cmotherofpirl Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 [quote name='rhetoricfemme' post='1530124' date='May 16 2008, 02:40 AM']Hi There. I'm Christina, and I recently became a member here simply because it's one more place for me to learn about Catholicism. I dedicated my life to Christ when I was 16, and for most of that time have been a nondenominational Christian. It was in my early years of college (I'm 23 now) that I became curious in Catholicism. I feel drawn there, and when time permits, I very much enjoy studying any aspect of the Church and her history. At this point, I have so much confusion about where I stand church-wise. I recently moved across the country, having since become a bit of a church-hopper; I go to Mass every now and then, and have tried out other churches in my area, but the Catholic church is the only one that feels home to me. In my hometown, I consider my home church to be both the nondenominational church I was baptized in at age 16, and the local Catholic parish, which I was very prone to just wandering over there for peace and thought. I just feel so conflicted. It's difficult for me to tell if my affinity for Catholicism is God telling me this is the way to go, or if it's just a part of my curiousity and appreciation for a beautiful faith. I don't necessarily feel that Catholicism is the only branch of Christianity that is right. This must be the bit that trips me up. Aside from feeling drawn to the Church, there is also the fact that I don't agree on every single piece of doctrine. I agree with so much, but not all. And I don't know how I could make a commitment to Catholicism without being perfectly in sync with every aspect. Then again, I can't be the only one to learn to cope with learning the rhyme and reason of arguable doctrine. How does one learn to live with and abide by such things? There is so much I don't understand and am trying so hard, perhaps to the point of running the subject into the ground, and there isn't much left for me to work with. What a funny way for me to say, "Hello," but there it is. Thanks for reading. [/quote] Welcome to the phamily dearie. Pick a question and we will do our best to answer it. I am a christian because of C S Lewis, and I am a Catholic because the Catholic Church is the one founded by Jesus Christ, and I like originals. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenrockthefirst Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Hey. Like you, I had what I assume you would call a born again experience in my early 20's. However, after several years of exploration I converted to Catholicism. Here's why, in a nutshell: [list] [*]The freedom to ask questions. I found that in the "born again" world, asking questions meant doubt, which called into question whether you were really "saved" or "walking with Jesus," and that became exhausting after a while. I found in the Catholic Church the freedom to be human, despite the Church's reputation. [*]The Communion of Saints, of being joined to Christ's Body and connected with His people past, present and future. The sense of belonging to something 2,000 years old that has stood the test of time, not something "discovered" in the US in the 1920's and 30's. [*]Getting away from the cult of personality I found evident in the "born again" churches I attended, and the sense that the Catholic Church hierarchy were trained, educated, and grounded as opposed to a David Koresh-type situation. [*]The dignity and timelessness of the Mass in comparison with the rocky-poppy, happy-clappy, free form worship I experienced in "born again" churches. [/list]To sum it up, I found the Church that Jesus founded, not an "ecclesial community" founded by man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galloglasses Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Greetings. Unlike some of the people here, I had the blessing of being Catholic since birth and never had too much confusion. (Mainly due to strong cultural influences before I got serious in my faith a few years ago. Can't remember why though), so I can't say I know what you're going through. But ask around, you will most likely find the answers you're looking for from one or more of the people here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisChildForever Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archaeology cat Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I suppose I should add that I, too, am a convert. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church. I suppose the main reason I converted are the Eucharist. Once I came to believe in the Real Presence, I couldn't wait to join the Church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChildoftheCreator Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Welcome, Welcome, Welcome! I can totally relate. I've been looking into the Catholic Church for the last three years, actually, just this past May 13 marks my "anniversary" so to say. Yes, I am weird. The Holy Spirit leads as He wills and sometimes it is not in directions that we would have thought. I guess I had events happen in my life that I would either describe as delusional or supernatural, not sure which really. I wanted more of a reason than miracles and I came across Catholic apologetics, but that wasn't enough, so I looked into history and I am still looking, because there is so much history. I think that the thing is so complicated that at some point a person just needs to have faith. Like the case for God, there are soooooo many proofs out there that would lead a person to God and show that He exists, but it can never be proven for a fact. When the overall case is looked at, it just fits and a person has to go on that faith, a faith which comes from the Lord. It is really good that you realize that you need to accept the Catholic Church all or nothing. It would be difficult (unless you're Scott Hahn) to look at doctrines point by point and see whether or not to agree or