Posted on 10/08/2014 11:39:09 AM PDT by NKP_Vet
Why would intelligent, successful people give up their careers, alienate their friends, and cause havoc in their families...to become Catholic? Indeed, why would anyone become Catholic?
As an evangelist and author who recently threw my own life into some turmoil by deciding to enter the Catholic Church, I've faced this question a lot lately. That is one reason I decided to make this documentary; it's part of my attempt to try to explain to those closest to me why I would do such a crazy thing.
Convinced isn't just about me, though. The film is built around interviews with some of the most articulate and compelling Catholic converts in our culture today, including Scott Hahn, Francis Beckwith, Taylor Marshall, Holly Ordway, Abby Johnson, Jeff Cavins, Devin Rose, Matthew Leonard, Mark Regnerus, Jason Stellman, John Bergsma, Christian Smith, Kevin Vost, David Currie, Richard Cole, and Kenneth Howell. It also contains special appearances by experts in the field of conversion such as Patrick Madrid and Donald Asci.
Ultimately, this is a story about finding truth, beauty, and fulfillment in an unexpected place, and then sacrificing to grab on to it. I think it will entertain and inspire you, and perhaps even give you a fresh perspective on an old faith.
(Excerpt) Read more at indiegogo.com ...
Not surprisingly, the RC Church believes it has perhaps the best understanding of theological questions. However, laying all that aside for just a moment, anybody who sincerely joins the RCC church (or, yes, any “real” Christian denomination — not one of the morally decayed “progressive churches”)....
will benefit tremendously in their lives.... in ways that matter the most (not talking about “prosperity gospel” stuff!).
Things, understandings, insights, spiritual growth and (for lack of a better way of saying it) a significant increase in their inner feeling of satisfaction with, understanding of, their lives. And it carries through to your important relationships with other people, spouses, family, friends..,
Same comment for “real” Judaism (not “progressive reform” outfits!).
The connection with God (yes, if you don’t know quite what that means, it is perfectly OKAY ... you’ll begin to get it when you join, start participating in a community of faith).....so, whatever that may actually mean...its something you can learn about and ...”get”... through faith and prayer.
Easy, free to join...its not like the gym you belong to that takes $ out of your bank every month, ha!>..free, give it a sincere try for awhile and see if you don’t agree..... if not, OK it cost you nothing.
Just my 2 cents.
as the old saying goes, I’m betting that...
if you “try it, you;ll like it!”
Best,
fhc
The author wears go-go boots and lives in Indiana?
Yep--because it's all about you, right? /s
Do you think that the Catholic denomination’s leadership is more accepting of Mormonism?
The Wine and Crackers on Sunday.
I've always thought that it was tougher to be Catholic. Protestants, once Saved, go to Heaven. Period.
Being a Catholic requires constant maintenance (weekly Mass, Reconciliation, etc). The "fun" has to be in moderation. Then, if the Catholic dies in a state of grace, there is a likely stay in pugatory in preparation for entry into Heaven.
I was born a Catholic, educated in a Catholic school for eight years, got lazy about Catholicism for about 12 years, had a born-again experience, and have now raised two kids as Catholics. I truly love the faith. Despite its bumps, bruises and occasional disappointments, it still feels real to me.
Is all that really a requirement of converting to Catholicism?
I became Roman Catholic upon leaving the Episcopal Church and its progressive innovations. When I expressed to my Episcopal priest friend that I was about to do so, he said something along the lines of “that will be a big and serious change.” I don’t think he was saying that Catholicism is a more serious denomination, rather that the structure (magestrum), theology (rules) and universality of the Catholic Church makes it a complex and almost incomprehensible entity to a non-Catholic. I discovered many of my formerly Protestant assumptions about Catholicism were correct, but as my understanding of those assumptions (the role of Mary, the nature of sin, conscience,
the sacraments etc.) increased, I found a logic, beauty and peace that transcended anything I had ever encountered in a Protestant Church. I would imagine that most converts would say something similar.
I became Roman Catholic upon leaving the Episcopal Church and its progressive innovations. When I expressed to my Episcopal priest friend that I was about to do so, he said something along the lines of “that will be a big and serious change.” I don’t think he was saying that Catholicism is a more serious denomination, rather that the structure (magestrum), theology (rules) and universality of the Catholic Church makes it a complex and almost incomprehensible entity to a non-Catholic. I discovered many of my formerly Protestant assumptions about Catholicism were correct, but as my understanding of those assumptions (the role of Mary, the nature of sin, conscience,
the sacraments etc.) increased, I found a logic, beauty and peace that transcended anything I had ever encountered in a Protestant Church. I would imagine that most converts would say something similar.
I became Roman Catholic upon leaving the Episcopal Church and its progressive innovations. When I expressed to my Episcopal priest friend that I was about to do so, he said something along the lines of “that will be a big and serious change.” I don’t think he was saying that Catholicism is a more serious denomination, rather that the structure (magestrum), theology (rules) and universality of the Catholic Church makes it a complex and almost incomprehensible entity to a non-Catholic. I discovered many of my formerly Protestant assumptions about Catholicism were correct, but as my understanding of those assumptions (the role of Mary, the nature of sin, conscience,
the sacraments etc.) increased, I found a logic, beauty and peace that transcended anything I had ever encountered in a Protestant Church. I would imagine that most converts would say something similar.
Well, yes!
I am not of Paul, or Apollos, or Peter.
“So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Cor 3:21-23
Not going to take this any deeper. That is another thread. Would have to be “Where I could not worship.”
Especially the "verily" part. Like, "I mean this, I actually mean this."
All of which are great reasons to choose a religion!</sarc>
I often ask myself that very question. Quite befuddling actually.
But in terms of others it has also been a big benefit. My wife is happier. I give a lot more to charity and a lot more of my time to the parish and the community. For example, four years I helped launch a program to provide winter coats for needy kids. In four years we have given away over 2,700 new winter coats with every year more coats than the year before. Someone else runs the program now, so it is a blessing for them to do service. More members of the community are giving to the drive every year and giving is a blessing for them.
So, I like to think that a lot of people have benefited from my conversion as well. That makes me feel very good and want to do more.
You sound just like a Protestant.
More like a sinner saved by the grace of God..aka a Christian.
Sounds more like Joel Osteen event.
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