Why Should I Become A Catholic.

[Ranp]

Why Should I Become A Catholic.

For the love of Jesus Christ.

And so that you can experience the full savation of the only church created by directly by Jesus Christ. So that you can recieve and experience the real presences of Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist, which is truely his flesh and blood. So that you can experience worshipping God in the same manner as did the early Christains.

Ran

 

[LOCO]

Things that stop me:

**
Mariology **- I know that Catholics do not worship or pray to Mary. I know that they are only asking her to pray for them. However, I live in California in which there is a HUGH portion of a population does worship her. They call her a co-redeemer. Some even claim that she redeems women. I even read this on this very forum. I drive down a main street and I see fortune tellers with a picture of the Virgin Mary on the front. They claim she gives them power to see the future. I know you do not judge an entire Church by some. However, I don’t see the Church taking a very proactive attempt to stop it; to preach against it from the pulpit. And that bothers me. It may seem silly and superficial, but it is what bother me about this.

Hello Stepson

It’s not silly and superficial. I can see how some Protestants would think that. All Christians want Jesus to be the focal point and that’s okay. I guess Catholics also want a relationship with his family and Apostles as well, St Mary, St Joseph, his cousin St Jude etc. That is why we include all of them. I personally think it’s a healthier approach than the strictly “Jesus and me alone forever”. When you love someone you want to nurture relationships with the entire family. Catholics view those in heaven as being connected to those on earth. We don’t view Mary and Saints as dead, she is alive to us and intercedes for us just as she did at the Wedding in Cana, prompting Jesus to perform his first miracle. He listened to his mum and honoured her and Joseph as the Commandment asks.

How do you know they worship her? You would have to be able to read what is written on their hearts to know that. Only God knows that. You are only judging by what you can see on the outside. If there are Catholics out there who have told you that they ‘worship’ Mary then they are not practising what the Church teaches. All the Catholics I know certainly revere her and ask her to pray for them but they don’t worship her.

Also, the Catholic’s highest form of ‘worship’ is the Mass, Mary gets mentioned once during Mass in the Creed as ‘Virgin Mother of God’. For** Protestants their highest form of worship is ‘prayer and singing’ ** from what I see. Please correct me if that is wrong. Which is probably why they get offended when they see Catholics on their knees beseeching Mary to pray for them.

Catholics also pray directly to God. It is not a requirement of the faith that we ‘ask Mary and the Saints to pray for us’ but why wouldn’t we. They are already in heaven, in the presence of God, cleansed and therefore their prayers are more effective. If we ask others on earth to pray for us, their prayers are muddied by other thoughts, desires, unrepentant sins etc.

Mary as a co-redemptrix is** not** an official Teaching of the Church. It has been debated within the Church throughout history.

It is not up to the Church to stop them, what would you have them do. The Teachings are very clear in the CCC, we all have access to a priest and most of us have access to the Vatican website if we are unsure or even CAF, EWTN websites and shows. For most Catholics in the Western world, there is no excuse for their ignorance and/or defiance.

Even when Jesus made his Teachings very clear and his followers knew who he was they still betrayed him, denied knowing him and walked away when they did not like what he said.

Jesus explained that His body and blood was “real food”, & would give us eternal life, not just fill our stomachs. The Jews who heard him said that it was a “hard saying”, and walked away. Why would they walk away and leave someone who they had seen raise the dead, multiply the loaves, cure the sick, walk on water, etc.

We are all responsible for ‘working out our own salvation’

Venial vs. Mortal Sins - Someone told me that he could live a righteous life; full of good works, but that he could die with a mortal sin on his heart and would be cast into hell.

That is an official teaching of the Catholic Church, a Mortal Sin (breaking any of the Commandments) **]must **be confessed contritely to a Priest,

otherwise your soul is in mortal danger. By breaking a Commandment you have severely damaged your relationship with God. Christians cannot kill, steal, commit adultery etc and expect to get away with it with God. These sins must be confessed with genuine repentant heart.

