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Genesis isn't a science book. Genesis seeks to answer questions like: Who created the world? Is the world God? Whose fault is it that sin and suffering exist? What is God's response to sin and suffering? What does it look like to be obedient to God's call and accept a blessing? Can God work out His purpose even as humans freely choose to do wrong?
I'd recommend a good study Bible as a start, like this one.
I’m sorry for your experience as this sounds terrifying.
I can’t imagine how scary this is.
Please take comfort in considering that this is not of the devil. Demons do not have access to our minds, our thoughts, nor our dreams.
The last Vatican exorcist mentions this in Fr. Amorth explains the demonic
It seems clear that you are religious and I wonder if your subconscious (the source of dreams) isn’t processing your anxiety (parenting, family, life, etc) in the terms that are most compelling to you, your faith.
I could be completely wrong but I’m thinking that you are going through a very difficult time in life right now and have a lot of anxiety, which has been the focus of your prayers. This then is showing up in dreams in the fashion that you have described.
I’m very confident that real demons are not tormenting you. The demons in your dreams are expressions of your subconscious in an attempt to process your deep worry and anxiety.
I’m not necessarily correct on this and no one has to agree with me but this is what I’m thinking is happening.
What Father (above) said! You are beloved of God and nothing about your temptations and struggles changes His eternal love for you.
Overcoming sin in general and sexual sin in particular requires that we look into the occurrences of sin with the Lord and examine what we're really seeking. When we can identify the human and impulses desires behind the sinful acts, we can turn them to the Lord.
There's a book I'm reading that I'd heartily recommend titled: Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing. I'm about 2/3 of the way through and have been edified and encouraged by how the author guides readers towards meaningful & lasting healing.
In any case, I'll offer a decade of the rosary for you. Jesus loves you dearly and will never abandon you.
Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062084402/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CYe7DbKBARW73
This is a great reference that I recommend highly. It addresses the exact question that you are asking.
The premise here is flawed. The penance assigned in confession is no in any way assigned to remit potential time in purgatory or punishment in general. It is an effort to join ourself to the expiation (reversal and healing) of sin and it's consequences. In explaining the sacrament, the Catechism has a couple of helpful paragraphs explaining this ([CCC 1459-1460]). In short: no, the penance a priest assigns to a penitent does not affect one's potential stay in purgatory.
Since the Church offers the opportunity for plenary and partial indulgence extremely generously (there are three universal daily plenary indulgence and many particular ones), there is no reason why anyone should need to go to purgatory! Penance in confession need not address what is already provided for in the ordinary life of a Catholic. To learn more about indulgences, I heartily recommend the Manual of Indulgences, now also available in ebook format (Amazon Kindle).
The answer is probably because priests are happy.
CS Lewis was a theologian.
Have you read Lumen Gentium #s 14-16?
Have you read Von Balthasar’s work?
Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?: With a Short Discourse on Hell – 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/158617942X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N78G94TC8FEDQTFXPFM8
It is an excellent read on this topic.
I recommend this book about the life of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati to see how one can live the Beatitudes in the world as a young person. Good reading!
This is a HUGE question.
I’d suggest doing some reading on your own.
This is the book that I’d suggest most highly.
What Happened at Vatican II https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674047494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S01GFbJX11YGH
It was the largest ecumenical council that the church has ever had. It was a pastoral council that was called to help the church better continue her mission in the modern and contemporary world.
You can read what St. John XXIII said the council was to be in his address when he opened the council.
https://fwdioc.org/solemn-opening-of-council-10-11-62-john-XXIII-english.pdf
If the existence of God could be proven then it there would be no atheists.
I’m not sure how to comfort you and build up you faith as I’m not sure why that one line is causing you doubts.
But I’d suggest this little book.
Arguing Religion: A Bishop Speaks at Facebook and Google https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943243379/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7JY1YX0W8SV3VJ455JPY
It is superlative and Bishop Barron wrote it specifically for the task of arguing with atheists.
As far as I know, the only previous universal Catholic Catechism (as opposed to a local text) was the Catechism of the Council of Trent. I suppose in a sense one could say that the historic creeds were mini-catechisms. There is no substitute for actually reading the documents of Vatican II, but a good book about that council is John O'Malley's, <em>What Happened at Vatican II</em>.
There are a lot of great texts available where you can read, study, and form your conscience according to the church social teaching.
Have you ever come across any of these texts?
This is the text that I most often recommend to folks.
Catholic Social Teaching (Our Best Kept Secret) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570754853/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BSRJBF9PBBZZFDSCATSV
Play is a wonderful thing.
There’s nothing wrong with playing as an adult.
Here’s a great book in the subject.
