Andrew Wommack (see sidebar) inspired me to write about those many, many Catholics who are angry at the Church. I'm not saying it's unjustified. I'm only saying that you rarely find Evangelicals, Baptists
or Pentecostals holding on to such anger, even if they leave their denominations.
On his show today, (Gospel Truth), Andrew spoke about the criticism
he faced simply trying to adhere to the Scriptures by a denomination professing to believe just that. Catholics can face similar criticisms, and
we need to know how to answer them.
Unfortunately, there has been much of what we call "poor catechesis" in the Church. (Converts, you can skip this part.) This is an understatement. What it boils down to is a great emphasis on outer conformity, and not enough on inner substance.
The Catholic Church has been accused of consisting only of outward rituals. Rituals that had to be followed to the letter, under penalty of eternal damnation. This is not true. Rituals are not meaningless; the reasons for them goes back to the origins of Christianity. But we must know the substance that lies behind the things that we do.
Behind all the "pomp and circumstance" of the Catholic Church, is the Living God-Jesus Christ-who must become part of our lives. He is the center of our faith, yet often remains a vague and distant figure,
too Holy to be approached.
Growing up, my CCD (Religious Instruction) classes focused on memorization and rules. Maybe it was just easier. I don't know. But I
do know this: There is a generation who have turned away from the Church, and they need to be brought back.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
St. Augustine
If your English teacher ever corrected you for "run-on" sentences, get a load of anything by St. Augustine. Paragraphs long.
I am currently reading bits and pieces of "City of God", in which he addresses every conceivable topic about the early Church. I've long wondered why he was so popular as a Christian author, and I'm beginning to understand.
His topics alone are fascinating. He argues against every Roman god (while they were still being worshipped), essentially saying "If your gods are so great, why did they allow Rome to be besieged?"
Or, "If Christianity is the cause of all your problems, why don't YOUR gods come in and rescue you?"
Or, in a more serious vein, "Virtue cannot be damaged if one is violated (by the Barbarians). It does not rest upon a physical act, but by the intent of the soul."
Writing during the 4th Century A.D.-that's 354-430, the New Testament was still being formed. He had no Scriptures of Jesus Christ, or Paul of Tarsus to rely upon.
He wrote volumes about Christianity, arguing points that hold up even in today's cynical climate, and he's extremely understandable. The writing is not stiff nor formal,which is why he's still read today. He stands out amongst what must have been hundreds of clergy by the sheer clarity and quantity of his work.
If you are wondering at all about God, or why you should believe in Him, please read Augustine of Hippo.
I am currently reading bits and pieces of "City of God", in which he addresses every conceivable topic about the early Church. I've long wondered why he was so popular as a Christian author, and I'm beginning to understand.
His topics alone are fascinating. He argues against every Roman god (while they were still being worshipped), essentially saying "If your gods are so great, why did they allow Rome to be besieged?"
Or, "If Christianity is the cause of all your problems, why don't YOUR gods come in and rescue you?"
Or, in a more serious vein, "Virtue cannot be damaged if one is violated (by the Barbarians). It does not rest upon a physical act, but by the intent of the soul."
Writing during the 4th Century A.D.-that's 354-430, the New Testament was still being formed. He had no Scriptures of Jesus Christ, or Paul of Tarsus to rely upon.
He wrote volumes about Christianity, arguing points that hold up even in today's cynical climate, and he's extremely understandable. The writing is not stiff nor formal,which is why he's still read today. He stands out amongst what must have been hundreds of clergy by the sheer clarity and quantity of his work.
If you are wondering at all about God, or why you should believe in Him, please read Augustine of Hippo.
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Way to the Father
I used to think that Jesus couldn't have really meant it when he said He was the only way to the Father. "Pretty exclusive", I thought, remembering how it was used as a club over those who did not agree with a particular Christian sect.
What about all the people who believe in God, just not in the narrow definition of reaching him through Jesus Christ only?
So glad you asked.
Jesus was a Jew- we know this. The Jewish people believed in one God, who had picked them to be his chosen people. Other nations either had many gods, or worshipped an entity-as the Egyptians had their sun god (among others).
