Hi, I'm Bob and I'm a blog-a-holic!!! Oh yeah!! Now let me qualify. I'm not a mean blog-a-holic, nor a sloppy blog-a-holic, and I do not spew my blog posts or comments so as to leave an offensive odor wreaking of lexical vomit. But I must admit (part of the 12 step blog-a-holic rehab) that I am secretly reading Catholic blog sites!!! In fact, I'm addicted. Priests, Deacons, Bishops, converts, men, women--doesn't really matter as long as their reason and intellect bolster their premise. Why? For I must traverse through the labyrinth of Tradition, tradition, Scripture, canon law, ecumenical councils of yesteryear, papal bulls, encyclicals, Vatican I and II, pronouncements of sainthood, moral justice, Ancient Fathers, interpretation solely by the Magesterium, catechisms--TIME OUT!! I GIVE UP--I'M LOST!!! WILL SOMEONE RING THE BELL SO I CAN GET OUT OF THE MAZE?.
My thoughts herein are intended to be general in nature and certainly not controversial. But I am fascinated with the depth and breadth, not to mention the quality, of the Catholic presence in clarifying many "myths", enlightening their people who have lapsed, and the challenging of Protestant (in the broadest sense) beliefs which are contrary to Her history and Tradition. I found myself asking if non-catholic Christians have/are posting or commenting with language that overtly denigrate the writer (for lack of a proper discussion), or misuse Catholic Tradition from the Fathers because it has a significant place in forming dogma and sacred doctrine. To disagree on any topic with reason, logic, Scripture, history, and courtesy requires a clear and thoughtful process and not an emotional diatribe that advances nothing .
Along the Catholic way, I have found a kindred spirit, learned many Latin phrases (I cheat--I have a Latin phrase translator on my toolbar and mobile), sought through research and dialogue to grasp doctrine(s) I cannot find acceptable. Likewise, I do not hesitate to relate my position (but as a blog-a-holic I found myself often slurring my meager attempts in circular reasoning or not capable with my resources to give an adequate defense).
As I leave to feed my craving, consider that even a blog-a-holic isn't completely addlepated and has been known to hit the bull's eye once in while. I may stammer, stutter, have the DT's, and withdrawal anxiety if I stay away too long!! But may we all become more perspicuous so that, one day, we may actually meet and enjoy a coffee and be true deipnosophists.
Whom shall I fear? "If the Spirit of him [the Father] who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he [the Father] who raise Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:14 (ESV)
Robert, well I read it, then reread it!! You seem to go deeper than my simple mind can grasp!!! I know some religions with their symbolic things, and such, but pretty much don't think much about what some people call Religion. To me all I have to do is get on my knees pray to God in Jesus' name, and that's enough for me!!! Walk in faith, love of our Father is the simple path I choose!!! I relive every single day of my life!!! Sorry probably not what you expected, but I do know if you can do it Jesus' name.....it'd better be good!! Sherry Gustafson
ReplyDeleteMe again, You ought to take up writing as a career, you have the vocabulary and the thought that goes into a book!!! You sound so professional and interesting!!! I admire people that can put words down and come up with quite a story or blog!!! I can see that you were blessed with this gift!!!! Sherry Gustafson
ReplyDeleteIf the online voices are confusing, I recommend this or this favorite blog of mine. I, too, enjoy your incredible command of the english language and a vocabulary that makes one guess that Webster is in your family tree.
ReplyDeleteThe one downfall of the online blogging world, and the part I disdain, is that dialog rarely goes on like it would in person. I would very much prefer a deipnosophistae, as I know we could laugh off the sharpness of our replies or at least temper our words by the countenance of our visage. Dialog is the work of brothers; war the art of of foes. May the online dialog amongst Christians always be dialog and never war.
Amen.
Hey friend, read this per your request. I do like the language, but my question...I never felt like there was resolution in the page. What I read was that you are really interested in the Catholic religion, but I never got a 100% feel of what you felt (except that you search for things that do not jive with what you believe).
ReplyDeleteHowever, very interesting post. Would be interested to read some of your Scriptural discussions in the future. I know that you are Calvinist (i.e. your chess.com handle) - personally, I believe man had the ability, via free will, to choose to follow God. There is a lot on this...but I don't wish to strike up a debate. I simply wanted to say thanks for letting me view your blog!
Please allow this witness to respond and speak for me:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.devinrose.heroicvirtuecreations.com/blog/2012/04/30/a-southern-baptist-seminarian-turns-to-rome/