What's Not to Love?!

[Palladio]

Calling all Protestants . . . !!!
What draws you to your particular church and what keeps you there as a loyal member?
I’m currently searching and looking for what others have found.

Truth keeps me in the RCC: do you think Christ made mankind wait until Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, and Henry VIII were born–some 1600 years–and got their hands on the Bible and religion to start His Church?

Truth, not the beauty of the tradition in all the arts and sciences which the RCC has nurtured, truth original and everlasting.

 

[mrs_abbott]

What about if you really don’t agree with some teachings of the CC? I thought you had to be in full communion with the CC to be a member? I’m simply looking for somewhere to go where I believe what they teach.

 

[water]

from the title: What’s Not to Love?!

Many times, it is much easier to list things that we love, and it is hard to find what’s not to love; it is because, as human nature, we tend to love everything.

 

[Palladio]

What about if you really don’t agree with some teachings of the CC? I thought you had to be in full communion with the CC to be a member? I’m simply looking for somewhere to go where I believe what they teach.

One begins with truth to end with it eternally.

I would never force the RCC on anybody. I have no gift for converting. I am a revert, after decades: I know the Protestant tradition passably well, and I have read Calvin, for instance, in Latin and in French, so my return is predicated upon hard looks elsewhere, including the dead end of atheism and agnosticism.

But as a cradle Catholic I always felt the truth lay, of all the religions and philosophies East and West I knew of, with the RCC.

Now I know it does, to put it bluntly.

There are disagreements and there are disagreements.

Perhaps yours are on the one hand false on the other trivial.

Perhaps they are the result of a faith too secular or too worldly.

Perhaps you misunderstand the RCC at all events, and, as I did before coming back, labor under faulty notions.

For example, because of my many grave sins I thought I was condemned to hell, but I knew that that alone did not free me from my obligation to God. So after years of reflection–too long!–I resolved to come back.

That may sound like a simple and stupid mistake, but it was what I believed as I returned to the RCC–with my immediate family, not one of whom is Catholic.

In just over a week, God willing, they will be baptized and I will be received back formally.

What I am trying to say in all of this is that I am returning because of the truth–not out of convenience–which subsists in the RCC alone. It is not a matter of simple agreement. I must find the truth according to God’s will. “According to thy will,” as Christ Himself says.

May you find His will in all your days and ways.

God bless.

 

[LittleDeb]

What about if you really don’t agree with some teachings of the CC? I thought you had to be in full communion with the CC to be a member? I’m simply looking for somewhere to go where I believe what they teach.

I will politely put my toe in here. As we have discussed before, I don’t think you will ever really find that, because it would really be the “church of mrs_abbott.” Please forgive the term, I have yet to find a better one so please let me know if there is a more respectful way to address the point.

One of the things that drew my husband to the Catholic Church from Evangelical/Fundamentalism was meeting one particular man. He met a man who had started a church based on one difference from another existing sect. I don’t remember which group was the original foundation, but the man’s one change was that all of the teachings of that other church were true, PLUS one could receive all of these divine “truths” through smoking an illicit drug. This caused serious reflection in my husband.

Subjective Truth is at the root of your struggle. Either there is objective Truth or there isn’t. I have a friend (raised Catholic) in a similar situation. Currently she holds that all of the world’s religions together add up to the Whole Truth. To her this then means that anywhere she were to worship would only be partially true. She doesn’t believe any church could contain the fullness of Truth because she personally disagrees with aspects of all of them. She too is looking for a church she can worship in where she agrees with everything. I also asked her how this wasn’t “the church of (her name)” She was slightly offended by the term but was unable to give me a better term to illustrate my point.

God bless you in your struggle. As you might know, I was once there too.

 

[mrs_abbott]

I will politely put my toe in here. As we have discussed before, I don’t think you will ever really find that, because it would really be the “church of mrs_abbott.” Please forgive the term, I have yet to find a better one so please let me know if there is a more respectful way to address the point.

One of the things that drew my husband to the Catholic Church from Evangelical/Fundamentalism was meeting one particular man. He met a man who had started a church based on one difference from another existing sect. I don’t remember which group was the original foundation, but the man’s one change was that all of the teachings of that other church were true, PLUS one could receive all of these divine “truths” through smoking an illicit drug. This caused serious reflection in my husband.

