Catholics, can I please get your thoughts/insights/opinions on something?

Well we would love to have you. You are an awesome lady, and your presence in the church would be of value to all of us.

I'll address your concerns but first want to say that all of the reasons that you listed FOR converting are the actual IMPORTANT values in being Catholic. So here goes:

1. I do not believe in the infallibility of the Pope, and I don't think I would ever be able to. It just doesn't make sense to me given the history of the Church.

The Pope is only infallible in matters of Faith and Doctrine. I am sure you have heard this before, so I won't expound too much on that. The church had a few corrupt Popes (it's an old organization run by humans, it's bound to happen, really) and some mistakes have been made. For instance the Inquisition came about due to Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith -- not a direct order from the Pope. I am currently reading a fantastic book called Salt of the Earth, a secular journalist interviews then-Cardinal Ratzinger about the Church. I have learned so much about our Pope from that book, and I can see why he was chosen. He is incredibly wise, and incredibly humble. Maybe give it a read?

2. I really do not like the current ultraconvservativism of the Church. Like the way some Catholics were told they couldn't vote for Obama, and the whole situation down in Brazil, and the whole birth control issue. It makes me really uncomfortable

I am sure you understand that the priests who told people not to vote for Obama were censored and told to knock it off. The church CAN'T tell you who to vote for. At the Catholic Church I attend: I see Obama stickers everywhere. MANY Catholics voted for him. I have been looking more into the Brazil situation, and I found out that abortion is illegal there -- which may have had something to do with the excommunication of the doctors. Either way Priscilla, the woman SHOULD have gone to the church for absolution and to help her child with getting therapy and spiritual help and all else (like blessing those babies at the time of the abortion) that "should" have happened -- but she didn't. Those are the rules, and her daughter would have received an abortion with absolution, but she DIDN'T. I am not offended she was excommunicated. I can discuss this in email further with you if you like. As for the birth control thing, I am going to suggest one more book in your sex question and it will cover "why" we are generally against it.

3. I'm something of a universalist, I believe that Jesus' death on the cross took away the sins of the world, and I don't believe people have to do a certain amount of good things and not do a certain amount of bad things to go to Heaven.

Well, take heart, there is no one in the church tallying up your good deeds. The emphasis is on caring for other people. Extending a hand to a person in need. To be supportive and caring. Charity in actions and words comes naturally to a lot of Catholics. Sometimes it doesn't. Either way, you will not be subject to having good deeds nor bad deeds counted -- only God does that.

4. I don't really believe in "holy water" or even the idea that any one object is more holy than another... with the exception of the Eucharist.

Holy Water is a sacramental. Rosary, a sacramental. Statues, yep you guessed it: sacramentals. Candles, Scapulars, et all: sacramentals. A sacramental is a small token in the importance of the Sacraments. The most important Sacrament being of course: the Eucharist. Sacramentals are small ways to remind you, bring you to, help you focus on: Jesus. So Holy Water is in no way on the level of importance as the Eucharist, and nor is anything else. It's not as important as Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick either. We don't believe IN Holy Water, it's just there to remind us of what we do believe in.

5. I REALLY don't believe that sex is only for procreation. I think that within a marital relationship, sex is a beautiful and intensely spiritual thing.

So do WE! The emphasis on good-and-often sex is a corner-stone to a marriage. It's not just about procreation.

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

"2361 "Sexuality, by means of which man and woman give themselves to one another through the acts which are proper and exclusive to spouses, is not simply something biological, but concerns the innermost being of the human person as such. It is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and woman commit themselves totally to one another until death."

2362 "The acts in marriage by which the intimate and chaste union of the spouses takes place are noble and honorable; the truly human performance of these acts fosters the self-giving they signify and enriches the spouses in joy and gratitude." 145 Sexuality is a source of joy and pleasure:

The Creator himself . . . established that in the [generative] function, spouses should experience pl

First, I would like to suggest attending an (or the complete course is better) RCIA class, they will answer ALL of your concerns and if at the end you decide there are certain things you are opposed to, then do not convert, it is not a requirement of the course.

