Before I write a post about my current favorite books, my frustrations with retaining and sharing all the golden nuggets I find within those books, and my conflicts with simply living as a Catholic versus always having to be on guard to defend it.... I will write about a marvelous thing at Church today.
Because I want to make sure that when I look back on this, and re read some of these posts, that the faithfulness of the Lord was the overarching theme. I have found in this last year, that he is, as he claims to be, Always, without ceasing, ever Faithful. And I am amazed every morning by his new demonstrations of that promise.
Switching churches has been a difficult transition for this family. We were not bonded at the seams with our former church, but neither were we strangers every week. We had friends, familiar faces, and at least 2 or more greetings by our first names every Sunday. It was a place where we felt comfortable, if not always with their theology (in the later months), but always with their congregation.
One of my many specific prayers has consistently been for an "Aaron sidekick to my Moses calling." First things first, this is the best way I know how to put this prayer into words. No, I do not think of myself as Moses, and yes, I most certainly know that by the time God said Aaron could come along with Moses, Moses had thoroughly exhausted his excuses for why he was not able to lead the people, maybe even angering the Lord a bit. So I get why my ditty for my request fits not that much, but so well, at the same time.
Moses didn't want to go alone. He wasn't... God was with him. But Moses was human and failed to realize just how powerful that God in the burning bush was. I, like Moses, feel as though I am being called out from where I was comfortable into a place that God has prepared for me. I wish I was called to bring a whole nation of friends with me, but I'm not naïve. I do, however, pray for friendships. Supporting ones like Moses was to Aaron, and Aaron was to Moses. Ones where I am able to have a conversation and have a common understanding of certain words. Ones where the word Eucharist doesn't divide, and "works" do not intend legalism. This is my desire when I pray for an Aaron.
I never thought I would look to two 4 year old little boys to answer that request. But Jesus loves children, and he works magnificently through their small hearts. My boys attend a new preschool this year. Closer to home, and nice, but still unfamiliar, especially in my friends department. Yet after the first few days, they both came home raving about the same little boy; a new best friend for them both. I met his mom, she is wonderful, and warm, and apparently the feelings for my boys to her son are mutual. A friendship has begun (lucky for him he gets a two for one special).
We have been attending our Catholic Church for over a year now, and usually leave Mass saying a quick hello to the RCIA director, because she is apparently the only one who knows we exist in the large parish. They aren't unkind, just not social. Today changed my world, however. Today, at the children's offering, my boys spotted their best friend, from preschool. And I cried. Because God is faithful, and he is good. And he has looked out for me from my conversion, to our preschool choice, to my boys' friend, to his mom, who is Catholic. They have attended there for 3 years, and her husband is lovely too. I don't know their story yet, but I know He is faithful.
We also almost didn't pick our son up from the nursery (that was OPEN!)... in time because we were chatting with 3 other people who stopped by, just to say hello, and see how we were doing. I credit this to sitting in the front row, and being largely visible, but also more visible to a God who knows how many hairs are on my head. I am being continually humbled by the community that we are becoming a part of, and a God who leads them faithfully to love one another, and us.
Today was a good day to be a convert. It was a good day to have sweet 4 year old boys that make wise choices in friends, and it was a good day to sit up close and watch God display his faithfulness, that never ceases, and never fails to come to the aid of a child in need. This is the God that can blaze in a bush without destroying a leaf, and this is the God who gives us a mission, but promises to never make us do it alone. Because he is Faithful.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
So... Why?
I received a short John Piper question and answer podcast a week ago. The question posed was how to explain the "trend" of Evangelicals returning to Rome. Personally, I hate the word Trend; much because during the first months of our conversion, I was unaware I was a part of a "movement". Instead, it felt like a secret hidden mission to find out what I really believed, and what that crazy Catholic Church around the corner believed as well. Secret, because I couldn't for a very long time say the word, "Catholic" out loud, let alone declare myself to be in the process of becoming one. Anyone who has EVER gone through this will claim it to be a very interior search first, and then a terrifying realization that life as you know it will not be the same.
Back to John Piper. Keep in mind, this man might be one of the most modern outspoken critics of Catholicism, along with James White. Just Google it. If you dislike Catholics now, just wait until you read about what they have to say. You will think I've sold my soul to the depths of the earth. (They are wrong, but that's another day). John Piper gave four reasons for why, in his opinion, people are flocking to Rome.
1. People have a yearning for history within their faith ("roots")
2. People want beauty in their Church: intellectual and artistic richness
3. People want a sense of Authority: clarity and stability, Church dogma's
4. People want a sense of seriousness within their faith, instead of Evangelical seeker friendly services
Here's the link for anyone interested
https://soundcloud.com/askpastorjohn/why-evangelicals-go-catholic
With that in mind, I have some thoughts, and I will end with a list of books that we have read to date, on the true teaching of the Catholic Church. Because we have decided that if we are going to become Catholic, we are going to find out what the Catholic Church believes, From the Catholic Church. Not from a former, now turned Evangelical who has a grudge with the Church, not from a Protestant looking in, not even from a serious non Catholic Historian. (we actually have read some from that side, but over and over they are obviously slanting the correct position for their own).