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul https://www.amazon.com/dp/1583333789/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J306A74R8YD0J8VAKZ2F
As a lay person who is married, I wanted to chime in here with a recommendation for this book: https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Body-Beginners-Rediscovering-Meaning/dp/1635820073/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=theology+of+the+body&qid=1627664847&sr=8-4 because I also had the question about lust and spouses.
Yes, you find your spouse attractive (hopefully), but there is a difference between simple attraction and lust. This book does a great job of explaining. It would also show why sending nude pictures would be inappropriate.
I see John Gottman’s name thrown around a lot, although I have no personal experience with his work: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553447718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_54HXZPXWR0TZ3GVE06Y4
These are all solid books. A couple of supplements. First, I'd recommend a getting a good study bible, like this one.
If you want to go further, the scripture classes offered through STEP are good.
Do you have a good study bible? I recommend this one.
Self mortification isn't about distracting yourself from or punishing yourself for temptation. It is the taking on of voluntary suffering to draw you closer to the Lord.
At best, this is a stopgap measure. What is really needed is a careful examination of your desires and needs so that they can be placed before the Lord. Sexual thoughts and temptations are expressions of legitimate needs that have gotten twisted up and turned inward.
May I suggest 'Unwanted' by Jay Stringer? His book is an excellent guide to examining sexual struggles in this light and moving beyond the battle to victory in Christ.
The short answer is not in Christian theology, no.
Jesus specifically replaces the Old Testament notion of "an eye for an eye" with the doctrine of forgiveness in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. There's plenty more to say about it, but the best place to look for a more thorough treatment is THIS BOOK.
Not an article but a book
The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the End Times: Theology After You've Been Left Behind (Homebrewed Christianity) https://www.amazon.com/dp/145149954X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.RngFb0YXX30A
Nine anathemas were proclaimed against positions advanced by Origen at the Synod of Constantinople in 543. Anathemas 7 and 9 condemn propositions that demons could be redeemed by Christ or restored to God after a temporary punishment:
> 7. If anyone says or holds that the Lord Christ in the future age will be crucified in behalf of the demons, just as (he was) for the sake of men, let him be anathema. ... > > 9. If anyone says or holds that the punishment of the demons and of impious men is temporary and that it will have an end at some time, that is to say, there will be a complete restoration of the demons or of impious men, let him be anathema. > >"Pope Vigilius seems to have confirmed these during his stay in Constantinople (547-555) as is indicated in Cassiodorus' De institutionibus divinarum litterarum" > > - Peter Hunermann and Robert Fastiggi, Heinrich Denzinger Enchiridion symbolorum definitionum et declarationum de rebus fidei et morum - Compendium of Creeds, Definitions and Declarations on Matters of Faith and Morals, 43rd Edition, par. 403-411, p. 144.
There’s probably a lot out there. Including Theology of the Body. Been going through Christopher wests stuff.
I’ve gotten a lot out of this one.
The Catholic Marriage Manual https://www.amazon.com/dp/1258450429?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Good biblical scholarship isn't specifically denominational. My favorite Revelation commentary is Craig Koester's in Anchor Series (Koester is Lutheran). When I teach Revelation (at a Catholic school), I use a book chapter by Richard Hays (who is Methodist and happens to be my former teacher). It's the chapter on Christology in this book. If you want a commentary by a Roman Catholic to round out your collection, I'd recommend Wilfrid Harrington's in the Sacra Pagina series.
Bold of you to assume we'd have something ready by Tuesday!
Seriously, I doubt if any of us are going to share homilies ahead of the weekend. If you want some background on the readings, you could either look out for published homily helps (like these), or just get a good Catholic study bible (like this one).
Trust your confessor. We make a point to defer to the local priest in a given situation, as he has the most knowledge of the circumstances and acts authoritatively.
Rather than focusing on the confession, I recommend honing in on the struggle. If you're into books, I highly recommend <em>Be Restored</em> by Bob Schuchts.
If you're more into podcasts, he co-hosts a podcast with Jake Khym titled Restore the Glory. In September of 2021 they did a 6-episode arc on the healing is sexual wounds, which may be especially helpful.
Focus on the desires behind the lustful thoughts. 'What is it that my heart desires from this?'
A good book, with guided prayer and reflections in each chapter, is <em>Be Restored</em> by Bob Schuchts . You might also check out the podcast he hosts with Jake Khym called <em>Restore the Glory</em>. They did a several episode series back in September on sexual struggles and discerning the wounds & needs behind them.
Hello Fr, I hope you are well
I wanted to know whether you would be so kind as to promote a new Catholic Dating Application on your subreddit??
