what should I know about the importance of baptism?

[RobHom]

Today was exhausting.

You’ve taken on a lot in one day…

I am finding that, many things here I am learning make sense when explained, but other things dont- like why in the world God would make this so hard for someone to find “his true Church”

God hasn’t made it hard…Man did. Men did.

If I had not come here, on a lark basically, well- maybe not so much a lark but, how would I ever be able to decide what to do if I wanted to simply get baptised and be a christian?

One could say its that easy…to just get baptized and be a Christian…but in reality its not quite that easy. It requires some understanding of God, and what the Church teaches.

Why would God make it so very hard like this?

God didn’t make it hard, we (mankind) did.

Do we have to prove our Love by means of serious study first?

No…studying and learning are not about “Love”…they are about knowledge. Love is in the heart and mind together.

[QUOTEI am starting to wonder if it is a good thing to continue studying.
[/QUOTE]

How else will you find the answers?

I dont mind trying, but someone told me about formal classes, and I am not advocating ignorance, but I just think this is getting a bit overwhelming for someone who simply thought I should be thinking about getting baptised, and know why I am doing it, what I am actually doing,ect.

If all it took was getting baptized and saying “I beleive”…then that would just be a “freebie”. Contrary to the belief of some, God did not promise life would be easy…nor did he promise a free ride anywhere. Maybe what you should do is take the RCIA classes to find out more. There is no obligation…no-one will frequent your doorstep or hustle you. Here is a link to some information about RCIA…freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050025/posts

Hope this helps!

 

[notsmart]

There’s nothing that you can “do” to be receptive to the gift of faith. God does it for you. If you feel that Christianity is true; that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness, and that Christ is your Savior, then the Spirit is already at work in you. He who began a good work in you will finish that work. Praying, reading the Scriptures, etc, will no doubt be helpful, but faith is not a step-by-step program that you follow and eventually arrive at. It’s not a program or method. It’s a free gift that God has given 2000 years ago at the cross. It’s true whether you believe it or not.

Well, I am here because someone I know told me they were scheduling an abortion. I did some lurking as a guest, got some information and tried to offer them some encouragement to re-consider their choice and know there were other options.
I came here because I know that Catholics take a strong stand agianst abortion and will help my friend at least, get another option available to her. I do like the longevity factor of the Catholics also, and that with having not given my child any kind of idea of God for her entire 5 years of life, I decided it was time to ask myself how much longer can I put this off?

I likely would not be here at all if I had never read the bible. In the bible I see how precious life is, even if I dont avail myself to a religion.

So, to dismiss that there is Nothing I can do, to be led to grace is not true in my case. I am a living example of doing something, and then grace if you will- followed that. Not the other way around.

However, I am getting a bit overwhelmed trying my best to sort through the many claims that differ in Christians.

 

[TriuneUnity]

Well, I am here because someone I know told me they were scheduling an abortion. I did some lurking as a guest, got some information and tried to offer them some encouragement to re-consider their choice and know there were other options.

Awesome.

I came here because I know that Catholics take a strong stand agianst abortion and will help my friend at least, get another option available to her. I do like the longevity factor of the Catholics also, and that with having not given my child any kind of idea of God for her entire 5 years of life, I decided it was time to ask myself how much longer can I put this off?

I likely would not be here at all if I had never read the bible. In the bible I see how precious life is, even if I dont avail myself to a religion.

So, to dismiss that there is Nothing I can do, to be led to grace is not true in my case. I am a living example of doing something, and then grace if you will- followed that. Not the other way around.

God always takes the first initiative, notsmart. God works through means. In your life, as far as I can tell from your background, you were exposed to Christian thinking from the abortion situation, and you decided to read the Scriptures. Since then you have felt the longing in your heart to be a child of God. That is grace. All of those things you are thinking, feeling, and reading in the Bible is God working in your heart and drawing you with His gospel. Without grace acting on your heart, those feelings and promptings wouldn’t exist. Sinners do not generate faith on their own.

