M
Maranatha
Guest
Welcome Warrior!
What do you mean by non-denominational?
What do you mean by non-denominational?
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W
Warrior4Truth
Guest
boppysbud, I guess the closet one of these that would describe me would be Protestant then, so if it would be easier to refer to me as a Protestant, feel free to do so. I would like to ask though that you explain the difference between the denominations that you have given me so that i could have a better understanding of them. Also if you would give me a brief history of when the term “Catholic” started being used, it would be very helpful.
In love
Warrior4Truth
W
Warrior4Truth
Guest
That is great to hear Tonks. I thank you for your welcome and LOVEHi, Warrior! Welcome to the Forums! I’m a cradle-Catholic myself, but I have great love and respect for those who are in the non-denominational churches. A particular church in our area brought many of my karaoke friends back into a faith with Jesus Christ, and I cannot be anything but happy for them!
With Love and Respect
Warrior4Truth
S
sententia
Guest
Hey Warrior!
I happened to stumble on this, though you might be interested:
catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0501fea4.asp
As far as I’m aware, the first useage of Catholic is from Ignatius in 110 (I think):
"“Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains *. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church”
'Course, it was written in Greek,but it translates all the same!
Have a great evening, I gotta go do some silly chemistry work!*
I happened to stumble on this, though you might be interested:
catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0501fea4.asp
As far as I’m aware, the first useage of Catholic is from Ignatius in 110 (I think):
"“Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains *. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church”
'Course, it was written in Greek,but it translates all the same!
Have a great evening, I gotta go do some silly chemistry work!*
S
scylla
Guest
I would recommend at first any books (if you don’t want to spend very much money) and to satisfy your curiosity from someplace like Amazon.com. If Catholic.com helps you in any way intellectually\ in your faith or any other way I would strongly recommend buying something or making a contribution to Catholic.com. They support themselves just to help people know more about the Catholic faith mostly on donations and sales.
Since you had the foresight to come to Catholics to learn about Catholics, I applaud you. Many people don’t even bother and are content just to know what they know from whomever tells them.
(like asking sightseeing spots of Europe from someone from Mexico, rather than a current native of Europe)
I would recommend a question answer book for you to get a feel for how Catholics think and to answer questions you have or might think of.
amazon.com/gp/product/089555089X/103-7914102-1291007?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance
Here is a nice book about 70 or so years old that costs about 10 dollars (used) or 16 new.
If you don’t have the funds, feel free to PM me and I will lend you one of my books.
If you have some extra money just go to the shop here at Catholic.com and go shopping. I recommend Catholicism and Fundamentalism by a guy named Karl Keating.
God Bless
Scylla
Since you had the foresight to come to Catholics to learn about Catholics, I applaud you. Many people don’t even bother and are content just to know what they know from whomever tells them.
(like asking sightseeing spots of Europe from someone from Mexico, rather than a current native of Europe)
I would recommend a question answer book for you to get a feel for how Catholics think and to answer questions you have or might think of.
amazon.com/gp/product/089555089X/103-7914102-1291007?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance
Here is a nice book about 70 or so years old that costs about 10 dollars (used) or 16 new.
If you don’t have the funds, feel free to PM me and I will lend you one of my books.
If you have some extra money just go to the shop here at Catholic.com and go shopping. I recommend Catholicism and Fundamentalism by a guy named Karl Keating.
God Bless
Scylla
A
AquinasXVI
Guest
Boppysbud:
Love without Truth is Blind. Truth without Love is a clashing cymbal. -Benedict XVI
Let us share with our brothers our faith with love. May we be careful in using words. The truth is not meant as ammunition but rather as edifying water for refreshment of mind and soul.
W4T:
Your sincerity jumps out of these pages. Thank you. Books: There’s so much! Inform us which discipline you’d like to start with first: Apologetics, History, Catechism, Theology, Devotional.
But on the outset, I recommend The Everlasting Man by GK Chesterton. It’s a difficult read, takes about 2 reads to actually start making sense but once it clears up, it is mindblowingly clear.
in XT.
Love without Truth is Blind. Truth without Love is a clashing cymbal. -Benedict XVI
Let us share with our brothers our faith with love. May we be careful in using words. The truth is not meant as ammunition but rather as edifying water for refreshment of mind and soul.
