Theology vs. practice to an outsider?

[Sam43232]

I’m not sure if I can actually get an answer to my “question” as it isn’t a question so much as an interest in hearing other points of view.

I’m considering converting to Catholicism. I completely accept the Catholic position on all theological topics that I’ve investigated, and further accept that if/when I become a Catholic, this will be immaterial in that I will be obliged to submit to the authority of the church in matters of dogma. Naturally, this only makes me all the more eager to be certain before I “jump in” so to speak.

One thing that I have enormous difficulty with though is not a matter of theology - it’s the practices of various Catholics in regards to saints/relics/Mary and others. I was reading this article and even though I accept the theology behind it, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is this not idolatry, to place so much emphasis on a particular statue?”

Any thoughts related to this? Am I to expect this as a natural reaction born out of my mistaken Protestant instincts? Or is this a sort of “fringe” Catholicism like certain fundamentalist groups are to the larger Protestant churches? Are there any official documents anywhere where the Catholic church puts explicit limits on this sort of thing?

 

[thistle]

I’m not sure if I can actually get an answer to my “question” as it isn’t a question so much as an interest in hearing other points of view.

I’m considering converting to Catholicism. I completely accept the Catholic position on all theological topics that I’ve investigated, and further accept that if/when I become a Catholic, this will be immaterial in that I will be obliged to submit to the authority of the church in matters of dogma. Naturally, this only makes me all the more eager to be certain before I “jump in” so to speak.

One thing that I have enormous difficulty with though is not a matter of theology - it’s the practices of various Catholics in regards to saints/relics/Mary and others. I was reading this article and even though I accept the theology behind it, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is this not idolatry, to place so much emphasis on a particular statue?”

Any thoughts related to this? Am I to expect this as a natural reaction born out of my mistaken Protestant instincts? Or is this a sort of “fringe” Catholicism like certain fundamentalist groups are to the larger Protestant churches? Are there any official documents anywhere where the Catholic church puts explicit limits on this sort of thing?

Just for your information it is not just dogma you have to accept. As a Catholic you have to accept all doctrine, both infallible and non-infallible.

catholic.com/tracts/relics
catholic.com/tracts/praying-to-the-saints

 

[Sam43232]

Just for your information it is not just dogma you have to accept. As a Catholic you have to accept all doctrine, both infallible and non-infallible.

catholic.com/tracts/relics
catholic.com/tracts/praying-to-the-saints

Sorry - perhaps I should have left it at “submit to the authority of the church.” In protestantism, broadly speaking, there are no such distinctions in theology so I meant “dogma” to cover all that the Catholic Church broadly teaches and requires assent to. (whether only intellectually or also in faith) I was not intending to pick the parts I like and ignore the rest.

In any case, thank you for your response, but I’ve read the attached tracts already. Like I said, the theology makes sense, it’s the results I’m wondering about (and also if there are official limits or instances of church officials limiting such things etc.)

 

[John_Martin]

In Catholic Theology, are answers and definitions and descriptions that clarify all the practices, doctrinal statements (which are often “one-liners” without explanation).

It is in studying Thomas Aquinas that I have come to understand virtually every item you mentioned, come to realize how real it all is.

That is a joy I find in the Church - you take them at their (doctrinal) word, as true, and then as you live it out you have the satisfaction of finding someone who can explain it to your reason.

The “Mysteries” are mysteries in that they must be believe, as to whether they are true or not. But they are understandable to the reason - at least I find this in all that I have been seeking to understand. Knowing they are true is by faith, knowing what they are and how they operate is explainable. So, you are in the proper train of thought in believing the reality - now keep asking for more and more explanation of what you believe.