 Posted Thursday, March 24, 2005 8:40 AM
|
|
|
|
Sorry, forgot to sign in, the message was from me
Marion
|
|
|
Posted Thursday, March 24, 2005 7:08 PM
|
|
|
|
To get back to RC church: what do you think about the bread and wine being turned into the flesh and blood of Jesus, and what do you think about praying to Holy Mary and to the Saints, and do you think that the RC church is the only true Christian church into which all other Christian churches should eventually be integrated, the unfailing Pope? I do not wish to "attack" you with these questions, I'd just love to learn your understanding of it.
Marion,
Your questions raise red flags for me for two reasons: First, it seems like every time we get into them on this forum we end up with misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Second, this is a great thread and I don't want it to go off topic. If you and JMM decide to discuss the RC Church, please start a new thread and tread very carefully as you pursue the discussion.
Linda
Moderator
|
|
|
Posted Friday, March 25, 2005 5:58 AM
|
|
|
|
Linda -- I agree that this forum is not really the place for some of those questions. I hesitate to get deep into some of my beliefs, since they aren't really pertinent to CS per se. Text. I also know that Catholicism raises a lot of red flags for some people, and I truly have no desire to get into any kind of religious debate. First, because I don't have a lot of Bible background -- (thanks, CS!), and second because I feel strongly that each person must make his own decisions about what religion is right for them. What fits me may not come close to meeting the needs of someone else, and vice versa.
Finally, thanks for all the hard work you do on this forum. It's really a great place to explore all these issues.
Regards,
JMM
|
|
|
Posted Friday, March 25, 2005 7:03 AM
|
|
|
|
All
I got what I needed from many of you. I have even been able to establish a dialouge outside this thread with DUG a kindred spirit who has an almost equal situation to mine.
It is very comforting to know that I am not alone in this world.
JMM... thank you for your eloquent explanation... because of the sneers and funny looks I have recieved from CS people in the past, when I mentioned I was Catholic,I was curious to see if anyone from CS ever embraced the RC Church. I see that you have for many of the same reasons people like me stayed with it despite the really terrible scandal we just suffered through. I welcome you and hope you find a home with Christ.
Thanks Linda for not allowing this to become a debate about the Catholic Church and its merits or its faults. Like every ancient institution it has its problems as well as its virtues... but unlike CS.... the RC Church and its members regularly debate these issues, at least in today's day and age.
Like I said in one of my original statements.... if my wife was involved with any Protestant sect that was centered on "Christ as Saviour" "Christ as Lord" and salvation through the Resurrected Jesus then, I would be just fine. Unfortuantely, I think she is just way too immersed in CS because through S & H she finds "answers". I guess I am just missing something... I cannot even get through a couple of pages without stopping and asking myself..."What did I just read?"
I don't know where it is all going, but I do not want to break up my family over religion... so I will just pray and keep at it.
I agree with JMM.... Linda you are doing the work of our Lord with this site... it is inspring and I am eternally grateful.
Happy Easter.... Feliz Pascua to all of my new friends.
|
|
|
Posted Friday, March 25, 2005 7:12 AM
|
|
|
|
Dear Linda,
Thanks for pointing out that discussions on the RC church are not "easy" in this forum, I wasn't aware of that.
Dear JMM,
I asked these questions as I - with a RC family background - am looking into these questions from time to time and thought it might be of interest to you to discuss them. But I fully respect your wishes not to. Sorry if I offended you in any ways, I certainly didn't mean to.
Happy Easter!
Marion
|
|
|
Posted Saturday, March 26, 2005 7:35 AM
|
|
|
|
Marion -- I am certainly not offended, but I agree with Linda that this forum is probably not the best site for such a discussion. Quite frankly, the questions you raise are some that I am still dealing with, so I am not really sure I have answers.
However, I would welcome a discussion -- perhaps on a different thread, of the CS custom of communion Sundays (second week in January and July). I never really knew what to make of them -- if any of you have some insights, I would welcome them.
Finally, to all of you who are searching for a church or religion, I wish you a blessed Easter, and the encouragement to keep searching.
And thanks again LInda for providing this site.
