Over the years, I've been able to witness various speakers on our beautiful faith. Some have even written books. I've read some of Scott Hahn's writings and I intend to keep reading! Their journeys are amazing. They have a love, passion and knowledge that far exceeds my own. God truly does bestow particular gifts upon particular people. These are certainly some of the most gifted, indeed.
I hope you will enjoy watching them. Tim Staples and Scott Hahn are broken into smaller junks so you're not overwhelmed with watching everything at once. Fr. Corapi's is only 10 minutes long.
Peace be with you.
TIM STAPLES - CATHOLIC CONVERT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLWEE3H_sdo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A73ShQ68WW8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT5_teL78_o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpXnRbgOM74&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rDDO19VCzQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPi1PPl_xU4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpptEntC3nw&NR=1
SCOTT HAHN - CATHOLIC CONVERT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8RMvmrheE0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck1USy2m-oU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfkgY0YIsc8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE4hscgy9a8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ifKJSuKaNk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EwpN36bVTE&feature=related
FATHER JOHN CORAPI - RETURNING CATHOLIC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhAyEZR4gUk
Our faith is loving and beautiful. It brings us into full communion with our Lord God. We follow Christ and when we completely lend ourselves to listening to His Will we are able to more fully comprehend that "the greatest of these is love."
May you be blessed, always.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
I'm Not a Chrisitan...What? Part III - The Bible
So, let's talk about another topic that was brought up early on in the debate on Facebook. It's one that he brought up in a couple of different ways:
1. The Catholic Church prevents Catholics from reading Scripture.
Ok. I have to admit that this is not one of the misconceptions I had prior to my conversion. In fact, the first time I heard this accusation was on my Facebook page, yesterday. I was perplexed as to how someone may have gotten that idea in their head. Mind you, he was not referring to Church history where the population was largely illiterate (which prompted the creation of stain glass windows to "show" the stories of the Bible for those who could not read). No, he was stating that now...today...the Church tries to prevent our study of Scripture. Hmmmm...
I can attest to you, as a devout Catholic, that I have NEVER been discouraged from learning Scripture...studying it...understanding it. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Church highly encourages us to know and read the Bible. We have more Scripture read to us during our weekly Mass than you get in a Protestant service. Here is a simple breakdown of the prayer and Scripture we encounter during our Mass, just to give you an idea of the flow:
That is just an overview of the specific instances of prayer and Scripture. It doesn't even include the Eucharist, intentions, etc. Our Mass is centered on Christ from the moment we enter the Church until we leave. Everything we do, we do to honor God and give thanks to His presence in our lives.
In addition to Mass, there is no end to all of the materials at our disposal and classes, too, if we want to learn more about Scripture. We are never denied an opportunity for Bible Studies, RCIA (classes for those who want to convert - which provides in-depth discussions and Scripturally based foundations for the Catholic faith). If it were true...if the Church wanted us to remain ignorant of Scripture, then wouldn't it have banned Bibles from being dispensed in the first place...long ago before the People were able to become more educated? I have always found communication to be quite open within the Church about questions and discussions. If it had not been so, I would not have converted as I did...as an adult.
2. Catholics do not follow the Bible which is the ONLY source for Christian faith.
3. The Catholic Church's Teachings are contrary to the Bible.
(Let's combine these two and answer them together as they can tie together quite easily.)
First, let's travel back in time a little way. It's important to understand the origins of the Bible. It was, in fact, a Catholic book. It was put together completely by Catholics (the only Christians at that time). Therefore, it's important that we acknowledge the fact that anyone has a Bible at all is due to the Catholics gathering all of the writings and placing them into one, complete book. It was the Church that scrutinized all the writings and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit divined what to place into it and what was false writing. Not an easy task and certainly not something that could have been accomplished without God's Divine Intervention at the time. A point could be made, here, that for anyone to quote the Bible and give it authority would be to recognize the authority of the Catholic Church that gave us said Bible. It's logical.
Do we not all recall that the Bible even tells us that to each person God bestows a different gift? All of those gifts are to be used for the purpose of God and that not all persons can receive the same types of gifts. Wouldn't it stand to reason, then, that interpreting God's Word is not a gift He has necessarily bestowed upon everyone? If He had...then, considering it came from God, then I argue that we would, in fact, have everyone interpreting the very same things. This, however, is not the case so it should call into question whether or not everyone should be just willy-nilly interpreting such Holy Words on their own without any guidance. It certainly should, at the very least, make you think.
