Posted on 05/28/2008 6:05:04 PM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
Hello fellow Freepers. I believe this is my first post on the Religion forum.
Over the past week or so, I put some thought into something I've been pondering for a while; my spiritual welfare. As it was, I had been part of the 'Sola Scriptua' school of thought (Evangelical Christian). By the Bible and only the Bible. Sounded good enough.
Well...what about before the Bible was put into word? It stuck in my head when reading an article earlier on FR concerning a deconstruction of Sola Scriptura and its inherent weaknesses as a foundation for one's faith.
This, combined with a genuine lack of churchgoing (as a family, we've been uncertain about going to various churches, given that top-down problems with Episcopal/Methodist/etc. churches and their increasing liberalization are a genuine problem for one's spiritual welfare), compelled me to make a decision.
I don't know if my family will follow me, persay, but I'm going to go ahead and take the plunge.
Next month, I'm going to the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle near my home, and I'm joining the Roman Catholic Church.
As is, I have a few volumes of the Magnificat pamphlet and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to read.
Any other pointers from other Catholic Freepers?
1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
2. My Imitation of Christ, Confraternity of the Precious Blood edition.
One for your brain, one for your heart and soul. (The Imitation in this particular edition has beautifully expressive illustrations, and is very fruitful for meditation and examination of conscience.)
Anything by Peter Kreeft:http://peterkreeft.com/books.htm. He helped me to rediscover my faith after 9/11. God Bless.
Today in my liberal infested work, my “boss” proudly exclaimed that her new bumper sticker would read, Religion Kills. She was so gleeful, and jovial. God Bless you and welcome. Always I walk around with the faith inside of me.
No one can ever take it away. Jesus proclaimed that we would be mocked and scorned and this society fully engages in this practice. Most of the time it does not bother me, but sometimes I worry about with whom my children have conversations. I believe you are making a good choice.
Welcome aboard. Some useful links (well, I think they’re useful)
http://www.ewtn.com/
http://www.tldm.org/
Join the Catholic ping list here; you'll learn something new each day.
Seven Storey Mountain
Why Do Catholics Do That? Kevin Orlin Johnson
Fides et Ratio, JP2
Veritatis Splendor, JP2
The books aren't perfect, but they're not useless. The Enyclicals are for the ages, and deserve to be.
You've done RCIA or the pastor is letting you be confirmed without it or what? I hear some RCIA programs are lethal. But I like the one they do at my parish, where I've sponsored one catechumen and one convert, so they're not ALL bad. But they're not enough either.
Scott Hahn is good and very popular.
Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. I wouldn't have believed it until I experienced it.
The Journey Home Network begun by Marcus Grodi has some great materials. Also, Fr. John Trigilio has a book entitled "Catholicism for Dummies" which is one of those titles of the series by that name but which is fantastic.
As luck would have it, I found a site about a Catholic Reading List for the Summer. It is here on Aquinas and More.
You have the rest of your life to read. Instead, think only of receiving the Lord, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Eucharist. I have been told by converts that they wept when they first received Christ's Body and Blood. He'll take care of the rest!
May God be with you!
Are you looking into the Church, as well?
The "Surprised by Truth" series by Patric Madrid is also good.
Another poster has mentioned Peter Kreeft.
"If Your Mind Wanders At Mass" by Thomas Howard is particularly good at gaining a deep understanding of the Mass.
Anything and everything by Scott and Kimberly Hahn
Handbook of Catholic Apologetics by Tacelli and Kreeft
"Theology and Sanity" , Theology for Beginners", Frank Sheed.
Mass of the Early Christians, and the Fatehrs of the Church. Both by Mike Aquilina
Try the Bible
Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Ludwig Ott
It may not be in print but you should be able to land a copy somewhere. This is a fascinating volume outlining in greater but concise detail the faith and how such dogmas and doctrines were arrived at from Holy Scripture and the Church fathers. What makes it particularly riveting is that the author compares and contrasts the Catholic position with the Protestant thoughts, all without polemics or vitriol. VERY HIGHLY recommended!
other than books and just as important, monthly confession and daily Mass if possible, even just one in the middle of the week helps enormously.
I have for a long time, yes. Still, I smile, clap, shout for joy when I read news like this.
Moments like this prove to me that God truly watches out for every opportunity! Not 3 days ago, I thought, “why don’t I post to Freepers regarding my journey back to God.” I have been thinking this over for approx. 2 years, have several books to guide me and have talked to several people, all very encouraging. Not sure why it is taking me so long to act on what I know in my heart is the right path for me. Anyway, your post has motivated me to act! Good Luck to you and know that you have freeper kin walking the journey with you.
Being familiar with many faiths I have only one suggestion. Before you study the Word of God, pray that He will reveal the truth to you, no matter the cost to all previous beliefs and in doing so will reveal Himself. If in your journey towards getting to know God, you do not understand something, leave it in His hands and He will explain it to you when the time is right. “Knowing God” by JR Packer is a wonderful book.
I became Catholic this past Easter Vigil. I have been using the Magnificat missal ever since early last summer.
Have you been attending Catholic Mass? Attending Mass and studying the missal every day is a great way to begin to immerse in Catholicism. It is a gradual process, a mystery that reveals itself bit by bit, when you are ready and sincere.
In my experience, you wouldn’t be able to “join” right away and that is part of the beauty of the process of becoming initiated. I thought I couldn’t wait one week, let alone one year, to receive Holy Communion..... but I began to appreciate the time frame. In fact, the modern way of a 6 mos.-1 yr. initiation is considered fast compared to former times of 2-5 yrs. preparation for adults.
You have received more than enough reading suggestions, and I confess I haven’t read most of them myself. I would recommend going to a Pauline bookstore and browsing, talking to one of the sisters. There are small booklets of basic Catholic prayers, on the Rosary, and by and about particular saints.
My taste is more mystical than theological, though. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Congratulations. I did two years ago at the age of 46. For some study on the weekly readings, I like the following link... http://www.my.calendars.net/scb_bible_study
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