OK! Here it goes.
Ever since I became a Christian I have grown increasingly tired of the subjective nature of Christianity.
I am now a Catholic. I know how this sounds because I once, like many of you, thought that the church of Christ or other protestant churches were the true church. But what they have become is a den where opinion rules and that we determine where the church will head by our feelings about what God believes rules. Those of you who know me the best know this is not a flippant decision. This has been a four year process in which I have studied, prayed and examined all the facets of the Christian faith I know. I come to one undeniable conclusion...there has only been one church to exist since Acts 2, the Catholic church. I did not want to believe this but at the same time I could not honestly deny it's truth. I just have a couple of questions.
1. What one church has existed since the first century, according to history and not a false interpretation of history?
2. In light of the direction of protestant faith is it possible that it would be better to have an anchor to the faith?
3. What do you think about this?
Oh boy, this was written rather quickly but there it is. I have to say that as I write this I am scared and don't want to lose friends but if that is what it cost oh well.
Love,
Eben
13 comments:
Eben,
I know that we haven't been in contact over the past few years, but I just recently started reading your blog.
I don't really know what to say except that I will continue to pray that you will make a wise decision based not upon feelings or even individual men, but on truth. Since you asked what we thought I will respond; I think this is a bad decision. Based on your writing over the past couple of months, you appear to be running away from a problem. Subjectivism and misuse of authority are a problems in many, many churches. But it is also a problem in many, many organizations. I don't know for sure, but I would guess that it is also a problem in the Catholic church.
Most of all, I pray that God give you healing from the wounds that you have.
In Christ's love,
Jeff
Eben,
We are praying for you that your decisions that you make will be from God. I was sorry to read of your feelings towards, I can only assume that are Elders in our congergation. We do all love you and hope and pray for the best for you and Jennifer.
I will say this, our Elders in our congergation have the biggest hearts of any set of men that I know. They, I belive strive to do what is right and correct by the word of God. They have always been there for all of us in the congergation in times of need, and I love them and know that they are all men of God, and doing the best that they can. Unfortunatley sometimes the best that we can do is not good enough for some. They are not perfect, but neither are we, but they have a lot of love for Christ and for his church.
We will continue to pray for you, and we wish you the best.
Matt H
Let me reemphasize that I called the leaders in the church Godfearing men. I don't doubt their
sincerity or faith. That is not what I have a problem with. To be frank it was not decision that was made in response to something done wrong it was a decision that was made because of a realization of truth.
Matt, I have the highest respect for you and if I came off as saying something poor about them I apologize that was not my intent.
Eben
Jeff,
Thanks for the prayers and the comment.
Eben
Why not Greek Orthodox? They have been around just as long haven't they?
Greek Orthodox?
Nice thought, you know history Mr. Anonymous. If you will remember Greek Orthodox was a Greek response to the authority that has been established in Rome.
Wow, the thought of you becoming a catholic was one that didn't cross my mind. I've had some questions of my own, and I'd sincerely like to know more about what convinced you. Message me through facebook or email if you get a chance, please.
Eben,
I've always considered you a very close friend ... still do. And, I know our friendship goes way beyond us disagreeing on beliefs.
But somehow I keep waiting for you to post something that says "April Fools ... It was all a joke!"
Christianity to Catholicism? That is like one extreme to the other. It's not like a change in the church you attend, but Christianity to Catholicism is like a whole change in your faith and a complete change in your religion.
The part that confuses me with your choice of Catholicism is that you were already bothered by people telling you what to believe. And, you were bothered by others telling you how you had to interpret scripture. You’re telling me that the Catholic Church doesn’t do this?
I'd love to visit more ... Email me if you can... treymorgan@msn.com
Love ya, bro and I’m always your friend, Trey
Trey,
You are a wonderful Christian and I have always looked up to you.
To answer your concerns. I was not worried about expressing what I believed but I tried to not be divisive. I know that most will not agree with me and that is ok. I also hate that I stated things the way I did. I am notorious for shooting off my mouth before I think. At the same time I do believe that the Catholic church is the true and faithful representation of the Lord's body on earth. I can tell you for sure I did not want to become Catholic. I converted my wife away from it when we dated, and spent several years of my life teaching people why it was wrong. And then I started to study things openly from both sides.
I am not sure that will answer any concerns and I have to say that your friendship and concern has given me a great respect for the churches of Christ, it is nice to see it, refreshing actually.
Wow! You know how to get responses! I thought I wanted to be Catholic once, just because of their stance on birth control and abortion, but I know they wouldn't have me. I rest in Jesus and he knows our hearts, Thank God, because however long my life is I will never learn all that I crave to know about my God and his ways. I do know he can be trusted to reveal to us what serves his purpose. I will not pretend to know how he plans to use certain things, but he does, I have walked long enough with him to know that from expirence. I know God will bless you in your quest to know and serve him.
Hi Eben, it has been a really long time and lalo and I heard you moved to Lubbock but no one that we knew had a way for us to contact you. We would love to see you introduce you to our kids. They are a joy! My heart is saddened to read your blog but know that you have a heart for Jesus. We would love to visit face to face and share what the Lord has been doing these last few years. Please call
(806)793-4554 392-1618 look forward to hearing from you
in Him
Lalo and Jamie Rocha
Eben, I stumbled upon your website tonight. Welcome home!
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