Do not ignore, also, that since the case is the Catholic Church gave us the Bible. Then, it stands to reason that it cannot, therefore, contradict the Catholic faith. How is that even possible? Why would the Church, which came pre-Bible, put together something that would only discredit what they had been doing for 300 years by that time? Take away your religious thoughts on this for a moment and think about that in a logical manner. Does it make sense? If the Church was evil and trying to keep us from the Bible...keep us from God...keep us from following what Christ wanted...why would they comprise the Bible of anything to the contrary of what they wanted to have us believe? They didn't. The Bible is a further extension of our beliefs and Church guarantees the Bible. They walk hand-in-hand together, always.
My hope is that this clarifies some misconceptions about the beautiful and Christ-led faith that is Catholicism. I am not worried if someone decides they don't like my beliefs nor my faith. Disagreeing is something that happens. However, I ask that people please know what it is they're disagreeing with rather than simply taking someone's interpretations of our faith as the Truth. That can only lead to further misguided opinions. I once had opinions based upon false impressions and uninformed thinking, too. Perhaps what I've written will help further educate...perhaps it will give you pause. Whatever the case, I hope it will at least shed light onto some of the dark that is creeping around out there.
Peace be with you.
1. The Catholic Church prevents Catholics from reading Scripture.We will take these points on one at a time to make it easier to follow. Some of these things are questions I had myself before converting. For those of you unaware, I was a Protestant my entire life until I came to be a Catholic, which was only a few years ago. I had many of the typical misconceptions and biases that were due, in large part, to the many "Cafeteria Catholics" I had encountered to that point in my life. It wasn't until I asked questions of educated persons...persons who actually follow the tenets as well as understand them that I began to I had been misled. Now, don't get me wrong, I realize that even with understanding the "why" of Catholicism, some people may never be able to make that jump. That is fine. It's ok to disagree with me. The only thing I ask is that a person be properly educated with the FACTS so that they actually know what it is they're disagreeing with. I think anyone would expect the same of any subject matter - religious or otherwise. Know the facts. It's common sense, really.
2. Catholics do not follow the Bible which is the ONLY source for Christian faith.
3. The Catholic Church's Teachings are contrary to the Bible.
1. The Catholic Church prevents Catholics from reading Scripture.
Ok. I have to admit that this is not one of the misconceptions I had prior to my conversion. In fact, the first time I heard this accusation was on my Facebook page, yesterday. I was perplexed as to how someone may have gotten that idea in their head. Mind you, he was not referring to Church history where the population was largely illiterate (which prompted the creation of stain glass windows to "show" the stories of the Bible for those who could not read). No, he was stating that now...today...the Church tries to prevent our study of Scripture. Hmmmm...
I can attest to you, as a devout Catholic, that I have NEVER been discouraged from learning Scripture...studying it...understanding it. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Church highly encourages us to know and read the Bible. We have more Scripture read to us during our weekly Mass than you get in a Protestant service. Here is a simple breakdown of the prayer and Scripture we encounter during our Mass, just to give you an idea of the flow:
Prayer
Songs of Worship
Reading from OT
Psalm
Reading from NT
Reading of the Holy Gospel
More Prayer
That is just an overview of the specific instances of prayer and Scripture. It doesn't even include the Eucharist, intentions, etc. Our Mass is centered on Christ from the moment we enter the Church until we leave. Everything we do, we do to honor God and give thanks to His presence in our lives.
In addition to Mass, there is no end to all of the materials at our disposal and classes, too, if we want to learn more about Scripture. We are never denied an opportunity for Bible Studies, RCIA (classes for those who want to convert - which provides in-depth discussions and Scripturally based foundations for the Catholic faith). If it were true...if the Church wanted us to remain ignorant of Scripture, then wouldn't it have banned Bibles from being dispensed in the first place...long ago before the People were able to become more educated? I have always found communication to be quite open within the Church about questions and discussions. If it had not been so, I would not have converted as I did...as an adult.
2. Catholics do not follow the Bible which is the ONLY source for Christian faith.
3. The Catholic Church's Teachings are contrary to the Bible.
(Let's combine these two and answer them together as they can tie together quite easily.)
First, let's travel back in time a little way. It's important to understand the origins of the Bible. It was, in fact, a Catholic book. It was put together completely by Catholics (the only Christians at that time). Therefore, it's important that we acknowledge the fact that anyone has a Bible at all is due to the Catholics gathering all of the writings and placing them into one, complete book. It was the Church that scrutinized all the writings and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit divined what to place into it and what was false writing. Not an easy task and certainly not something that could have been accomplished without God's Divine Intervention at the time. A point could be made, here, that for anyone to quote the Bible and give it authority would be to recognize the authority of the Catholic Church that gave us said Bible. It's logical.
