Was considering the Catholic Church

[scooter469]

I have been following along in this blog to see if I should turn to the Catholic Church. But after reading how some of the Catholics are on this blog , I am now not so sure.

I have been going to Church of Christ Church, not Universal, just COC and have been disappointed on how smug they can be towards others Faiths. They think that they are the only ones going to heaven and that the rest of the world is going to hell. I felt that they were a tad judgmental and just did not seem right to me.

But now I see that there are Catholics here on this blog that are the same way. I tend to lean more towards the Lutherans, Baptists, on this blog. They tend to be kind hearted and knowledgable. I for one think that reading the Bible is very important.

The Bible I have is a Catholic Bible, New American Bible, picked out for me by Monsignor Gerald Lefebve. He is the family Priest since I was 10yrs of age.

I also have a NIV bible and King James. The only difference is that my Catholic Bible has more books. But the books that my NIV has says the same thing that my NAB says.

I also have the New Living Translation which I enjoy reading also…

I wish this blog was more interested in sharing Bible Studies instead of debating on who’s Church was here first. I always thought Church meant people that were Christians.

Thanks for reading this

Confused Lura

 

[Oreoracle]

Hello Lura. I don’t want to sound as if I’m being dismissive, but don’t you think it would be more accurate to look at the doctrines of different faiths instead of the followers of the doctrines? I don’t care how polite Christians become, they have some ethical views that will make you do a double take.

 

[1edyson]

The world of internet debate rears its ugly face all to often. I would say that if you are still considering the Catholic Faith, take anything you find on the internet, especially in the realm of debate with a grain of salt. Join an RCIA class, or a small grou bible study in your local parish. I know there is an online bible study group here on CAF i’m sure if you search for it you will find it. Best of luck on your journey, and some of the best advice i could give you is sometimes you just need to walk away from the computer/tv/radio/media and find good people to fellowship with.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

I have been following along in this blog to see if I should turn to the Catholic Church. But after reading how some of the Catholics are on this blog , I am now not so sure.

I have been going to Church of Christ Church, not Universal, just COC and have been disappointed on how smug they can be towards others Faiths. They think that they are the only ones going to heaven and that the rest of the world is going to hell. I felt that they were a tad judgmental and just did not seem right to me.

But now I see that there are Catholics here on this blog that are the same way. I tend to lean more towards the Lutherans, Baptists, on this blog. They tend to be kind hearted and knowledgable. I for one think that reading the Bible is very important.

The Bible I have is a Catholic Bible, New American Bible, picked out for me by Monsignor Gerald Lefebve. He is the family Priest since I was 10yrs of age.

I also have a NIV bible and King James. The only difference is that my Catholic Bible has more books. But the books that my NIV has says the same thing that my NAB says.

I also have the New Living Translation which I enjoy reading also…

I wish this blog was more interested in sharing Bible Studies instead of debating on who’s Church was here first. I always thought Church meant people that were Christians.

Thanks for reading this

Confused Lura

I so agree with you. It makes me kind of ashamed to be Catholic. My brother-in-law is Lutheran and my son is Evangelical and they are the ones who got me to read the Bible, and to go back to my roots as a Catholic. Although I love the Catholic church, and the services and the beauty of it, I think some Catholics on this forum are kind of MEAN.

 

[PaulDupre]

The Bible I have is a Catholic Bible, New American Bible, picked out for me by Monsignor Gerald Lefebve. He is the family Priest since I was 10yrs of age.

I also have a NIV bible and King James. The only difference is that my Catholic Bible has more books. But the books that my NIV has says the same thing that my NAB says.

I also have the New Living Translation which I enjoy reading also…

Hi Lura,
You have the same set of bibles that I have. My NIV is The Archaeological Study Bible, published by Zondervan. It has tons of great material on ancient biblical cultures and archaeological discoveries relating to the bible. I highly recommend it.

I agree that bible study is very important. I think that if everyone knew the bible and lived by it, the problems of the world would disappear overnight.

I remember that when I was a kid (in the 50’s and 60’s) the teacher would read a bible passage in school first thing every morning and we prayed the Lord’s Prayer. It set the tone for the whole day. Look at what has happened to America’s schools since that practice was outlawed.

God love you,
Paul

 

[cheese_sdc]

Hello Lura. I don’t want to sound as if I’m being dismissive, but don’t you think it would be more accurate to look at the doctrines of different faiths instead of the followers of the doctrines? I don’t care how polite Christians become, they have some ethical views that will make you do a double take.

I dunno. At some point, if most of the members of a group behave in a certain way, you have to ask yourself “Do I want to be a member of that group?”.

 

[deb1]

This is a very, very unusual forum. It allows people of all religions and faiths-or lack of faiths-to come here and debate. There are other Christian forums that are more friendly but do not allow dissenting voices. It is easy to be polite when everyone agrees with you.

