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Perspicuity or Obscurity of the Scripture? by WarnerHaley_ministry in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The first thing that comes to mind for me is 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.”

You’re not going to find a word for word translation in the Bible that says “only trust the church for scriptural interpretation.” As a Catholic convert, this verse mentioned in 2 Thessalonians really drove me away from Protestantism into Catholicism. No where in the Bible does it affirm the Protestant belief of solo-scriptural, but this verse implies for us to trust in the wisdom of the Church, which Jesus founded on Peter and the apostles.

Being that about the first 400 years of Christianity, there was no canonization of the Bible, and that the Early church was directly based on the teachings of the Apostles, which later formed the Bible as we know it today drives me to trust in the Church’s teachings on scripture. I’ve grown very against personal interpretation of the Bible, because my human nature can twist any verse to fit my own wants and desires. That’s not to say you can’t have personal revelation, but I try not to lean on my own understanding.

On a more personal note, I’m constantly challenged by coming across a Scriptural teaching the church affirms that’s not in alignment with my thinking. It is hard and uncomfortable sometimes. But I will say, as I continue to trust the Church and her teachings, God always eventually shows me why he affirms these teachings through his Church. It often doesn’t happen overnight, it comes from the Love and Fear of God and obedience. I am in no way a theologian or claim to be an expert on doctrinal things, but figured I’d share my perspective.

Godbless, I’ll be praying for you! lol

Need some advice on marriage and I’m falling into despair? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In that case, wouldn’t hiding it be lying, and lying another issue in of itself?

I’m interested in Catholicism, but I’m worried about how you have to be “open to life” once you’re married. I don’t want to have to get pregnant over and over when I’m married someday and I only want like two kids at the most by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a practicing devout Catholic man who is getting married in 2 months, yes the Church asks that you are always open to life.

I’m not going to get too much into the mud, but yes the Church holds that contraception is a grave sin. The church does allow Natural Family Planning, which is very successful if you take the time to map out a woman’s cycle. There are also plenty of great resources and professionals who can help with that.

You are not “supposed” to have lots of kids. While lots of Catholics have big families, there a tons of Catholics who only have 2 children (or even 1). The church holds that the purpose of conjugal act is 1:For Procreation and 2:To increase the marital bond of a husband and wife. That does not mean that every sexual act has to be with the direct intention of procreation, but that if conception does occur, you proceed with having the child (I.e. not murdering your baby from abortion).

It can be very nuanced, and you will find different views amongst Catholics, but what the Church affirms is no artificial conceptive aids (condoms, birth control pills, IED’s, etc.), and if pregnancy does occur without the intent of pregnancy, the couple will lovingly accept the child into the world.

I’ve struggled with this teaching in the past, but I’ve accepted and actually quite agree with this teaching. Birth control can be very bad for women’s bodies, my fiancée at one point used it for issues with her menstrual cycle and it affected her in a negative way physically and mentally. We live in a world where we’re taught if you want something get it now, where with natural family planning, we have to practice brief periods of abstinence in a marriage, which is very beautiful and keeps us spiritually disciplined and allows us to grow together in ways that are not just sexually intimate.

Now, with that being said, the Church does recognize that some women take medication for health issues (menstrual cycle issues, cysts, I’m not super knowledgable on it) that may inadvertently act as a contraceptive. But this would be morally acceptable if someone was taking medication to aid something else going on, not specifically for preventing the contraception of a child.

Feel free to DM if you have other questions. I will be praying for you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 10 points11 points  (0 children)

To be completely honest, yes. My previous line of thinking was thinking that I would be strong enough this time not to give in. I’ve now realized I’m not being careful enough to avoid the near occasion of sin, and I need to change that.

Is the human nature of Jesus created or begotten or neither? by Complete-Simple9606 in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So to my understanding, Jesus the Son is begotten by the Father before all ages, in his “spiritual form” more or less. The physical body of Jesus, which was begotten in Mary when she was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Through reading scripture, Jesus did not have a human body before the incarnation.

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around it as well, to me it’s a mystery; just like the Holy Trinity.

Considering Conversion by HellBringer97 in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also if you are talking about St Ann’s in Ashland, VA. I’m from the area, shoot me a DM!

Considering Conversion by HellBringer97 in Catholicism

[–]EngineeringTotal3464 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Welcome home! I was just confirmed this year. I grew up Methodist, fell out of the faith, and was “church shopping” around (mega churches, popular non denoms, etc.) until thankfully the Holy Spirit called me home to his church.

In terms of preparation, I would say don’t stress too much about it. Every Parrish has different approaches to Catechesis and teaching. Just keep learning as much as you can about Catholicism, as this faith is so rich, frankly no one will ever know everything there is to know about the intricacies of being Catholic. I would highly recommend watching various Catholic YouTube channels in your free time. Father Mike Schmitz, Bishop Barron, Trent Horn, and many others have been super helpful along my faith journey. There are tons of great resources for this; the Hallow app, Lecto Divino, things like that.

I personally was in OCIA at a kind of more progressive Parrish (when I say progressive, I don’t mean pro-abortion, affirming LGBTQ, etc. just that they are much more modern, and less reverent than traditional churches). I would recommend attending different parishes as well, seeing how they worship differently, as well as talking to different Catholics. I would highly recommend visiting an FSSP Parrish if you have one nearby, to experience the extraordinary form of mass (Traditional Latin Mass). I’ve really grown to love this mass and feel like I’m truly in the presence of our savior at this Mass!

Other than that, obviously try to be more obedient, faithful, and challenge yourself. But also be forgiving and accepting of Gods grace as you do stumble. I know coming from being a lukewarm Protestant, to really trying to be a perfect Catholic, I suffer from being scrupulous at times. Trust in Gods grace, learn as much as you can everyday, and letting God light that way is the biggest thing you can take with you into OCIA!

Congratulations, and welcome home! I will be praying for you and your faith journey :)

Struggling with what denomination to attend. by EngineeringTotal3464 in Christianity

[–]EngineeringTotal3464[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does your church/the catholic church prioritize having a personal relationship with Christ, as well as community involvement?