Regards,
JMM
|
|
|
Posted Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:48 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi,
Happy Easter morning to all,
Dug
|
|
|
Posted Friday, April 01, 2005 10:04 PM
|
|
|
|
Welcome, suferforJesus! There are people here who don't agree with me, but I thank God for men like you, Dug, LizzieBee's husband, and my husband for standing by us CS women!! My husband and I have never been RC and I never remember him being anti-CS, although some of his family was. He was certainly a Christian but he didn't have a "walk with the Lord" until after I began mine. You and Dug should have great talks. Hang in there with your wives. God is faithful! He does answers prayers. Just remember, guys, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all. Keep the faith. And we will pray with you. SurferforJesus, have you asked your wife to go to a "comprise" church? You'll be real comfortable in the Episcopal faith - we have our problems, too. There won't be a perfect church here on earth until Jesus comes back and establishes His church.
Blessings,
Susan
|
|
|
Posted Monday, April 18, 2005 10:34 AM
|
|
|
|
I was born a 3rd generation Christian Scientist and converted to Catholicism.
I first converted to evangelical Christianity, spent some time as Pentecostal Holiness & Baptist, was baptised as a generic Christian (in a lake, by immersion) and eventually was confirmed in the Catholic Church. In respect towards Linda's request I won't go into my reasons for choosing the Catholic church above the others, but my quest was primarily for a church that did not twist the Bible to prove what they had already decided they wanted it to: of which CS is, in my mind, the prime example.
One of the similarities between CS and Catholics is that both groups expect healings to take place and miracles to occur. A major difference is that Catholics have a very stringent standard for proof, with medical reports before and after, and healings are not deemed miraculous unless there is no way that they could have occurred naturally. With a minimum of two miracles per canonized saint, I would call the Catholic record on miraculous healings exemplary.
A major difference is that as a Christian, whether Protestant or Catholic, I can let *God* create reality. I don't have to take responsibility for causing illness, whether my own or others'. Another major difference is that I now know that God knows all about my suffering - he doesn't remain unaware of it because it is nonexistant. Not only does he know about it, He became Man in order to share it.
Catholicism, by the way, has a very good theology of suffering and I find the idea that suffering is not to be denied, or run away from, but faced and transformed as an offering to God - a very positive one. "Count it all joy." Catholicism gives a reason to count it all joy and give thanks in every situation.
I also agree with the other ex-CS Catholic, (oh - welcome to the Church!), that celebrating God's creation and our physical nature in worship is a Good Thing. It gives Him glory.
|
|
|
Posted Thursday, June 30, 2005 8:22 AM
|
|
|
|
Wow am I ever glad I found this website! I’ve been saying to a friend for years now “If only I could meet someone who WAS a Christian Scientist and is now a Catholic or at least a TRUE Christian I could ask them so many questions to know how to get through to my husband.” While I realize that this may not answer that question it certainly has given me much to think about and understand. I never knew about the animosity towards Catholics from CS. I also could never understand why they would never say “God Bless you” when I would sneeze. I thought EVERYONE liked to have people praying for him or her. I also kind of thought of it as a cult and then would dismiss the idea and say at least we believe in the same God, we just get there different ways.
So now after almost 12 years I’m stuck. We agreed that when we had children that we could each take them to his or her church. But now I’m having a hard time with this. The only times they go to the CS church is when I’m out of town or his parents are visiting (they are VERY devout—if that is the right term) More often go with me. They have not been baptized but I’m guessing as they get close to 1st communion age they will start to ask to be baptized.
So this forum has given me some ideas but I guess I’m hoping there is a man out there who left his faith even though he knew how hard it would be on his parents. I’m to the point where I don’t hold out much hope for my husband converting as long as his parents are alive even though he has adult onset asthma, which requires several medications to keep in check, which he takes. I think his faith in CS is wavering but I’m really hoping he’ll find Christ. (I must also admit I’m a bit nervous posting that if he should stumble on this and recognize us that it would further close off discussions.)
Like another poster I’m not saying the Catholic Church is the one and only but at this time it is for me. I also know that if I found another church that better met my spiritual needs I would leave even though it would be very difficult for my parents to understand.
So if there is anyone out there with words of wisdom I’d love to hear them. I too would love to be able to share my faith in the salvation of man through Jesus Christ with my husband. In the meantime I’ll keep praying and hoping that the Spirit will keep me alert for those little opportunities to show him the way.
|
|
|
|