I greatly admire the fact that Catholic Answers allows so many different people-who strongly disagree with our faith-to come here. I think that is amazing and brave.

 

[Ceil-1]

Let’s see, you joined on February 28th, a little over two weeks ago, and you are dismissing the entire Faith now, a little over two weeks from the start.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you ever had any intention except to make the remarks you did above.

Try truly studying the religion or denomination you are in question about from legitimate sources would make more sense, if you are being honest about it, which I am sceptical about. Otherwise, you are just reacting emotionally to some misperceptions you percieved on, of all things, an internet forum. Really, you must have more depth of character than that?

 

[workingman]

I have been following along in this blog to see if I should turn to the Catholic Church. But after reading how some of the Catholics are on this blog , I am now not so sure.

I have been going to Church of Christ Church, not Universal, just COC and have been disappointed on how smug they can be towards others Faiths. They think that they are the only ones going to heaven and that the rest of the world is going to hell. I felt that they were a tad judgmental and just did not seem right to me.

But now I see that there are Catholics here on this blog that are the same way. I tend to lean more towards the Lutherans, Baptists, on this blog. They tend to be kind hearted and knowledgable. I for one think that reading the Bible is very important.

The Bible I have is a Catholic Bible, New American Bible, picked out for me by Monsignor Gerald Lefebve. He is the family Priest since I was 10yrs of age.

I also have a NIV bible and King James. The only difference is that my Catholic Bible has more books. But the books that my NIV has says the same thing that my NAB says.

I also have the New Living Translation which I enjoy reading also…

I wish this blog was more interested in sharing Bible Studies instead of debating on who’s Church was here first. I always thought Church meant people that were Christians.

Thanks for reading this

Confused Lura

I am not a Catholic at this time. I am in a simmalar situation though looking at the Catholic Church. A brief hist of me. I was baptized Catholic, raised Baptist, and about 4 years ago became a Lutheran in the LCMS. I have been tustling with wether or not to come to the Catholic Church.

As for smug feelings from people. Know matter where or when there are always going to be some. Some congragations do feel more inviting than others up front. Given time though and sinful nature will always show through.

You are right reading the Bible is very important. Most of the Bible translations you listed I think are ok. The only one I caution you on is the New Living Translation. I also own that paticular Bible as a gift from my mother. I feel that they are far to liberal in paraphrasing the verses instead of a litteral translation. My own opinion.

To close out I and my family we have for the most part decided to turn to and or come back to the Catholic Church. This was decided after a long time of praying on and studing of the Catholic Church. I have fought this push to start to come home on and off. I feel this is where Christ is leading me. The most important thing to remember is not nec how the paritoners make you feel (though it is helpful if they come acrost as welcoming), but remembering that you are there to worship Christ Jesus.

One last thing. This web sight helps me tremendosly in my study of the Catholic Church.
My you find it just as helpful. scripturecatholic.com/

 

[PA650]

I would examine the Church, not the individual Catholic since you might be disappointed–not all are saints.

 

[Della]

To all of us, me included: This forum is not a scriptural Bible study kind of forum, although there are resources here for that. This forum was set up to answer those who attack the Catholic faith, which makes the emphasis apologetical not devotional. Apologetics is not for everyone, nor should everyone try to be an apologist. I’ve seen a lot of people lose it on the forum because they wanted to be agreed with instead of learning what the Church actually teaches. It can be hard to be told the truth, even if it is done with love, because we don’t always want to hear it–not even those who consider themselves good Catholics always want to be told what they cherish is not what the Church teaches or prescribes. The Church teaches what it does for the good of man not to make men feel good.

It demands, if one is going to truly practice it, that we face ourselves as we really are and change things in ourselves that aren’t in line with Church teaching. This can bring out the beast in people. Like people screaming when a broken bone has to be set. But, if the bone isn’t set the person becomes lame.

It is better to know the truth and do something about it, than to pretend all is well, no matter who we are. Even St. Paul knew it about himself for he said: “After preaching to others I must guard that I too do not become a castaway.” Being a Catholic isn’t easy-peasy but it is right and good to enter into the Church because within it subsists the fullness of truth.

 

[Erennach]

Lura, I grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition. It has a lot of things that are positive. I’ve also visited other denominations.

It boils down to this: none of this is about how or what we think or feel or feel comfortable with.

It’s about obedience to God and worshiping Him the way He prescribes. This following Jesus thing is hard work; we’re commanded to die to self, take up our cross and follow Him.

Folks today, and perhaps Americans in particular, want to ‘feel good’ about what they’re doing. They want entertainment, perhaps more than they want salvation. Our salvation isn’t about choosing an ice cream flavor; it’s about taking the one medicine than can save our souls.