Subjective Truth is at the root of your struggle. Either there is objective Truth or there isn’t. I have a friend (raised Catholic) in a similar situation. Currently she holds that all of the world’s religions together add up to the Whole Truth. To her this then means that anywhere she were to worship would only be partially true. She doesn’t believe any church could contain the fullness of Truth because she personally disagrees with aspects of all of them. She too is looking for a church she can worship in where she agrees with everything. I also asked her how this wasn’t “the church of (her name)” She was slightly offended by the term but was unable to give me a better term to illustrate my point.

God bless you in your struggle. As you might know, I was once there too.

It goes deeper than what I’ve led on but I don’t really have the time to divulge in details (and I apologize for that).
I met someone who wasn’t Catholic but has a much deeper faith than I’ve ever had (and I envy that).
I’m not saying that I want to leave the CC, necessarily. I just want to grow in my relationship with Christ and will go wherever necessary to do so.
Right now, I don’t think that going to the CC would do me any good since I’m so detached from certain of the core teachings. Does that make any sense?

 

[kage_ar]

First question, do you believe in the Real Presence, in the Eucharist?

Go before the Blessed Sacrament tell God all the things you don’t like about the Catholic Church - then look Jesus there before you and say “can I leave Jesus for these reasons?”

Second - find a good Spiritual Director.

Are you involved with your Parish? There are devoted people there, get to know them. There is no closer relationship with Christ than recieving Him in the Eucharist.

 

[kage_ar]

One more thing, it is good to meet those from other faith communities. I have many good friends and family members who are devout non-Catholic Christians, I also know Buddists and Wiccans with profound spirituality. When I share with these people, I imagine how amazing it would be if they could bring that depth into the FULLNESS of the Catholic Church. They would turn the world around!

Every person can have some of the truth. The answer is not to leave what you have for what they exhibit - it is to go deeper into the reality that IS the Church founded by Christ!

When was the last time you went on a retreat or read a spiritual book? How about prayer? Do you spend time every day in prayer?

 

[LittleDeb]

It goes deeper than what I’ve led on but I don’t really have the time to divulge in details (and I apologize for that).
I met someone who wasn’t Catholic but has a much deeper faith than I’ve ever had (and I envy that).
I’m not saying that I want to leave the CC, necessarily. I just want to grow in my relationship with Christ and will go wherever necessary to do so.
Right now, I don’t think that going to the CC would do me any good since I’m so detached from certain of the core teachings. Does that make any sense?

It makes total sense! 15 years ago I could have said these precise words. (It was my best friend who is LDS who inadvertently helped lead me back to the Church and a very deep relationship with Jesus.)

I would still say go to the Catholic Church even when you don’t agree. Just try not to preach against Her (not that you are). We all suffer doubts and fears. We are all sinners.

The current adage, “Being in a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car,” is true. But being in a garage does offer a level of protection from the elements whether you are a car; a motorcycle; or a big, silly, wet puppy (like I was.) I found during my search that the protestant sects did not offer me a “fake it till you make it” option. I finally discovered that it was at home in the Catholic Church that my doubts, fears, and questions were welcomed and answered.

Isn’t there a very old saying, “Home is where they have to let you in?”

 

[kage_ar]

Remember, you were in a similar place back in June - maybe the CCC would help again?

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=158691

 

[mrs_abbott]

First question, do you believe in the Real Presence, in the Eucharist?

I think so. Does spiritually count?

kage_ar:

Go before the Blessed Sacrament tell God all the things you don’t like about the Catholic Church - then look Jesus there before you and say “can I leave Jesus for these reasons?”

I’ll try. My hubby is out of town and I’m stuck at home alone with an almost 3 year old. Would silent meditation or prayer work?

kage_ar:

Second - find a good Spiritual Director.

Got it!

kage_ar:

Are you involved with your Parish? There are devoted people there, get to know them. There is no closer relationship with Christ than recieving Him in the Eucharist.

No, I haven’t been to church in several months.

 

[mrs_abbott]

Remember, you were in a similar place back in June - maybe the CCC would help again?

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=158691

I’m open to it.
This is all about being open to God’s Will for me and making sure I’m listening to Him.

 

[LittleDeb]

One more thing, it is good to meet those from other faith communities. I have many good friends and family members who are devout non-Catholic Christians, I also know Buddists and Wiccans with profound spirituality. When I share with these people, I imagine how amazing it would be if they could bring that depth into the FULLNESS of the Catholic Church. They would turn the world around!