I did not expect to become Catholic. I can identify with some of the things that John Piper is listing, because in some ways, those are all great benefits of becoming Catholic. Authority is present, and it is beautiful once viewed from a Biblical perspective. Jesus did mean to leave us with a visible Church. I believe that. The Catholic Church is historical. It has roots preceding the Reformation. Some of the years are dark and ugly, but I believe they have never ceased being the Church. Many of our Church's today can trace roots only until 1500 when everything hit the fan, so to speak. Beyond that it becomes very hard to argue for a multi-denominational position. There was only one guy in town.
The Catholic Church has a rich artistic and intellectual history. Intellectually, it is magnificent. You could spend your entire life unpacking the writings and richness of Christianity within the walls of the Church, and still not have grasped most of it. It is a 4D depth that is often misunderstood by Protestants. And finally, the Church is serious. One visit to a Mass would make that clear. The Mass is not similar to an Evangelical worship service. From the beginning to the end every breathing aspect is meant to show something about Jesus and his sacrifice for us, and how that changes us today. Every. Single. Part. Once understood, I believe that it would be very hard for someone to turn away from it. Problem is, it is very often, not, understood.
With all of that in mind. Those are not why I have become Catholic. Even with the above things being true, they are not, the real reason, for me. You see, if I wanted Authority, I wouldn't have to travel all the way to Rome. I could be Lutheran. They have a small and large Catechism too... and I would make my family happy as larks. If I wanted history, I could become Anglican and take on a lot of roots. If I wanted intellectual richness, I could become Presbyterian. Denominationally, they are one of the most rigorous in their theological reasoning's. And if I wanted seriousness... I could join any of the three just mentioned. Each one has Church's with members who desire serious intellectual Biblical study.
I am becoming Catholic because I believe it is the Church that Jesus founded, and I believe that he is there, present, always, in the Eucharist. I believe that He alone is found in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity within the walls of the Catholic Church. Is he active in Protestant denominations? Of course! But he is only wholly present, within the Eucharist. It is confirmed through history, the Fathers, and most importantly, the entire Bible is sprinkled with the truth of the Eucharist. Old and New Testaments. The foreshadowing is heavy in the Old, and is brought to fruition in the New. That is why I am becoming Catholic, and that is why I believe many others, are also becoming Catholic. Because as hard as they will try, the anti Catholic theologians fail to recognize, or claim, this one point.
Before I list the books, I would like to link to one more article. An article written to dispel this very type of criticism of those going to Rome. It was written by a Calvinist convert on our favorite blog, Called to Communion. It is worth the read, and worth considering. It is arguing against the position that if people only knew their own historical faith, they wouldn't have to become Catholic.
http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2013/08/why-evangelicals-are-getting-high-a-response-to-rebecca-vandoodewaard/
And now, our books. Kevin and Kim, combined, not necessarily in order of impact.
I list these not to boast. But to demonstrate that we have not blindly followed a glowing light that is beautiful but false. We have tried, and are still trying, to do our thorough homework of discovering what and why they believe what they do. It is a difficult process, but one that has given us more joy and peace than we would have ever imagined. We only would hope that our journey could someway encourage others, and that, in the words of John Piper, the "Trend" would continue. I always like a good Trend, especially if it contains a sale and a Gap. And of course, a Church with Jesus.
Back to John Piper. Keep in mind, this man might be one of the most modern outspoken critics of Catholicism, along with James White. Just Google it. If you dislike Catholics now, just wait until you read about what they have to say. You will think I've sold my soul to the depths of the earth. (They are wrong, but that's another day). John Piper gave four reasons for why, in his opinion, people are flocking to Rome.
1. People have a yearning for history within their faith ("roots")
2. People want beauty in their Church: intellectual and artistic richness
3. People want a sense of Authority: clarity and stability, Church dogma's
4. People want a sense of seriousness within their faith, instead of Evangelical seeker friendly services
Here's the link for anyone interested
https://soundcloud.com/askpastorjohn/why-evangelicals-go-catholic
With that in mind, I have some thoughts, and I will end with a list of books that we have read to date, on the true teaching of the Catholic Church. Because we have decided that if we are going to become Catholic, we are going to find out what the Catholic Church believes, From the Catholic Church. Not from a former, now turned Evangelical who has a grudge with the Church, not from a Protestant looking in, not even from a serious non Catholic Historian. (we actually have read some from that side, but over and over they are obviously slanting the correct position for their own).
