Posted on 09/12/2007 4:06:00 AM PDT by beachdweller
This is a religious vanity post I suppose. I am a Christian raised mainly Baptist with some attendance at other denominations. I have, in the course of my life, had a couple of experiences of the intercession of the Holy Virgin for my help and Protection. I have also witnessed the Mass a few times as an outsider and felt drawn away from my Protestant identity. The order and sense of Apostolic succession appeals to me in the Church as opposed to the churches. However, my main point of confusion now is whether to draw close to the Roman Catholic Church, or the Orthodox. I feel questions about both, and drawn to both. I sincerely ask for advice. I feel unsure about the supremacy of the Pope (a great man) as opposed to the consensus of Bishops and the church. At the same time, while the Orthodox Church seems to have an unbroken link to Christ and a moving celebration of God, why is the RCC so much more numerous and successful. I see beauty and real authority in both, but am unsure which way to go. At the same time I am NOT trying to cause conflict among Christ's servants and ask that anyone responding be respectful of the other side. Also please, my Protestant brethren who may object to this subject I ask you do not attack me or anyone who answers in this thread. One last thing, I live in San Diego and any direction where to go for guidance here would be appreciated. Thanks and go with Christ.
BD, pray for discernment and listen carefully. The Holy Spirit approaches quietly, in a humble fashion. Try praying silently and continually to yourself “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” You’ll be fine.
Thank you. That is the best suggestion I have heard in my search.
My honest question is: Have you only been influenced by orthodox and catholic sources recently, or have you actually looked to the roots of your protestant faith?
Were you taught the doctrines of your Baptist faith, or did you grow up in some watered down, Charles Finny-influenced, alter-call and revival, Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart type church where doctrine was just something which divides, and is to be ignored?
If it were so, then perhaps you are walking away from one heretical church to another.
I suggest reading some Charles Spurgeon, Johnathan Edwards, John Piper and R.C. Sproul. Unless you have already decided that there is nothing on the Reformed side that you are even interested in looking at, in which case it matters not, your mind is made up, and blinders are on.
Really posted as an honest question, from someone that escaped from the Catholic church.
No I am well educated and aware of my Protestant roots, and appreciate many of the points and questions my predecessors raised, but something is just missing in those churches. I can’t exactly describe it, but it is a little like having tea when you want strong coffee. No offense intended.
Welcome to the Church and good luck on your journey.
As a historical matter, the Americas were colonised by Spain, Portugal, France, England, and Russia. Not too many Orthodox in the first four nations ... and Russia wasn't to vigorous about developing its colony in Alaska. The Tsar ended up selling it to USA for a penny an acre. (That was still a hefty chunk of change. Alaska is HUGE.) This says nothing of the relative merits of the Orthodox or Catholic Churches.
As to that ... I'm Catholic ... so you can guess which direction I think you should go. ;'}
Beyond that, I'll echo my Brother Kolokotronis' suggestion of humble prayer. Listen for that small, still voice ...
I am a Calflick.
What Kolo said is right. God will show you the way in which you should walk.
At its root, the word "obedience" is just an intensive of "listening".
I am a Catholic (convert from Presbyterian - nothing against them, fine people). I believe that Christ’s establishment of the Peter as earthly head of the church is the sure guarantee of the continuity of the Christian Faith.
I understand that the Orthodox view the authority of Sacred Tradition in a somewhat different way from Catholics, and they consider their perspective the correct one. (I get a headache if I try to think about it too much.) However, to me, the authority of the Pope, as the one leader designated by Christ, is absolutely essential.
As a Reformed Protestant who has researched this issue, I would suggest the Orthodox church. In my mind there are only two true positions, Reformed Protestant and Orthodox. Everything else is a shade of these. I would suggest you research the difference and make your decision. May God guide you according to His will.
I hear ya...I feel your pain...
I’m a Catholic but I’m leaving to join a Baptist church...Hey, do they let you drink alcohol at those Baptist churches???
lol no not any I went to at least.
Thank you, that makes a lot of sense to me.
Well I have to go to bed, but hope to continue this discussion tomorrow.
Hmm, Patrick Madrid doesn’t believe in “a penny for your thoughts,” apparently. His thoughts are worth $15.00 minimum. Get your credit card out.
Hello,
I’ll try to give you a neutral answer, though as a Catholic I see everything through glasses colored Catholic.
First, I would suggest studying the authorative teaching on Papal Primacy from Catholic sources, you may find that your current understanding is not quite the same.
Second, find the rythm of life that feels inspired....whether it be the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Churches (or Eastern Catholic Churches in Communion with Rome), or the Latin Rite Catholic Church...or even the Extraordinary usage of the Latin Rite.
Third, study the Theological (seperate from the Ecclesiological) differences between the Churches...being very careful not to listen to anyone with too many biases.
Fourth, don’t listen to any apologetics that say, “I’m right because they are wrong”...it always seems like bootstrapping to me.
Hope this helps you straighten and smooth the rocky, winding road your traveling.
Iscool,
You’re a Catholic? If you’re “leaving” to join a Baptist church it sure is taking you a LOOOOONNNGG time to do it.
Wow. That's news to me, too!
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