[Patty Bonds]

Well, this is the one and only time that experience came before understanding of truth during my journey. God had to go this route to get my attention and direct my studies, but from this point on, it was all learning and understanding backed up and FOLLOWED by any experiences that happened. I was raised not trusting experiences. In fact, my family taught me to run from people who "had experiences." I guess I would have had to run from St. Pete and St. Paul. They were forever seeing angles and having visions. Ooops, and scrap that old book of Revelation. That was a mind blowing experience for St. John I am sure. The centuries have been full of Saints who had visions and mystical experiences. But I would put any of them up against any furndamentalist in their knowledge of Scriptures and Tradition. True Christianity is not limited to the brain. It's a total person experience. God created our whole person, and He intends to relate to our whole person. Thus the sacraments. So fuss all you want about my experiences. I would not be a Catholic today if it were not for the solid and undeniable evidence from scripture and history. Meanwhile, I pray that someday you too come to know Him up close and personal in the Eucharist.

[drstevej]

Patty,

Thanks for the further explanation. I respect your journey. My study of Scripture and tradition lead me to a different destination.

I do indeed know Him up close and personal.

Sincerely in Christ,
Steve

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Dominus vobiscum and welcome home.

[RnMomof7]

I would not be a Catholic today if it were not for the solid and undeniable evidence from scripture and history. Meanwhile, I pray that someday you too come to know Him up close and personal in the Eucharist.

This former Irish Catholic would still be a catholic today if it were not for the fact it is a faith built on men and not on the Rock that is Christ.

One can not ignore the doctrines that diminish Jesus and elevate man