Christianity comes from the Jewish God-the God of Abraham. He is a very specific Diety belonging to the Jews, and then to the rest of us.
From a long line of Jewish prophets there came many predictions of the future, especially a Messiah. These prophesies are specific as well, and Jesus Christ fulfilled all of them.
So IF we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we must believe that this God is the God of Abraham. If Jesus said that it is only through HIM that we can "come to the Father", we'd better believe Him. There is only one God He can be talking about.
We can't have it both ways. To be a Christian, we must know that it is through Christ that we reach the Father. If we do NOT believe that Jesus is the only Way, we relinquish our Christianity.
Think about it.
What about all the people who believe in God, just not in the narrow definition of reaching him through Jesus Christ only?
So glad you asked.
Jesus was a Jew- we know this. The Jewish people believed in one God, who had picked them to be his chosen people. Other nations either had many gods, or worshipped an entity-as the Egyptians had their sun god (among others).
Christianity comes from the Jewish God-the God of Abraham. He is a very specific Diety belonging to the Jews, and then to the rest of us.
From a long line of Jewish prophets there came many predictions of the future, especially a Messiah. These prophesies are specific as well, and Jesus Christ fulfilled all of them.
So IF we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we must believe that this God is the God of Abraham. If Jesus said that it is only through HIM that we can "come to the Father", we'd better believe Him. There is only one God He can be talking about.
We can't have it both ways. To be a Christian, we must know that it is through Christ that we reach the Father. If we do NOT believe that Jesus is the only Way, we relinquish our Christianity.
Think about it.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
The Logic of God
Many people claim they do not believe in God for one reason: They can't see Him, hear Him, touch Him nor feel (debatable) Him. There is no "evidence" of Him from our five senses. This is a weak argument at best, considering that in the last century we have acknowledged the existence of so many intangible things that do exist. Atoms, radio waves and even cell phone signals to name a few.
"But these things can be proven by science!" Some will say. Perhaps, to a degree. But much science of the early 20th century is giving way to new discoveries, rendering previously held iron-clad beliefs untrue- or at the least incomplete.
All I'm saying is that over the centuries, there has been much evidence of a supernatural power who intervenes in man's life. Much more evidence for than against. Just because we don't believe in Him, doesn't mean He doesn't exist. Just because man thought the earth was flat didn't mean it was.
Yes, atheists often use the same argument. "There's no God. No matter how strongly you believe otherwise, you just can't make it so."
Neither can you.
"But these things can be proven by science!" Some will say. Perhaps, to a degree. But much science of the early 20th century is giving way to new discoveries, rendering previously held iron-clad beliefs untrue- or at the least incomplete.
All I'm saying is that over the centuries, there has been much evidence of a supernatural power who intervenes in man's life. Much more evidence for than against. Just because we don't believe in Him, doesn't mean He doesn't exist. Just because man thought the earth was flat didn't mean it was.
Yes, atheists often use the same argument. "There's no God. No matter how strongly you believe otherwise, you just can't make it so."
Neither can you.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Defending the Faith
It is often said that Catholics have trouble defending their Faith because they do not know it very well. Sadly, this is often true. Yet in spite of knowledge of Bible texts, our "separated brethren" often do not know the basic truths of their beliefs, either. On the left sidebar, I have noted the great gains I have received from protestant ministers; but I am now speaking only of the Catholic Faith, and our beliefs.
There is much criticism of Catholic rituals such as the Rosary, incense, even the elegance of the churches themselves. There is much misunderstanding of actual historical fact, which can leave us dumbfounded if we do not know the truth.
Did you know that the Catholic Bible contains seven more books than any other Bible, including the King James, International, etc? The Catholic Church did not ADD these books on a whim, but as a result of the reformation, they were removed. The original King James version, published in 1611 contained all of those seven books. All were Old Testament.
Do you know where the Bible actually COMES FROM? From the Catholic Church, the only exsisting Church of Jesus Christ at the time. For almost 400 years BEFORE the Bible was consolidated, the Church existed and grew. After persecution ceased, Christians were free to assemble, and free to gather the writings of the Gospels, St. Paul and other teachings into one book. The Church existed for humdreds of years BEFORE the Bible was created. The Bible came from the Church, the Church was not formed by the Bible.