I think I know where you are coming from. May I suggest a few books to give you a perspective from others who have been down a similar road?

David Currie, Dave Armstrong, Scott Hahn, Thomas Howard, John Cardinal Newman, Steve Ray are all respected theologians or writers who have swum the Tiber.

I love many of the traditions of the Southern Baptists, but I have been led to the Catholic Church as the truly complete expression of the worship our Lord requires.

You’ll be in my prayers and may He richly bless you as you continue on your walk seeking Him.

 

[4Squarebaby]

I dunno. At some point, if most of the members of a group behave in a certain way, you have to ask yourself “Do I want to be a member of that group?”.

I saw it this way. Its not the Church, its some of her members learning how to defend, to engage in the spiritual fight. Have you ever seen the Karate Kid? At the beginning there is young Danial learning how to fight. He just Wanted to learn to hit. Mr Miyagi was there to temper him, to teach him there is more to the battle then hitting. While some may learn from individual poster’s there is no single mentor posting using his experience to keep the young battlers in hand. There is only the teachings of our Lord for that.

 

[Della]

I saw it this way. Its not the Church, its some of her members learning how to defend, to engage in the spiritual fight. Have you ever seen the Karate Kid? At the beginning there is young Danial learning how to fight. He just Wanted to learn to hit. Mr Miyagi was there to temper him, to teach him there is more to the battle then hitting. While some may learn from individual poster’s there is no single mentor posting using his experience to keep the young battlers in hand. There is only the teachings of our Lord for that.

That’s a nice analogy. But, we do have moderators on CAF. So, if people break forum rules by being rude or uncharitable or trolling or other infractions, people should use the report post function and let the moderators do their job. It makes things go along so much better, folks.

 

[JPUSC]

Please don’t base your opinion of Catholics solely on the opinions on this forum. There are 1.131 billion Catholics in the world, and this website tends to attract a certain kind of demographic not exactly representative of the general Catholic population.

The Catechism does indeed recognize that God is present in other faiths.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

**Wounds to unity **

817 In fact, “in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame.” The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ’s Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism - do not occur without human sin:

Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

819 “Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth” are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."

**Toward unity **

820 “Christ bestowed unity on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose, and we hope that it will continue to increase until the end of time.” Christ always gives his Church the gift of unity, but the Church must always pray and work to maintain, reinforce, and perfect the unity that Christ wills for her. This is why Jesus himself prayed at the hour of his Passion, and does not cease praying to his Father, for the unity of his disciples: “That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, . . . so that the world may know that you have sent me.” The desire to recover the unity of all Christians is a gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit.

839 “Those who have not yet received the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways.” The relationship of the Church with the Jewish People. When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People, “the first to hear the Word of God.” The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God’s revelation in the Old Covenant. To the Jews “belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ”,“for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.”

840 And when one considers the future, God’s People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

842 The Church’s bond with non-Christian religions is in the first place the common origin and end of the human race: All nations form but one community. This is so because all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth, and also because all share a common destiny, namely God. His providence, evident goodness, and saving designs extend to all against the day when the elect are gathered together in the holy city.

843 "The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as ‘a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life.’

 

[Lancer]

scooter469…in life we simply do the right thing…because it is the right thing to do…even when others do not do right (e.g., good cops, bad cops, etc). So, if the Holy Spirit is telling you that the right thing for you to do…is to become a Catholic…in the Catholic Church…then don’t let anyone or anything stop you. If you are convinced that it is the wrong thing to do…then don’t fret over your decision…be at peace. My only caution on this last piece of advice…get at least two other people (trusted…unbiased spiritual advisers…at least one being a Catholic who can listen to your concerns about us sinners in the Church) to help you discern if this is really the case.

G.K. Chesterton said that the reason he joined the Catholic Church was because he wanted his sins forgiven. He also said when he first walked into a Catholic Church…in the rear of the Church…on the wall was a sign warning the ladies to guard their purses because they were among thieves and looters. Chesterton said that he knew he had found the right Church…no pretenses or illusions about being populated mostly by saints.

I am very, very proud of the Catholic Church and all the good it has done for 2000+ years…I thank God everyday that He gave me this privilege…and it is scary to think of the responsibilities that come with the privilege…but I trust that Our Lord will guide me on my journey to him in the Catholic Church…to always do his will…and to always remember that I am and always will be basically…a sinner…who has been blessed beyond belief.

