Very Good Book - Finding God in the Questions by Dr. Timothy Johnson

This book was great for me. The questions raised by the author were very interesting and thought provoking .

Dr. Johnson is a correspondent on ABC News. He is a Medical Doctor as well as an ordained minister and the book is about how one struggles and relates religious beliefs with scientific facts.

I was really taken by surprise at how much this book hit home with me. It covers many of the issues that I struggle with.

I found this interview which summarizes the book somewhat.
Dr. Johnson Interview

Not only does he touch, from the Big Bang and the fundamental forces of Nature to Religion and God, in a very easy to read, easy to understand format.

Some key points that hit home: He asks the question and follows up with comments

Labeling oneself as a Christian - Dr. Johnson states he prefers the term "follower of Jesus rather than the label of Christian" The latter word too often simply indicates blind support of the various aspects of the formal religion called Christianity" His reasoning for this terminology, which I agree with as it helps me understand things much better as I grow in Faith but still question some of the Church's teachings.

More importantly, it does not force me (us) to explain what type of Christian I am. Dr. Johnson uses as examples, "Jerry Falwell" Christian or "Bishop Spong" Christian - Two very different individuals as well as differing on what they believe and teach. Being a follower of Jesus allows me (us) to focus on the teachings of Jesus rather than the Dogma of the church.

This one really helps me at this stage.
"Do you have to believe in the resurection to be an "Orthodox Christian"? The anwer would be yes however the next question. This is followed by the question - Do you need to believe in the resurcection to be a follower of Jesus?
The answer would seem to be no because the first followers of Jesus described in the New Testament" knew nothing about the resurection yet became his followers. The earliest members / followers did not have Creeds or orthodox beliefs that have become so prevalaint in today's church. Now do I feel, I will eventually come to believe.... Yes but for now being a follower and trying to live my live in a manner consistent with the teachings is my goal.

Finally, he raises very interesting points based on the Parable of Final Judgement - Matthew 25:31-45 He separates what is in the New Testament vs. what is not. Specifically, there is no mention on political or social positions. I.E Abortion and Homosexuality. Accumilation of Wealth etc... Example:
"Jesus's teaching about other social issues are also surprising, at least given the emphasis" by Church discussions... "Jesus says absolutely NOTHING about abortion or homosexuality but quite a bit - and negatively about divorce." I could not agree more with his comment about how startling this is when you consider how many people (Christians) have accepted divorce but condemn abortion and homosexuality. Very interesting....

Update

It has been quite awhile since I have updated the site. At this point, I have taken the first step and completed the Rite of Acceptance into the faith. I did not sleep very much the week leading up to this event. For whatever reason, I was extremely nervous about taking this step.
It was a great morning. Being called into the Church and standing in front of the congregation was a very moving experience for me, even if I did flub my lines. Having Father Frank perform the ceremony meant a lot to me.

“Receive this sign of the cross on your forehead,
It is Christ Himself who strengthens with this
sign of His love,Learn to know and follow Him.


Since I am not updating the site regularly or with deep spiritual insights, I did want to at least list keep track of some of the books I have been reading which have really helped the process.

Recently completed
Why do Catholics do that? -by Kevin Orlon Johnson - This was ok - nothing earth shattering and just some basic information about the Church and it's teachings.

The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus - by Amy Jill Levine. This book was very interesting. The author is the professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt University. I am pasting the actual editorial review because it explains the book much better than I could. I do recommend reading this.

From Publishers Weekly
It is a simple truth that Jews and Christians should be close friends, since they share common roots and a basic ethical system. But the gulf between the groups seems vast. Levine, professor of New Testament studies at Vanderbilt, presents a strong and convincing case for understanding Jesus as "a Jew speaking to Jews," and for viewing Christianity as a Jewish movement that ultimately swept the world in its influence and authority. But with this expansion came an insidious anti-Jewish sentiment, fed by some New Testament texts (wrongly understood, the author urges) and the emerging political power of the Christian church. Levine does a masterful job of describing the subtleties of anti-Semitism, across the years and across the religious spectrum, from the conservative evangelical mission to convert the Jews to the liberation theologians who picture Jews as adherents to an older, less merciful religion. In the end, Levine offers a prescription for healing and mutual understanding; a chapter titled "Quo Vadis?" outlines steps that can be taken by Jews and Christians alike to bridge the divide that has caused so much suffering over the centuries. Written for the general public, this is an outstanding addition to the literature of interfaith dialogue. (Jan.)

