of explaining the teaches of the Church in a simple way for easy understanding. Read some of his books, I believe you will enjoy them.

What I like is how he can show you the Catholic faith, all you know and have learned, and yet shows it to you his eyes. Its shows you what you were given in the CC and took for granted. Good Luck and May the Holy Spirit lead you.

 

[Casilda]

Welcome home! As a revert myself, I would seriously heed Joe’s advice to speak to a priest. Don’t chatter with folks here. Don’t chatter with the office staff at your nearest Catholic church, either. That gives you the best chance for the right advice, instead of 101 opposing opinions from CAF minions.

 

[jmcrae]

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

I have a friend who has a hard time believing in anything, and doesn’t get to Mass very often, but he loves to go to Confession - he says, it’s the greatest thing in the world.

I happen to think the Mass is the greatest thing in the world, but Confession is definitely a close second, and when you get the chance to go, you’ll understand.

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

 

[Reuben_J]

Hello! I’m new here and am jumping right in.

Long story as short as I can, I was raised Catholic, but left the church as a teenager, due primarily to the church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. But, in the ensuing 25 years, I’ve returned to Christianity, and I have been in a Presbyterian church for the last 5 years. However, my husband (who was also raised Catholic) and I have recently both been feeling led to at least consider returning to the RCC.

I don’t know if I never paid attention in church (well, I know I didn’t pay attention!) or if I just wasn’t at a very theologically solid church (the Catholicism I grew up with was very much a cultural Catholicism–everybody went to church every Sunday, but I don’t remember having a single conversation with any adult in my life about faith ever), but I thought “the gospel” was for evangelicals. And, I misunderstood what it was. When I finally had the ears to hear the gospel in my early 30s (the bad news that I am indeed a sinner and the good news that God loves me and made provision to deal with my sin), it was a very important and meaningful and defining moment for me. And it was Calvinists who best articulated the gospel in a way I could make sense of.

But, lately I feel like, while Calvinism kind of got me in the door, I’m stagnating. I understand intellectually God’s love for me, but I just don’t feel like I’m experiencing it. One issue I’m having is with the idea that, when God looks at me and accepts me, it’s because he sees Jesus, not me. While that makes theological sense, I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is.

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it

Please do feel welcome to the Forum.

Just chipping in cursorily. Perhaps you have already known, but Catholics do not believe in the theology of being clothed superficially by Jesus and when God looks at us, He sees Jesus instead of our rotten and filthy self.

No, when we are Baptized and forgiven in the Sacrament of Confession, we are made clean spiritually and internally that when the Father looks at us, He sees His own image as how and when He made us – clean and perfect by the forgiveness of sin due to the grace at Calvary.

We were once sinful, dirty and wretched but that were all being washed away and we are new creations, so to speak.

Of course, every time when we sin, it causes a stain in our souls but always is cleaned away in a good Confession.

As for experiencing Jesus - this is not really the teaching of Catholicism – yes, one may experience Him when one feels good and high in the Spirit but it is not always like that. Great saints can testify to that. Many a times, which are many, we pretty much do not experience God.

Loving God does not depend on our experience or our emotion but rather to love Him despite of them.

As for the Bible, admittedly in the past many Catholics do not immersed themselves in the word of God but that is changing now. You can see for yourselves, even in the CAF here, there are many Catholics who really live by the Gospel and know about it very well.

I can understand how you feel about longing for Confession. Many of us had been in that situation before. I will not do myself justice here if I do not invite you to explore the possibility of experiencing this grace once again which can be found in the Mother Church, the Catholic Church that has existed since the day Jesus left it with his apostles, and she is still the same today.

God bless you.

Reuben

 

[johnnyc176]

I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is…

Well your on the right track here. Relationship. Jesus founded the Catholic Church. You can not have a full relationship with Jesus without His Church. The Sacraments He instituted for us (I will be with you always) and His teachings as passed on through His Church (Doctrine…if you love me you will obey my commandments). Rest assured God sees you and is leading you to His Church.

 

[Contarini]

Hello! I’m new here and am jumping right in.

Long story as short as I can, I was raised Catholic, but left the church as a teenager, due primarily to the church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. But, in the ensuing 25 years, I’ve returned to Christianity, and I have been in a Presbyterian church for the last 5 years. However, my husband (who was also raised Catholic) and I have recently both been feeling led to at least consider returning to the RCC.

I don’t know if I never paid attention in church (well, I know I didn’t pay attention!) or if I just wasn’t at a very theologically solid church (the Catholicism I grew up with was very much a cultural Catholicism–everybody went to church every Sunday, but I don’t remember having a single conversation with any adult in my life about faith ever), but I thought “the gospel” was for evangelicals. And, I misunderstood what it was. When I finally had the ears to hear the gospel in my early 30s (the bad news that I am indeed a sinner and the good news that God loves me and made provision to deal with my sin), it was a very important and meaningful and defining moment for me. And it was Calvinists who best articulated the gospel in a way I could make sense of.