Here are a couple of links at Catholics Come Home .org
first,a taste of what the Catholic Church is really about…this first clip called Epic 120 is my favorite:

catholicscomehome.org/epic/epic120.phtml

second…a clip for non Catholics…an invitation to explore the Catholic Church (some sidebar links on this page might be very helpful):

catholicscomehome.org/not-Catholic.phtml

Pax Christi

 

[scooter469]

scooter469…in life we simply do the right thing…because it is the right thing to do…even when others do not do right (e.g., good cops, bad cops, etc). So, if the Holy Spirit is telling you that the right thing for you to do…is to become a Catholic…in the Catholic Church…then don’t let anyone or anything stop you. If you are convinced that it is the wrong thing to do…then don’t fret over your decision…be at peace. My only caution on this last piece of advice…get at least two other people (trusted…unbiased spiritual advisers…at least one being a Catholic who can listen to your concerns about us sinners in the Church) to help you discern if this is really the case.

G.K. Chesterton said that the reason he joined the Catholic Church was because he wanted his sins forgiven. He also said when he first walked into a Catholic Church…in the rear of the Church…on the wall was a sign warning the ladies to guard their purses because they were among thieves and looters. Chesterton said that he knew he had found the right Church…no pretenses or illusions about being populated mostly by saints.

I am very, very proud of the Catholic Church and all the good it has done for 2000+ years…I thank God everyday that He gave me this privilege…and it is scary to think of the responsibilities that come with the privilege…but I trust that Our Lord will guide me on my journey to him in the Catholic Church…to always do his will…and to always remember that I am and always will be basically…a sinner…who has been blessed beyond belief.

Here are a couple of links at Catholics Come Home .org
first,a taste of what the Catholic Church is really about…this first clip called Epic 120 is my favorite:

catholicscomehome.org/epic/epic120.phtml

second…a clip for non Catholics…an invitation to explore the Catholic Church (some sidebar links on this page might be very helpful):

catholicscomehome.org/not-Catholic.phtml

Pax Christi

God Bless You. I will most definately do as you suggested.

 

[Schluns]

Lura,
When you are exploring this Forum, be mindful of what sections you are in. Some are like a battle zone, with Catholics defending their faith as we are lured out by non-Catholics hoping to fine the crack in the armor of our faith. The battles can be bloody and are not always stopped short by the Moderators, as they cannot be everywhere at once. Also, what we think are simple harmless posts are misinterpreted to be inflammatory. Then the problems start.

If you start recognizing names in the posts, what you will find is that they are very fun and kindhearted at The Water Cooler, but Lions in other sections where they are defending their faith. If CAF only allowed Catholics to post, you would probably find a much lighter forum, and that would be boring.

 

[scooter469]

Lura,
When you are exploring this Forum, be mindful of what sections you are in. Some are like a battle zone, with Catholics defending their faith as we are lured out by non-Catholics hoping to fine the crack in the armor of our faith. The battles can be bloody and are not always stopped short by the Moderators, as they cannot be everywhere at once. Also, what we think are simple harmless posts are misinterpreted to be inflammatory. Then the problems start.

If you start recognizing names in the posts, what you will find is that they are very fun and kindhearted at The Water Cooler, but Lions in other sections where they are defending their faith. If CAF only allowed Catholics to post, you would probably find a much lighter forum, and that would be boring.

I understand what you are saying. You are right. I apologise for getting so emotional.

 

[Eternaly_Secure]

I have been following along in this blog to see if I should turn to the Catholic Church. But after reading how some of the Catholics are on this blog , I am now not so sure.

I have been going to Church of Christ Church, not Universal, just COC and have been disappointed on how smug they can be towards others Faiths. They think that they are the only ones going to heaven and that the rest of the world is going to hell. I felt that they were a tad judgmental and just did not seem right to me.

But now I see that there are Catholics here on this blog that are the same way. I tend to lean more towards the Lutherans, Baptists, on this blog. They tend to be kind hearted and knowledgable. I for one think that reading the Bible is very important.

The Bible I have is a Catholic Bible, New American Bible, picked out for me by Monsignor Gerald Lefebve. He is the family Priest since I was 10yrs of age.

I also have a NIV bible and King James. The only difference is that my Catholic Bible has more books. But the books that my NIV has says the same thing that my NAB says.

I also have the New Living Translation which I enjoy reading also…

I wish this blog was more interested in sharing Bible Studies instead of debating on who’s Church was here first. I always thought Church meant people that were Christians.

Thanks for reading this

Confused Lura

I know I’ll be slated by the anti King James crew and I know they will come up with a billion lies as to why the Kjv has errors, and so on, but that’s because the Devil is scared of it.
I would read your King James version as I know it has been a huge blessing to the Church and millions have come to know Christ using it.
It is also the easiest one to remember verses by.
I will not get into an argument with anyone about the Kjv as I’ve been there and done that on another forum and we got nowhere.

What you need to do is to pray to God and ask him to reveal his will to you and show you what Jesus Christ did for you at calvary.
If you really want to know, he will help you.
God wants you to be saved and does not want you to perish.
But there is only ONE way to be saved and escape God’s wrath and that is through the shed blood of the sinless Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you and lead you to his Son.
There is only one way and it is NOT by works.