Some Scripture to reference when discussing "the Bible Alone" theory:It's important to note that "sola scriptura" (scripture alone) is not found in the Bible anywhere. First of all, the Bible even tells us that not everything Jesus said and did were written down, so we need to include oral tradition in our following of His Teachings. Even in II Peter, it is noted that Scripture can be very hard to interpret...we need an authoritative interpreter.
Matthew 16:13-20, 18:18, 28:19-20; Luke 10:16, John 14:16, 21:25; II Thess. 2:15, 3:6; I Cor. 11:2, I Peter 1:25 and II Peter 3:15-16
Do we not all recall that the Bible even tells us that to each person God bestows a different gift? All of those gifts are to be used for the purpose of God and that not all persons can receive the same types of gifts. Wouldn't it stand to reason, then, that interpreting God's Word is not a gift He has necessarily bestowed upon everyone? If He had...then, considering it came from God, then I argue that we would, in fact, have everyone interpreting the very same things. This, however, is not the case so it should call into question whether or not everyone should be just willy-nilly interpreting such Holy Words on their own without any guidance. It certainly should, at the very least, make you think.
Do not ignore, also, that since the case is the Catholic Church gave us the Bible. Then, it stands to reason that it cannot, therefore, contradict the Catholic faith. How is that even possible? Why would the Church, which came pre-Bible, put together something that would only discredit what they had been doing for 300 years by that time? Take away your religious thoughts on this for a moment and think about that in a logical manner. Does it make sense? If the Church was evil and trying to keep us from the Bible...keep us from God...keep us from following what Christ wanted...why would they comprise the Bible of anything to the contrary of what they wanted to have us believe? They didn't. The Bible is a further extension of our beliefs and Church guarantees the Bible. They walk hand-in-hand together, always.
My hope is that this clarifies some misconceptions about the beautiful and Christ-led faith that is Catholicism. I am not worried if someone decides they don't like my beliefs nor my faith. Disagreeing is something that happens. However, I ask that people please know what it is they're disagreeing with rather than simply taking someone's interpretations of our faith as the Truth. That can only lead to further misguided opinions. I once had opinions based upon false impressions and uninformed thinking, too. Perhaps what I've written will help further educate...perhaps it will give you pause. Whatever the case, I hope it will at least shed light onto some of the dark that is creeping around out there.
Peace be with you.
I'm Not a Chrisitan...What? Part II - Eucharistic Focus
Well, it would seem that there is a very personal vendetta being taken out on my poor Facebook page about why Catholics are "evil" not "of God" and "false Christians." Wow...really? The temptation for extreme amounts of sarcasm is quite high at this point because I am exhausted from this person's constant need to change the topic, deny what he has said and attempt to deflect, make sweeping statements that he cannot substantiate and ultimately, present his own and very personal opinion as FACT.
So, why do Catholics believe what they do? Where do all these traditions and tenets come from exactly? How can we believe all that we do?
Ok. Let's take it slow and account for things, then. In this way, it shall present education to those who may be unclear. In this way, it can address question and/or concerns. In this way, I shall respond with love and fact and not run the risk of my own emotions being raised to an unhealthy and certainly, not "of God" place. Remembering that I am called to explain and evangelize with charity is key. It's all too easy to get into the debating wars and then, completely lose sight of the original purpose of the debate...to answer simple questions. Those who want to skew things will continue to do so, but my task is finished...I have explained and evangelized. Even Christ allowed for people to make up their own minds about what He preached...he never forced it upon anyone and he certainly did not treat anyone poorly as a result of disagreeing. It's imperative, always, as we debate, that we literally think of it in terms of "What would Jesus do?"
In this blog, let's address the Eucharist since it's one of the points that came up during the "great debate" on my Facebook. In order not to overwhelm anyone, I'll post responses to other specific items in subsequent blog postings. It'll make it less taxing on everyone, I think. :-)
The Eucharist (one of the main points of contention between Protestants and Catholics, it seems):
Verses for Discussion: John 6, Mark 14:22-24, I Corinthians 10:14-17, I Corinthians 11:23-29, Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:17-20, Luke 24:30-35
In John, he discusses that we must "eat his flesh in order to have life." Jesus repeats this and is quite clear about more than once. John 6:55, "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." As a Protestant, the disagreement comes from John 6:35, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." However, it's imperative that we go beyond that verse and understand the completeness of what is being stated, particularly in verses John 6:48-58 where Jesus actually calls HIMSELF the bread.
