August 14, 2014
THE GRAND INTRODUCTION!!!
Theology is such a vast, deep, and confusing topic, especially as it relates to Christianity and (even more especially) Catholicism.
It seems to me, a lay person, that there is so much information on the Internet about the Catholic Faith, which deals with (and answers) the complex and basic questions about the faith with catechetical and doctrinal (read between the dotted lines) explanation, which, if we're being honest (and we are), quite simply leaves others (non-Catholic's) feeling unworthy, looked down upon, disillusioned, and dumb. However, when it comes to simple, "I can understand that!" explanations, a deficiency exists.
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The word, "Catholic" is derived from Latin and/or Greek, meaning "universal." So, when we refer to the Catholic Church, we are referring to the Universal Church (Christianity), which Christ established on Earth (more on this later).
Catholicism, on the other hand, is a word used to describe the Catholic religion, which is governed by the Pope in Rome - this tie (Catholic/Rome) is where the term, "Roman Catholic" comes from.
A "lay person" is someone who isn't a priest or nun (essentially) and is a normal, regular congregant in a Catholic Parish.
The word, "Catechetical" is just a fancy way of referring to information contained within the book, "The Catechism of the Catholic Church," otherwise referred to as "The Catechism or "CCC." The Catechism is a book which contains information pertaining to all doctrinal and traditional teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and is a supplement to the Bible.
The word, "Doctrinal" is just a special way of referring to Church Doctrine (the laws of the Church).
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The purpose of this Blog, which hopefully you'll find, not only informative, but also enjoyable to read, is to break down the catechetical wall so that simple and complex questions are answered in a manner in which everyone can understand and appreciate. For certain purposes, obviously, detailed catechetical and doctrinal explanations must be cited, but I promise to rephrase the content into a language that is easily understood. Furthermore, while this Blog isn't governed by a Catholic oversight organization, I promise, to the best of my ability, to put forth the proper research, study, and fellowship with priests and other Catholic lay people, so that the information contained herein is as accurate as possible. If certain discrepancies are found, please feel free to alert me to the error. I will correct the error or offer an explanation as to why the information presented isn't in error, as soon as I am able to do so.
If you are a Protestant, I welcome you with open arms! On this Blog, the word, "Protestant" is not a curse word (I know you know what I mean). I promise you that I will never belittle your past, your faith journey, and your relationship with Jesus. A relationship with Christ is never a bad thing, even if you and I don't see eye to eye on subjects of Theology. I hope that, through this Blog, you'll gain a deeper understanding about Catholicism (something that, quite frankly, is often misunderstood in Protestant circles).
If you're a Catholic or a fallen-away Catholic, I welcome you with enthusiasm! I hope that my explanations and stories can act as a catalyst to bringing you back (or keeping you) home. I hope that you'll find something comfortably familiar with what I have to share with you.
For Catholics, Non-Catholics, and Protestants alike (which includes all of you with different faiths (or belief systems), spanning from Muslim, Sikh, Hindi, Atheist, Agnostic, and every other system under the burning sun, I'd invite you to read a book - "Rediscovering Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly. His simple and welcoming approach to Catholicism is inspiring, un-intimidating, and practical. His book (he's written MANY books) can be ordered free of charge (pay only shipping and handling) at DynamicCatholic.com. I am not affiliated with Matthew Kelly or the Dynamic Catholic Organization, nor do I receive a kick-back for the sale of any of his books or products. I simply like Matthew Kelly's approach to Catholicism and I want to share it with you.
Once at DynamicCatholic.com, click on "Free Resources" and then click on "Books and CDs." The book, "Rediscover Catholicism" can be found there. Click HERE to be redirected to DynamicCatholic.com.
WHO AM I?
As I stated previously, I am a Catholic lay person. I am, by no means, an expert in the field of Catholicism. I do not have a Doctorate in Theology and I, just like you, have my own questions and concerns about Catholicism. I'm on my faith journey just as every person alive is on his/her faith journey. I'm not perfect. Far from it!
I was born in 1977 and was raised Catholic, but, in a state of teenage rebellion, soon after my Confirmation, I fell away from the Church.
It wasn't until my wife converted to Catholicism (from the Methodist faith) at my urging, that I became serious about the Faith. She joined the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process in the Fall of 2011 and, by the grace of God, I, as her Confirmation Sponsor, was allowed to sit in on the proceedings of the program. Through this time period, my understanding of basic and deep subjects on Church matters developed and I desired an outlet to share this information.
I was invited to earn my Catechist Certification (which I hope to complete in the Fall of 2014). Not soon thereafter, I became involved in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Process as an instructor/catechist, and I found a passion for explaining the Faith in a way that's simple, non-confrontational, and (hopefully) enjoyable. Particularly, in evangelizing the Faith, I dislike judgmental explanation.
I read the news. I know where we, as Catholic's, stand in the eyes of many Christians (and non-Christians) in the world.
Catholic's, in general, have a reputation for being cold, unwelcoming, horrible at evangelizing, terrible teachers the faith (outside of their own circles, anyway), and as lacking in basic knowledge about the Bible. You deserve better from the Catholic community!
I hope that, through my efforts, you will feel informed, inspired, and most importantly, properly catechized about Catholicism (Christian conversion is a life-long process, so let's not be too hasty).
I encourage feedback, and specifically, your questions.
Catholicism is an extremely deep subject. It's confusing at times, regularly obtuse, and often times downright complicated, but at it's heart, Catholicism is very simple. I firmly believe that, if you're not inclined to read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church, you're not likely to truly understand what we believe. Let's start a dialogue so that that proverbial catechetical wall can be smashed to the ground!
SUBJECTS COMING SOON!
The Sign of the Cross
Holy Water
The Crucifix and the Risen Christ
Feeling Unwelcome in the Catholic Church (Communion)
Catholic Prayer Feels So "Scripted"
Do Catholic's Worship Statues
Why Do Catholic's Pray to Saints
Until then...
Peace, Love, & Hope,
David M. Brunsman