Now, all your reasons for wanting to join are wonderful, and I applaud your search in not only finding the some the truths of the Catholic Church but your own spiritual journey.

Your list of cons is equally as compelling and I will try my best to address those, although I am not a teacher. :)

Papal Infallibility, does seem to be a hot button issue. As many others have said it is only when speaking ex cartha. I would like to add perhaps an alternative view of this issue. Many think/believe when they hear of Papal Infallibility that we believe he is either sinless, or at the very least elevated amongst man. This is not the case, really it is more of a belief that the Holy Spirit will prevent the Pope from teaching false doctrine, and only doctrine. As an example, yes we Catholics are against contraception, but Papal Infallibility played no role in the Pope standing against condoms in Africa. To see more of an explanation see this site it explains it better than I could http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0202sbs.asp

Obama, I don't know that people were told specifically not to vote for him, at least my Church didn't. However, I know that various group ie the Catholic League, did not support him and asked fellow Catholics not to vote for him as well. The Catholic League is not the Church. However, I believe that the only reason for this was his stance on abortion, which Catholics are against. Now, at least where I live there are many Irish and Polish Catholics, that do not support Republican ideology and have always voted democrat (despite the Democratic's long stance as Pro Choice). I've never heard politics discussed in mass, and I think if my Priest took it upon himself to spend even a sentence of mass on it then his tax exempt ought to be revoked, just my postition. The situation in Brazil is horrible, and I am prolife, but wow, it just breaks my heart and if God forbid something like happen to someone I know I don't know what I would do.

All Holy water is, is water that has been blessed, tap water with a prayer. It is set inside of the doors of the Church as a reminder of baptism and a small blessing to the person or thing that it touches.

Again a more in depth reference may be found here:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07432a.htm

We do not have sex ONLY for procreation, but we are expected to be open to it (thus the no contraception). We use natural family planning, in which a woman would chart her fertile periods if you do not desire children you do it during the infertile parts, want a child during the fertile times. I've been married for 5 years and I've never been pregnant nor have I used contraception.

I wish you luck on your journey and hope that you find greater peace through it.

Peace in Christ

1.“I do not believe in the infallibility of the Pope, and I don't think I would ever be able to. It just doesn't make sense to me given the history of the Church.”

When I converted this was somewhat of a stumbling block to me also. I studied the issue and realized how rarely the Pope has exercised this privilege which is only a couple of times in 2000 years and it was done wisely. I no longer have a problem but believe when used wisely it is aq benefit to the Church and the faithful.

2.” I really do not like the current ultraconvservativism of the Church. Like the way some Catholics were told they couldn't vote for Obama, and the whole situation down in Brazil, and the whole birth control issue. It makes me really uncomfortable. “

This is something I did not have a problem with as I have always been in support of life. If one believes in murder of humanities most helpless and innocent, they really are not Catholic. The Church is consistent in its support of life. This is something that brought me to the Church after being a Protestant whose church continued a slide towards worldliness and apostasy.

3. “I'm something of a universalist, I believe that Jesus' death on the cross took away the sins of the world, and I don't believe people have to do a certain amount of good things and not do a certain amount of bad things to go to Heaven.”

Well, the Church does not teach works salvation so you should not have a problem with Catholic soteriology teaching. The Church does teach that mortal sin separates one from the Church and consequently from their eternal destiny in Christ.

4. “I don't really believe in "holy water" or even the idea that any one object is more holy than another... with the exception of the Eucharist.”

I really do not think this will be a problem after you have studied the issue. The Bible and the Church teaches that there is a joining of the spiritual and the physical associated with grace. It is not a difficult concept to grasp. It all has to do with how God chooses to provide His grace to mankind.

5. “I REALLY don't believe that sex is only for procreation. I think that within a marital relationship, sex is a beautiful and intensely spiritual thing.”

You are in perfect union with the Church on this issue except perhaps that we should not interfere with God’s will.

God bless!