We all confess because we don’t ever want to commit that sin again. Otherwise what would be the point, you may as well live an unexamined life and be done with it.

Just because some Catholics do not follow it does not mean the Church is wrong. If that were the case the Christian religion would be under serious attack, millions of so called Christians do not even keep the Commandments, does that mean that God was wrong?

**Things that attract me:

The Origin of the Church - It is the first Church**.

Liturgy and the Traditions of the Church - It humbles me to think I am walking in the footsteps of countless generations. It’s awe inspiring to think that this is what the first Christians were doing.

Sacramental Rites - Worshiping God with all your senses is very good for the soul.
**
Catholic Education System - Enough said here.
**
Catholic Charities - Same as above.

 

[fred_conty]

Mariology - I know that Catholics do not worship or pray to Mary. I know that they are only asking her to pray for them. However, I live in California in which there is a HUGH portion of a population does worship her. They call her a co-redeemer. Some even claim that she redeems women. I even read this on this very forum. I drive down a main street and I see fortune tellers with a picture of the Virgin Mary on the front. They claim she gives them power to see the future. I know you do not judge an entire Church by some. However, I don’t see the Church taking a very proactive attempt to stop it; to preach against it from the pulpit. And that bothers me. It may seem silly and superficial, but it is what bother me about this.

Hi,
I would like to address the idea of Jesus’ Mother and her relationship with us.

Her first position, and the most important one, is her being the Mother of Jesus, the 2nd Person in the Blessed Trinity, the Father’s choice the 1st Person in the Blessed Trinity, and the overshadowing by the Holy Spirit the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity. In all creation, no event by God’s will is exceeded in greatness or holiness than this divine election and action. She is singular in the whole universe since time began. Not even the apostles can claim to be this close to God, who gave the divine birth on earth making it the greatest act in all the millions of galaxies, stars and planets ever coming from the finger of God. She alone IS the one who gave Him herself as Mother in a most unique way, as the angels sang to the shepherds on Christmas night, “holy, holy, holy”. Nothing to that point in the history of time even comes close to this explosive, wonderous, and incomprehensible idea of God becoming one with us, in all of creation. And Mary was His selection to make Holliness Himself one with us. The all knowing, all powerful, all perfect God decieded to come to this planet thru a human mother.

Keeping in mind what was just said, the following makes so much easier to understand why.

“When the Church calls Mary the ‘Co-Redemptrix,’ she means that Mary uniquely participated in the Redemption of humanity with her Son Jesus Christ, although in a completely subordinate and dependent manner to that of her Son. Mary participated in Jesus’ reconciliation of the human family with God like no other created person… … Mary participated in Redemption by accepting the invitation of the angel to become the Mother of God and by giving flesh to the Savior. Early Church Fathers saw the Incarnation and Redemption as one, unified, saving act…and Mary brought the world its Redeemer at the Incarnation…Since the very instrument for the Redemption, the body of Jesus, was given to Him by Mary, the Mother of Jesus clearly played an intimate part in the redeeming of the human race with her Son, far beyond that of any other creature.” (Dr. Mark Miravalle, An Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion, page 68-69)

Notice that it was not said that Mary redeems in the same sense of Jesus.

Sacrifice is the measure of love. Jesus said, "No greater love does a man have than that he give up his life for his friends.’ If this holds true, than think of what Mary went thru looking up at her Son dying in a torturous way right in front of her. St. Simeon in the temple, saw the baby Jesus held in Mary’s loving arms, and foretold that her heart would be pierced with a sword of sorrow. Can anyone suffer greater than a Mother?
Could a Son suffer any more looking down from a cross than seeing His mother suffer? Both hearts suffering together for who’s need? O God, how generous and sweet you are!