But, lately I feel like, while Calvinism kind of got me in the door, I’m stagnating. I understand intellectually God’s love for me, but I just don’t feel like I’m experiencing it. One issue I’m having is with the idea that, when God looks at me and accepts me, it’s because he sees Jesus, not me. While that makes theological sense, I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is.

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it.

I wrote a response but I appear to have accidentally deleted it without posting it.

The “God sees Jesus” claim has never made sense to me either. I think it is predicated on the assumption that God can’t really forgive anyone–if he has to impute Jesus’ righteousness to us legally, then no forgiveness is really happening at all that I can see.

On the other hand, the Protestant view can be expressed in terms of union with Christ, a theme which was very strong in Calvin and Luther as well as in my Wesleyan tradition. And it’s also at the heart of Catholic soteriology: God united himself to our humanity to unite us to his divine nature by grace.

There’s also the consideration, raised by recent evangelical scholars such as Scot McKnight, that the Biblical term “Gospel” seems to refer to the proclamation of Jesus as King rather than to instructions on how to go to heaven.

I think there’s a lot to be said for the Reformed view of sanctification. But from a Catholic perspective, justification and sanctification don’t need to be sharply distinguished–it’s all about God transforming us by grace. We will stumble and fall and need to repent, and God is always ready to forgive us.

A Byzantine Catholic priest made the argument to me years ago that the Protestant view of salvation actually leads to more anxiety than the Catholic one, and I think that’s particularly true of Calvinism (also of my family’s very conservative Wesleyanism). In Catholicism, if you commit a mortal sin, you can simply repent and be forgiven. In Calvinism, if you sin seriously or repeatedly, or if you maintain false doctrine, you may be suspected of not truly being among the elect at all, or at least of not yet being regenerate. I find, on the whole, that Calvinists and other serious evangelicals are more, not less, anxious about their spiritual state than Catholics, though the dangers of Catholic legalism can’t be ignored!

A few book recommendations:
The Spirit and Forms of Protestantism, by Louis Bouyer
Introduction to Christianity, by Joseph Ratzinger
The Spirit of Catholicism, by Karl Adam

Also check out Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa’s Advent sermons from 2005, which talk about grace quite a bit: zenit.org/articles/father-cantalamessa-s-3rd-advent-sermon-part-1/

I heard a wonderful sermon by an old Jesuit last Saturday afternoon to the effect that we often stand on stage in the spotlight proclaiming ourselves to be sinners, and we need to get out of the spotlight and put the focus on God. As it happens, Calvin said something similar to Cardinal Sadoleto–our own salvation is less important than the glory of God. I find that on the whole Catholicism gets that much better than evangelical Protestantism does.

Edwin

 

[detles]

Thank you all for your gracious and thoughtful replies!

 

[fhansen]

Hello! I’m new here and am jumping right in.

Long story as short as I can, I was raised Catholic, but left the church as a teenager, due primarily to the church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. But, in the ensuing 25 years, I’ve returned to Christianity, and I have been in a Presbyterian church for the last 5 years. However, my husband (who was also raised Catholic) and I have recently both been feeling led to at least consider returning to the RCC.

I don’t know if I never paid attention in church (well, I know I didn’t pay attention!) or if I just wasn’t at a very theologically solid church (the Catholicism I grew up with was very much a cultural Catholicism–everybody went to church every Sunday, but I don’t remember having a single conversation with any adult in my life about faith ever), but I thought “the gospel” was for evangelicals. And, I misunderstood what it was. When I finally had the ears to hear the gospel in my early 30s (the bad news that I am indeed a sinner and the good news that God loves me and made provision to deal with my sin), it was a very important and meaningful and defining moment for me. And it was Calvinists who best articulated the gospel in a way I could make sense of.

But, lately I feel like, while Calvinism kind of got me in the door, I’m stagnating. I understand intellectually God’s love for me, but I just don’t feel like I’m experiencing it. One issue I’m having is with the idea that, when God looks at me and accepts me, it’s because he sees Jesus, not me. While that makes theological sense, I find myself wondering how I can have a relationship with God if God never actually sees me. It is almost starting to feel as if Jesus is somehow keeping me from the Father instead of ushering me to him, although I absolutely know that’s NOT what the teaching is.

(And, practically, I have lately found myself longing for confession. I was listening to somebody talk about going to confession, and I began to cry. But that’s probably another issue entirely.)