W4T:
Your sincerity jumps out of these pages. Thank you. Books: There’s so much! Inform us which discipline you’d like to start with first: Apologetics, History, Catechism, Theology, Devotional.
But on the outset, I recommend The Everlasting Man by GK Chesterton. It’s a difficult read, takes about 2 reads to actually start making sense but once it clears up, it is mindblowingly clear.
in XT.
P
Philena
Guest
For an entertaining, and admittedly biased view of history from a Catholic perspective, I recommend “Triumph: The Power and Glory of the Catholic Church” by Harry Crocker. I love that book. It’s very well written.
P
puzzleannie
Guest
howdy and welcome. I would have to see some documentation for XYZ’s list of so-called Catholic inventions, because I don’t think for one thing that Clara Barton, founder of Red Cross, was a Catholic or that the Knights Templar invented banking, but hey, like you I am willing to be instructed.
If you want to get 20 different opinions ask a question on the forums. If you want an authoritative answer to a specific question from a Catholic apologists, with sources and footnotes, check out the CA homepage library and tracts, and This Rock back issues. In fact, if you do want to discuss a certain issue, that is the best place to start, then come here for discussion and further questions. If we do get a little excited, remind us to chill and take our meds.
If you want to get 20 different opinions ask a question on the forums. If you want an authoritative answer to a specific question from a Catholic apologists, with sources and footnotes, check out the CA homepage library and tracts, and This Rock back issues. In fact, if you do want to discuss a certain issue, that is the best place to start, then come here for discussion and further questions. If we do get a little excited, remind us to chill and take our meds.
W
Warrior4Truth
Guest
Thank you AquinasXVI, I will definetly look into the book you recommended, Also I believe that the best way to understand something is to start from the begining, so if you have any suggestions of were I can find the history of the Catholic Church i would very much apprectiate it. Thank you.
Warrior4Truth.
W
Warrior4Truth
Guest
Lol, I will do that, thank you for suggesting it.
Warrior4Truth.
S
scylla
Guest
The history of the Church…
If you are interested in the history of the Catholic Church I would start by reading early Christian writings. These start about the first century.
There is Ignatius of Antioch who was a Bishop of the Catholic Church who wrote several letters on his way to be martyred in Rome.
There are many other writings out there, you can look these up and read them.
If you would like a source that is non-catholic to be sure of no bias then I suggest Early Christian Writings by Penguin Press. This is a small collection of just little of what is available. You can buy this at the webstore here.
shop.catholic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-B0079.html?L+scstore+dhyp8280ff1a991a+1159969750
If you want to read it online just use this link which is hosted by Calvin College, which is certainly non-catholic.
ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.html
You can look at it in PDF which is usually easier to read than html (if you haven’t downloaded Acrobat Reader to your computer), as well as a number of other formats.
God Bless
Scylla
If you are interested in the history of the Catholic Church I would start by reading early Christian writings. These start about the first century.
There is Ignatius of Antioch who was a Bishop of the Catholic Church who wrote several letters on his way to be martyred in Rome.
There are many other writings out there, you can look these up and read them.
If you would like a source that is non-catholic to be sure of no bias then I suggest Early Christian Writings by Penguin Press. This is a small collection of just little of what is available. You can buy this at the webstore here.
shop.catholic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-B0079.html?L+scstore+dhyp8280ff1a991a+1159969750
If you want to read it online just use this link which is hosted by Calvin College, which is certainly non-catholic.
ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.html
You can look at it in PDF which is usually easier to read than html (if you haven’t downloaded Acrobat Reader to your computer), as well as a number of other formats.
God Bless
Scylla
J
jasonb82abn
Guest
Jmj
Welcome Warrior4Truth! I read your introduction earlier today and thought that you seemed to be a very ‘centered’ individual – I dig that! I also really like the name you chose for this forum – and I believe I can relate to the sentiment! I care deeply… and I mean DEEPLY… for the truth. My search for truth is one of the main reasons that I am a Christian today!
If you are interested in a serious “reference” type book that would shed some light on the different “denominations” within Protestant Christianity – I highly recommend Handbook of Denominations In the United States (11th edition is, I believe, the most recent.) It is probably THE book for finding the particular (and sometimes peculiar) beliefs amongst the many traditions and faiths in the US – and is not limited to Christianity. It is unbiased, scholarly, and very well received in schools (secular and religious.) I highly recommend it!
