Romans 12:2

[TrishaW]

What does St. Paul mean …

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I’m very curious how Catholic teaching views this verse. I grew up around Amish people and this verse is the core of their beliefs, and is one of the reasons why they live and believe the way they do.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help!!

God bless!

Trish

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

Hi Trish, go to newadvent.org copy and paste the part of the verse you are interrested in, into the search box and you will see how the church fathers understood that verse.

I recommend using the King James edition since that is closest to the translation done on newadvent site in the fathers.

Check out this, use your edit, find in your browser on the word “mind” to find where the text is quoted and discussed.

newadvent.org/fathers/110113.htm

 

[Sagefrakrobatik]

What does St. Paul mean …

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I’m very curious how Catholic teaching views this verse. I grew up around Amish people and this verse is the core of their beliefs, and is one of the reasons why they live and believe the way they do.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help!!

God bless!

Trish

it smells of gnosticism. Jk. Anyways it reminds me of what Socrates once said right before being executed you talking of wanting to “walk in the imitations of God.” Its easy to see the connection between that biblical verse and Amish culture. Proving what the will of God is? is the hard part

 

[George_Craft]

What does St. Paul mean …

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I’m very curious how Catholic teaching views this verse. I grew up around Amish people and this verse is the core of their beliefs, and is one of the reasons why they live and believe the way they do.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help!!

God bless!

Trish

Hi Trish,

I don’t know if this is the correct answer or not, but I would look at St. Francis or Mother Theresa. Talk about non-conformists that let the spiritual renewal of their minds be reflected in their actions.

I can’t think of better examples of people (except the early church fathers and apostles) who’s lives glorified God more by their actions than words. We’re known by our fruits, or as James clearly stated, “Faith without works is dead”

I hope that’s close to what this verse means. At least, that’s how I read it.

With love,
George

 

[thistle]

What does St. Paul mean …

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I’m very curious how Catholic teaching views this verse. I grew up around Amish people and this verse is the core of their beliefs, and is one of the reasons why they live and believe the way they do.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help!!

God bless!

Trish

D-R Bible Haydock Commentary:

Quote

Transform yourselves into new men, by the renewal of your mind, that you discern on all occasions, what is most perfect, most pleasing and acceptable to God.

Unquote

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

Hi Trish,

Romans 12

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

I understand verse one, to be saying to put our sin nature on the cross daily, to kill it in our minds, spirit and heart.

Gal 5 speaks of the fruit of the flesh which is our sin nature. We are told there and in Eph 5:18 to walk in the spirit.

I understand verse two to be saying not to think like the world thinks, according to our sin nature, but to renew our mind. This renewal happens with studying God’s word, being filled with the Holy Spirit, fellowhip, worship, and so on. We are out to change our way of thinking.

Hebrews 5:12-14 (Contemporary English Version)

12By now you should have been teachers, but once again you need to be taught the simplest things about what God has said. You need milk instead of solid food. 13People who live on milk are like babies who don’t really know what is right. 14Solid food is for mature people who have been trained to know right from wrong.

May I suggest you seek out some good books on knowing God’s will?

2 Timothy 2:15 (New Life Version)
Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.

We are to set our mind on Christ.