In some cases, the further disagreement comes from John 6:60-70 because Protestants believe it to be Jesus speaking symbolically. John 6:63, "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." This is where fully understanding context in your Biblical studies is key. Jesus' reference to the Eucharist actually comes to a close in verse John 6:58. The verses 60-70 begin to speak specifically to FAITH. Furthermore, "spirit" is not symbolic - spirit is always used literally and is very real. When we move to I Corinthians (2:14-3:4), we are able to gain a clearer understanding of the meaning of using "the flesh" versus "my flesh." I find one of the more powerful statements to clearly outline the importance and reverence assigned (rightfully so) to the Eucharist in Paul's letter (I Corinthians 11:27):
The Last Supper is one of the more obvious examples of Jesus leaving us with the teaching of "my body, my blood" that we should do "in remember of" Him. It's important to note that until the Reformation, all Christians believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Even Luther never moved away from it - and considering that he was so worried about misleading people, you would think that might be one of the first things on his "do not do this" list, right?
When you look at history, without interjecting your religious beliefs, there are many things that are simply fact. The Catholic Church was comprised of the first Christians (Jews & Gentiles). Even some churches that chose to split from it prior to the Reformation (Orthodox, Coptic, Armenian) still believe in the Eucharist and the Real Presence. What we do is not "re-crucifying" our Lord God...it is not blasphemy...it is not a heresey. It is following what Christ taught us...what He left with His Apostles...what has been handed down to all of us since that time of His GREAT SACRIFICE. We do this in remembrance of Him.
Peace be with you.
Ugh. Sigh.And then...I stop...I listen to God...and I know that I am called to not raise my own ire...not equal the level of frustration, but rather...to back off a bit. I need to not make his same mistake and allow my human nature to override God's Will. He has a purpose in all this, I know that to be true. Hate begets hate and I cannot contribute to that. So, I must stop and remember to approach it with the Holy Spirit and not with my own and quite flawed human nature.
So, why do Catholics believe what they do? Where do all these traditions and tenets come from exactly? How can we believe all that we do?
Ok. Let's take it slow and account for things, then. In this way, it shall present education to those who may be unclear. In this way, it can address question and/or concerns. In this way, I shall respond with love and fact and not run the risk of my own emotions being raised to an unhealthy and certainly, not "of God" place. Remembering that I am called to explain and evangelize with charity is key. It's all too easy to get into the debating wars and then, completely lose sight of the original purpose of the debate...to answer simple questions. Those who want to skew things will continue to do so, but my task is finished...I have explained and evangelized. Even Christ allowed for people to make up their own minds about what He preached...he never forced it upon anyone and he certainly did not treat anyone poorly as a result of disagreeing. It's imperative, always, as we debate, that we literally think of it in terms of "What would Jesus do?"
In this blog, let's address the Eucharist since it's one of the points that came up during the "great debate" on my Facebook. In order not to overwhelm anyone, I'll post responses to other specific items in subsequent blog postings. It'll make it less taxing on everyone, I think. :-)
The Eucharist (one of the main points of contention between Protestants and Catholics, it seems):
Verses for Discussion: John 6, Mark 14:22-24, I Corinthians 10:14-17, I Corinthians 11:23-29, Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:17-20, Luke 24:30-35
In John, he discusses that we must "eat his flesh in order to have life." Jesus repeats this and is quite clear about more than once. John 6:55, "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." As a Protestant, the disagreement comes from John 6:35, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." However, it's imperative that we go beyond that verse and understand the completeness of what is being stated, particularly in verses John 6:48-58 where Jesus actually calls HIMSELF the bread.
In some cases, the further disagreement comes from John 6:60-70 because Protestants believe it to be Jesus speaking symbolically. John 6:63, "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." This is where fully understanding context in your Biblical studies is key. Jesus' reference to the Eucharist actually comes to a close in verse John 6:58. The verses 60-70 begin to speak specifically to FAITH. Furthermore, "spirit" is not symbolic - spirit is always used literally and is very real. When we move to I Corinthians (2:14-3:4), we are able to gain a clearer understanding of the meaning of using "the flesh" versus "my flesh." I find one of the more powerful statements to clearly outline the importance and reverence assigned (rightfully so) to the Eucharist in Paul's letter (I Corinthians 11:27):
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord."