 

[fred_conty]

Indulgences - I have been told that the practices come from the treasure of merit. I see in the bible where it does talk about rewards being given in heaven for certain acts. But how can we give indulgences to the dead?​

Hi Stepson,

This is a site that will help you with understanding indulgences.

www.davidmacd.com/catholic/indulgences.htm

 

[fred_conty]

Venial vs. Mortal Sins - Someone told me that he could live a righteous life; full of good works, but that he could die with a mortal sin on his heart and would be cast into hell.​

Hi Stepson,

The Bible mentions that there are deadly sins, which is what Catholics call Mortal.
These are named after their effect, which is DEATH of the life of God in the Soul.
At baptism, we receive the life of grace. This life of grace is what Jesus was talking about when He told the parable of the virgins who had lamps. The virgins who had lamps that were lighted were the ones who entered the home of the bridegroom, the others were not.
The light of the lamp is the light or grace of the soul. It entitles one to the glory of God.
Without it, one is excluded. The way the lamp is extinguished is thru a deadly sin(s).

After baptism, if one’s light goes out, the light of grace may be regained thu the room of mercy called the confessional, where the lamp of the soul is relit.

Jesus said that death would come as a theif in the night when one would least expect it.
He said to be ready at all times. He was referring to this light of the soul, that it should always be burning when He calls us home. This is the entitlement key to glory.

The Blessed Sacrament, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, is also represented by a lighted candle in a red round glass recepticle suspended by a chain in the Catholic church. When anyone enters the church, they can know the real presence of Jesus if they see that suspenced lighted recepticle near a tabernacle where the precious Body of Jesus is kept. He is kept there for everyone who wishes to come and talk to him or rest.
The Body of Jesus, under the form of bread, is put in the tabernacle after the celebration of Holy Mass. Come one, come all. Everyone is welcome.

 

[fred_conty]

Contraceptions. Seems like the Catholic Church is a loner on this.

Hi Stepson,

To understand what is right or wrong, we must understand what God has set as right or wrong, not by human standards, needs, desires, or other measurements.

Contraception pills(2) kills human life in the following ways:

1. Prevents the tiny fetus to attach to the mother’s womb, killing it.
2. Detaches the tiny fetus from the mother’s womb, killing it.
   Thus type of contraception is really an abortion pill.

Foam and similar types also kill the beginning of human life.
Other types prevent and thus frustrate the purpose for which it was designed.

Is it right to manufacture reasons to justify what we conveniently want?

Why is the church alone in this?
All christian churchs agreed it was wrong until about 1930.
Did truth change after 1930?

The church says remarriage is wrong unless the marriage was wrong to begin with. And Jesus said to the woman by the well, “You have had seven husbands and the one you are living with now is not you husband.”
Why do other churchs accept this when for years they did not?
Why is the Catholic church alone today?
Has truth changed?

Shall we go on why the Catholic church is alone?
Maybe it is because truth and the church does not change, but only man in his desires seeks the easy way and changes his mind.

 

[josephback]

I sugest you abondon religion and faith entirely. All these from Christian fundi this to Catholic that to the muslim menace are nothing more than lies.

The best part. The icing on the cake so to speak is all you need to do simply read scripture to know that it is not from a Holy God.

Look to your conscience. You will find I speak as a beakon of light in the darkest place.

So based on these comments is your “orthodox Catholic” label just a ruse? Or are you using satire

 

[Stepson]

Mary as a co-redemptrix is not an official Teaching of the Church. It has been debated within the Church throughout history.

Thank you all for your guy’s replies and help. If you look at Fred’s reply just below yours, he writes that the Church calls her Co-Redemptrix. Being an outsider, I’m now confused as to where the Church teachings are on the Lord’s Mother.

It is not up to the Church to stop them, what would you have them do. The Teachings are very clear in the CCC

Other then the Magisterium taking a proactive step to ensure that everyone is on the same page, I don’t have an answer to that. And being a Protestant, I feel that it is none of my business how the authority of the Church runs it’s body. I can only see the issue. Like the differences in the two statements between you and Fred.

