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jsking1964
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| Joined: | Sat Dec 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 58 |
| First Name: | Benedict | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Basically I have been a Christian all my life, and ... |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 03:40 am |
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Hi all,
I am working on becoming a Catholic, but I also follow some Protestant ministies on TV. In fact, I am of the belief that my Catholic faith has given me an appreciation for the ministries that I follow. I know that in the Bible it talks about working out your faith in accordance to what you are able. I still read my Bible as well as my CCC (Catechism.) I have heard however that these ministries teach only Biblical truths and not the fullness of truth.
I am pleased to report that most of what I watch is EWTN, for I follow only about three or four diffrent Protestant ministries. I kind of feel like I am either still sitting on the fence or taking one step forward and two steps back in my faith. My Spiritual Director knows that I am doing this, but I do not want to go against thr grain if you will of the Catholic Church. Any thoughts?
____________________
Your friend in Christ, +
JS Benedict
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:16
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2101 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 09:05 am |
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I am working on becoming a Catholic, but I also follow some Protestant ministies on TV.
Given that these various sources do not always say the same thing, why do you need all of them? Which are you inclined to believe?
My point is that there is one God and one Truth. St. Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 4–5, expands on this: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” The word “body” refers to the Church, which is the mystical Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23).
Do you see this as an obstacle or an aid to your understanding of Christianity?
David
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NanaR
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 09:06 am |
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jsking,
We don't have Catholic radio where I live (except on the internet), so I sometimes listen to the Christian but non-Catholic radio stations that are available, mostly when I am driving about. I especially like one that is very traditional because I find a lot to agree with when I listen. Many of the hymns and even the non-musical family programs are very uplifting. However, every now and then, the "flavor" of a particular hymn will strike a discordant note with me and I will turn it off, or a minister will get caught up in a Bible only track and I switch the channel.
I expect it would be the same with listening to other Protestant ministries. Many times, their content would be fine. But occasionally, especially when they drift into any of the "sola"s or the "prosperity gospel", they conflict with Catholic thought.
One of the first things that struck me about the difference between Catholicism and Evangelical Protestantism is the difference (IMO) in emphasis. Very frequently, I have found Evangelical Protestantism to be about the congregation -- individual salvation, etc. Where I have found Catholic homilies and lessons to be very Christ-centered. This is a major reason I was drawn to the Catholic Church.
I love EWTN!! It is such a blessing :-)
I'm sure one of the moderators will comment on this too. But since it is considered "okay" for Catholics to even attend Protestant church services so long as they do not participate in Protestant communion, answer an altar call, or miss THEIR Sunday mass, I can't imagine that watching Protestant television would be a huge no-no. It might occasionally be confusing, though, if you are in the process of learning Catholicism.
Just my 2 cents.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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sewnsew
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 849 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 10:37 am |
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| We don't have Catholic radio available here but we do have a "Christian Station here.- I like the music for the most part and like listening to some of the shows such as the crown ministries financial one, Janet Parshall can be either okay or not and two other programs are usually okay- focus on the family and family life today, other wise I switch to secular radio or a cd when the "preacher's" come on- one because his voice is like scratching a chalk board to me- I can;t get him off fast enough so I have never even heard his show but the others because even as an Anglican they were "too protestant" for me
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1665 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 01:32 pm |
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| It's generally a good and beneficial thing to watch Protestant shows, listen to them on the radio, participate in joint efforts, etc. There is a considerable danger, however, if one is not thoroughly grounded in the Catholic faith, of being led into some false doctrine. So I would say: be sure to learn the Catholic faith and then you can benefit from Protestant input (much of which is wonderful and in accord with Catholicism) without the danger of falling into various heresies.
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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jsking1964
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 58 |
| First Name: | Benedict | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Basically I have been a Christian all my life, and ... |
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Posted: Wed Jan 2nd, 2008 02:21 pm |
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Dave Armstrong wrote: It's generally a good and beneficial thing to watch Protestant shows, listen to them on the radio, participate in joint efforts, etc. There is a considerable danger, however, if one is not thoroughly grounded in the Catholic faith, of being led into some false doctrine. So I would say: be sure to learn the Catholic faith and then you can benefit from Protestant input (much of which is wonderful and in accord with Catholicism) without the danger of falling into various heresies.
Hi David,
That being said, I have had Protestant pastors tell me (particularly evangelical, or so called fundemental ministers) that Catholisism is a cult. Are we as Catholics in dager of saying the same about Protestant denominations? I kind of think not, because I have heard Father Groeschel say many times that he had Protestant friends. What say you?
____________________
Your friend in Christ, +
JS Benedict
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:16
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1665 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Fri Jan 4th, 2008 03:37 pm |
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Hi Jason,
I'm extremely ecumenical. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I love and admire them. My wife and I have dozens of Protestant friends (her two best friends are, and one of mine is a Protestant). I was once an evangelical Protestant. I know what it is about, and I don't renounce or despise my own past.
I was simply making the observation that there is a danger in getting involved with Protestant activities if one is not adequately grounded in their Catholic faith. Protestants can teach us many things, but it is also true that they hold to some heretical beliefs.
It's not an either/or scenario with Protestant beliefs being "good" altogether
or totally "bad". They believe in many Christian truths, but in other areas they are wrong. It's as simple as that, from a Catholic perspective.
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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jsking1964
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 58 |
| First Name: | Benedict | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Basically I have been a Christian all my life, and ... |
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Posted: Fri Jan 4th, 2008 05:43 pm |
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Dave Armstrong wrote: Hi Jason,
I'm extremely ecumenical. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I love and admire them. My wife and I have dozens of Protestant friends (her two best friends are, and one of mine is a Protestant). I was once an evangelical Protestant. I know what it is about, and I don't renounce or despise my own past.
I was simply making the observation that there is a danger in getting involved with Protestant activities if one is not adequately grounded in their Catholic faith. Protestants can teach us many things, but it is also true that they hold to some heretical beliefs.
It's not an either/or scenario with Protestant beliefs being "good" altogether
or totally "bad". They believe in many Christian truths, but in other areas they are wrong. It's as simple as that, from a Catholic perspective.
Hey Dave,
You know, I agree with you 100%. I have just created an entry on my blog about some perspectives that I have gather that might also give you a view on what I am now thinking on this subject. If you go to my website, there is a link to my blog.
____________________
Your friend in Christ, +
JS Benedict
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:16
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jsking1964
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 15th, 2007 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 58 |
| First Name: | Benedict | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Basically I have been a Christian all my life, and ... |
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Posted: Fri Jan 4th, 2008 05:47 pm |
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Dave Armstrong wrote: Hi Jason,
I'm extremely ecumenical. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I love and admire them. My wife and I have dozens of Protestant friends (her two best friends are, and one of mine is a Protestant). I was once an evangelical Protestant. I know what it is about, and I don't renounce or despise my own past.
I was simply making the observation that there is a danger in getting involved with Protestant activities if one is not adequately grounded in their Catholic faith. Protestants can teach us many things, but it is also true that they hold to some heretical beliefs.
It's not an either/or scenario with Protestant beliefs being "good" altogether
or totally "bad". They believe in many Christian truths, but in other areas they are wrong. It's as simple as that, from a Catholic perspective.
Hi Dave,
I also happen to have consulted with my spiritual director and spoke with him about this. Then I put down my thoughts on my blog. If you go to my website, there is a link to my blog. In a nutshell, I agree with you 100%.
____________________
Your friend in Christ, +
JS Benedict
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemed. Mark 16:16
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