Basics and benefits of Catholicism?

Question

I am doing research into different religions. In addition to reading the Bible, bios of Popes, and books on Catholicism, I would like to know: what do practicing Catholics find are the best parts of their religion, why do they practice it, what moves you, etc. And this a respectfully asked question, so anyone who is rude will not be tolerated. I simply want information on the Catholic faith. Thanks!

Answer 1

The Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Nowhere else is God's Grace so freely given. We are privileged to not only have Christ invited into our hearts, but into our bodies as well. We are privileged with the fullness of Truth, handed down through Apostolic succession. The Bible was compiled and canonized by the Catholic church, for the Catholic church. We have sacred Tradition that extend beyond the written Tradition that is the bible, to include Oral Tradition, taught by the Apostles and their successors. We have the Magisterium (teaching office) of the Church, that can interpret sacred scripture and sacred tradition in ways consistant with Apostolic teaching.

I believe that the Catholic church is the church established by Christ, and protected from errors in Faith and Moral issues by the Holy Spirit. I believe this is the only way that she could have survived for 2000 years.

I believe that the Catholic church is the only church that was given authority by Christ to be the means by which Christ would come to us through the sacraments.

There are a number of websites that can tell you more:
www.catholic.com - 'Catholic Answers' website that answers many common objections to the Faith which are misunderstood by many non-Catholics.
www.catholicconvert.com - Steve Ray's site - he is a Catholic convert with a fundamentalist backround. This site has lots of information, and a number of great links.
www.catholicity.com - this website has alot of good information and ways to order free materials.
www.newadvent.org - this website is an encyclopedia of the Catholic faith. Great info, but specific to given topics, not general "why do they do that?' info.

Hope this helps and God Bless.

P.S. It's refreshing to have someone who approaches this research with an open mind and respectful attitude. Thanks.

Answer 2

I am a catholic and have been one my entire life while I have not precticed the religion in four years due to moving around, military I can give you hundreds of reasons but in reality there just excuses for my lack of effort. Anyway I have chosen to stay with Catholicism because it has what I like the saints, Mary, Jesus, God ect and I like almost everything about the religion now like most people I am not happy with everything in the religion like how gay people are wrong ect because I have alot of femle friends who are lesbian I do not think God is mad at them in fact when they die I think God will wecome them with open arms I know this doesnt answer your question but I also choose this religion because I love the Catholic bible I love what I am taught I just love it all. I am sorry I wasn't more help

Answer 3

I find the Sacraments to be among the "best parts" of my Catholic faith. In them, we encounter and receive strength from God in a special way, especially in the Eucharist ("Holy Communion"), which is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, which He told us to receive. I like "the communion of saints", a concept that believers living and dead are spiritually linked and can be there for each other. I practice it because I believe it to be the best way of relating to God, since Jesus, who is God, instituted the Church. I like the concepts of eternal life, and of God being both just and merciful. That He always loves us, although He would often want us to change our behavior.

Answer 4

There are many religions (as an example - Gal.1:13 below, the Jews’ religion), but one faith (Eph.4:5 below).


Eph.4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,


When we are baptized into Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit we BECOME a “new creature” (2 Cor.5:17, Gal.6:15 below). We become, individually, as well as collectively, the living body of Christ (Col.1:24 below). We become the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 below, 1 Cor.1:2, 1 Cor.15:9, Gal.1:13), the one faith (Eph.4:5 above).


2 Cor.5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he IS a new creature (Gal.6:15 below): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal.6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (2 Cor.5:17 above).

Col.1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which IS the church (1 Cor.10:32, Gal. I:13, 1 Cor.1:2).

1 Cor.10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God (Eph.2:16 below).

Eph.2:16 And that he might reconcile BOTH (Jews and Gentiles - 1 Cor.10:32 above) unto God in one body (the church of God - 1 Cor.10:32 above) by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Gal.1:13For ye have heard of my (Paul's) conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above), and wasted it.



Pat (ndbpsa ©)

Answer 5

it isn't any longer antagonistic to the Catholic church to regulate your faith, it is antagonistic to God to regulate your faith. visit his church and verify with the man interior the workplace about RICA instructions. it is like non secular instructions yet for adults. It takes an entire twelve months to develop right into a Catholic.

Answer 6

go to http://www.catholic.com/