In Christ

Fr. Joseph

First off the Pope is not infallible only when he speaks in union with the Bishops of the Church and that has happened maybe twice in 2100 yrs and even then it can not differ from scripture and Tradition handed down by the Apostles. As far as martial sex goes enjoy it and we do use natural family planning. Not meaning to sound mean or rude but it may be best you not as yet become part of the body of Christ as your still to much into humanism.But rather than come here and ask your doubts why not set up a appointment with a Priest and discuss your difficulties in certain beliefs.You call your self a universalist and deny the requirements of good works which are a manifestation of your faith as James says faith without works is dead.In revelation it says the dead were judged according to there works.Voting for Obama was equal to supporting abortion as he is a strong advocate of Abortion.But like i said earlier your not ready for the truths of the Church your just to much a Humanist more than a Universalist. Also as a true Catholic you must obey and believe all the precepts of the Church and you would be right now what we call a cafeteria Catholic and should not if you were Catholic be recieving the Eucharist. My last suggestion is to pray pray pray.

Addressing your reasons not to be Catholic:

1. Did you know that papal infallibility doesn't mean that the pope is always right and can never make a mistake? The pope isn't perfect -- he goes to confession weekly. Papal infallibility is a special provision of the Holy Spirit that enables a pope to speak without error on a specific doctrinal issue. It's only been invoked like twice. Ever. And each time, the pope in question took months, if not years, to pray about and study the doctrinal issue to be sure it was truly from the Lord. THEN, he had a team of theologians test it to make sure it was in keeping with Scripture and Sacred Tradition. So does that make you feel better?

2a. I think you'd probably better do some more research on this. First, Catholics were NOT told that they couldn't vote for Obama. They were told to consider their choices carefully, but the Holy See never has and never will tell Americans or any other people how to vote.

2b. The Brazilian story was misrepresented in the press. If you would do a little research, you'd see that once the girl's priest learned about her abuse, he offered full support to her and her mother. Once she was hospitalized due to the pregnancy, he would drive 140 miles a day to go see her and offer support. When the question of her continuing her pregnancy was raised, he found a doctor who was willing to care for her so that she could be safe and so that her and her two children would ALL be saved. But the girl's mother had her transferred to another hospital and put in the care of a doctor who very proudly states that he opposes Catholic teaching. The Vatican has also offered love and support for this poor young girl, not condemnation. There are a lot of details that never made it into the mainstream press that might affect your views, if you would only go look up the information.

2c. Again, I suggest you do your research. Before we became Catholic, my husband and I gave up birth control for health reasons. After we became Catholic, we saw the beauty and privilege of doing things God's way (which really does work).

3. Catholicism does NOT teach that people have to do a certain amount of good things to go to heaven or that people who do a certain amount of bad things do not go to heaven.

4. Sacramentals -- like holy water -- only have as much holiness as Jesus Himself allows them to have. They are optional, anyway. No Catholic is required to have them or use them. But if some Catholics find it helpful, would you condemn them?

5. Catholicism does NOT teach that sex is only for procreation. Sex is a way for two to become one in ALL ways: emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, physically. It is a sacramental act that reflects the marriage vows on the earthly side and the fact that God made us in His image on the spiritual side.

I do understand these issues. I had some of the same when I was trying to decide whether or not I could be Catholic. Research them. Get the facts. Learn WHY the Church teaches what she teaches. Then you can make up your mind.

Have you enrolled in RCIA yet?

All of the things that you listed for why you would like to convert to Catholicism are good. That's all part of being Catholic.

You also have some valid concerns, and I'm not offended. I'd just like to address them.

1) The infallibility of the Pope. This is something that a lot of non-Catholics have a problem with simply because they don't understand it. The Pope isn't considered infallible in every single situation and statement. He can call "purple" the most beautiful color, or the "cat" the most interesting animal (he really is a cat person!), but those aren't infallible statements.

