Post by seeker on Mar 8, 2009 14:13:43 GMT -5
I am a practicing, well not for the last 2 weeks, Catholic and am prayerfully considering converting to the Episcopal Church.
I was born and raised in a Pentecostal faith but never truly cared for it. I cannot be around loud, charismatic worship. Just not who I am or what I feel true worship of God should be like. At the age of 19 in 1994, I quit church altogether. My sister converted to Roman Catholicism in 1992 while still in college and I did love attending with her and on a leap of faith, led by God I believe, in 1998 I started attending RCIA classes and was confirmed April 3, 1999.
It has been both a wonderful blessing and a personal struggle as well. Now I did not come on here to bash Catholics, heck, in reality, I am still one myself, but for the last 10 years I have truly not been able to reconcile things that I personally hold to be truth to what the RC church declares as truth.
My personal theological struggles with the RCC are
1) Marian theology
2) birth control as a mortal sin
3) the Pope's "infallibility"
I believe Mary was indeed the chosen Virgin foreordained to bring about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate and I feel a special degree of honor should be disposed upon her. BUT, other than a few Hail Marys, I have never been fully comfortable praying to her or other saints. I can accept the Assumption as God can raise anybody body and soul into his abode as scripture plainly tells us He did with Enoch and Elijah. BUT, Mary being crowned queen of heaven and earth and sitting at the right hand of Jesus. Nah, cannot see it at all!!!
Scripture tells us that Christ alone is the only mediator between humanity and God. I attended my first Episcopal service this morning and it felt great. I actually wanted to tear up on a couple of occasions. No statues, no Holy Water-which I don't mind though, no prayers to Mary and the saints, ONLY JESUS CHRIST MENTIONED!!!
I felt at ease and at home. I cannot accept that the RCC would declare the Episcopal Eucharist as invalid and I read online where a RCC priest said just that. The body of Christ is universal, what catholic is supposed to mean. Again, not intending to offend any RC followers as, of right now, I still am. But with much prayers and reflection, it is my hope to become a member of the Episcopal Church.
I would love to hear from any former Catholics who may share my plight. Again, I love RCs, my sister is still RC and I love her dearly. This is my own personal walk with Christ and I need HIM more than ever, not the dogma of which scripture speaks not about.
May Christ ever bless his children and those who constantly seek him. Thank you Lord Jesus. Peace.
I was born and raised in a Pentecostal faith but never truly cared for it. I cannot be around loud, charismatic worship. Just not who I am or what I feel true worship of God should be like. At the age of 19 in 1994, I quit church altogether. My sister converted to Roman Catholicism in 1992 while still in college and I did love attending with her and on a leap of faith, led by God I believe, in 1998 I started attending RCIA classes and was confirmed April 3, 1999.
It has been both a wonderful blessing and a personal struggle as well. Now I did not come on here to bash Catholics, heck, in reality, I am still one myself, but for the last 10 years I have truly not been able to reconcile things that I personally hold to be truth to what the RC church declares as truth.
My personal theological struggles with the RCC are
1) Marian theology
2) birth control as a mortal sin
3) the Pope's "infallibility"
I believe Mary was indeed the chosen Virgin foreordained to bring about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate and I feel a special degree of honor should be disposed upon her. BUT, other than a few Hail Marys, I have never been fully comfortable praying to her or other saints. I can accept the Assumption as God can raise anybody body and soul into his abode as scripture plainly tells us He did with Enoch and Elijah. BUT, Mary being crowned queen of heaven and earth and sitting at the right hand of Jesus. Nah, cannot see it at all!!!
Scripture tells us that Christ alone is the only mediator between humanity and God. I attended my first Episcopal service this morning and it felt great. I actually wanted to tear up on a couple of occasions. No statues, no Holy Water-which I don't mind though, no prayers to Mary and the saints, ONLY JESUS CHRIST MENTIONED!!!
I felt at ease and at home. I cannot accept that the RCC would declare the Episcopal Eucharist as invalid and I read online where a RCC priest said just that. The body of Christ is universal, what catholic is supposed to mean. Again, not intending to offend any RC followers as, of right now, I still am. But with much prayers and reflection, it is my hope to become a member of the Episcopal Church.
I would love to hear from any former Catholics who may share my plight. Again, I love RCs, my sister is still RC and I love her dearly. This is my own personal walk with Christ and I need HIM more than ever, not the dogma of which scripture speaks not about.
May Christ ever bless his children and those who constantly seek him. Thank you Lord Jesus. Peace.
