| Apr 18, 2008 @ 8:36 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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LipGlossQueen9
Posts: 10,955
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I was raised in this religion but because it was forced on me and I didn't choose it, I was turned off.
This pope is inspiring to me and I really, really like him. I didn't at first but for some reason I connected right away when he came to Washington and I just find him to be kind and very, very inspiring and he's caused me to re-think my stance on the Catholic church and reconsider attending mass.
Could someone who is not an Evangelical Christian Catholic-hater (not that all of you are, I am certainly more intelligent to know that not all Evangelical Christians believe that way) or a religion-hating Atheist (  ) and perhaps has some experience with the Roman Catholic church give me some pros and cons?
I'm not looking for anyone to sway me or persuade me. I just want to know what I will be getting into. My mother is German Catholic and has a very positive view of the Church, she believes Catholics are the kindest, most liberal Christians, but I will not take her view as the truth. I'd just like some facts from people who are less biased.
Thanks.
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| Apr 18, 2008 @ 8:45 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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bevrice
Posts: 11,141
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Catholics are very liberal. As long as the Lord is involved, lip, there is nothing wrong with being a catholic. My only suggestion is you might look into a charasmatic catholic church.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 1:06 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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Angel54214
Posts: 18,201
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LGQ...I respect and admire change; The best advise I can give to you is ask yourself what you are searching for and why within your heart and soul. Secondly, research and advance in learning of the Catholic faith. Learn the history and the steps of the Papal Lordship from the beginning of their ordains. Learn the spiritual and moral ethics of the Catholic religion itself and it's branches of the same tree.
Learn and understand the religion's laws, committing requirements, worship rituals as well as their written creeds.
But most of all....seek through your heart; For this is where your final agreement and pomp will rest and ratify for the rest of your life. Good luck and wish you well on this journey path.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 7:48 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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eastham
Posts: 7,913
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Catholics are a unique blend of liberal and conservative. The Church has a long and proud history in this country of social justice.
I'm not a very big fan of Benedict, but he is proving to be far more charismatic an individual than I previously gave him credit.
Despite the centralized church authority, parishes can differ widely and can be affected by a number of factors including the personality of the priest. I have known of individuals who have decided to either convert or return to the Church, who have hesitated, because their local parish priest was not their cup of tea.
Aside from individual personality, there is a communal personality in some churches, especially if the church is not diocesan, but belongs to a particular order, such as the Paulists or the Jesuits. There are also different rites, within the Church. Most people in the US are a member of a Latin or Roman rite church; however, there are Eastern or Byzantine which use an Orthodox service and also have a real ethnic flavor to them, depending on the country of origin. The music and the ritual are gorgeous and very different than what you'd see in a typical parish church. There are quite a few in NJ and in the city, I love St. Michael of Russia, which is tucked away behind Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in Little Italy. The Marion Rite is from the Middle East, mostly Lebanon.
As for reading, not only is Barnes and Noble full of this Pope's new book, but many of John Paul's as well. I would also recommend Thomas Merton, a monk who studied in India, and Gary Wills, a lay scholar. Don't let Wills' books fool you. They may be 250 pages, but are very dense.
Despite the centralization of Catholicism, it is not so strict that it cannot make room for both the Berrigan brothers and the Edmund McGlynn's of the world as well as the Francis O'Connors.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 10:49 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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raykl
Posts: 566
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Having been raised in the Catholic Church and studying throughout the years, I am sorry to say I do not understand how any woman would want to be a part of this church. Although they have allowed women more responsibility in the last few years (this has not come about from their desire, but out of necessity), I have felt they have always treated women as second class members. They were fine to cook, clean and provide service, but to hold a position of authority (priesthood) is not in their agenda. In fact, the past few will not allow this thought to enter into discussion.
This mindset was not present in the foundation, but, was begun in earnest in the middle ages. Originally from priests to popes, marriage was even permitted.
The priesthood today is just a job, not a calling. Less time is spent on their duties and more on their leisure life. Now they expect paid extra for doing what is their responsibility (Baptism, marriage, etc.).
Just my opinion from experiences. I would suggest studying what each religions actual beliefs are and base your decision on which has the same beliefs as you carry.