I agree with the comment about there being no such thing as a “non-denominational” church. The only church that has a claim to this title is the Catholic Church – if you consider the truthful meaning of the title. The term “non-denominational” refers to “moving away from” the “name” of a former (denominational) name or tradition. The first “denominations” were groups that broke communion from the Catholic Church – they “moved away” or “separated” from the “name” of the Church. I have many family and friends that describe their churches as you do… but in every case, their particular (or peculiar in one case
) beliefs and doctrines (that some even claim not to have!) betray their background and history. There are a few doctrines common to all Protestants, but there are many more that can identify the tradition and background of almost any “non-denominational” church.
I am also encouraged by your acceptance of being referred to (in charity) as a Protestant – I wish more Protestants were as humble as you are my friend! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a “Protestant” (in part) as: "a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth; broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church.” Why fear or be uncomfortable with being a Protestant? You can either care about and profess your beliefs and understandings, or you can hide and be unclear about them! I would much rather come across a fellow Christian who cares about and wishes to learn more about their church’s particular beliefs/doctrines/teachings… than a Christian who doesn’t care and has no interest in learning about them.
Please, take a moment to pray for guidance and understanding… and ask yourself if you are comfortable with spiritual ambiguity. I know that if you care about the truth – you will seek it. And you will find it!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! “A thousand questions do not add up to one single doubt.” – questioning things is how we get answers! When you are seeking the truth, it’s good to have questions – so don’t be afraid to ask them… and to SEEK the right questions themselves! And when you come across obstacles… pray for understanding and guidance! He will provide it! Pray, Pray, Pray – my friend. I wish you well my fellow warrior!
May the Lord be with you!
Jason
Welcome Warrior4Truth! I read your introduction earlier today and thought that you seemed to be a very ‘centered’ individual – I dig that! I also really like the name you chose for this forum – and I believe I can relate to the sentiment! I care deeply… and I mean DEEPLY… for the truth. My search for truth is one of the main reasons that I am a Christian today!
If you are interested in a serious “reference” type book that would shed some light on the different “denominations” within Protestant Christianity – I highly recommend Handbook of Denominations In the United States (11th edition is, I believe, the most recent.) It is probably THE book for finding the particular (and sometimes peculiar) beliefs amongst the many traditions and faiths in the US – and is not limited to Christianity. It is unbiased, scholarly, and very well received in schools (secular and religious.) I highly recommend it!
I agree with the comment about there being no such thing as a “non-denominational” church. The only church that has a claim to this title is the Catholic Church – if you consider the truthful meaning of the title. The term “non-denominational” refers to “moving away from” the “name” of a former (denominational) name or tradition. The first “denominations” were groups that broke communion from the Catholic Church – they “moved away” or “separated” from the “name” of the Church. I have many family and friends that describe their churches as you do… but in every case, their particular (or peculiar in one case
) beliefs and doctrines (that some even claim not to have!) betray their background and history. There are a few doctrines common to all Protestants, but there are many more that can identify the tradition and background of almost any “non-denominational” church.I am also encouraged by your acceptance of being referred to (in charity) as a Protestant – I wish more Protestants were as humble as you are my friend! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a “Protestant” (in part) as: "a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth; broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church.” Why fear or be uncomfortable with being a Protestant? You can either care about and profess your beliefs and understandings, or you can hide and be unclear about them! I would much rather come across a fellow Christian who cares about and wishes to learn more about their church’s particular beliefs/doctrines/teachings… than a Christian who doesn’t care and has no interest in learning about them.
Please, take a moment to pray for guidance and understanding… and ask yourself if you are comfortable with spiritual ambiguity. I know that if you care about the truth – you will seek it. And you will find it!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! “A thousand questions do not add up to one single doubt.” – questioning things is how we get answers! When you are seeking the truth, it’s good to have questions – so don’t be afraid to ask them… and to SEEK the right questions themselves! And when you come across obstacles… pray for understanding and guidance! He will provide it! Pray, Pray, Pray – my friend. I wish you well my fellow warrior!
May the Lord be with you!
