tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post2817212302001866589..comments2024-03-05T10:23:45.043-08:00Comments on The Fike Life: I am a Catholic, Pt 3: Everything made sense! And really all the rest.Blythe Fikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-88496035919637325132015-02-03T10:23:43.671-08:002015-02-03T10:23:43.671-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17997471106590658533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-24886659916171198432014-05-27T09:51:28.739-07:002014-05-27T09:51:28.739-07:00Mr. McGurk, what is the point of that statement? ...Mr. McGurk, what is the point of that statement? I don't understand, maybe you can explain it further. Or anyone who has time, really.<br />TracieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-38068848526440016712014-05-20T22:32:25.915-07:002014-05-20T22:32:25.915-07:00I can't comment on anon and what she believes,...I can't comment on anon and what she believes, but as someone raised in the Lutheran church (several years of Confirmation and some lovely pastors to back me up on this)- for us, sola scriptura does not mean that the bible is the only authority in the church. We believe that the bible is the only *infallible* authority in the church. (I don't think all Protestant denominations share this view- you'd have to ask them.) We Lutherans love our traditions, our Eucharist (fist bump on the meme), our bishops, and our Early Church leaders and writings. If you came to a typical Lutheran service, you'd be quite at home in our liturgy. I firmly believe that my pastor, my bishops, the writings of the early church can all support and enhance my faith. These are all important things to me. But the Bible is what I must come back to- what the church must come back to. Humans are just humans- even with 4 years of seminary and ordination. Hope that helps with some questions. <br /><br />Blythe, thanks so much for continuing to share your story! <br />(And I'll take some Catholic prayers any day of the week- know some Lutheran ones are being thrown up for you as well.)Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11306234153516518132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-30240793482364013662014-05-20T18:07:02.058-07:002014-05-20T18:07:02.058-07:00Anonymous, I would like to give you a quote from a...Anonymous, I would like to give you a quote from a first century Catholic Christian who was a disciple if St. John the Apostle.<br />"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God… They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, Flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes". —Letter to the Smyrnaeans, Ch 6. - St. Ignatius<br /><br />St. Ignatius lived from around A.D. 35 to 107. He was the third bishop of Antioch and tradition records that he was a disciple of the apostle John (cf. The Maryrdom of Ignatius).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-72014033906633234262014-05-19T15:04:01.506-07:002014-05-19T15:04:01.506-07:00I could write pages and pages on this but I’m goin...I could write pages and pages on this but I’m going to keep this short. <br /><br />Protestant scholars cannot mandate what the evangelical Church believes regarding doctrine. <br /><br />Protestant scholars have contributed significantly over the centuries to evangelical doctrinal issues. They offer insights in to language, history, theology, cultural, and Christian ethics. These scholars are free to disagree with each other. For example some scholars may be Reformed or Arminian, liberal or conservative. Core doctrinal issues (death and resurrection, virgin birth, atonement, grace) are not up for debate. <br /><br />Yes, I believe the Bible was written in such a way that it is understandable by all who read it seeking God’s help (John 14:26). Study Bibles, commentaries, and other books that protestants use help them go deeper into the text. Not everyone knows Hebrew or Greek or has a deep understanding of ancient near east culture… etc. So they read what others (who have the knowledge and training) have to say on these topics. <br /><br />Keep in mind I am coming from a Reformed-charismatic background. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-76484610434275903892014-05-19T10:59:32.021-07:002014-05-19T10:59:32.021-07:00Perhaps I'm misunderstanding but are you sayin...Perhaps I'm misunderstanding but are you saying you do not believe in private interpretation? Thanks so much for you dialogue!Blythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-1561753260184278472014-05-19T10:57:58.674-07:002014-05-19T10:57:58.674-07:00Hi there:) I was going to ask a similar question t...Hi there:) I was going to ask a similar question to Bonnie's so I'll just keep my eyes on that thread. I didn't literally me "a billion"- I just meant to refer to interpretation without authority leading to many possibilities. And when you refer to private interpretation as something you specifically aren't doing (referring to the reformers, which I see as tradition and an acceptance of their authority-like Bonnie mentioned)Blythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-46338676400650883042014-05-19T10:48:04.121-07:002014-05-19T10:48:04.121-07:00... And the rosary (when I'm driving, usually)...... And the rosary (when I'm