Infallibility isn't the same thing as "inspiration. Catholics don't believe that the Pope speaks with the voice of the Holy Spirit. And it doesn't guarantee that a Pope will be moraly perfect, or even especially intelligent or wise. Infallibility is a supernatural gift granted by God's grace alone, for His purposes, in order to uphold and make nown (with certainty, in faith) His spiritual and theological truth.

There are also certain conditions that must be in place for the Pope to be speaking infallibly. He must be speaking "ex cathedra" (literally, from the chair), defining that a moral or article of faith must be upheld by the whole Church. This happens VERY rarely.

2) The ultraconservatism of the Church. This is also a misconception. Catholics were never told that they could not vote for Obama. They were only strongly encouraged to vote in line with their conscience. For many, that meant McCain because of life issues. The priest that told his parishoners to abstain from Communion if they vorted for Obama was chastised.

The situation in Brazil is something else that has been blown out of proportion. It has been erroneously reported by those who don't understand excommunication that the little girl was excommunicated while the step-father who raped her was not. This is simply not the case. In fact, it's the other way around.

Child abuse, neglect, and molestation all carry a sentence of automatic excommunication. Seeking an abortion or performing one also means automatic excommunication. However, while it's well known about the first case, the second is not well known. This is why the excommunication of the mother and doctor were announced, but not the excommunication of the step-father. It was believed by those making the announcement that the step-father's excommunication was understood.

The little girl, however, was most definitely NOT excommunicated. The Church realizes that she had no choice in the matter at any point in the process. We only wish that the pregnancy would have progressed a few more weeks. At that point, the twins could have been saved, as well, because they could have been taken by c-section and were at the point of viability outside of the womb.

As for the birth control issue, this is based in Scripture. In fact, contraception was commonly prohibited by ALL Christians, Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox, until 1930.

Take, for example, Genesis 38:8-10. "Then Judah said to Onan, 'Go in to your brother's wife, and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.' But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother's wife he spilled the semen on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother. And what he did was displeasing in the sight of the Lord, and He slew him also."

This story involves what is known as the "levirate law": the duty to produce offspring with wife of a dead brother. Onan failed to uphold this law, but that alone cannot be why God killed him, since we know from Deut. 25:5-10 that the penalty for that was public humiliation and shunning, not death. No, Onan was judged for contraception, sex with the deliberate intent to unnaturally prevent procreation.

Other Biblical passages supporting the Catholic view include Gen. 1:28, Exodus 23:25-26, Mal. 2:14-15, 1 Timothy 2:15, Gen 20:17-18, and Gen. 17:16. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

That's not to say that you have to have a whole bunch of children. It just means agreeing, when having sex, to be open to the creation of new life, in order to fulfill the deepest meaning and purpose of marital union. There are very natural ways to regulate how many children you have. Though often confused with the rythm method, for example, Natural Family Planning is actually very effective. In fact, it's more effective than any barrier or hormonal method! It's also less expensive than any of them, because your only expense is a basal body thermometer and an extra couple of minutes in the morning.

A major reason, of course, for being uncomfortable with the Church's stance on contraception is the AIDS epidemic, like in Africa. Recently, as you know, the Pope came down against condoms, and he was right to do so. Only education will slow and eventually stop the spread of AIDS, not condoms, which are a false "solution" because HIV

One of the main reasons the Catholic Church holds together better than Protestant congregations is its tolerance of a wide variety of Catholic points of view. This ebbs and flows over time. Sometimes the liberals have sway, sometimes (like now) the conservatives get the upper hand. But often it's a balancing act between patience and assertiveness. There are plenty of Catholics who don't hew to the hierarchical line.

Some of the ideas you've mentioned aren't orthodox Catholic doctrine, but many Catholics have little problem with them. Technically, the pope is not "infallible" all of the time, and when he does make such a pronouncement, it's usually about some obscure theological point (like the Assumption of Mary) that will make some people happy and not affect anyone else much. As to whether hell is forever, how would we know, and what difference would it make if it weren't? There is more of an emphasis on "good works" such as the "corporal works of mercy", but they make sense as the fruits of faith, not just Christian "duty". Holy water is a nice symbol, but it's hardly magic. And the declining birthrate among most (not all) Catholics should also tell you something.

