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I come from many lines of Roman Catholics, was Baptized Catholic, educated in Catholic schools, married a Catholic.

My first child was Baptized Catholic, and my second has not. Around the years between having my two children, I became friends with non-Denominational Christians. I could quote from the Baltimore Chatechism, yet I knew nothing from the Bible except for the main “stories.” Add all the corruption and sexual depravity which was exposed around that time, and I basically left the church.

Now my children are being taught in a Christian school. I’ve spent years now questioning the Catholic faith.

Going back to the Baltimore Catechism, there are 2 types of grace - Sanctifying and Actual. And grace comes not only from God, but also through the receiving of sacraments and through prayer. One of the teachings in the Catechism states that if a person does things/daily works in Christ’s image, then that person’s actions “merit a heavenly reward.”

Because we are all sinners, the Catholic Church believes that going to Confession and following through with Penance are our recommended earthly resources for making up for our sins in this life. *Working* off the debt we accumulate as sinners is necessary so as to remain in good standing with Christ — unless we would rather work off our debt in purgatory.

This “works” thing is one of my main objections to the Catholic teaching.

So, when you grew up and had children, did you tell yourself you knew all you needed to know about Catholic thought because you could quote from the Baltimore Catechism? Did you conclude that your Catholic education was over?

That's a problem with "catechisms" in my view. They are the beginning, not the end. To use them properly, I think, means looking further, beyond their texts and formulaic answers. If one 'can quote from the Baltimore Chatechism' yet knows 'nothing from the Bible except for the main “stories,”' I don't see that as the Catholic Church's fault. I see that as negligence on the part of a lay person.

WHY didn't you read the Bible? Did you read Aquinas on Grace -- or Augustine or some introductory works? Did you LOOK for Catholic Bible Studies in your area?

I've been through THIS movie before as a Protestant pastor. We put announcements in the bulletin, in the newsletter, on the bulletin board, in mailings, and we have Bible study and five people show up, while the others complain there was never any interesting offering.

Catholics come to Mass late and leave during the closing hymn and complain that "nothing ever happens at that church -- no I didn't stay for the announcements or read the bulletin. They must think I have nothing to do but waste my time ...."

Your presentation of "working off" the penalty of sin suggests an immature theology, something suitable MAYBE for Junior High. No offense, but the way you presented it is just flat insufficient for a mature and intelligent crowd.

I am enjoying reading all the responses, so please forgive me for not getting right back to the thread without doing some of the other reading that people have recommended.

I understand that some Catholics, right now, may be feeling a bit raw due to recent bad publicity.

I assure you, I did NOT post the question in order to attack Catholics. On other forums, I never attack fellow Christians. I don’t feel that the average Catholic has any responsibility for some of the recent controversies in the church.

The question was posted because of exactly what I described when I posted the question.

I’ve never had any issues with Catholics before. But I have had Catholics here on Free Republic tell me that someday I must join “the one true church” and I’ve seen Catholics post defamatory info about Luther.

So... if you want to jump me for one comment ... maybe you ought to be jumping some of your OWN Catholic posters for being dismissive of protestants.