I’m sure as a Catholic, you can appreciate how mankind has the ability to have thousands of interpretations over one idea. I see the need for a Magisterium to keep us on a single page (as long as it doesn’t conflict with God’s will.) So if the Magisterium stays some what quite on an issue, look at what can happen.

Like what is going on with that pagan death cult “Saint Death” in Mexico and now has come up North. I saw that candle mixed in with all the other Saints at Food Maxx. If I hadn’t of been educated by some fine folks on this forum, I would run over a field of broken glass (bare footed) to get away from the Catholic Church.

Again, these are only my thoughts and are out of curiosity and not coming from anything that should be construed as judgmental or condescending.

 

[Stepson]

Why is the church alone in this?
All christian churchs agreed it was wrong until about 1930.
Did truth change after 1930?

I liked that!

 

[Stepson]

Her first position, and the most important one, is her being the Mother of Jesus, the 2nd Person in the Blessed Trinity, the Father’s choice the 1st Person in the Blessed Trinity, and the overshadowing by the Holy Spirit the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity. In all creation, no event by God’s will is exceeded in greatness or holiness than this divine election and action. She is singular in the whole universe since time began. Not even the apostles can claim to be this close to God, who gave the divine birth on earth making it the greatest act in all the millions of galaxies, stars and planets ever coming from the finger of God. She alone IS the one who gave Him herself as Mother in a most unique way, as the angels sang to the shepherds on Christmas night, “holy, holy, holy”. Nothing to that point in the history of time even comes close to this explosive, wonderous, and incomprehensible idea of God becoming one with us, in all of creation. And Mary was His selection to make Holliness Himself one with us. The all knowing, all powerful, all perfect God decieded to come to this planet thru a human mother.

Agreed

“When the Church calls Mary the ‘Co-Redemptrix,’ she means that Mary uniquely participated in the Redemption of humanity with her Son Jesus Christ, although in a completely subordinate and dependent manner to that of her Son. Mary participated in Jesus’ reconciliation of the human family with God like no other created person… … Mary participated in Redemption by accepting the invitation of the angel to become the Mother of God and by giving flesh to the Savior. Early Church Fathers saw the Incarnation and Redemption as one, unified, saving act…and Mary brought the world its Redeemer at the Incarnation…Since the very instrument for the Redemption, the body of Jesus, was given to Him by Mary, the Mother of Jesus clearly played an intimate part in the redeeming of the human race with her Son, far beyond that of any other creature.” (Dr. Mark Miravalle, An Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion, page 68-69)

It is that word "Co-Redemptrix that I don’t think I will ever be able to get my head around. I have agreed on everything you have said. But there is something in my heart that tells me this word does not belong. Mary was an wonderful piece to the puzzle and we are in debited to her. Now this is just my feeling, and I am not jumping up and down saying you are wrong, but I feel that Jesus is the Redeemer. This word belongs to no one but him. For He was the Lamb that was slain for us. It was his blood that was given for us and there is no “Co” about it for me.

I know you said, “Notice that it was not said that Mary redeems in the same sense of Jesus,” but when you say Co-Redemptrix, I read “Co-Redeemer.” The prefix “Co” means “together,” “jointly” or “mutually.” And to me this is simply not so. I could never image what our Mother went through watching Him die. But it was his body the nail went into, His back that was ripped apart by the flagellum.

I thank you for your time but I just don’t think the Tiber is for me because of this point. I am in no way saying you are wrong. I love and respect your faith. I am just saying that the way I was raised and now how I feel, this is just too big of a road block.

 

[fred_conty]

Hi Stepson,

Co-redemptrix is really not about proving anything. Just as Redemptor is really not about proving anything. It is about acceptance. When someone says to us, “how do you know that it is all true?” “How do you know that Jesus really did those things?” “How do you know that Jesus was really who He said He was?” “Supposing your are wrong.”

Some would call it the degree of faith. Some wish to pursue the faith only so far. Others get tired of pursuing the faith. Some seed fell on the wayside, some on hard rocky ground, and some on good ground producing fruit. Some seek the heart of Jesus to the end no matter what it takes.