Jason
J
jasonb82abn
Guest
Jmj
Welcome Warrior4Truth! I read your introduction earlier today and thought that you seemed to be a very ‘centered’ individual – I dig that. I also really like the name you chose for this forum – and I believe I can relate to the sentiment! I care deeply… and I mean DEEPLY… for the truth. My search for truth is one of the main reasons that I am a Christian today!
If you are interested in a serious “reference” type book that would shed some light on the different “denominations” within Protestant Christianity – I highly recommend Handbook of Denominations In the United States (11th edition is, I believe, the most recent.) It is probably THE book for finding the particular (and sometimes peculiar) beliefs amongst the many traditions and faiths in the US – and is not limited to Christianity. It is unbiased, scholarly, and very well received in schools (secular and religious.) I highly recommend it!
I agree with the comment about there being no such thing as a “non-denominational” church. The only church that has a claim to this title is the Catholic Church – if you really think about it. The term “non-denominational” refers to “moving away from” the “name” of a former (denominational) name or tradition. The first “denominations” were groups that broke communion from the Catholic Church – they “moved away” or “separated” from the “name” of the Church. I have many family and friends that describe their churches as you do… but in every case, their particular beliefs and doctrines (that some even claim not to have!) betray their background and history. There are a few doctrines common to all Protestants, but there are many more that can identify the tradition and background of almost any “non-denominational” church.
I am also encouraged by your acceptance of being referred to (in charity) as a Protestant – I wish more Protestants were as humble as you are my friend! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a “Protestant” (in part) as: "a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth; broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church.” Why fear or be uncomfortable with being a Protestant? You can either care about and profess your beliefs and understandings, or you can hide and be unclear about them! I would much rather come across a fellow Christian who cares about and wishes to learn more about their church’s particular beliefs/doctrines/teachings… than a Christian who doesn’t care and has no interest in learning about them.
Please, take a moment to pray for guidance and understanding… and ask yourself if you are comfortable with spiritual ambiguity. I know that if you care about the truth – you will seek it. And you will find it!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! “A thousand questions do not add up to one single doubt.” – questioning things is how we get answers! When you are seeking the truth, it’s good to have questions – so don’t be afraid to ask them… and to SEEK the right questions themselves! And when you come across obstacles… pray for understanding and guidance! He will provide it! Pray, Pray, Pray – my friend. I wish you well my fellow warrior!
May the Lord be with you!
Jason
Welcome Warrior4Truth! I read your introduction earlier today and thought that you seemed to be a very ‘centered’ individual – I dig that. I also really like the name you chose for this forum – and I believe I can relate to the sentiment! I care deeply… and I mean DEEPLY… for the truth. My search for truth is one of the main reasons that I am a Christian today!
If you are interested in a serious “reference” type book that would shed some light on the different “denominations” within Protestant Christianity – I highly recommend Handbook of Denominations In the United States (11th edition is, I believe, the most recent.) It is probably THE book for finding the particular (and sometimes peculiar) beliefs amongst the many traditions and faiths in the US – and is not limited to Christianity. It is unbiased, scholarly, and very well received in schools (secular and religious.) I highly recommend it!
I agree with the comment about there being no such thing as a “non-denominational” church. The only church that has a claim to this title is the Catholic Church – if you really think about it. The term “non-denominational” refers to “moving away from” the “name” of a former (denominational) name or tradition. The first “denominations” were groups that broke communion from the Catholic Church – they “moved away” or “separated” from the “name” of the Church. I have many family and friends that describe their churches as you do… but in every case, their particular beliefs and doctrines (that some even claim not to have!) betray their background and history. There are a few doctrines common to all Protestants, but there are many more that can identify the tradition and background of almost any “non-denominational” church.
I am also encouraged by your acceptance of being referred to (in charity) as a Protestant – I wish more Protestants were as humble as you are my friend! Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a “Protestant” (in part) as: "a member of any of several church denominations denying the universal authority of the Pope and affirming the Reformation principles of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Bible as the only source of revealed truth; broadly : a Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern church.” Why fear or be uncomfortable with being a Protestant? You can either care about and profess your beliefs and understandings, or you can hide and be unclear about them! I would much rather come across a fellow Christian who cares about and wishes to learn more about their church’s particular beliefs/doctrines/teachings… than a Christian who doesn’t care and has no interest in learning about them.