driving, usually). I'm trying to now add a short examination of conscience at night. But -start small! I love the morning offering because it covers your entire day. Maybe start there if you haven't already?:)Blythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-61653712259569246742014-05-19T10:46:35.034-07:002014-05-19T10:46:35.034-07:00Hi Elizabeth! I totally know what you mean. I stil...Hi Elizabeth! I totally know what you mean. I still feel overwhelmed with all the options for devotion. I had a great priest once advice me to just start small, with the morning offering. So, I decided to just focus on that. When I felt like that became routine, I added another. Now I try to say that, the angelus/Regina coeliBlythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-8842791136595513992014-05-19T10:08:45.830-07:002014-05-19T10:08:45.830-07:00Blythe, just a quick question from a fellow conver...Blythe, just a quick question from a fellow convert. I was wondering if you could say a little bit about how you have gone about choosing and then integrating Catholic devotions (the rosary, novenas, etc) into your day to day life since your conversion. I have found it kind of difficult to know what I should be doing just because there is so much out there! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02868358848951008776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-56451291402112085462014-05-18T20:21:13.229-07:002014-05-18T20:21:13.229-07:00Hi Bonnie! (I'm a long time reader of your blo...Hi Bonnie! (I'm a long time reader of your blog! ;-) ) I will get back to you. Great questions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-130740482566010752014-05-18T17:09:55.910-07:002014-05-18T17:09:55.910-07:00Anon, I have a sincere question and hopefully you ...Anon, I have a sincere question and hopefully you can help me understand this. Since you are an evangelical protestant, I assume that you believe Sola Scriptura - that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you read the Bible and that the Bible is all that is needed to know Christ and follow Him. However, you said to Blythe, " I didn't just come up with my statements but looked to what classic reformed scholars have to say on this... this is what we believe." To me that sounds a lot like a sacred tradition and a form of the magesterium. So why is your tradition correct but the Catholic tradition (which is older and historical)is incorrect?<br /><br />Also, even if this doesn't apply to you, maybe you can help me understand this: I've had evangelical Christians tell me that the Holy Spirit will guide them as they read and interpret Scripture yet they've read such teachings straight from their study Bible, which is full of clarifications. I don't get that. Either the Holy Spirit will guide you or you need help to understand the context. What am I missing here?Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01805401564651493025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-55520047426377555882014-05-17T22:27:17.292-07:002014-05-17T22:27:17.292-07:00Hi Blythe, I am puzzled with your term "priv...Hi Blythe, I am puzzled with your term "private interpretation". I didn't just come up with my statements but looked to what classic reformed scholars have to say on this... this is what we believe. There are not a billion view points on this topic. Anyway, just wanted to mention this thus anyone think I just came up with these ideas on my own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-27795308538389523812014-05-17T21:42:31.415-07:002014-05-17T21:42:31.415-07:00I will pray for you. I will pray right now for you...I will pray for you. I will pray right now for you. Thank you for reaching out!Blythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-85130310465117288572014-05-17T15:46:37.797-07:002014-05-17T15:46:37.797-07:00Me again. Will you please pray for me to have humi...Me again. Will you please pray for me to have humility before God and be able to see him as GOD and myself as nothing and not be offended? Please and thank you The Mouchetteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361944775351375004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-7426008840053282412014-05-17T14:55:53.430-07:002014-05-17T14:55:53.430-07:00Hey Anon. Thanks for your comments. I sincerely lo...Hey Anon. Thanks for your comments. I sincerely love conversation with my Protestant brothers and sisters. But I think this is sort of a perfect example of the problem with private interpretation. You say potato, I say patato. Of course, I believe the Holy Spirit can inspire us and speak to us through Scripture, but in terms of how Scripture influences or supports doctrine, I'm not coming up with my my own idea of what the text means, I'm referring to what all of early Christendom thought. Thats the difference. You are deciding what God is saying through Scripture, I am aligning myself with the teaching of the early Church supported by Sacred Tradition. The discourse of the of Bread has always, historically, seen to mean a literal sharing in His body and blood. And, I see what you're getting at ie the Last Supper having not yet occurred, but Christ refers often to His death, resurrection, the last days, the tearing down and rebuilding of the Temple, all of which had not