Best wishes in your decision.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 12:57 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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kattsmeow
Posts: 22,629
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I will see if Haban will email you ok? I have thought of it myself too. So, you are not alone. I find it a very soul quieting thing. I have been in their churches and I love them.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 1:09 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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SweetNapaGuy
Posts: 8,531
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Another option would be the Anglican or Episcopal Churches (depending on how connected they are to the Church of England), which apparently was created as a middle-ground between Catholicism and Protestantism.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 4:18 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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j_goose
Posts: 2,911
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Really, you should research yourself and drawyour own conclusions. You'll get nothing but biased responses here.
A self enlightened mind is most valuable.
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 7:51 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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Angel54214
Posts: 18,201
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These sites seem to smooth out the bias wrinkle on women in the catholic church...
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5342854
http://www.catholic.org/saints/female.php
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 8:18 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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hammertime
Posts: 14,071
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LGQ,
If you join, you get to eat a cookie once a week. 
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 8:28 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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Cynbaby
Posts: 1,377
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I was only a mile away from the Pope today and saw all of the helicopters in the air. I watched most of his visit on tv this afternoon and I am overwhelmed by all his energy and compassion that he brings to us here in NY.
I did not think I would be this excited when I won my ticket to see him, but after I received "the Golden ticket"...yes its done in a beautiful gold color with his picture on it, lol, my excitement grew. Tomorrow I will be seeing him at Yankee Stadium and I am more excited then I ever thought I would be. I really look forward to the Mass. I only wish I could have taken someone, I know a few people in my life that I think would benefit from the inspirational Mass and I know so many in my family wanted to attend, however once my name was picked my name was sent to the FBI for a background check so the ticket in non-transferable, otherwise I would have gave up the opportunity for my mom to go in my place.
[Edited on 4/19/2008 8:53 PM]
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| Apr 19, 2008 @ 11:06 PM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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hammertime
Posts: 14,071
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I want you to bring back a few things for me....
Pope on a rope for the shower...
Let us Spray for the garden.
and a Gregorian Chants Greatest Hits CD
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 12:17 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 18,615
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a Gregorian Chants Greatest Hits CD
Hey, I want one of those too!!!
LGQ - I left the religion many years ago, but I still miss the ritual, and of course those Gregorian chants. Hearing a mass sung well is a pretty awesome experience.
The beliefs...well that's entirely up to you...we each have to find our own path.
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 12:27 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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LipGlossQueen9
Posts: 10,955
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I wanted to go but no one in my family was willing to purchase tickets. The Pope seems like such a great man...
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 12:36 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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SweetNapaGuy
Posts: 8,531
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a Gregorian Chants Greatest Hits CD
I actually HAVE one of those. Thirty-three songs of it... It can be fun, if you're in the mood for it.
Tried to give it away to a Catholic coworker, but she was more interested in my collection of contemporary Christian rock music (the "NOW" collection). Guess mainstreaming the Catholic mass from Latin to native tongues has ruined the taste for chanting.
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 12:56 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 18,615
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Guess mainstreaming the Catholic mass from Latin to native tongues has ruined the taste for chanting
I guess I should have said that I really miss the Latin mass...I left before they mainstreamed. Oh and I used to have a collection of Gregorian chants but I gave them to my brother...might be time to ask him for copies back)
(singing Illumina Oculos Meos to self)
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 2:44 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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Cynbaby
Posts: 1,377
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SNG
from Latin to native tongues has ruined the taste for chanting. My church still does the Latin Mass . Not all the priests know how to do it.
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 3:05 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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SunBabe
Posts: 12,279
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Hey Cyn, get some sleep!
I'm really excited for you and your big day.   
(I'll always appreciate Pope John Paul gently holding my hand and looking me straight in the eye with the bluest eyes you can imagine...the words "countanance" and "love" come to mind every time I think about it...and I'm not even Catholic.  )
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 3:23 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic
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hammertime
Posts: 14,071
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My church still does the Latin Mass . Not all the priests know how to do it. Latin huh? I'd probably go more often if they did Salsa, the Merenge or the Mambo...I love those Latin rhythms.
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| Apr 20, 2008 @ 7:54 AM |
Considering Becoming Catholic |
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Cynbaby
Posts: 1,377
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Hi Sunbabe
Thanks . I did get to bed early but I had a weird dream and woke up 
Yeah guess all the excitement too I could not sleep.
Hammer, your skating on this ice here, behave yourself 
The church I attend is very active, they have a few Saturday masses and on Sunday there are about 6 more masses throughout the day, only one is Latin, since most people do not understand it, however it is translated in the mass book.
Okay I'm off, it's cold and cloudy, I'm putting on 3 layers, guess that should be enough to keep me warm today
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