I was a former protestant. (just went through RCIA) and to be honest, I had NO idea that everything was JUST catholic before Luther. I had NO idea Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church. I knew he founded Christianity though.
I remember when my husband and I were still dating several years ago, we all had an “argument” about Catholicism. He, his brother and his cousin were all claiming that Jesus founded Catholicism. I thought they were just plain crazy!
After learning the truth, I thought to myself, “How could I not be anything but Catholic?”
So, I think lack of knowledge is a lot of the reason why many protestants practice their faith.
No truer words. I was in the same boat.
There was no teaching on who Luther, Calvin and the rest were, and what they did, only that they were the heroes that saved us from Rome. It was never discussed, nor taught in the manner of history be presented.
I truely felt lied to… like I had been denied a `heritage’. It really felt as though I found out I was some long, lost prince. However, please note!.. I do not hate my protestant teachers, deacons (as I was one) and fellow worshippers. There is a trememndous love for God and certainly, a strong emphasis on the study of Scripture in the Protestant churches that (dare I say it?) could be beneficial to practice as catholics. There is also a strong sense of evangelism(sp) taught from conversion on.
However, I must confess, when examining the catholic church, I found myself driving a Vega (as being Baptist), when I could have been driving a fully loaded Lexus (being a Catholic). (Imagine your own automotive choices… you get the idea.) I truly feel I was getting there, but the power wasnt plugged in. Confession and the Blessed Sacrement alone are the greatest advantage for me personally! (Please note, I said personally!) I was also taken by finding that indeed, we are sensate creatures! That we will rejoice AND suffer! That we can see, feel, hear and even smell (incense, candles, the flowers!) and even taste (by virtue of the Eucharist) the Church. We are human, no? We have the senses God gave us, no? Its logical that our God would utilise every means available to him (and for us!) to bring us closer to Him.
I think much of what happened after Luther/Calvin was an intentional demonization to justify positions taken against HMC. To be sure, what started out as reasonable and justifiable questions of ethics and church practices (indulgences, 95(?) thesis) turned ugly when the political temperature in Germany was ripe for its fermentation. Bottom line: things got ugly. Histories got written from both sides. Until I read the HMC side, I had NO idea it had ever transpired. I’d been told about Luther’s
protest', and that he was the hero. I was told Sola Scriptura’!.. I was not told of the Magesterium and the Sacred Tradition that had been agreed upon for 1500 years previous. I was NOT told Luther wanted Marian devotion kept, and the epistle of James tossed.
There is blame on both sides, but when the weights are placed on the scale, 1500 years of a church founded by Jesus Christ outweighed the complaints of the few who rallied support from political and civil sources. Did God want this to happen? I don’t think so. Did He let it happen? Yes… men and woman have free will. Just remember… God has free will too.
Perhaps, this suffering the Church has gone through will make the Unity Jesus prayed for all the sweeter.
Now THERES a thought!
Let’s pray for it, but I warn you all: be careful what you pray for… you just might get it!