occurred while He lived. Those statements are no less valid simply because they refer to future happenings. Anyway, like I said, I see this is an important example of our core divide and how self-interpretation can lead us to a billion different viewpoints. I find it interested that you are really concerned about the context of these passages (as you should be, none of which were ignored or overlooked by me) yet you have no problem drawing your own conclusions about what the text actually means. We can't pick and choose with Scripture, you say. I say "AMEN!" we cannot decide whats literal, what is symbolic, what is poetic, etc, to suit our own doctrinal viewpoints. That was my largest struggle. When we all land on a different answer to what Scripture is teaching us, what do we use to measure our various truths against?Blythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-7689787687823740452014-05-16T16:13:56.586-07:002014-05-16T16:13:56.586-07:00Hi B.C. I am anon, I am a SAHM and a HS mom to two...Hi B.C. I am anon, I am a SAHM and a HS mom to two. I love Jesus, theology and my study bible! My husband went to seminary and I had his help in answering your question. I think I sounded like a robot in my previous comment, so didn’t mean too just was super focused. <br /><br />It is so important when reading the Bible, to read it in context. For those verses at the end of John 6 you are asking about, you need to go back to the beginning of John 6 and read from there. The day before, Jesus feeds the 5,000 so the idea of this miraculous “bread” is on everyone’s mind. They want more… thus Jesus’ saying, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” <br /><br />Also keep in mind that the Gospel of John was written is a mysterious way (think back the first few verse- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God , and the Word was God”) it isn’t part of the synoptic Gospels (Matt, Mark, Luke…) The Book of John is very typological. John has lots of hidden meanings- Jesus didn’t want to come out and say who he was and prematurely set things off. John is also full of “I am” statements… I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the good shepherd, I am the door, I am the true vine, I am the way, the truth, and the life, I am the resurrection and the life. <br /><br />The Gospel is very deep and God through the power of the Holy Spirit can enable us to understand it.<br /><br />So, to answer your question as to why Jesus let those other disciples leave after he tells them to eat of his flesh and drink of his blood. Jesus was separating the wheat from the chaff, the sheep from the goats. Jesus knew who would truly follow him and who wouldn’t. And the disciples who left were not true disciples of Christ. Their faith was not real, maybe they were following him for the free bread he handed out or the healings he made? The example shows that only those who the Father draws to himself will be saved. <br /><br />Look at verse 44 “No one can come to me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” God draws us to him. We do not come of our own free will. <br /><br />Look at verse 65 “ And he (Jesus) said, “This is why I told you that no can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” <br /><br />On another note maybe it will help you to see Jesus talking symbolically when you reread John 4 where Jesus meets the Samaria woman at the well. Verse 13- “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give will never be thirsty again…” Jesus doesn’t literally have a cup of water that will quench all thirst. He is talking about salvation.<br /><br />Blessings Friends!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-69959715632376962682014-05-16T13:10:34.971-07:002014-05-16T13:10:34.971-07:00Will you pray for me to see and love Jesus and bel...Will you pray for me to see and love Jesus and belonging to Him? Thank you. The Mouchetteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361944775351375004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-85489786536152944112014-05-16T06:20:32.234-07:002014-05-16T06:20:32.234-07:00To the Anonymous exegesis above, since we are talk...To the Anonymous exegesis above, since we are talking about context, I have a question and would really like to hear a non-Catholic perspective on it. <br /><br />In John 6:52 the Jews say "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" and after Jesus speaks more on the topic "After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve 'will you also go away?'" Do you have a clear explanation for why those people left Jesus over a symbol? Why didn't he call them back and explain that he did not really intend for them to eat his flesh? <br /><br />As a cradle Catholic I have only ever taken this 100% literally, and am having trouble even theoretically reading it in any other way. So I am genuinely interested in your perspective. <br /><br />I am constantly worried about how tone comes across over the internet, so I would like to explain that I am not trying to be confrontational here! You seem to have given this some real thought, and I am only trying for dialogue, not debate :) B.C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-72129058174872025782014-05-15T16:47:53.323-07:002014-05-15T16:47:53.323-07:00As an Evangelical Protestant this is my take on yo...As an Evangelical Protestant this is my take on your Biblical references. I read your scriptural references in my ESV study bible and used the study notes to help me exegesis.