So, I have kind of a big announcement.
At least it is a big announcement from my perspective. From your perspective, it may be and probably is, inconsequential.
The big news: I am becoming Catholic. Shock. Awe. Surprise!
Actually, I do have a few good reasons for making the announcement, and not just keeping it private. First, nothing much in life is private anymore. With the advent of social media, we are all pretty much "in" each others lives. I even know what many of you on Facebook ate for dinner, which was something that used to be a closely guarded secret. I'm guessing you'd hear about this news through the grapevine anyway, and I'd like to be the one that tells you about my decision instead of finding it out and speculating as to the "why".
Another reason I am telling people in this rather public fashion is that maybe I can reach people who are struggling with their faith or struggling spiritually, and in some way help others on their faith journey. Maybe you don't become Catholic but at least you know change is ok, and it can be a good thing to go where you heart and mind lead you, or where God calls you, as in my case.
Finally, and most important, I am telling people the good news because hey, when you've found a great healing remedy for the spirit, why hide it under a bushel. In other words, as the song goes, "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine".
So as to the "why", I guess I will start by saying that this blog is an attempt to document my journey to becoming Catholic. The why's, the how's, the when's....basically, a chance to see what it is like to go through the process and to witness someone's faith journey. Thus, I intend to make this blog a journal of sorts, discussing issues and my perspective as I wind my way through the RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
I have come to this decision after much deliberation, thought, reading and analysis. If you know me, you know that to be a true statement. Of course, I have studied the teachings of the Church for years as a student and academic, but it is only since Lydia was sick, that I first really embarked on this journey. I have read and re-read all the great Catholic theologians such as St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Anselm, and I have done much reading and listening to Catholic Apologists explaining the doctrines of the church.
The thing I truly have come to love about Catholicism is that I don't have to check my intellect at the door to become a Catholic. Great theologians have wrestled with the Scriptures for generations, after having studied Plato, Aristotle and other Greek philosophers. These theologians analyze the Scriptures based on logic and reason, which is a huge part of the appeal to me of Catholicism. Every text is analyzed for its historical context, and doctrines are substantiated by logical syllogisms.
Additionally, the Catholic Church is steeped in history and tradition. Each day has the history of a Saint attached to it, and learning about what that particular Saint did, is a window into the formation of the faith and Church and a testament to the good works that many have done over the centuries. Today is St. Monica's Day, and through the history of St. Monica, we learn about her son St. Augustine, and the fact his mother, Monica, prayed fervently for his conversion to Christianity, giving Christianity perhaps its greatest theologian.
Now, I can imagine some people will be "turned off" by this decision. That's ok. You're prerogative to disagree, even to look away. But, I hope that you will be open-minded and can look at it, if nothing else, as a means of me finally being able to make peace between the rational part of my brain and the faith part of my heart and spirit.
So, I hope you will join me on this faith journey of learning and discovery.
Peace be with you,
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