However, I am getting a bit overwhelmed trying my best to sort through the many claims that differ in Christians.

I am sure you are. My point to you at this stage is to focus on Christ and Him crucified for your sins.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[notsmart]

I guess everyone is exposed to christian thinking on some level, but I had atheist parents.
I read the scriptures from time to time, for sheer enjoyment of reading, not for any other purpose, except to keep up with boring moments at dinner parties with my christian friends and have a slight clue as to their world.

 

[RobHom]

God always takes the first initiative, notsmart. God works through means. In your life, as far as I can tell from your background, you were exposed to Christian thinking from the abortion situation, and you decided to read the Scriptures. Since then you have felt the longing in your heart to be a child of God. That is grace. All of those things you are thinking, feeling, and reading in the Bible is God working in your heart and drawing you with His gospel. Without grace acting on your heart, those feelings and promptings wouldn’t exist. Sinners do not generate faith on their own.

I am sure you are. My point to you at this stage is to focus on Christ and Him crucified for your sins.

I agree. ( See, Lutherans and Catholics can agree!! )

Monica, I wish you Peace, Happiness, and Success in your journey!! God Bless you and guide you!!

 

[TriuneUnity]

I guess everyone is exposed to christian thinking on some level, but I had atheist parents.
I read the scriptures from time to time, for sheer enjoyment of reading, not for any other purpose, except to keep up with boring moments at dinner parties with my christian friends and have a slight clue as to their world.

That is the great thing about hearing or reading the Word of God; it has the effect of the Spirit reaching out to you with the offer of Christ whether you’re looking for it or not

 

[Ruthie]

Welcome, Monica!

Did you know that St. Monica is the patron saint of mothers? Through patience and prayer she led her very sinful son to Christianity. That son turned out to be one of our greatest saints, St. Augustine.

For a shortish form of what we Catholics believe, go here. (It’s a pretty long article - but a lot shorter than the Catechism!) Also go to the very top of this page and click on Library. Read whatever there strikes your fancy. It is what I read there that convinced me that Catholicism is the true church that Jesus founded.

Do sign up for RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). It doesn’t commit you to joining the Church, but you will learn a lot and meet some good Catholics. It’s not a college-type course; mostly listening and asking questions. Do it soon - classes usually start in September.

God bless you and your child!

Ruthie - feel free to PM me.

 

[allhers]

Hi, I am a Catholic also, Latin Rite, and I believe you have been given much to read and think about but I just wanted to clear up one thing that it sounded like you were questioning about grace.
We believe that the Sacraments are the ordinary way of sanctification and eventual salvation.
Sanctifying grace, (God’s grace), comes to us thru them.
It sure sounds to me like you are being called to a closer walk with our Lord. I will keep you and your child in my prayers.
Read through the links the people gave you. You are already on a good start with reading the Bible and prayer. Since you asked, here is one more link for you, I believe that this will really get you going on the fast trac, and it is a prayer that you and your child can learn together. ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/rosary2.htm
(be sure to click on the Holy Rosary mini site link too)
When I was little, I woke up to this prayer every morning as my Mother and Grandmother prayed it together each day. I knew how to pray it by the time I was three, if I can do that, anyone can.
I think God is so awesome that He wants every single one of us to be His adopted sons and daughters. (and in Baptism, you will be!!)
We, none of us, ever stop learning of the infinite love of God, even in heaven, we will learn of His love for us.
I think what you did for your friend was so loving and kind. God bless you for that.(I think He already has.)

 

[notsmart]

All good things to look into, thank you all.

Ruthie, someone told me once when I was in grade school that I was not a good representative of the name Monica. I guess, they were right to say so if she was a person who was very good. That day I had done something quite out of character, but after that I never wanted to know about Monica, partly because I felt guilty about being one of the kids who helped to toss the teachers books off her desk while she was out of the classroom. I got sent to the office, and the principal told me this. I had never heard about this Monica, but knew she must be important to mention her.