Every person can have some of the truth. The answer is not to leave what you have for what they exhibit - it is to go deeper into the reality that IS the Church founded by Christ!

So well put!! This has been my experience too.

 

[mrs_abbott]

When was the last time you went on a retreat or read a spiritual book? How about prayer? Do you spend time every day in prayer?

Does Engaged Encounter count? If not, it’s been 7 years since I’ve been on a retreat.
I’ve been reading “how to become a prayer warrior” and so far, it’s been a great book.
Just this week I have started praying daily. I cry lots but manage to keep on it.

 

[mrs_abbott]

It makes total sense! 15 years ago I could have said these precise words. (It was my best friend who is LDS who inadvertently helped lead me back to the Church and a very deep relationship with Jesus.)

I would still say go to the Catholic Church even when you don’t agree. Just try not to preach against Her (not that you are). We all suffer doubts and fears. We are all sinners.

The current adage, “Being in a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car,” is true. But being in a garage does offer a level of protection from the elements whether you are a car; a motorcycle; or a big, silly, wet puppy (like I was.) I found during my search that the protestant sects did not offer me a “fake it till you make it” option. I finally discovered that it was at home in the Catholic Church that my doubts, fears, and questions were welcomed and answered.

Isn’t there a very old saying, “Home is where they have to let you in?”

I hope to find “home” very soon. Right now, I’m building up my friendship with God (which was very lacking) to see where He wants me to be. Right now, I’m being called to stay. I feel like I have a greater purpose in life than what I’ve become. I’m trying to find out what that purpose is.

 

[kage_ar]

Start at #3 in the Baltimore Cathecism

**3. Why did God make us? **
God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.
Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him. (I Corinthians 2:9)

4. What must we do to gain the happiness of heaven?
To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.
Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth; where the rust and moth consume and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
**5. From whom do we learn to know, love, and serve God? **
We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.
*I have come a light into the world that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46) *
**6. Where do we find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church? **
We find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles’ Creed.
*He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luke 10:16) * **7. Say the Apostles’ Creed. **
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

 

[mrs_abbott]

Start at #3 in the Baltimore Cathecism

**3. Why did God make us? **
God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.
Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him. (I Corinthians 2:9)

4. What must we do to gain the happiness of heaven?
To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.
Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth; where the rust and moth consume and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
**5. From whom do we learn to know, love, and serve God? **
We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.
*I have come a light into the world that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46) *
**6. Where do we find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church? **
We find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles’ Creed.
*He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. (Luke 10:16) * **7. Say the Apostles’ Creed. **
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Not be insulting but do you know of anything I can read that isn’t tied to a particular church?

 

[Palladio]

It goes deeper than what I’ve led on but I don’t really have the time to divulge in details (and I apologize for that).
I met someone who wasn’t Catholic but has a much deeper faith than I’ve ever had (and I envy that).
I’m not saying that I want to leave the CC, necessarily. I just want to grow in my relationship with Christ and will go wherever necessary to do so.
Right now, I don’t think that going to the CC would do me any good since I’m so detached from certain of the core teachings. Does that make any sense?

Deeper faith: whatever that may mean, faith alone is not enough, as the RCC teaches. Don’t leave Her, bring her to Her, in the fullness of time.

The logic of protestantism is clear: divide until the divisions are so many that there can be one church no longer. With 20000 sects worldwide, the slightest twitch sends up a church.

It will take time to reattach, perhaps, although I was pushed hard back to the RCC at times, so that spiritually and through prayer all the rest came easier than not.

My wife is protestant, but will be brought into the RCC, deo volente, next week.

Keep the faith: it’s all we have and all we are. There is no real church of Christ with just one person in it: seek God’s will in all things and you will find it.

 

[Techno2000]

Your post dripped with sarcasm. What were you trying to convey with it?

I’m just saying that I think every true Christian knows deep down in their Heart that doing
Good Works is the proper and right thing to do as a Christian, despite
the different theologys out there.

 

[Singinbeauty]

I’m just saying that I think every true Christian knows deep down in their Heart that doing
Good Works is the proper and right thing to do as a Christian, despite
the different theologys out there.

And that is good but the way you worded it sounded condesending (or however you spell it! LOL).

I have never denied that the Christian life included works. You made it sound like every protestant is ignorant of this. What I believe that it is through your Faith that the good works are evident. You don’t have True Faith and you won’t have many good works…