The Catholic Church is the most misunderstood church in the world. Especially in the Bible belt where protestant churches have taught classes on what the Catholic church is. I used sit in some of the these classes. In my journey of studying the history of Christianity I took out some notes from a class I took in AIM called "Catholicism." By this time I had been studying the Catholic church, from their literature, for a couple of months and was hoping to rebuke the whore of Babylon. I read four pages of notes and realized that none of it was true. Everything I had been taught about the Catholic church was wrong. It was also equally absurd that I had been taught that a protestant church was the church of the first century only that it was founded in the 1800s. The reformation of the 1500s forever hurt Christianity. I am not saying that the church was/is perfect, it is not. I am convinced that if anyone will take an honest look at the Catholic church and their own protestant church they will either become Catholic or at least appreciate Catholicism. However, because of the misinformation there remains a wall that will forever stand and be built up by misinformed "experts" on the Catholic church.
I write this because we were eating out last night and the folks behind us were talking about what the Catholic church teaches. It was absurd but I used to think those things too.
I am eternally grateful to be a Catholic. Especially now! Look around at the continual splintering of Christianity caused by the reformation. Now it has got so bad that if you don't like what the church you are a part of teaches you just leave, start your own church and define your own doctrine. Be honest you know it happens. Some of those who worry most about my being Catholic are members of churches that were started in response to what another church wasn't doing right.
I am just rambling now but if you really want to know what the Catholic church teaches ask a faithful Catholic. There are many unfaithful ones, who claim to be Catholic, that perpetuate the misinformation. Just because their grandparents were Catholic and they went four times in the last ten years does not mean they know what the church teaches. You can also read the Catechism. If you want to ask questions ask.
23 comments:
Eben ... always enjoy reading your blog. I'd love for you to continue this post with some examples of what you were taught about the Catholic church and what you've now discovered the truth to be. I ask this in genuine interest, not for reasons of ridicule or debate.
Trey,
I will work on that, in the summer it wont be consistent though, real busy. Here are a few big ones.
I was taught Catholics don't believe in the Bible. Nonsense, the Lord used the Catholic Church to put the canon together. I was taught the Catholic church worships Mary. Nay nay sir. We do honor her as His/our mother. One more, that the pope has taken the place of Christ. In reality the pope serves as the ultimate shepherd for the flock all around the world.
Thanks for checking in. I like it when good folks make comments instead of the normal.
so tired of you pointing the finger outward--you were a purveyor of these truth which you rail against--does the Catholic church have special responsibilities for those that teach the word? why not when you blog, place the words in that "i taught such thinking" --" i denied that i thought these thoughts to people who asked" -- why not admit to your dubious HEART instead of drips from a leaky faucet. you said here in this blog that you had these questions in AIm--weren't you a preacher in CHURCH AFTER THAT? maybe you need to ask forgiveness from those you wronged.
I guess what got me commenting instead of just reading was the number of times you mention THE CATHOLIC CHURCH and the fact you can (but not always) write an entire blog about and never mention Jesus and it really got me wondering---does the Catholic church save you or does the blood of Jesus Christ save you---where you purchased of God or that Catholic church? who do you serve--Catholic church or God--why do you continually castigate Protestants--for God or Church? who is a protector of HIS word? God or the Catholic church?
Furthermore, your diatribe about the Catholic church being the oldest church therefore the true church is true for only one historical reason. No other church was allowed! People will worship in silence if their lives, children, and property are in danger. Don't hang your hat on that one too much! The reason the word of God is heard,in earnest, is due to the Holy Spirit not the Catholic church. So please stop with the "look--we are the oldest!"
I want to make very clear that I do not believe that any Christian, Catholic or Protestant, is saved by anything other than blood of Christ. I have always had questions. In fact I still do. I would hope that all Christians are asking questions and seeking. Rather than justifying what they have always believed. Yes I was a preacher after that. If I had said something offensive to your personally I apologize. I will not apologize for becoming Catholic. I get similar post to yours often. Let me say again that I left when I was at crossroad of decision. I have said that over and over. In my opinion differing views led to ostracizing the dissident or disunity, so I left and made the final decision to join the Catholic church. I wont apologize for that. It was not an easy decision. I lost all my friends, I lost a fellowship I thought I would be a part of the rest of my life. I did teach those things. I never taught something I didn't believe.
The reformation would never had started if only one church was allowed, as you say. It blows me away that some still believe that I was inwardly a Catholic and preached for the Church of Christ. Nonsense! Most of what was thought afterwards was based on rumors and gossip. I think it's best to just end now. It's hard to say this but I will pray and your family now. Though I don't know who you are I ask that you always look to Christ.
Anonymous,
I meant to post your last comment but I clicked "delete" instead. Will you re-send it? And please put your name on it.
I simply gave you the history of the Dark ages--you asserted that reformation started because other churches were allowed to be established which is historically not true. the Catholic church (prior to reformation) purposefully suppressed the bible in the language of the ignorant masses in order to control them(400 A.D. -1400A.D.)Reformation occurred after this time largely due to the moral corruption of the Catholic church--
The reformation did start because of corruption in the church. You are right. Catholic history and the Catechism admit as much. Where are you getting your history on the rest of what you said?