<br /><br />On Baptism<br /><br />Acts 2:38<br />"Repent and be baptized" <br /><br />Repent- the need to believe (Faith in Christ) is implied in the command to repent.<br /><br />1 Peter 3:21<br />Peter is making a comparison between the Ark and Baptism. The mere mechanical act of Baptism does not save- "not as a removal of dirt from the body"- the passage of water over the body does not cleanse. Baptism saves b/c it represent inward faith as evidence by ones "appeal to God"- for the forgiveness of ones sins.<br /><br />So water baptism is an outward sign of the inward reality of regeneration which is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit which may be received only by grace through faith.<br /><br />Solo Gracia<br />Solo Fide<br /><br />Titus 3:5 Salvation comes- "not b/c of works"- but "by the washing of the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." You might understand this as saying baptism- "the washing"- causes salvation. However, in the context human deeds are clearly downplayed- "not b/c of works" - and the emphasis is on divine action- "he saved us" (Solo Christo). "The washing" is a spiritual cleansing which is outwardly symbolized in baptism. <br /><br />On Tradition <br /><br />1 Corinthians 11:2- This is a reference to head covering. You cannot cherry pick scripture. You've got to look at the context and exegesis. <br /><br />2 Thes 2:15<br />This contrasts with verse 2:2 were Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be shaken by false prophecies, teachings, or forged letters. Rather they are to stand firm and hold the tradition that were communicated directly to them by Paul's spoken word during his ministry there. <br /><br />On the Eucharist<br /><br />John 6:47-55<br /><br />Again you must look at context. Jesus isn't even talking about the Lord's supper. Thus you cannot take the- "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son or Man and drink his blood"- literally b/c no one ever did that. This is just a day after Jesus feed the 5,000 and Christ is speaking in terms of physical items in the world to teach about Spiritual realities.<br /><br />To "eat" Jesus flesh has the spiritual meaning of trusting in Christ especially in his death for us. (in verse 35 Christ speaks of coming to him as satisfying "hunger" and believing in him as satisfying "thirst") "Drink his blood" means to trust in his atoning death represented by the shedding of his blood. <br /><br />See 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 for a Lord's Supper reference. <br /><br />It has been very interesting reading your conversion story. It has sharpened my faith a lot. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-58308472240004052362014-05-15T15:14:09.223-07:002014-05-15T15:14:09.223-07:00This is beautiful. This is beautiful. Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07923751596148085363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-88979408149043050372014-05-15T14:59:41.857-07:002014-05-15T14:59:41.857-07:00Thank you, Molly!! Great suggestions, I will check...Thank you, Molly!! Great suggestions, I will check them out :)Rebeccahttp://www.theadventuresofbugandboo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-25442370733924504512014-05-15T08:25:19.813-07:002014-05-15T08:25:19.813-07:00I am a convert from the Baptist faith and absolute...I am a convert from the Baptist faith and absolutely love talking and reading about conversion. I have loved this well-written series of yours and am so glad I've found your blog! <br />From, a new reader, Catholic convert, stay at home mom to 4 littles up in Canada! Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03986920187652559863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-47553097695439284842014-05-15T07:17:32.780-07:002014-05-15T07:17:32.780-07:00i have so enjoyed this!! it has encouraged me to ...i have so enjoyed this!! it has encouraged me to finally write down how I became Catholic. thank you!<br />and your video is precious!!<br />blessings,<br />courtneycourtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15167701490556145536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165594238100314829.post-33685601008388067072014-05-15T05:44:18.291-07:002014-05-15T05:44:18.291-07:00Rebecca - I really loved the descriptions of purga...Rebecca - I really loved the descriptions of purgatory and faith vs. works in a book called "Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" when I was trying to figure out my Catholic husband (I did later convert). You'll also want to read up on the topic called "justification" because Catholics do believe that God alone grants Grace (like Protestants), but that we're still expected to do good and follow the rules, be sorry when we mess up, etc. and that's the works part. There's also a great section in "BF, BAC" about the "language" of Catholicism and how their definition of things like devotion, prayer, etc. are different, and therefore cause misunderstanding, with Protestants. =)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17904858990740505588noreply@blogger.com