disagree with them. There are quite a lot of them. The reason for becoming Catholic is because one trusts the authority of the Church to declare doctrines as true. For me, I have no qualms about Mary, the Eucharist, apostalic succesion, faith and works. I think that the pope is a bit difficult and choosing between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, but my life's experiences have led me to the Catholic Church, and that is where I think that the Holy Spirit is leading me. At least I really hope so. I don't know how many times I've prayed, "Lord, if this is a temptation, deliver me from it." So I would suggest looking at why the Catholic Church claims to have authority (if you haven't already done so) and if you think it is resonable to accept that authority. Otherwise, you'll just be running in circles. Some great resources are the Early Church Fathers which can be found at either [url="http://www.newadvent.com/fathers"]New Advent's ECF's[/url] or [url="http://www.ccel.org"]Christian Classics Ethereal Library[/url] I actually prefer the ccel website to new advent. This one gives a list of Catholic teachings and ECF quotes that relate to them. They are only tidbits, though and I had to search around for the actual documents on the internet for awhile. [url="http://www.earlychurchfathers.org"]Early Church Fathers[/url] John Martignoni's mp3 downloads are also helpful at [url="http://www.biblechristiansociety.com"]Bible Christian Society[/url] I'd also recommend openline podcast's on EWTN's website. And of course, feel free to ask around here. I'll keep you in my prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdenko Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Hey. Welcome! I'm a 20 yr/old who has grown in a Baptist church. There's a long heritage of the Baptist church in my family. I became "born again" when I was 7. I'm in university now and have just begun my study of the Catholic Church at the beginning of the year and I'm still working through it. here's a topic I started and there's a lot of good stuff in there. People are very helpful around here to answer questions and no question is off-limits! [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=79198"]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=79198[/url] Best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bus Station Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Welcome to Phatmass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladin D Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Welcome to Phatmass! I'll respond to your opening post on another day, it's very late and I work a double shift tomorrow (Saturday). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veridicus Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 It is exciting to hear about people genuinely interested in the Catholic Church! It's so refreshing because I feel like so many of the people I went to high school with (it was a Catholic High School) have either left for a church 'with better music' or just don't practice their Catholicism with any heart. I kinda went through a "can I really accept all of this?!?!?!" stage a few years back after I entered college. I had non-denominational friends really critiquing Catholicism and expecting me to defend it...so I started studying on my own and one by one the doctrines fell into place. The Catholic Church teachings on birth control, sexual morality, scriptural exegesis, the sacraments, chuch hierarchy, on Mary, nature of justification and grace, etc. etc.....they all make perfect sense once you've done your homework instead of approaching the subject matter with fallacious a priori assumptions. These teachings have been handed down for 2 millenium with an unparalleled consistency...seriously, you will find no other church that has as consistent of teachings on the things that matter...even when large chunks of the congregation disagree. Just look at the birth control/abortion teachings...despite the fact that so many American Catholics disregard the teaching, the Church has sacrificed its popularity in order to maintain consistent teaching that is terribly lacking in the protestant traditions. People change...God doesn't...and neither do the moral/faith teachings of the Church! I think the biggest thing that has kept me in the Church (outside of the Eucharist, of course!!), is the fact that I can't get beyond the logical fallacy of separating the Bible from the Church. There would simply be NO bible without the Catholic Church and its apostolic succession, and its bishops, and its councils...without the Catholic Church councils making binding, infallible decisions on what to include in the 'table of contents'...there would be no bible to base our faith of off. For me its Catholic or bust...and I haven't found anything in my studying so far that has crumbled the foundations of the Church! And as Paul said in his 1st letter to Timothy, the church is the "pillar and foundation of truth." God Bless! Todd W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dominicansoul Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 [url="http://www.chnetwork.org/scotthconv.htm"]http://www.chnetwork.org/scotthconv.htm[/url] Here's a story I think you would enjoy. IT's the conversion story of Dr. Scott Hahn. He says it so eloquently, and it is always inspiring to me. Welcome to Phatmass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spamity Calamity Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 Welcome! Im old im already 27, anyhoo this site is great to ask questions on there are sooooo many knowledgeable people here its amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissyP89 Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 CHRISTINA! Funny seeing you here...and great to see you, too. I love it here. Ask them anything; they can handle it! Pax, Missy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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