Evangelizer bases work with parishes on her own journey to Catholicism {Ecumenical}

Catholic philly ^ | 23 may 2018 | Simon Caldwall

[boatbums]

>> Why didn’t she realize that Jesus WAS present with her and IN her all along?<<

Hatred is a repressive vice. “I still had a lot of anti-Catholic stuff in my head.”

Rather than thinking anyone who has "anti-Catholic stuff" in their heads automatically translates to "hatred", why isn't it simply that she disagreed with a lot of Catholic beliefs? I disagree with Catholicism on many doctrines but agree with them on many. Is my anti-Catholicism hatred of Catholics? Are Catholics anti-Protestant haters by disagreeing with Proestantism on issues?

I used to BE a Roman Catholic and left when I learned the truth of the gospel of grace. Over the years I have only grown stronger in my faith and belief that the truth was not found in Catholicism. I can believe that and defend myself without having hatred towards Catholics.

[boatbums]

The key word is “genuine.” Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of God. Be that as it may, I am not inclined to go swimming in a dirty, polluted river today.

Yes, the key IS genuine. There are plenty of people who sit in churches and pretend to feel the presence of God there, but if He is not WITHIN their very souls, they will not find Him in a beautiful building. He said:

There you will look for the LORD your God, and if you search for him with all your heart, you will find him. (Deut. 4:29)

[boatbums]

Another thing that this brought to my mind is I can't understand why someone would give up their assurance of salvation for a religion that can't promise it - only the "hope" of it IF you do all the things they say you have to do. I used to be a Catholic - I know that to even think that you can KNOW you have eternal life is called the sin of presumption. Imagine that! It's presumptuous to say you believe the promises of God.

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. (I John 5:13)

[boatbums]

She was looking for the light of Christ.

Do you think everyone always finds it just because they're looking?

[Mark17]

I know that to even think that you can KNOW you have eternal life is called the sin of presumption.

Yep, I have been known to be a little presumptuous now and then. 😁👍

[Gene Eric]

Well, the tone over the years hasn’t been exactly amiable, but I haven’t noticed the mutual contempt for some time — and I certainly don’t miss seeing it. I never quite understood the infighting given the common Gospel.

Would you mind sharing what precipitated your shift away from Catholicism?

[boatbums]

Well, the tone over the years hasn’t been exactly amiable, but I haven’t noticed the mutual contempt for some time — and I certainly don’t miss seeing it. I never quite understood the infighting given the common Gospel.

Except it isn't a "common gospel". This is an Ecumenical thread and would violate the "rules" for me to go into why I think that (I'm not alone, either). I think you probably already know where we differ. Can the atmosphere be improved? Sure. I always hope for that but there are many who see any criticism of their beliefs as personal attacks and that is really the source of un-amiable or contemptuous responses.

Would you mind sharing what precipitated your shift away from Catholicism?

Are you just asking or do you really want to know? I can PM you my testimony if you are truly interested.

[Religion Moderator]

Read the Religion Forum guidelines re Ecumenical threads at my profile page.

If you can’t find the answer there, send me a FR mail with any questions.

[Gene Eric]

I appreciate your reply.

The discord that I’ve observed typically stems from instigating hostility and less so the defense of one’s beliefs.

I have genuine interest in the factors that motivated your transition of devotion. I don’t mean to pry, nor subject your decisions to public scrutiny. So disregard my question.

FRegards.