I did not expect to become Catholic. I can identify with some of the things that John Piper is listing, because in some ways, those are all great benefits of becoming Catholic. Authority is present, and it is beautiful once viewed from a Biblical perspective. Jesus did mean to leave us with a visible Church. I believe that. The Catholic Church is historical. It has roots preceding the Reformation. Some of the years are dark and ugly, but I believe they have never ceased being the Church. Many of our Church's today can trace roots only until 1500 when everything hit the fan, so to speak. Beyond that it becomes very hard to argue for a multi-denominational position. There was only one guy in town.
The Catholic Church has a rich artistic and intellectual history. Intellectually, it is magnificent. You could spend your entire life unpacking the writings and richness of Christianity within the walls of the Church, and still not have grasped most of it. It is a 4D depth that is often misunderstood by Protestants. And finally, the Church is serious. One visit to a Mass would make that clear. The Mass is not similar to an Evangelical worship service. From the beginning to the end every breathing aspect is meant to show something about Jesus and his sacrifice for us, and how that changes us today. Every. Single. Part. Once understood, I believe that it would be very hard for someone to turn away from it. Problem is, it is very often, not, understood.
With all of that in mind. Those are not why I have become Catholic. Even with the above things being true, they are not, the real reason, for me. You see, if I wanted Authority, I wouldn't have to travel all the way to Rome. I could be Lutheran. They have a small and large Catechism too... and I would make my family happy as larks. If I wanted history, I could become Anglican and take on a lot of roots. If I wanted intellectual richness, I could become Presbyterian. Denominationally, they are one of the most rigorous in their theological reasoning's. And if I wanted seriousness... I could join any of the three just mentioned. Each one has Church's with members who desire serious intellectual Biblical study.
I am becoming Catholic because I believe it is the Church that Jesus founded, and I believe that he is there, present, always, in the Eucharist. I believe that He alone is found in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity within the walls of the Catholic Church. Is he active in Protestant denominations? Of course! But he is only wholly present, within the Eucharist. It is confirmed through history, the Fathers, and most importantly, the entire Bible is sprinkled with the truth of the Eucharist. Old and New Testaments. The foreshadowing is heavy in the Old, and is brought to fruition in the New. That is why I am becoming Catholic, and that is why I believe many others, are also becoming Catholic. Because as hard as they will try, the anti Catholic theologians fail to recognize, or claim, this one point.
Before I list the books, I would like to link to one more article. An article written to dispel this very type of criticism of those going to Rome. It was written by a Calvinist convert on our favorite blog, Called to Communion. It is worth the read, and worth considering. It is arguing against the position that if people only knew their own historical faith, they wouldn't have to become Catholic.
http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2013/08/why-evangelicals-are-getting-high-a-response-to-rebecca-vandoodewaard/
And now, our books. Kevin and Kim, combined, not necessarily in order of impact.
- Why Catholics are Right: Michael Coren
- Rome Sweet Home: Scott Hahn
- If Protestantism is True: The Reformation Meets Rome: Devin Rose
- Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic: David B. Currie
- A Lover's Quarrel with the Evangelical Church: Warren Cole Smith
- How the Reformation Started: Hilaire Belloc ****hands down my ultimate favorite***
- Jesus Shock: Peter Kreeft
- John Calvin: The Institutes: (not all, but some)
- Triumph: H.W. Crocker III
- Eusebius: The Church History: Eusebius, edited by Paul Maier
- On Being Catholic: Thomas Howard
- Evangelical is not Enough
- What Happens at Mass: Jeremy Driscoll
- Evangelicals and Tradition: D.H. Williams (a protestant professor)
- Surprised by Truth 2: Patrick Madrid
- Roots of the Reformation: Karl Adam
- The Apostolic Fathers: J.B. Lightfoot
- Becoming Orthodox: Peter Gilquist
- The First Seven Ecumenical Councils: Leo Donald Davis
- Roman Catholics and Evangelicals, Agreements and Differences: Norman Geisler
- Hail, Holy, Queen: Scott Hahn
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Humanae Vitae: "Of Human Life" Pope Paul VI
- Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI
- Theology of the Body: podcast series of Father John Riccardo http://frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com/
- Catholicism for Cradle Catholics: Fr. John Riccardo podcast series http://frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com/webpage/category/Catholicism%20for%20Cradle%20Catholics
- Crossing the Tiber: Steven Ray
- Peter, the Rock and the Keys (Steve Ray Youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXCUSAEVNIE
- Multiple debates Protestant vs. Catholic on Youtube
- THE BIBLE
- Any writings published by the Vatican. they are all there, and some of those are gold mines for what the Church believes.
I list these not to boast. But to demonstrate that we have not blindly followed a glowing light that is beautiful but false. We have tried, and are still trying, to do our thorough homework of discovering what and why they believe what they do. It is a difficult process, but one that has given us more joy and peace than we would have ever imagined. We only would hope that our journey could someway encourage others, and that, in the words of John Piper, the "Trend" would continue. I always like a good Trend, especially if it contains a sale and a Gap. And of course, a Church with Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)