Thinking about becoming Catholic

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Dear Catholics,

Hello, I am interested in becoming Catholic. I grew up in conservative Protestantism, and married a great Catholic woman. I am currently a graduate student in Biblical Studies and I am developing a distaste for (liberal) Protestantism because of its indifference on moral issues. I do not like the anti-intellectualism of conservatism Protestantism, though it is more tolerable than Liberal Protestantism.

I admire my wife’s Catholic faith, and the ability of the Catholic Church to maintain an intellectually adept conservative form of Christianity. I admire Pope Benedict for his conservatism, and will to stand up against attractive theological fads which religious leaders are exposed to.

I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.

Thanks,

Servus
 
servus said:
Dear Catholics,

Hello, I am interested in becoming Catholic. I grew up in conservative Protestantism, and married a great Catholic woman. I am currently a graduate student in Biblical Studies and I am developing a distaste for (liberal) Protestantism because of its indifference on moral issues. I do not like the anti-intellectualism of conservatism Protestantism, though it is more tolerable than Liberal Protestantism.

I admire my wife’s Catholic faith, and the ability of the Catholic Church to maintain an intellectually adept conservative form of Christianity. I admire Pope Benedict for his conservatism, and will to stand up against attractive theological fads which religious leaders are exposed to.

I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.

Thanks,

Servus
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I like this website to start

zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m3/4mrko.html
 
I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.
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I think the best place to start would be to get yourself a copy of the Catholic Catechism.

Just be aware, you are going to encounter liberalism, or rather liberals, within the Catholic Church. My cousins, who are Catholic, are more liberal than my liberal atheist friends. However, though there may be particular Catholics who are liberal, the Church itself is very conservative.

God bless
 
I think that this is wonderful! I am always happy to see someone approach Apostolic Christianity with a sincere and unbiased interest.

I have several recommendations:

Naturally, you will get many people advocating The Catechism of the Catholic church (you may already have one in the house), you may wish to go with the Compendium more recently released… along with the Companion to the Catechism. I think most Catholics would recommend regular reference to the catechism.
…and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.
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Perhaps more directly to your present need, I strongly recommend the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. It is a work more Catholics should read, something of an “under the radar” work. It just does not get enough exposure, possibly because it says things many of us are not ready for.

You will need to round out your exposure by sampling the writings of other Apostolic Christians over time. A good way to do this is with the volume compiled by Father John Hardon (Memory Eternal!) which is entitled The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom. I heartily recommend it. For the money it is a terrific investment.

Finally, as your spirituality deepens, there is a great wealth of resources from Catholic authors available. A personal favorite of mine is The Lord by Romano Guardini. When I first acquired this book long ago, I just could not put it down. Many other fine works are available from Paulist Press. Of course the local library will have some of these. I recommend concentrating on the earliest possible authors, the dates are given in the descriptions.

Also, if you decide that this is the direction you wish to go in, begin reading your scripture with the aid of Catholic commentary (there are many good resources). If for no other reason, to compliment the commentary you have already been exposed to.

Good luck to you as you find your way. Prayers.

Michael
 
servus said:
Dear Catholics,

Hello, I am interested in becoming Catholic. I grew up in conservative Protestantism, and married a great Catholic woman. I am currently a graduate student in Biblical Studies and I am developing a distaste for (liberal) Protestantism because of its indifference on moral issues. I do not like the anti-intellectualism of conservatism Protestantism, though it is more tolerable than Liberal Protestantism.

I admire my wife’s Catholic faith, and the ability of the Catholic Church to maintain an intellectually adept conservative form of Christianity. I admire Pope Benedict for his conservatism, and will to stand up against attractive theological fads which religious leaders are exposed to.

I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.

Thanks,

Servus
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anything you want to know about our Catholic faith just ask.
HOW BLESSED TO BE CATHOLIC.
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A tape called, “The Conversion of Scott Hahn” is good.
Look for Peter Kreeft books.
And of Course–The Catholic Answers tracts. Click the topmost “Home” and mouse-over “Library”

If you don’t mind a more pugnacious style, try Dave Armstrong’s Biblical Evidence for Catholicism blog. I like it because it has hundreds of point-by-point responses to objections from people from just about every walk of life.
 