The Last Supper is one of the more obvious examples of Jesus leaving us with the teaching of "my body, my blood" that we should do "in remember of" Him. It's important to note that until the Reformation, all Christians believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Even Luther never moved away from it - and considering that he was so worried about misleading people, you would think that might be one of the first things on his "do not do this" list, right?
When you look at history, without interjecting your religious beliefs, there are many things that are simply fact. The Catholic Church was comprised of the first Christians (Jews & Gentiles). Even some churches that chose to split from it prior to the Reformation (Orthodox, Coptic, Armenian) still believe in the Eucharist and the Real Presence. What we do is not "re-crucifying" our Lord God...it is not blasphemy...it is not a heresey. It is following what Christ taught us...what He left with His Apostles...what has been handed down to all of us since that time of His GREAT SACRIFICE. We do this in remembrance of Him.
Peace be with you.
Monday, August 16, 2010
I'm Not a Christian...What???
Yes, this seems to be an ongoing misconception about Catholics in the general community. No, not within my friends or those who are Protestant that know me well. It seems to be rampant within the general community of Protestant believers, however, that Catholics are not Christians. When and where this belief began, I am not certain. I can say, however, that it seems to be dominant within certain extreme groups.
When I come across it, often, I ignore it. If someone is against Catholics, then that is their right. If someone chooses to judge me based upon my faith and the way in which I honor, love and obey God, then that is also their choice. Where I draw the line, however...where I choose to jump in the middle of things...is when I find someone misrepresenting our faith completely and totally...almost intentionally in some cases. There, I feel compelled to clarify the misguided rantings of someone who, for one reason or another, seems determined to tear down Catholics in general.
In part, of course, I hope that the person will eventually realize the err of their writings and correct themselves...but, mostly, I do this for the benefit of the uneducated readers. The ones who see the false writings and take them as factual and true. Those are the people that should be able to see the opposing view and then, hopefully, they will think about the fact that perhaps they don't have all the information in this matter. My hope and prayer is that they will choose to go to the source...to find things out for themselves and not be selective with their facts and resources as some choose to be...to realize that understanding something means you go to the source of that thing and ask questions of those who TRULY know it.
I have Protestant friends and we seem to get along fine. Sure, we realize there are differences in our beliefs and the way in which we go about worshipping our Lord God. But, we also understand that at the end of the day, we ALL follow and love Christ. We are all trying to do our best to follow Him and to be the Hands of Christ to all those we encounter. So, we don't waste time bickering over symantics...symantics that aren't going to the be thing that God asks of us on that Last Day. Denominations are Man-Made things...God will not be so focused on that as He will want to know what did we do for the least of His people???
I am Catholic. I converted over two years ago after participating in an indepth RCIA Program where I learned about the faith, Christ, Scripture, etc. My questions were answered. I studied and learned about history. During that time, I learned about myself...I became a better person...a better Christian. I began to realize Christ's message more fully and incorporated into every aspect of my life. Forgiveness...mercy...justice. All of it goes together...none of it can be separated.
Those are some of the things I've encountered. It's appalling, but I can understand it being a former Protestant. Sadly, in my case, it had much to do with listening to Catholics who were poor representatives of their faith to me. Even some of them who had grown up with the faith, I realize now, never truly understood it nor did they honestly and truly follow it. If they had, my opinion would have been completely different and perhaps, I would not have had as much trouble with the faith for as long as I did beforehand. I don't know.
However, when I did encounter people who were educated in the matter. When I did encounter proof of what was ACTUALLY believed...why it was believed and where/upon what it was founded, I at least (thankfully to God) had the sense to understand truth and facts when they were presented. I wasn't so grounded in my hate, distrust and misunderstanding that I turned my back upon the truth so that I could become even more comfortable with all the lies. This, sadly, seems to be the case with some of those I have encountered in the matter.
I have always encouraged people to openly ask questions of me with regard to my faith. If I don't know the answer or cannot properly explain it with the Scriptural text at that time, I promise to look it up or ask someone who is more educated. I'm not a "Walking Google" as some others are and information is not always retained in my little brain as well as say some of my friends or my dear husband. My brain capacity is limited to the most immediately vital information - everything else is pushed out as soon as I have used it for its purpose...LOL!!!
For those of you who have doubts about my Christianity due to my faith, I encourage you to ask questions...ask me...ask someone with more knowledge, but please, do not determine your opinion based upon someone else's research who claims they are being truthful about it. Trust in yourself and go directly to the source. Then, you still may well disagree with it, but at least you'll fully understand what it is you're disagreeing with and why...rather than basing it upon half truths, misleading information and at times, outright lies.