From what I have head you say, you sound to me like a real seeker. Don’t let this throw you. Discouragement is the devil’s number 1 temptation.

Once you understand this doctrine, which ties in with other doctrines, you will be happy that you gave it all your effort. There is a lot to be gained in this very teaching which will be come clear after you have studied it more. Pray over it every day and ask the Holy Spirit to bring you understanding.

If you can get a copy of Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Ludwig Ott, turn to page 212and you will find this teaching explained clearly. It also explains just about anything else you may want to know about the teachings of the church. Mine ran $15.

I would like to mention that some cults use the saints and Mary in their religion or magic.
The church has never approved of this and is certainly not responsible for it.
Paul mentioned in one of his letters that there were some christians who were teaching false doctrine. And He stated that they clearly should not be followed. It happens and will continue to happen.

 

[pablope]

Things that stop me:

Indulgences - . But how can we give indulgences to the dead?

Stepson…just additional thoughts…indulgences, when properly understood, can help you in your growth in your life in Christ.

I would recommend a book here…Scott Hahn’s Lord Have Mercy. Indulegences are tied to the sacrament of confession. Indulgences are for us, the living, not for the dead.

Mariology - I know that Catholics do not worship or pray to Mary. .

They call her a co-redeemer.

 

[Stepson]

Indulgences - I have been told that the practices come from the treasure of merit. I see in the bible where it does talk about rewards being given in heaven for certain acts. But how can we give indulgences to the dead?​

Hi Stepson,

This is a site that will help you with understanding indulgences.

www.davidmacd.com/catholic/indulgences.htm

Thank you for sharing that. I really enjoyed it. I liked particularly how the author drew a line of similarity between the two communities. It helped me to see that I have always thought along these lines, but have called them differently. The thing I still don’t understand, and the author did not speak about, is how indulgences are applied to the dead. Everywhere I read, it talks about the person’s own actions but not how indulgences can be applied to someone else that is already dead.

Also, you got a good deal on that book. Used are twice what you paid.

 

[LOCO]

As much as I appreciate your view I do not simply take your word that the Roman Church is the One, Holy, Etc Church. and that the whole faith is preserved in Rome. If this was the case at one point I want proof that it was. If that is proven I want to know why that does not extend to the Orthodox Church. If that is proven I want to know why that is valid for the Church today any more so than the Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodoxy, etc claim to have the whole faith preseved.

Hello Mberg,

The Anglican & Lutheran ecclesial communities cannot claim to have a documented, unbroken & preserved history linking it back to Christ himself. They were brought about by heretics. No offense intended any Anglicans/Lutherans out there, I am using the strict definition of the word here.

Only the Catholic Church can make that claim legitimately and back it up with the evidence.
**
All valid and reliable** sources of information would be at www.vatican.va - check out their archives or their so-called ‘secret files’ it’s all online. This is where the buck stops.

Other information you receive or reading you do may not be correct or current. As we see on this forum a lot of people don’t know the complexities of what the Church teaches including many Catholics (myself included). For all current teachings of the faith I go to the Vatican website. Go to the source of the Teaching. Be discerning.

P.S. Read any book written by the current Pope. ignatius.com/promotions/benedictxvibooks/

**Also, any reading you do on the Catholic faith should have the Church impramateur on the sleeve. In the Catholic Church an imprimatur is an official declaration by a Church authority that a book or other printed work may be published.

Since, according to canon law, this permission must be preceded by a declaration (known as a nihil obstat) **by a person charged with the duties of a censor that the work contains nothing damaging to faith or morals,**the bishop’s authorization of publication is implicitly a public declaration that nothing offensive to Catholic teaching on faith and morals has been found in it.

Any book on the Catholic faith that does not have this ‘impramateur’ I would steer clear of**.

If I was on a ‘faith journey’ such as yours that is what I would do. Forums such as these can also be informative and interesting but the ‘truth of the faith’ lies in Rome.

Good luck on your journey