Hi Servus,
My husband came into the Church for very similar reasons. He went through the RCIA, and I think it would be a very good idea for you too.👍 In there you’ll be guided either by a priest, religeous or qualified lay catechist. It’s not just about learning about Catholicism, it’s also about good Christian formation.
Here’s some good books every Catholic should have in their home, besides a good NAB Catholic Study bible, the Catchechism of the Catholic Church, The basic sixteen documents Vatican Council II. I’m very partial to Scott Hahn’s books…he explains a lot of stuff about the Catholic church that is easy to read, especially doctrines that bother most evangelical prostestants; it is not dumbed down…When I was coming into the church I read a lot of his stuff. I also recommend reading A concise HIstory of the Catholic Church by Thomas Bokenkotter. If you want to understand some of the things in the Church today, you kinda have to have an understanding of it’s history.
Blessings on your journey,
VBoone
 
Hello,

Since your a grad student in Bible studies, I’m taking a guess you’re not looking for the typical scirpture ping-pong apologetic books or discussions. Those titles can be found in the Catholic Answers online bookstore.

My suggestion is to try and form a “Catholic worldview”. So I’ll recommend the following:

If you admire Pope Benedict, you may like reading, “The Ratzinger Report”, and “Salt of the Earth”. Both were interviews with then Cardinal Ratzinger, done in the last 25 years or so. These books give a good Ratzinger view of the Church and the world, and I don’t believe he has changed his outlook over the years. These are available at Ingatius Press, www.ignatius.com, but a medium to big public library should have these.

If you have the time, then take a look at the George Weigel bio of JP II, “Witness to Hope”. It’s an inspiring story, and gives good insight into the mind of JP II. Again, this should be available at just about any public library.

I hesitate to make this recommendation because of getting the pin pulled on the anti-semite grenade, but for issues of Catholicism and society, take a look at E Michael Jones’ site, www.culturewars.com. I’m no expert, but from what I can tell, Jones is a solid catholic who’s not afraid to wade into contoversial waters.

Hope you enjoy…
 
From a non-Catholic, go where your heart leads you to go.
You have the faith it takes to know God regardless of where you go.

Your wife and you can walk agreed and in harmony of faith which is the most important aspect about this life and the strength of your marriage.

My blessings, AJ
 
look3467 said:
From a non-Catholic, go where your heart leads you to go.
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Not to nit pick things but the heart can be deceitful,* ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?’ Jer 17:9* What he needs to do is go where the Spirit leads. Although I understand what you were saying 👍

servus,

My wife and I were in the same type of situation as you and your wife are, however I was not a conservative Christian and she was not Catholic. She actually was the conservative Christian who, like you are doing now, fell in love with the Catholic faith and brought me along, through a lot of heart ache and prayer, into the Catholic Church with her.

God bless you on your search for truth.
 
Roman_Catholic said:
Not to nit pick things but the heart can be deceitful,* ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?’ Jer 17:9* What he needs to do is go where the Spirit leads. Although I understand what you were saying 👍

servus,

My wife and I were in the same type of situation as you and your wife are, however I was not a conservative Christian and she was not Catholic. She actually was the conservative Christian who, like you are doing now, fell in love with the Catholic faith and brought me along, through a lot of heart ache and prayer, into the Catholic Church with her.

God bless you on your search for truth.
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Working it out is where the solution is, for there grace must abound in the midst of the differences, for when it does, it is the sign of true faith in God.

Peace>>>AJ
 
look3467 said:
Working it out is where the solution is, for there grace must abound in the midst of the differences, for when it does, it is the sign of true faith in God.

Peace>>>AJ
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AJ,

What do you mean when you say’ work it out’? It doesn’t sound to me like servus is struggling with the differences between his wife and him, rather he is interesting in embracing the faith of his wife and her family and be completely united in their faith together. I could be missing something though 😊 always possible.

If at the end of servus’ studying of the Catholic faith he feels the Spirit is leading him to the Catholic Church I say go for it! If he does not feel the pull of the Holy Spirit, I suggest more study. Of course I would say that right? 😉

God bless
 
Roman_Catholic said:
AJ,

What do you mean when you say’ work it out’? It doesn’t sound to me like servus is struggling with the differences between his wife and him, rather he is interesting in embracing the faith of his wife and her family and be completely united in their faith together. I could be missing something though 😊 always possible.

If at the end of servus’ studying of the Catholic faith he feels the Spirit is leading him to the Catholic Church I say go for it! If he does not feel the pull of the Holy Spirit, I suggest more study. Of course I would say that right? 😉

God bless
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In the case of differing religious views, working peace between the two to a harmonious point means that one or the other must give up ones selfish views for the sake of love.