RCIA Update Week 6

Finally - Some excitement.

This week we had a different Deacon present.


This was what I have been waiting for. Deacon Keith was energetic and truly excited about being here. He is well versed in Theology and historical facts but delivered it in a manner that "spoke to me"

He admitted that he headed up the RCIA program in his past so this may have explained his style.

Today's topic The Creed, The Trinity was well presented and the Deacon made the time fly by. He was engaging, open, and funny. Unlike the presenters thus far, when he went on a tangent, he quickly associated it back to the topic at hand. His analogies and "case in points" were topical and I am very thankful for week.

Next week we will have another presenter but this past week has renewed my excitement.

RCIA Update

It has been a few weeks since my last update. To be honest, the RCIA classes have been less than stellar thus far. Perhaps this is typical at this stage, (Inquiry) of the process, but it has been slow going. I think this is in part do to the presenters. For Weeks 2-5, the presenter who is a deacon of the church and a very educated man, but unfortunately also a bit boring.

The Topics have been
The Church, the House of the Lord
The Bible, the Old Testament
New Testament
The Church since Pentecost

Additionally, my sponsor (wife), and I just simply don't seem to have time to discuss things. We are so consumed with day to day activities, (work, school, kids, kids and kids) that this seems to be something that is taken for granted. Internally I am struggling about the entire process but to date have not communicated this.

As for the classes thus far. Still not much to comment on. I really do feel like I am on the right path and I continue to read everything I can. We attend Mass and class every weekend so.....Still going forward

RCIA Day 1 God's Call & Our Response

Well....After months of anticipation and a sull summer of reading everyghing I could get my hands on, RCIA has started. I must admit much nervousness / stress the days leading up to my first class.

As excited as I was to start the RCIA process, I must admit, I was more than a little disappointed. I really expected the first day to be an opportunity for the RCIA leaders (teacher/deacon, whomever) to be somewhat more welcoming. Sure there was the "congratulations" and "Good Luck on your journey" type comments however I was expecting more of the "Welcome to our faith" or "Here is what is great about being Catholic" type discussions.
Rather, we had a Deacon, who is a very likeable and intelligent individual, dive right into a deep discussion which I really believe were "off-topic"

I want to believe his intent was to focus on "God's Call & Our Response", however we spent 30 minutes dissecting a prayer by St. Augustine and dove into History lesson, Secular history of course, on the 4th century state of religion and religious persecution.

Honestly, I got more out of Catholism for Dummies. (A great book btw)

Needless to say, it left me a little discouraged but remain optimistic. Over the next 8 months, we will have many different presenters and speakers. I am looking forward to next week's topic as I know in my heart the path is right.

We'll see

A new day

Today was the beginning of a new day. Although I have been attending Mass for years with my wife and children, I did not fully participate nor appreciate every act , rite, prayer etc during the service. I have always been a supportive person, attended for the family, enjoyed the sermons and homilies but not really did NOT pay attention. As you know, I I recently decided to convert, and in doing so have thrown myself into the educational process as well as the spiritual process of becoming Catholic.

For years I have stood when told to rise, sat went instructed to do so etc. however, today was the first Mass I have attended in years where I actually kneeled in prayer (yes, I actually prayed). Although still not comfortable with performing the signs of the cross, or using holy water, I am making strides. Who knows.. Next week I may actually memorize the spiritual communion prayer or others I have been learning about.

I continue to read and discuss the process with my family and really really am looking forward to beginning the RCIA process in September.

Diving In

The decision to become Catholic was not taken lightly so it was a huge relief to finally have someone to talk to about it. But just like anything else in life, once I make a decision to do something, I really get into it. Whether it be buying a lawn mower, new car or well converting to a new religion. (As mentioned above, I do not take this lightly but humor helps me get through the day)

Since I can not officially start the RCIA process until it begins in September, I am spending my time reading as much as possible.

I really enjoy researching and learning as much as possible. Having a slightly different view on things I am really looking forward to the classes to begin and have some intelligent conversations

There are literally hundreds of books out there to be read so I am looking for some basic recommendations - (Sure the Bible is one of them)

To give you an idea of what was covered thus far:
Catholicism for Dummies - Perfect for me!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church and This is our Faith - These will actually be covered during the RCIA but I was able to get a head start.
A Purpose Driven Life - This was a little heavy at this time. Good Stuff but a little heavy

Anyway - Thanks to all