Another point. After reading a recent book by a celebrity on Jesus Christ, a Catholic friend crowed "Did you know that Jesus only preached for one year, not three years?" "Says who?' I asked. "Oh so-and-so" she responded. "He did lots of research." "Hmmmm", I thought.
"More research than hundreds of years of study by Theological scholars?" I asked."Oh yes, there's new evidence." She answered.
Okay, now I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, so I do not know what evidence there is, nor what was written about it. But my point is that my friend was willing to jump on anything proving the Bible wrong, and to believe it without question.
Lastly, consider this: The Catholic Church is over 2,000 years old. It has been through persecution, barbarian invasion, wars upon wars, and conflicts with a long line of world rulers. Some decisions were bad, most were good. Give any denomination 2,000 years, and some mistakes will be made.
I've also noticed that countries themselves are not held to account for THEIR misdeeds. The Spanish Inquisition is constantly brought up as evidence of injustice and cruelty, but do we continue to revile France because 200 years ago their revolution was bloody and unjust? No. While the Church must be held to a higher standard, we have continued to strive for this for hundreds of years. More than I can say for..never mind.
There is much criticism of Catholic rituals such as the Rosary, incense, even the elegance of the churches themselves. There is much misunderstanding of actual historical fact, which can leave us dumbfounded if we do not know the truth.
Did you know that the Catholic Bible contains seven more books than any other Bible, including the King James, International, etc? The Catholic Church did not ADD these books on a whim, but as a result of the reformation, they were removed. The original King James version, published in 1611 contained all of those seven books. All were Old Testament.
Do you know where the Bible actually COMES FROM? From the Catholic Church, the only exsisting Church of Jesus Christ at the time. For almost 400 years BEFORE the Bible was consolidated, the Church existed and grew. After persecution ceased, Christians were free to assemble, and free to gather the writings of the Gospels, St. Paul and other teachings into one book. The Church existed for humdreds of years BEFORE the Bible was created. The Bible came from the Church, the Church was not formed by the Bible.
Another point. After reading a recent book by a celebrity on Jesus Christ, a Catholic friend crowed "Did you know that Jesus only preached for one year, not three years?" "Says who?' I asked. "Oh so-and-so" she responded. "He did lots of research." "Hmmmm", I thought.
"More research than hundreds of years of study by Theological scholars?" I asked."Oh yes, there's new evidence." She answered.
Okay, now I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, so I do not know what evidence there is, nor what was written about it. But my point is that my friend was willing to jump on anything proving the Bible wrong, and to believe it without question.
Lastly, consider this: The Catholic Church is over 2,000 years old. It has been through persecution, barbarian invasion, wars upon wars, and conflicts with a long line of world rulers. Some decisions were bad, most were good. Give any denomination 2,000 years, and some mistakes will be made.
I've also noticed that countries themselves are not held to account for THEIR misdeeds. The Spanish Inquisition is constantly brought up as evidence of injustice and cruelty, but do we continue to revile France because 200 years ago their revolution was bloody and unjust? No. While the Church must be held to a higher standard, we have continued to strive for this for hundreds of years. More than I can say for..never mind.
Pressing On...
It has been 6 weeks since I have written. Many things are happening right now, and many thoughts of faith swirling around.
I am not one to watch Masses on tv, but the Christmas Day National Shrine Mass (EWTN) was exceptionally moving. The choir sang the most beautiful version of 'The First Noel" that I have ever heard. The Communion offering from Cardinal Donald Wuerl showed the face of Christ in the Church if I have ever seen it. So kind and so Godly was he, it moved me to tears.
An aside: Could swear I saw Newt Gingrich in the front row of the congregation. He converted a few years ago. Did not see his wife, though.
I am not one to watch Masses on tv, but the Christmas Day National Shrine Mass (EWTN) was exceptionally moving. The choir sang the most beautiful version of 'The First Noel" that I have ever heard. The Communion offering from Cardinal Donald Wuerl showed the face of Christ in the Church if I have ever seen it. So kind and so Godly was he, it moved me to tears.
An aside: Could swear I saw Newt Gingrich in the front row of the congregation. He converted a few years ago. Did not see his wife, though.
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