I admitted to my parents what I did, and was really sorry I did it. I drew a picture for my teacher with the words below it, I am sorry,
I dont know why I did that. I will not do it again.

I asked my parents who Monica was, they said she was a mythical legend for some christians. I guess I should read about her, if other christians here know her, because I shouldnt sign my posts with my name if I am a bad example to anyone.

It might confuse people, like I got confused here over terminology.

 

[notsmart]

Oh, and I checked my local catholic church’s site, and they dont have any info on it for this RCIA class. I guess that maybe another one has it, I’ll check the one a thats slightly farther on their site.

I have to see if I can swing it if its a schedule that requires me to get a babysitter though. Mine just left to go to away to school in another state. I am trying to find another one.

I’ll look up this Monica now.

 

[notsmart]

I glanced at the pillar of fire, and it says Jesus told us he would not leave us orphans…

He must have meant I will not leave christians who believe in me orphans. (and possibly, he meant to leave others as orphans?)

I guess I am an orphan. Does that mean he left me, or I was just not in the equation because how did he expect me to believe in him without it being by a family tradition to, or some other way all these years?

 

[japhy]

St. Monica is the mother of St. Augustine (one of the Church Fathers, and a Doctor of the Church). She prayed her whole life for the conversion of her son!

Jesus promised not to leave us orphans in the sense that he would never abandon his Church. As for people who are outside the Church, I can’t say one way or the other.

 

[notsmart]

So, those outside of the church, he did not as he said, go after the lost sheep (or something like that) he was only speaking of the sheep who found him already, that wanted to stray, that he would bring back to him?
Sorry if that sounds confusing.

 

[japhy]

So, those outside of the church, he did not as he said, go after the lost sheep (or something like that) he was only speaking of the sheep who found him already, that wanted to stray, that he would bring back to him?

Oh, you can be sure God is pursuing the “lost sheep”! But none of us gets saved against our will! God is too loving a Father to do that against our will.

 

[notsmart]

Oh, I see. I guess I was willing not to believe then. I did not look at it that way. I did not see to many christians growing up that were particularly any different, or nicer than non christians really.

So, I assumed that meant there was nothing better about that religion than any other one.

But, now at this time of my life I realize that only one God did what this God Man Jesus ever did, and he also made claims that were unlike any other claims. If, he is God which I believe he must be based on the I AM statements he repeats, and being new at reading the bible, his being willing to die, which would not matter at all if he was not God. As far as I can tell.

 

[allhers]

You can ask St. Monica to pray for you too. I will too.

 

[Ruthie]

Dear Monica, don’t be afraid to use your name! Most of us with saint-names don’t often live up to them.

Perhaps St. Monica has been praying for you, her namesake, to draw you to her Church!

No, Jesus didn’t leave you an orphan. He loves us and calls out to all of us, all the time. Circumstances and obstinacy can keep us from hearing Him. You were raised by atheists - yet you are hearing Him call! He wants all of us to join Him in Heaven.

Read and think about 1 Corinthians chapter 13. I’ve loved that since before I was a Christian.

Ruthie

 

[sarahpackars]

it can be done by anyone, anywhere, with water, as long as you do it in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, you can do it. i greatly urge you to be baptised, it’s a forgiveness of sins, why we do it as children, i don’t know, but… that’s how it’s done. not specifically, but…

 

[notsmart]

it can be done by anyone, anywhere, with water, as long as you do it in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, you can do it. i greatly urge you to be baptised, it’s a forgiveness of sins, why we do it as children, i don’t know, but… that’s how it’s done. not specifically, but…

I can do it myself?

 

[japhy]

I can do it myself?

Only in dire and extraordinary circumstances can a person baptize himself… but even an unbaptized person can baptize someone, so long as the proper form (the words), matter (water at least poured over the head), and intent (to do what the Church does) are present.