What is your name?
do you mean how can i assert that the Bible was keep only for a chosen few? With much respect--do you know any Middles ages history? Council of Toulouse A.D. Canon 1,6&14. is just one small example. Others would be writings of Pope innocent III. you can study the Lollards of Holland--two hundred years before Reformation. The English Lollards during the reign of Henry IV--they were stamped out by 1420. Or maybe the bohemian, John Russ would be of interest for your studies. His group was the Hussites and he was burned at the stake.
I have been writing a dissertation on your blog and many others about core faith changes in an internet age. if i were to insert myself in your blog, i would no longer be able to "use you"- please be kind and don't rat me out.
Ok. Thanks for your response. Because you seem to know some of the history then you must know that the reason the church forbade some to read was because of the Albigensian heresy which was a type of Manichaeanism(not sure on the spelling) which viewed marriage as evil. The problem arose because many margin notes made their way into some Bibles so to fight heresy and the perversion of scripture the ban was in place until the heresy ended. I am not familiar with the Lollards. Russ is another story.
What is your name? I have continued to post your posts because I think honest dialog is a good thing, even if we disagree. If you wont put your name why not?
Are you in grad school? Where? I wont ask your name I'm just wondering.
I wondered what to say to you latest comment on the Catholic church taking control of written material as simply trying to squelch a disagreement about marriage--all along I thought it was people concerned with "selling of indulgences" or the practice of Simony or issues such as Sola Scriptura or Solo Christo and Sola Gratia.--or perhaps it was speaking out against a Papal Schism--three Popes Anathematizing and excommunicating one another--
all along I thought it was because people dared question the Catholic churchs manner of translations--I even assumed the lifestyles of the Popes and the priest and bishops were in question--but you boiled it down to marriage--you are right- not a bit of disunity.
I didn't say that all disunity has been thwarted. What's your angel anyway? If you disagree with me that's fine but quit being a jerk about it. If you just want to argue with someone please stay out of ministry, if that's what your in school for, because the church as a whole doesn't need that nonsense. Anyway, if your just venting on this blog that's fine cause I sure hope your not like this in real life and proclaiming to know Christ.
I asked what school you went to.
I am sure you would agree that the reprehensible history of any group does not negate it's validity.
Also it's Sola Fide. You might want to look into Luther's great regrets later in life when he saw what had happened when the reformation pushed the "yea a child of nine can but read and interpret the scriptures." In fact you don't have to look that far back just look at the landscape today. It's literally an every person to themselves faith and view of scripture. How many churches in your town are there who believe that they have all arrived at the truth interpreting the Bible for themselves? I ask that in all honesty because as I said I hope that your just venting. I am certain if your in a grad program you know the value of that critical thinking.
I used to hate the Catholic Church, as you obviously do, and all of the things you've mentioned I had to answer for. It wasn't easy but I thank God for it.
In my mind, the Catholic church makes everything so difficult. The gospel is very simple, trust in Jesus Christ as your Saviour. That's it. He doesn't care when you eat meat, and he never asked to follow so many ridiculous rules, made up by men that want to control the masses.
Trusting in Jesus is always the right way.
Eben,
You have not lost all of your friends. I am still your friend and love you guys. You are in my prayers.
You are better than me, i would not respond to someone who would not sign thier name to a post. I am not saying that I agree with your doctrine, but that does not mean that you are not my friend and that I stop loving you. The Church of Christ has pushed you further away because of hateful comments, and for that I am sorry. I pray that you keep seeking, and God leads you to where He wants you to be. We all need to Love each other not matter what, regardless of who or what church was first. That is what Jesus wants us to do. Love you buddy!! I still consider you my friend!!
Matt Howell
That's very true Matt. I still have some great friends. Eternally grateful for that.
i have never concerned myself with who was first or been a hater. i am curious about this idea of disunity in a church that led you to the Catholic church. you admitted you were a Catholic hater--i view the Catholic church as the face the world sees concerning God. i have made no biblical arguments with you and have not delved in your ministry, yet you do refer to yourself as an ex minister in other blogs. you admit you question but allow no honest questions about your motives. i don't care if you post my responses or not--i am not looking for a friend or fellowship. i have struggled with idea of you blog being honest anyway--it has changed since it's inception and omissions have been made to color your picture. you state,you had an "opportunity" to travel instead of saying you were and apprentice missionary for the churches of Christ and supported by the churches. this coloring is found early in you bio area. you lastly say that you were a Catholic hater and perhaps this is the truest statement of all--this self inflicted wound is most likely the root of your pontifications. ***
if you hated anyone what business did you have being a minister to any?+++Melanie
What motives are you talking about?
I think that you have paid closer attention to my bio etc. than I have. If by "motives" you mean why I converted to Catholicism just ask specifics because I have gone over this over and over again.
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