November 23, 2007 7:50 AM
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #7
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic church but little self-examination on the Protestant side. So if my comments seem more directed towards questioning nonCatholic believers, that is why. Please, if you are new to this discussion, realize that a lot of ground has already been covered in the comments and read through those on previous entries before rehashing old news. I am receiving a lot of feedback that this has been an eye-opening and thought-provoking series for many believers on either side. If that is the case, then I consider my call as a writer fulfilled. I can only hope that each of us is examining his/her conscience for areas of stubbornness, presumption and pride.]
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In your writings, you have made it clear that there is more than one way to God. You no longer believe that the way to God is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In turning to the Catholic religion and all of its man-made teachings, you are saying that there is more than one way to God.
Sheesh!
For anyone else suffering from this kind of confusion: Let me make perfectly clear that I believe what Jesus said - that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. That no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Oh what tangled webs we weave. . . .
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Comments
From the Catholic Catechism
452 The name Jesus means "God saves". The child born of the Virgin Mary is called Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:21): "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
453 The title "Christ" means "Anointed One" (Messiah).Jesus is the Christ, for "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10:38). He was the one "who is to come" (Lk 7:19), the object of "the hope of Israel" (Acts 28:20).
454 The title "Son of God" signifies the unique and eternal relationship of Jesus Christ to God his Father: he is the only Son of the Father (cf. Jn 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18); he is God himself (cf. Jn 1:1). To be a Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (cf. Acts 8:37; 1 Jn 2:23).
Posted by: paige | November 23, 2007 11:43 AM
Paige,
I don't know who you are, but, boy-howdy, I LOVE reading your comments!! You know your stuff, and take the time to share it concisely and eloquently. Thanks!!
Marisa
Posted by: Marisa | November 23, 2007 12:39 PM
barbara,
one thing i must share with you and the readers is the most godly woman who had one of the most intimate personal relationship with Jesus i have ever seen was a catholic woman. she was the one who led me to Christ and showed me how God truly desires a deep, personal relationship with me. i consider myself to be a christian first and foremost not unlike my dear, dear, old friend. learning so much from her example i have come to realize that the denomination is not the most important thing about my walk with God. it is only us as people who get hung up on this. this is what tears down the body of Christ and we all: evangelicals, baptists, presbyterians, lutherans, catholics and others, are a part of the body of Christ. perhaps we should spend our energy on our own personal relationship with God rather than focusing on what we believe our brothers and sisters in Christ should or should not be doing.
i applaud your desire to draw even closer to God and appreciate you sharing this journey with us all. it makes me look a little closer at my own walk and make sure my focus is where it should be...on Christ.
Posted by: laura | November 23, 2007 2:24 PM
