The Catholic church.?

Question

After much soul searching, prayer and reading, I have come to a conclusion that "the full truth of the christian message" is to be found ONLY in the Catholic church. In the past I used to participate in any christian church. However, I always experieced so many inconsistencies in the faith and worship of my fellow "brothers in christ" especially protestants. I have nothing against them whatsoever, in fact most of my friends are "saved...born again" christians and I can testify that most of them seek,love and serve God with a sincere heart. What lead me to such soul searching is a deeper and more profound quest for a true christian message.There is indisputable historical and biblical evidence to support the faith and belief in the Catholic church.However,many non-catholics take a "superficial and critical assessment" of the basic doctrines and so do not come to the full appreciation of the Catholic claim. I realised this and so the reason for my decision. Discuss with me.

Answer 1

it is funny cuz I know more people that have been raised catholic, who once reading the bible and finding the truth it holds, they realize they cannot worship at all in a catholic church... as it is all rituals and religion, and not based on faith alone as salvation.

I have attended and looked into what the catholic church teaches, I married a catholic and have gone to many a ceremony and mass... and have found the priests that I have seen, met and dealt with to be self righteous, pious and unwilling to answer my questions when their teachings do not line up with the bible... so, in all that, I will not attend another catholic church/mass again... for too much goes against what Jesus taught as His Truth

but again, I don't 'belong' to any church, I belong to Christ alone... thru my study in the Word of God, and my sincere seeking of God daily, I have been blessed with many of the Spiritual gifts that help me in my ministries.

Answer 2

Pastor Billy says: Amen and welcome home!

Your observation of "However,many non-catholics take a "superficial and critical assessment" of the basic doctrines and so do not come to the full appreciation of the Catholic claim." cannot be any clearer once reviewing the first 5 or 6 answers to your pronouncement. These individuals are so brainwashed into making knee-jerk reactions against Catholicism they don't realise the bigoted, slanderous remarks they produce never mind the caricatures of Catholicism they start from.

I've discovered that Protestant faith doctrine, practise and belief is a mile wide yet only an inch deep it has little substance to hold it together. Yes most of them have accepted the Catholic doctrine of Trinity and have an idea of who Jesus is yet they also lack the constructs of how Jesus' world is One, how his Church is One, what part it plays in his overall plan and how it is a precursor of the kingdom to come. Some of them have fallen into end-times watch-fantasies ie. rapture theology which when taken to it's logical end can lead to a lack of social responsibility. Others forsake the communion of the Body of Christ and become individual churches of 1 person never united with other Christians as they've decided their independent biblical interpretation holds supreme reign.

A recent crazy practise amongst non-catholic christians (primarily lower church Protestants) is continual "church hopping". If Jesus created but one Church than why is it you can't find it especially if you claim the bible is guiding you each and everytime?

Once again welcome home and I hope you continue to study the Church in time.

Answer 3

Wow. Welcome home!

You have no idea how much of a joy it truly is for me to see someone coming home. I am also a convert. I was raised a Jehovah's Witness as a child, but never really learned my faith. I was confirmed in the Church 2 years ago at age 30, and have been the happiest ever since.

God has called you. This is what you've been experiencing. He has called you and you have answered. God bless you.

I believe that anyone who is truly, honestly dedicated to finding Christ's true Church will find it as you did. There is a lot of misinformation, misconceptions, and anti-Catholic bias out there, so it can be incredibly hard to find the truth. I've been there. After enrolling in RCIA, I was taught not only the beliefs of the Church, but also the history of Christianity. A person can completely remove religion from the subject and will see that history proves the Catholic Church is the original church set down by Christ. This is what I saw. You are 100% correct, may people take a "superficial and critical assessment" of the basic doctrines without digging deeper, and they miss so much.

If you haven't thought about RCIA, I'd suggest you speak with a priest. Tell him what's on your mind, and what you're thinking about doing. He can give you a lot helpful advice. I'd also suggest you enroll in RCIA. It's one of the best steps you can take for your faith.

Again, God bless you, and welcome home.

Answer 4

God Bless You. There are some great books by Scott Hahn to help you on your faith journey. I converted 6 years ago and it's the best decision I've ever made. The Catholic Church is hated by many because it won't conform to the changing desires of society. Jesus didn't either. Learn more about it, the more you do, the better you'll feel.

Answer 5

Your story testifies to the Fullness of the Truth in the Catholic Church.

Answer 6

Catholics do not worship Mary.

Please view the attached link to read Dr. Scott Hahn, founder of The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, explain the biblical roots of the Church’s Marian doctrines, focusing on the Books of Genesis and Isaiah.

(copy and paste this link into your browser if clicking it does not work) http://zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m4/m.html

By the way, Scott Hahn used to be an anti-Catholic protestant minister. The more he studied the bible, the more he was drawn to the Catholic Church.

I have many friends of all religions and backgrounds. I do love my Catholic faith and I'm happy for you that you have fallen in love with it yourself!

God bless all of you.

Answer 7

*Is Catholic*

I studied my way into the Church as well. Catholicism is truly the place where one can look upon God in all his splendor. The Church is the Bride of Christ, without her we would not know Christ as he truly is. I love the way the Church protects and preaches her scriptures. As St. Augustine said, I would not believe in the scriptures if it was not for the Church.

Go and start the confirmation process. The grace that you will receive will be amazing.

Some Books for your journey
Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Ott
The Faith of the Early Fathers by Jurgens
The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal Documents of the Catholic Church by Dupuis
The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom by Hardon
Eschatology by Ratzinger
From Death to Life, the Christian Journey by Schonborn
The Spirit of the Liturgy by Ratzinger
The Wellspring of Worship by Corbon

Many other titles if requested.

Answer 8

Good for you. I am glad for you. I am an Episcopalian and the Episcopal church is rather opened minded and allows its members to be either high or low as to practice and theology. I am High church so I follow many of the practices of the RC church. I follow the beliefs of the Orthodox, so in the battle between the RC and Orthodox on matters of theology I go with the Orthodox. I am Episcopalian because of their view of the place of women in the church and a more realistic rational view on birth control and a woman's right to choose.

The RC church has very sound theology. You have made a wise decision, in my opinion. Better than being a bible thumping born againer. Best of luck to you. Check out the Trappist monastery in KY. I went there once for a retreat.

Answer 9

I have studied the Catholic Church and found that being a Catholic is very spiritual to me, I feel closer to God and love the Mass. I know the Church has made mistakes but who hasn't, we all fall short of the glory of God

Answer 10

what is the historical evidence you speak of? and as far as biblical there may be evidence in the bible but wheres the hard evidence OF the bible? other than what man has passed down of course which can hardly be believed considering that man has the reputation of lying for profit etc. other religions have the same evidence of their religion that you have but most christians consider their faith the one and only true religion. the bible proves nothing simply b/c other religions have texts that claim certain things also. im happy that you've found something your so happy with and im not judging you in any way im simply saying that this proof your speaking of isnt really a reason one should chose a certain religion b/c every religion has "proof"

Answer 11

I don't know whose soul you were searching, who you were praying to, or what you were reading, but the Catholic Church is as corrupt an organization as you'd find anywhere. The Church is responsible for most of the contamination of Christianity. The Church is responsible for introducing pagan holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. It venerates the cross, although the cross is a pagan symbol that predates Christianity by thousands of years. The Church violates Jesus' command not yo call anyone "father" as a religious title. Catholics pray to Mary and the saints, even though Jesus said all prayers were to be directed to his Father through him. Catholics worship idols.
There is more, but I'll stop there.