Replies

I’m just a baby Catholic and I probably shouldn’t be commenting at all.

I consider myself to be bilingual (Catholic-Protestant) because I have lots of Catholics in my family, was raised in a Reformed church, and have a lot of Evangelical experience.

I think the bishops of the world, together with the last five popes, have been on a “get more Jesus into Catholic life” kick, or crusade if you prefer. If you’re trained to see the walk with Jesus in everywhere and every thing, the V-II phenomenon makes more sense than it does to 50s Catholics. The opposition seems to hold the position that weekly (at least) Mass and the six sacraments (Holy Orders excludes marriage, and vice-versa) is all the Jesus anybody needs.

Being from a recent Evangelical ecclesial community, I can certainly see the “more Jesus” side’s point. OTOH, I never had the experience of being a cradle Catholic, I more or less “thought my way into the Church”, as they say, so I’m ready to plead guilty to a charge of “you don’t get it”.

Jim, Comment away. With the lostness of the mainline Protestant denominations, I’m not surprised that many are becoming Roman Catholic, predominantly (my opinion) because of these last 3 popes who have been calling all Christians back to the roots of Christianity and exorcizing the secularization that has been infiltrating into it, or being openly adopted by some, such as the American Episcopal Church.

Just because you are new to the Church doesn’t mean you “shouldn’t even comment”, about the Pope or anything that concerns the Church. Since you have been fully received into the mystical Body of Christ you have just as much a right to speak about such matters. Don’t let anyone try to convince you differently.

We need those like you not only for the witness you testify, but also your experiences enrich us all. Welcome home.

I will pray for you, please keep me in prayer.