Please, take a moment to pray for guidance and understanding… and ask yourself if you are comfortable with spiritual ambiguity. I know that if you care about the truth – you will seek it. And you will find it!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! “A thousand questions do not add up to one single doubt.” – questioning things is how we get answers! When you are seeking the truth, it’s good to have questions – so don’t be afraid to ask them… and to SEEK the right questions themselves! And when you come across obstacles… pray for understanding and guidance! He will provide it! Pray, Pray, Pray – my friend. I wish you well my fellow warrior!
May the Lord be with you!
Jason
A
AquinasXVI
Guest
W4T:
Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed is a digestable synthesis of the Summa of St. Thomas–considered to be the greatest theological work in humanity. This is an excellent start on Catholic understanding of the Holy Trinity.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Surprised by Truth(1-3) by Patrick Madrid. Conversion stories.
I would also order a copy of Peter Kreeft’s CD “7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be Catholic.” Very well put together.
By the way, GKC’s Everlasting Man helped the then atheist CS Lewis to become Christian. This is primo endorsement.
Lastly, I cannot reitterate this enough THEOLOGY OF THE BODY!!! It is billed by George Weigel as the bomb that will destroy the illusions of the sexual revolution. I believe it.
This is a decent cross section on Theology and Apologetics.
Great to have you here.
in XT.
Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed is a digestable synthesis of the Summa of St. Thomas–considered to be the greatest theological work in humanity. This is an excellent start on Catholic understanding of the Holy Trinity.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Surprised by Truth(1-3) by Patrick Madrid. Conversion stories.
I would also order a copy of Peter Kreeft’s CD “7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be Catholic.” Very well put together.
By the way, GKC’s Everlasting Man helped the then atheist CS Lewis to become Christian. This is primo endorsement.
Lastly, I cannot reitterate this enough THEOLOGY OF THE BODY!!! It is billed by George Weigel as the bomb that will destroy the illusions of the sexual revolution. I believe it.
This is a decent cross section on Theology and Apologetics.
Great to have you here.
in XT.
D
Detroit_Sue
Guest
Welcome, Warrior!
I haven’t been around too much in the last several days. This is an excellent thread, and I gotta tell you, this is the place to find answers about the Catholic Church.
I am a cradle Catholic/revert by way of Fundamentalist Christianity (just a brief flirtation - I mostly practiced nothing during my earlier years), and am learning more and more every day. My husband is a deacon in the Church, so if you have a question that you think he can answer, feel free to pm me.
God bless you and keep you close!
Sue
I haven’t been around too much in the last several days. This is an excellent thread, and I gotta tell you, this is the place to find answers about the Catholic Church.
I am a cradle Catholic/revert by way of Fundamentalist Christianity (just a brief flirtation - I mostly practiced nothing during my earlier years), and am learning more and more every day. My husband is a deacon in the Church, so if you have a question that you think he can answer, feel free to pm me.
God bless you and keep you close!
Sue
D
djrakowski
Guest
I came here almost a year ago with the same intentions - actually, I was hoping to learn things that would help me ‘witness’ to my Catholic friends. Since then, I’ve enrolled in RCIA (there’s nothing quite as impressive as a faithful and knowledgeable Catholic) and I’m looking forward to entering the Church next Easter vigil (and you WILL be there, right Sue?As I said I am here to ask questions. I am not here to start any type of heated debats about my beliefs or yours. I do not have any desire to fight over these things, I am just curious
)Welcome aboard, Warrior!
I
ILO
Guest
Yeah, but in the time it takes me to get a facelift and a nosejob, you’re gonna gain back all that weight and more. So there!
ILO
R
RCCDefender
Guest
D
Detroit_Sue
Guest
Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. Neither can the construction on I-75!I came here almost a year ago with the same intentions - actually, I was hoping to learn things that would help me ‘witness’ to my Catholic friends. Since then, I’ve enrolled in RCIA (there’s nothing quite as impressive as a faithful and knowledgeable Catholic) and I’m looking forward to entering the Church next Easter vigil (and you WILL be there, right Sue?
Welcome aboard, Warrior!
R
RCCDefender
Guest
Opps! WDCDT is written by Kevin Orlin Johnson!! :whacky:
- Status