There's no pleasing everyone in the Church, and some people do think there's a war going on in Catholicism. But in your case, the benefits may just outweigh the costs.

No, you don't have to be Catholic. Many people who are Catholic are converts. If you would like to become Catholic, all you have to do is contact your local Catholic Church and they can get you in the RCIA class. I would call as soon as possible though because people are brought into the Church during Easter and so RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) started not long ago, but you should still be able to join. You will be baptized and confirmed at the same time during Easter Vigil (That Saturday night), it's a beautiful ceremony, I attend that one every year even though it's a long Mass. It's wonderful to see new people come into the Church. Good luck and welcome home! E-mail me if you have any other questions.

First, I want to say God bless you and His peace be with you.

You posted a wonderful question, and when I saw that you believed in transubstantiation, my heart leapt for joy. It was that teaching which converted, and I'm so glad you embraced it.

Now I will try to help on the issues troubling you.

1) Do you have a correct understanding of Papal infallibility? Most people wrongly understand it to mean that the Pope has no sin, which is incorrect. Papal infallibility refers to when he speaks on matters of faith and doctrine that are morally binding on the faithful. We believe the Holy Spirit protects him from error. The Pope, however, is a sinner and goes to confession about once a week. Is this what concerned you?

2) The Church does not ever say who the laity can or cannot vote for. I think that would cross the line into infringing on our right to choose. The Church simply tries to reinforce Catholics to vote according to the teachings of the Church. Who we vote for, however, is up to us, an option we must obviously weigh carefully.

3) Jesus did die for the whole world. His sacrifice WAS for the salvation of mankind. However, each person much accept or reject His gift. I'm not sure what you mean by having to do a certain number of good things to get to heaven. There's no list we're required to fulfill nor if we miss one item we're sunk. Our job is to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to avoid sin or the occasion of sin. By staying clean and learning to love Him will all that we are, we will love ourselves without condition, and others as well.

4) I'm not versed that well on sacramentals, but I know that any object blessed by a priest is like having a prayer attached to it, if I'm correct. You might want to research Catholic teaching on the matter for a better understanding.

5) Sex is not just for procreation. The Church teaches that it is a celebration of the life and love of the marriage covenant. Marriage is intended to mirror the boundless love of the Holy Trinity, and the sexual act is the most intimate, beautiful, and precious way that that love is celebrated between a man and a woman. The other aspect of sex is as you mentioned: it must be open to life, which is a share in God's creative power. Not even the angels have that gift.

I hope my answers were helpful. Email me if you have any more questions or thoughts.

God bless, and welcome home.

Hi, I just read my Catholic brother's and sisters answers and I think they make a good case for dispelling your doubt, Just to add that there is alternatives, like the Orthodox Catholic Church!.

I'm Roman and know it to be the Church founded by Christ and the one he will eventually bring all his people into, but at the moment I would be more concerned with you getting life from The blessed Sacrament that is the Eucharist, here is life in the fullest sense of it.

The Church is not depended on any man, it is held up by it's head which is Christ, the church is the tree you see the root is Christ whom you can't, if it wasn't so it would have fell long ago.

The Church can advice, but it seems it is more depending on location, here in Ireland I've never heard the church speak in this way.

Yet it has a cause!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRpIf2F9NA

Jesus died for all sins this is true, but he told us to be like him, he was to redeem the world by changing the world! hence his command to love one another and show mercy, he gave us rules to adhere to, but you leave out something here that is Purgatory where those sins are purged out because they where not confessed nor repented of.

Also many will find eternity through this gift of Purgatory, since Jesus wants no one lost but knew not all would make it.

Anything can be blessed, water salt or oil all have biblical roots.

Sex is a way of bringing a loving relationship more intimately closer, to make two people one, there is nothing wrong with sex and it should be enjoyed as it is healthy.

Also Catholic men Most satisfy his wife before himself.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead you until he has you safely home in the body of Christ.