Why haven't you carefully researched the Catholic Faith?

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I guess mine would be another option - I’m happy with being agnostic. I’m on CAF to learn about Catholicism and what it teaches, not to potentially convert.
 
Vonsalza said:
In totality? Who has?
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Agreed, that was my first thought. With two thousand years of tradition, teaching, writing, and thought, no one could ever totally research Catholicism. There are no enough years in one’s life.
 
I’m speaking for Catholicism. People in other religions may feel different, and may be more likely to question and study.

Catholicism is as much a personal identity as it is a Faith. It wouldn’t matter how much I studied Catholicism or any other religion. I can’t change who I am.
 
Research and the quest for truth is fine for those with an intellectual disposition, but someone who can’t comprehend catechism and theology will do fine if they only have faith, hope, and love.

I am not saying truth is over-rated or irrelevant, but rather that there are essential truths held in the heart rather than the mind, and I am inclined to think those are the more important truths.
 
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I find myself researching Catholicism every so often. I KNOW, with 100% certainty, that either the Orthodox Church OR the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus established. I can talk myself into either one depending on which I want to be true at the time. Not sure how to ever truly KNOW which, but in my heart I DO Love Divine Liturgy at the Orthodox Church and it rings true in my heart that an infant (or converting adult) becomes a full member of the Church with Baptism, Chrismation & Eucharist given at the same time “let the little children come to Me”.
 
I’m researching mostly for general information to understand basic beliefs, practices, and etiquette, since I now have a Catholic family member. It never hurts to learn new things and try to understand other belief systems, I’m just not going to become an Ecyclopedia Catholica in the process, probably. I have too much sunnah to remember as it is. 🙂
 
I don’t understand the premise of the question.

Is it based on the assumption that non-Catholics here have not carefully researched Catholicism? As in, most or all of them? The question seems loaded to me.
 
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Many people simply are not the kind to do research. I know some non-Catholics who over the course of their lifetimes have absorbed every fallacy stated by Loraine Boettner in his book Roman Catholicism, without however, ever having heard of Loraine Boettner.

They tend to pop out questions at a mile a minute and not stand still for the answers. Often the questions are of inconsequential matters, such as: why do you keep Jesus on the cross when he has risen? Why speak Latin or Greek words at Mass? Why don’t Catholics take a bible to church? Etc.

As I say, the answers require some background and investigation, but a lot of people simply don’t have the patience for that. One could hand them a copy of Keating’s “Catholicism and Fundamentalism,” but it probably would not get read.

I don’t particular fault those who are not readers or like to investigate. Many could learn a lot just by watching some EWTN programs.
 
Most adherents of any religion (Christian, Islam, Buhdism, Hinduism, etc) do not know or question their faith. Any research is left to the priest, imam or monk. I was one of them until I got rolled over by a bunch of Jehovah Witnesses with questions regarding Catholic’s “worship” of Mary. After that encounter, I bought my first Bible and started studying it and reading about the early Church Fathers and the evolution of the Catholic Church. I am still at the starting block but I feel at home. The Catholic Church is like a fascinating novel without an end.
 
that is a very good poll; one of the best i’d’ve seen here

interesting response numbers so far…
 
I find all questions loaded, there’s no option for ”investigated thoroughly, remain convinced I’m happy where I am.”
The questions seem to presume lack of conversion springing from ignorance.

If I ever convert to anything it may be from Lutheran to Anglican/Episcopalian, and that would only happen if I move permanently to somewhere I cannot easily/weekly access my own denomination.
 
God isn’t calling me/us to change from being Catholic, however.
Maybe we’re talking past each other on this.
You’re saying to question and study to become a better Catholic.
I’m not disagreeing with doing that; I’m saying that I feel strong in my faith because it is inherently who I am.
 
Is the questionaire aimed at Catholics or non-Catholics? Or converts vs non-Converts vs cradle Catholics.
Just asking, bc the posters in this thread cover quite a spectrum.
 
Limbo was never doctrine. Ever.
Your basis for forming an opinion is flawed.
 
Hereiam said:
What’s a “supposed” Catholic?
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Historically at CAF, there have been trolls who pose as Catholics, and whose mission is to lead Catholics astray. Ad hominem arguments are not the focus of that comment. Neither is mild heresy; they usually get straightened out with quotes from the Bible or CCC.
 
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I’ll admit it is somewhat loaded, because I do believe anybody that truly knew Church doctrine and the reasons behind Church Doctrine wouldn’t reject the truth. I also don’t believe anybody without Catholicism can be truly happy.
 
Very well, I beg to differ regarding happiness. But if that belief brightens your day, by all means carry on.
 
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