Considering Catholicism

[Man from the Neptune]

I am not sure if this is the right forum to put this on but I have been carefully considering becoming Catholic. I have studied some of it and I was curious what your advice would be,

[zoegirl]

For anybody considering any denomination....I would ask what parts of the doctrine are drawing you to the denomination and whether they align with the scripture. For any denomination out there, there are sacred cows. Try to examine these sacred cows and simply be aware that they do exist. Each denomination has them . We are to examine scripture and apply scripture to the doctrines presented us.

This may sound vague, but....I thought it sounded fair. (considering that I'm Presbyterian, what else would you have me say we have our sacred cows as well ) I really respect Byblos and would listen to him with regards to the Catholic doctrines.

[jenna]

Sorry, Zoe, but "sacred cows"? Never heard of that. What exactly are "sacred cows"?

[zoegirl]

Sorry, Zoe, but "sacred cows"? Never heard of that. What exactly are "sacred cows"?

a sacred cow is a euphemism describing a thought or idea that is so elevated as to become sacred, such that the rejection of said idea is horrifying, moreso than the idea deserves.

For instance, in a company, if their dress code is alarmingly strict and elevated in importance, we could say that this is their sacred cow. To even think of suggesting casual friday would be trying to tip the sacred cow.

With respect to all denominations, each have doctrines or practices that have been elevated in importance more than perhaps they should, by well-meaing people who have perhaps over emphasized that doctrine. For instance, in some churches, they believe in infant baptim, as opposed to other churches who believe in adult baptism. Now while I support our view, I do think it should not be so elevated as to imply that those who think otherwise are in the wrong.

In past posts, it was brought up that Catholics worship Mary. As Byblos pointed out, this is not the correct view, although there are certainly some who do inappropriatley worship MAry and other saints. (Just as we can overemphasize infant baptism or adult baptism).

And I guess that is the point. With any denomination, one must be careful to understand the doctrines carefully and fully and that you support them. Otherwise you can fall into traps of legalism or misunderstanding the denomination.

[Byblos]

I am not sure if this is the right forum to put this on but I have been carefully considering becoming Catholic. I have studied some of it and I was curious what your advice would be,

Like Zoe said, before you consider converting to a particular denomination you owe it to yourself to get the facts. If you haven't done so with respect to Catholicism then I suggest the New Jerusalem Bible, the Catholic Catechism, and this site that has a Catholics 101 forum where you can ask all the questions you have. You can always send me a PM if you have specific questions.

[FFC]

Sorry, Zoe, but "sacred cows"? Never heard of that. What exactly are "sacred cows"?

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[Canuckster1127]

Sorry, Zoe, but "sacred cows"? Never heard of that. What exactly are "sacred cows"?

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I wonder. If you make Hamburger from a sacred cow, do you still have to say grace?

[jenna]

[FFC]

Sorry, Zoe, but "sacred cows"? Never heard of that. What exactly are "sacred cows"?

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I wonder. If you make Hamburger from a sacred cow, do you still have to say grace?

Now I'm hungry.

[Gman]

I am not sure if this is the right forum to put this on but I have been carefully considering becoming Catholic. I have studied some of it and I was curious what your advice would be,

Neptune, I must admit myself, I too am drawn to the Catholic approach. While things in the teaching may be different, I believe they take the message of Christ way more seriously.

Also I simply LOVE their musical approach at mass... In being a protestant, I've never really liked the level of music presented at the protestant Churches. Almost being a plastic quality... In the Catholic masses I'm greatly moved by the musical sadness presented at the Eucharist. I guess that makes me a more of a sad kind of guy..

[FFC]

I have a feeling that there are some Catholic churches that are better than others in regards to teaching the word and encouraging bible reading, just as is the case in any Christian church. Is that fair to say, Byblos?

[KrisW]

You might want to also study Transsubstaniation.

I actually think the Catholics stumled onto something here in ralation to how the Holy Spirit acts on the mind of a Christian, but the way the Catholic church applies it to Communion is...well, quite frankly... ludicrious.

[Byblos]

You might want to also study Transsubstaniation.

I actually think the Catholics stumled onto something here in ralation to how the Holy Spirit acts on the mind of a Christian, but the way the Catholic church applies it to Communion is...well, quite frankly... ludicrious.

My turn:

[FFC]

You might want to also study Transsubstaniation.

I actually think the Catholics stumled onto something here in ralation to how the Holy Spirit acts on the mind of a Christian, but the way the Catholic church applies it to Communion is...well, quite frankly... ludicrious.

My turn:

[Byblos]

I have a feeling that there are some Catholic churches that are better than others in regards to teaching the word and encouraging bible reading, just as is the case in any Christian church. Is that fair to say, Byblos?

I would agree that that is true of any Christian church regardless of denomination. It has been my experience though that masses, services (whatever they're called) are not the places where one learns about the Bible. During Christmas mass Monday evening, several verses were read from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Paul's epistles, then the priest expounded on them in his homily but I was left with a sense of incompleteness because I wanted to ask questions and couldn't. Bible study nights, however, are certainly more educational and enlightening.