So I find myself wondering if the Catholic idea of sanctification makes more sense than the Calvinist one, and I know I need to do more reading and thinking and praying about that. However, I’m wondering what the RCC articulation of the gospel is. Is there one? Does it look anything like the Protestant one? I’d really appreciate anybody willing to share the Catholic take on it.

The Catholic position, based on the true understanding of the gospel and the New Covenant, is, simply, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This theology is “built into” the sacraments as well as Church teachings. Man was made for communion with God. Adam shattered that relationship and God has been working patiently ever since to restore it, culminating, when the time was ripe in human history, with the Incarnation where Jesus came to reveal the true face of God and accomplish reconciliation between ourselves and Him. This is a work of grace, that we respond to with the gift of faith. Faith is the reestablishment of relationship with God. As with all grace, however, it can be accepted or rejected. We can turn to God but we can also turn back away from Him at any step a long the way. Salvation is ultimately a process whereby we work out our salvation with He who works in us, doing the best we can with what we’re given: grace, revelation,/knowledge, time, experience, etc. Calvinist doctrine is largely deficient- in many, many ways.

 

[lanman87]

I’m a cradle Baptist and have been investigating Catholicism due to my son’s long term relationship with a catholic girl which will probably end up in marriage. I’ve slowly began to peel back the layers of Catholicism.

One thing I’ve determined is that you have to have more faith to be a Catholic than you do a Protestant. As a protestant I’m asked to believe in Christ and trust Him for my salvation and then allow God to change me (sanctify) into the likeness of Christ. The goal of a Protestant is to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the result will be living a more virtuous life.

However, from what I can tell, to be Catholic also means also believe that the teachings of the church are infallible. So that means not only trusting in Christ but also trusting that none of the historic church councils and subsequent definitions of dogma and cannon law have any error whatsoever. So in a sense, your not just being asked to have faith in Christ but also to have faith in people. Or, I guess I should say, that the Holy Spirit enabled those people to be free from error.

My advice to you is the advice I have given my son. I’ve told him, “If you decide to be Catholic then be 100% Catholic. Don’t join because of a girlfriend (or wife), don’t join because the Mass is a beautiful and peaceful service (which it is), don’t join because the priest is a great guy (the next one may be a jerk) and so forth. If you join the Catholic church do so because you believe what Catholics teach. If you don’t believe what Catholics teach then don’t become a Catholic.”

 

[Horton]

Welcome home! As a revert myself, I would seriously heed Joe’s advice to speak to a priest.** Don’t chatter with folks here. Don’t chatter with the office staff at your nearest Catholic church, either. That gives you the best chance for the right advice, instead of 101 opposing opinions from CAF minions**.

This is very uncharitable. There are many folks on these forums who can answer questions such as these. There is nothing wrong with advising folks to speak to their priest but being offensive to other posters is wrong.

 

[fhansen]

I’m a cradle Baptist and have been investigating Catholicism due to my son’s long term relationship with a catholic girl which will probably end up in marriage. I’ve slowly began to peel back the layers of Catholicism.

One thing I’ve determined is that you have to have more faith to be a Catholic than you do a Protestant. As a protestant I’m asked to believe in Christ and trust Him for my salvation and then allow God to change me (sanctify) into the likeness of Christ. The goal of a Protestant is to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the result will be living a more virtuous life.

However, from what I can tell, to be Catholic also means also believe that the teachings of the church are infallible. So that means not only trusting in Christ but also trusting that none of the historic church councils and subsequent definitions of dogma and cannon law have any error whatsoever. So in a sense, your not just being asked to have faith in Christ but also to have faith in people. Or, I guess I should say, that the Holy Spirit enabled those people to be free from error.

My advice to you is the advice I have given my son. I’ve told him, “If you decide to be Catholic then be 100% Catholic. Don’t join because of a girlfriend (or wife), don’t join because the Mass is a beautiful and peaceful service (which it is), don’t join because the priest is a great guy (the next one may be a jerk) and so forth. If you join the Catholic church do so because you believe what Catholics teach. If you don’t believe what Catholics teach then don’t become a Catholic.”

This is sound advice. It’s pretty much the only way it can work nowadays in fact, IMO. Faith is being challenged more intensely daily, and especially the Catholic faith perhaps. Like the OP I was raised Catholic and left in my younger days. It was a struggle to find the faith again but I did, to my own surprise, and ended up as a conservative Protestant for many years. I was even more surprised as I was led back to the CC. This involved even more struggle, study, prayer, experience and enlightenment. I don’t see the Catholic faith as complicated, however, just more complete. The issue of receiving authority and correct understanding is a gift in any case, whether given to the Church first of all or to the individual.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

I’m a cradle Baptist and have been investigating Catholicism due to my son’s long term relationship with a catholic girl which will probably end up in marriage. I’ve slowly began to peel back the layers of Catholicism.