Peace be with you, always.
When I come across it, often, I ignore it. If someone is against Catholics, then that is their right. If someone chooses to judge me based upon my faith and the way in which I honor, love and obey God, then that is also their choice. Where I draw the line, however...where I choose to jump in the middle of things...is when I find someone misrepresenting our faith completely and totally...almost intentionally in some cases. There, I feel compelled to clarify the misguided rantings of someone who, for one reason or another, seems determined to tear down Catholics in general.
In part, of course, I hope that the person will eventually realize the err of their writings and correct themselves...but, mostly, I do this for the benefit of the uneducated readers. The ones who see the false writings and take them as factual and true. Those are the people that should be able to see the opposing view and then, hopefully, they will think about the fact that perhaps they don't have all the information in this matter. My hope and prayer is that they will choose to go to the source...to find things out for themselves and not be selective with their facts and resources as some choose to be...to realize that understanding something means you go to the source of that thing and ask questions of those who TRULY know it.
I have Protestant friends and we seem to get along fine. Sure, we realize there are differences in our beliefs and the way in which we go about worshipping our Lord God. But, we also understand that at the end of the day, we ALL follow and love Christ. We are all trying to do our best to follow Him and to be the Hands of Christ to all those we encounter. So, we don't waste time bickering over symantics...symantics that aren't going to the be thing that God asks of us on that Last Day. Denominations are Man-Made things...God will not be so focused on that as He will want to know what did we do for the least of His people???
How did we behave when we thought no one was watching us???
Did we clothe the poor?
Feed the hungry?
Heal the sick?
Care for those whom society placed as outcasts?
Christ came for those who had sinned...for those who did not know Him...He came for those in need of Him...Christ did not come for those of us who know Him...know God...to pat ourselves on the back and show off how much of the laws we knew...how good at preaching we were...etc. He came to save those no one thought worth saving. He came to give ALL mankind hope. He came to show us a new way...a better way...a loving way.
I am Catholic. I converted over two years ago after participating in an indepth RCIA Program where I learned about the faith, Christ, Scripture, etc. My questions were answered. I studied and learned about history. During that time, I learned about myself...I became a better person...a better Christian. I began to realize Christ's message more fully and incorporated into every aspect of my life. Forgiveness...mercy...justice. All of it goes together...none of it can be separated.
For the greatest of all these things is love, as Christ told us.Why then, do some feel the constant need to perpetuate a false vision of our faith and what it means to be Catholic? Is it because of the public image of those we refer to as "Cafeteria Catholics" (ones who pick-and-choose how to follow our faith based upon what is convenient to them and their lives)? Is it because of their fear of what they do not understand? Is it because of the lies that have been placed out into the general population that we worship statues, disregard the Bible and that the Church intentionally keeps us from learning Scripture?
Those are some of the things I've encountered. It's appalling, but I can understand it being a former Protestant. Sadly, in my case, it had much to do with listening to Catholics who were poor representatives of their faith to me. Even some of them who had grown up with the faith, I realize now, never truly understood it nor did they honestly and truly follow it. If they had, my opinion would have been completely different and perhaps, I would not have had as much trouble with the faith for as long as I did beforehand. I don't know.
However, when I did encounter people who were educated in the matter. When I did encounter proof of what was ACTUALLY believed...why it was believed and where/upon what it was founded, I at least (thankfully to God) had the sense to understand truth and facts when they were presented. I wasn't so grounded in my hate, distrust and misunderstanding that I turned my back upon the truth so that I could become even more comfortable with all the lies. This, sadly, seems to be the case with some of those I have encountered in the matter.
I have always encouraged people to openly ask questions of me with regard to my faith. If I don't know the answer or cannot properly explain it with the Scriptural text at that time, I promise to look it up or ask someone who is more educated. I'm not a "Walking Google" as some others are and information is not always retained in my little brain as well as say some of my friends or my dear husband. My brain capacity is limited to the most immediately vital information - everything else is pushed out as soon as I have used it for its purpose...LOL!!!
For those of you who have doubts about my Christianity due to my faith, I encourage you to ask questions...ask me...ask someone with more knowledge, but please, do not determine your opinion based upon someone else's research who claims they are being truthful about it. Trust in yourself and go directly to the source. Then, you still may well disagree with it, but at least you'll fully understand what it is you're disagreeing with and why...rather than basing it upon half truths, misleading information and at times, outright lies.
Peace be with you, always.
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