[Eric in the Ozarks]

This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

[Parmy]

Just a couple of things to know about Catholics. They don't sing well and after Mass, everyone heads out. They have been trying to get us to be collegial for year with only partial success.

[Woahhs]

This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

there are plenty of online resources on the other end of google...I think you'll find it's not what you have been told, and the Catholics have alot more good answers than Protestants give them credit for.

[Eisenhower]

Well, I'm a fairly recent convert (a little over a year ago) to Catholicism from former Baptist-hood. There are many good resources on the internet if you're interested, I think you'll find (as I did) that the horrible stereotypes and prejudices against Catholics are quite untrue.

[tbird5]

If your are one who searches for truth then Catholicism is the best choice.

[aft_lizard]

As a non-denominational christian who's parents are catholic and I have been to numerous Catholic Services I could never imagine becoming catholic. I have been to Mennonite Services and Evangelicals, nothing seems to fit me but to me the most confusing and difficult to understand is catholicism, I do not understand how being a follower of Christ would require all the show and imagery the Catholics need.

[Meldrim]

He followed the steps of Robert Bork and Creighton Abrams.

[Solson]

If you have any questions, feel free to FReep Mail. I'll try my best to answer them.

[PetroniusMaximus]

***This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.***


Don't trade one religion for another.

Religions is empty. Seek Christ.

[ladyinred]

There are many very nice freepers on the religion forum here at FR who will direct you to web sites and resources. I have been helped by them in researching the Catholic Church. (I am protestant)

[AnAmericanMother]

Come on in, the water in the Tiber is fine!

- ex-Episcopalian (they got too weird for me.)

[NYer]

This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

Within the one Catholic Church there are in fact many churches which maintain their own traditions of theology, liturgy, spirituality, and government that are quite different from those usually associated with "Roman," or Latin (Western) Catholicism.

As most of us realize, the Church began in the East. Our Lord lived and died and resurrected in the Holy Land. The Church spread from Jerusalem throughout the known world. As the Church spread, it encountered different cultures and adapted, retaining from each culture what was consistent with the Gospel. In the city of Alexandria, the Church became very Egyptian; in Antioch it remained very Jewish; in Rome it took on an Italian appearance and in the Constantinople it took on the trappings of the Roman imperial court. All the churches which developed this way were Eastern, except Rome. Most Catholics in the United States have their roots in Western Europe where the Roman rite predominated. It has been said that the Eastern Catholic Churches are "the best kept secret in the Catholic Church."

The Vatican II Council declared that "all should realize it is of supreme importance to understand, venerate, preserve, and foster the exceedingly rich liturgical and spiritual heritage of the Eastern churches, in order faithfully to preserve the fullness of Christian tradition" (Unitatis Redintegrato, 15). Pope John Paul II said that "the Catholic Church is both Eastern and Western."

You can learn more about both 'lungs' of the Catholic Church at this link.

Catholic Rites and Churches

Being in Alabama, you are right near Mother Angelica's television network. Check your local cable provider for access to EWTN. On Monday evening, Marcus Grodi, a protestant convert, hosts a live program entitled The Journey Home . Each week, Marcus' guest is a convert who tells his faith journey. This is followed by an opportunity to call in and ask questions.

Marcus also has his own web site. The purpose of The Coming Home Network International (CHNetwork) is to provide fellowship, encouragement and support for pastors and laymen of other traditions (Protestant, Orthodox, etc..) who are somewhere along the journey or have already converted to the Catholic Church. The CHNetwork is committed to assisting and standing beside all inquirers, serving as a friend and an advocate.

COMING HOME NETWORK

God bless you on your journey!

[Barnacle]

I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

Well, all I can say is that the best way to learn about it is from other Catholics. From what I've seen on this forum, Catholicism is greatly misunderstood due to people learning about us from non-Catholics and anti-Catholics.

There are plenty of Catholic folks here such as NYer, Polycarp IV, Salvation, BlackElk and many others that would be happy to add you to their ping lists.

At least then you would be hearing about Catholicism from Catholics. And, then you can decide for yourself if it is for you. I hope you will find that it is.

BTW, We do read the Bible. There are three readings from it every Sunday. Though the average Catholic can benefit by increased individual study of the bible. That is something that converts from Protestantism help us to remember.

[Cronos]

This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

It is good of you to wish to learn more. Many of my Protestant friends have very strange misconceptions about the Christian Catholic church, mostly dating from the middle ages. If one does learn more one would be surprised to see how badly distorted those misconceptions are from the truth.

[iconoclast]

I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism.

I have a feeling you are going to be blessed. I know many, by now, are praying for you.

You have gotten a lot of support, advice, references from your friends here.

Let me offer my 2 cents worth.

All the reading will do you no harm but I suggest you do what Mr. Giles did .... go to a Catholic Church ... often .. go at times when you'll be the only person there ... just be quiet ... look around ... drink it all in ... pray if you feel moved to ... try the kneeler out (go to a different church if there are none).

Go to Mass. Sit in the last row if you feel more comfortable. Just let your mind be still. Let the Spirit do its work. Experience the blessing of worship

God bless.

[ItsForTheChildren]

I would suggest Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn.

[rwfromkansas]

Don't wonder.

Believe that you are saved by nothing but the grace, not any "good" works your filthy hands may do that only are done because the Holy Spirit leads you.

[Matchett-PI]

"This blows my mind. I'm Protestant, wondering about Catholicism."

You may want to do some research as to what the Framers of our founding documents had to say about unbiblical TOP DOWN governmental structure -- a hierarchy of men -- in EITHER church or state.

[JimRed]

In a Christ-centered life, the form of ritual is secondary.

[bboop]

Have you ever watched Journey Home, Marcus Grodi's program on EWTN?? Every week he interviews Prots who have become Catholic. We are on that road ourselves. It is an interesting journey. For me -- if it is the Lord's call, I have to follow.