Jesus,gave up His selfish desires in order to achieve harmony, peace with God for all humanity because His will was Gods.

The one with greater understanding will give to the lesser the grace needed to sustain the lesser and lead by example the greater truth, that love excels above all things.

If I am assured of my salvation why should I be afraid of any other belief?

In fact, my assurance will influence the weaker to achieve what I have, (Assurance) thus bring peace to them as well.

Peace>>>AJ
 
AJ,

Thanks for offering a clarifying post.
look3467 said:
In the case of differing religious views, working peace between the two to a harmonious point means that one or the other must give up ones selfish views for the sake of love.
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It doesn’t sound to me though that one or the other is forcing anything on the other. Servus is having problems with Protestantism (both the liberal and conservative) and has come to admire his wife’s faith which has led him to want to find out more about it. So it sounds to me that it is not about finding harmony, but about servus finding the faith that he admires in his wife and her family. I could be wrong, as we only have one post from servus to go off of, but this is what it sounds to me.
Jesus,gave up His selfish desires in order to achieve harmony, peace with God for all humanity because His will was Gods.
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I don’t see selfishness in either servus’ or his wife’s actions. ISTM that since they are married that his wife was okay as a Catholic with marrying a non-Catholic, and servus was okay with marrying a Catholic.

Now if servus were to say that he came here to find out more because his wife threw down the ultimatum that he must convert to the Catholic faith even though he did not want to, then yes, I can see where trying to find harmony between them would be the best course.
The one with greater understanding will give to the lesser the grace needed to sustain the lesser and lead by example the greater truth, that love excels above all things.
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Again it seems to me that this “leading by example” has been done great by servus’ wife and her family in that he has come to admire their faith and is willing to look into it. I am not saying he must convert, or that he should right this instant, but he should study the faith, pray about it and go where he feels the Spirit is leading.

God bless
 
servus said:
Dear Catholics,

Hello, I am interested in becoming Catholic. I grew up in conservative Protestantism, and married a great Catholic woman. I am currently a graduate student in Biblical Studies and I am developing a distaste for (liberal) Protestantism because of its indifference on moral issues. I do not like the anti-intellectualism of conservatism Protestantism, though it is more tolerable than Liberal Protestantism.

I admire my wife’s Catholic faith, and the ability of the Catholic Church to maintain an intellectually adept conservative form of Christianity. I admire Pope Benedict for his conservatism, and will to stand up against attractive theological fads which religious leaders are exposed to.

I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.

Thanks,

Servus
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Probably already stated but Scott Hahn’s Rome Sweet Home. David Curry’s Born Fundalmentalist Born Again Catholic. Karl Keatings Catholicism vs Fundalmentalism. The Green Book Catholic Catachism harder to read than the American Catachism or Red book. Find a diocesian priest willing to speak with you. You can read Mike Aquinas. I suggest reading Early Christian Writings by Penguin classics. Justin Martyrs 1 and 2nd Apologies. Delve into history big time. Read literature from the first seven ecuminical councils. That should be a good starting place.
 
Well, I haven’t seen anyone recommend it yet, and you mentioned an admiration for the Holy Father (I have a great affection for Pope Benedict and have since my Episcopalian days, when he was still Cdl Ratzinger), I would HIGHLY recommend his “Jesus of Nazareth”.

After all, that’s what Catholicism’s all about. 🙂
 
servus said:
Dear Catholics,

Hello, I am interested in becoming Catholic. I grew up in conservative Protestantism, and married a great Catholic woman. I am currently a graduate student in Biblical Studies and I am developing a distaste for (liberal) Protestantism because of its indifference on moral issues. I do not like the anti-intellectualism of conservatism Protestantism, though it is more tolerable than Liberal Protestantism.

I admire my wife’s Catholic faith, and the ability of the Catholic Church to maintain an intellectually adept conservative form of Christianity. I admire Pope Benedict for his conservatism, and will to stand up against attractive theological fads which religious leaders are exposed to.

I would like to discuss this with you folks, and perhaps be referred to books in which I can learn about the Catholic Church’s stance on issues.

Thanks,

Servus
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Catechism of the Catholic Church
Writings of the Church Fathers
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Documents of Vatican Council II
Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
General Instruction of the Roman Mass (GIRM)
Encyclicals of Pope Pius XII
Consecration to the Sacred Heart
 
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