One thing I’ve determined is that you have to have more faith to be a Catholic than you do a Protestant. As a protestant I’m asked to believe in Christ and trust Him for my salvation and then allow God to change me (sanctify) into the likeness of Christ. The goal of a Protestant is to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the result will be living a more virtuous life.

However, from what I can tell, to be Catholic also means also believe that the teachings of the church are infallible. So that means not only trusting in Christ but also trusting that none of the historic church councils and subsequent definitions of dogma and cannon law have any error whatsoever. So in a sense, your not just being asked to have faith in Christ but also to have faith in people. Or, I guess I should say, that the Holy Spirit enabled those people to be free from error.

My advice to you is the advice I have given my son. I’ve told him, “If you decide to be Catholic then be 100% Catholic. Don’t join because of a girlfriend (or wife), don’t join because the Mass is a beautiful and peaceful service (which it is), don’t join because the priest is a great guy (the next one may be a jerk) and so forth. If you join the Catholic church do so because you believe what Catholics teach. If you don’t believe what Catholics teach then don’t become a Catholic.”

This is very good advice for your son. I’ve seen these conversion stories on both sides that look inauthentic. Like someone just converted because they want more harmony in their homes. Shouldn’t do it for that reason. And the Church teaches the same. There’s zero pressure from anyone to become Catholic even in RCIA. It’s all entirely up to the individual and his or her own readiness…

And for the benefit of the readers, I’d say that we as Catholics see passages such as ACTS 9:4, ACTS 15 council, Matthew 16:16-19, Matthew 18:18, Matthew 28:19-20, John 21:15-17, 1 Tim 3:15, 2 Thess 2:15 and 2,000 years of succession dating back to the apostles, and it becomes fairly easy to trust in the Church. And it was just the normative process to trust the Church for 1500 yrs prior to reformation… To trust in the Church is to trust in the one who gave the Church the promises.

 

[detles]

Thank you all again for your time and responses!

There is certainly a lot to think about. We have four kids, and we don’t want to jump into making a shift until we are really sure, because our three younger kids have all basically grown up in the church we go to.

But, the more my husband and I talk about it, the more we realize we do want to explore returning to the RCC. It just kind of hit me out of the blue yesterday when we were talking that, as much as I love our church and our friends from church, if there is a true church, I’m pretty sure God in his wisdom would not have have had it arise only in the 1970s American Midwest.

I’m definitely more of a pragmatic, theologically-inclined person, so I was like, “Hmm, we really need to read and think about this.” And my husband very gently suggested that I also consider praying about. So I have decided to commit myself for a time to reading through the catechism and praying, and I’m also going to check out a morning weekday Mass at one of the local churches in the next few weeks.

 

[Nicea325]

Thank you all again for your time and responses!

There is certainly a lot to think about. We have four kids, and we don’t want to jump into making a shift until we are really sure, because our three younger kids have all basically grown up in the church we go to.

But, the more my husband and I talk about it, the more we realize we do want to explore returning to the RCC. It just kind of hit me out of the blue yesterday when we were talking that, as much as I love our church and our friends from church, if there is a true church, I’m pretty sure God in his wisdom would not have have had it arise only in the 1970s American Midwest.

I’m definitely more of a pragmatic, theologically-inclined person, so I was like, “Hmm, we really need to read and think about this.” And my husband very gently suggested that I also consider praying about. So I have decided to commit myself for a time to reading through the catechism and praying, and I’m also going to check out a morning weekday Mass at one of the local churches in the next few weeks.

I would also suggest to read, study and learn church history. Church history is not always “nice” or “pretty” but moreover, a reality of human life and church life. Read the church fathers too.

I will pray for your entire family. All the best! Good luck!

 

[Reuben_J]

Thank you all again for your time and responses!

There is certainly a lot to think about. We have four kids, and we don’t want to jump into making a shift until we are really sure, because our three younger kids have all basically grown up in the church we go to.

But, the more my husband and I talk about it, the more we realize we do want to explore returning to the RCC. It just kind of hit me out of the blue yesterday when we were talking that, as much as I love our church and our friends from church, if there is a true church, I’m pretty sure God in his wisdom would not have have had it arise only in the 1970s American Midwest.

I’m definitely more of a pragmatic, theologically-inclined person, so I was like, “Hmm, we really need to read and think about this.” And my husband very gently suggested that I also consider praying about. So I have decided to commit myself for a time to reading through the catechism and praying, and I’m also going to check out a morning weekday Mass at one of the local churches in the next few weeks.

Will include you and family in my prayers.

Maybe you will update us when you get to the mass.

God bless.

Reuben