The link to Google play is here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.techive.catholicmingle
Our Instagram is relatively new and it is: https://www.instagram.com/catho
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me
@Catholic_mingle
I can’t find this book other than paywalled sources but it is also really good and was used in my Catholic Church history studies in school as well I loved it https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Doctrine-Devotion-Hilda-Graef/dp/0870612522
That priests aren't happy.
There are various versions of this. Some are seemingly "positive," when someone thanks me for being a priest in a way that makes it sound like I must have accepted a terrible life in order to serve them. But the flip side of this is often negative; these same people probably never discerned priesthood themselves and may actively dissuade young men from doing the same.
Actually, being a priest is awesome (quite literally). I love it! Not to say there's no stress in my life, but anyone doing anything worthwhile deals with stress.
For documentation that priests are generally a happy and satisfied bunch, see this book from a psychologist.
In addition to the advice from Father u/sparky0457, I recommend praying through Bob Schucht's 'Be Healed'. He has an explanation (and prayerful approach) of how spiritual confusion can sometimes be a result of lies we believe about ourselves & the Lord. I've found his reflections helpful and his prayer exercises fruitful.
Protestant churches helped form me in my youth, especially in instilling a love for Sacred Scripture. I'm not sure I have an argument against Protestant churches.
But when it came time to make a choice, the argument for the Catholic Church that was especially compelling was the sacraments - especially the Eucharist. The book The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn was particularly helpful to my understanding of the sacrament of the Eucharist and the celebration of the Mass.
One of my favorite books, that introduced me to the roots of the Mass, <em>The Lamb's Supper</em>, by Scott Hahn. His knowledge and ability to show the Biblical roots of the Mass helped kick-start my love of the liturgy. Despite being raised Catholic, I learned loads that I hadn't known - it is still one of my favorites!
It’s problematic to read Paul’s letter as if it was written to us. It wasn’t. It was written to the Corinthians 2000 years ago. It wasn’t written to you to put you down or to address your concerns about the role of women in the church today.
So unless we read those letters in their fullest context then we get them wrong. Sadly a lot of people do this and minimize women wrongly.
I’d recommend this book to help your search in understanding your vocation in the church.
The Supreme Vocation of Women: According to St. John Paul II https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBB9JQB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_5TAX3RG8JCBQY82MMFE5
There is an AMAZING resource for exactly this. This is it:
https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Heart-Overcoming-Habitual-Against/dp/1507617518
I have heard it recommended from various sources, and I own a copy myself. I cannot speak highly enough of it!
No
I think this is too much to try to explain further online. I’d recommend getting a text on the history of the church and reading about the schism.
This is a good one.
The History of the Catholic Church: From the Apostolic Age to the Third Millennium https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586176641/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BN07KRF7M04K4SKGPRFB
I read this in the seminary
A Concise History of the Catholic Church (Revised Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385516134/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_YPRNBW63GEWZ51F667AS
I’m so sorry to read this. You’ll be in my prayers.
The best resource that I know of is Dr. Everett Worthington. He is a clinical expert and researcher on forgiveness.
This book of his would be the place I’d recommend beginning.
A Just Forgiveness: Responsible Healing Without Excusing Injustice https://www.amazon.com/dp/0830837019/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PJ3BXKTA16NB9AH2T9ZB
We almost always turn to sin as a substitute for what will really satisfy our desires. Often we turn to sin because we don't believe that those desires can be fulfilled - or we are so ashamed of those desires that we try to avoid them all together.
The key to overcoming sin is inviting Christ into the desires of our hearts, no matter what those desires are. The Lord is not afraid of nor scandalized by our messiness. We simply have to be willing to expose that messiness to Him.
There is a book that I can heartily recommend: Be Restored, by Bob Schuchts. Good theological reflections and good guided self-reflections.
Taken from NordVPN website.
We can definitely say that your phone is listening to you via your device's onboard microphone. It always has to listen to you so it can hear your voice command and assist you. However, things are not that simple.
Apple randomly selects a small portion of users’ conversations with Siri to analyze them and see how they can improve the quality of their service. In 2019, a report revealed that Siri can sometimes be mistakenly activated and record private matters, such as people having sex, discussing business, and even talking with their doctors, all of which might later be passed on to contractors responsible for analyzing voice recordings. Apple apologized to its users and promised to improve its policies and default settings. But Siri’s case is not an exception, as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant are using similar systems and default settings.
I read a very interesting book a few years ago
The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374533989/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GGHETT72HDVEMNAJA381
I agree with the author. I think they are trapped in a triad of personality traits; extreme narcissism, lack of empathy, and violent tendencies often combined with high intelligence.
But the point is that their condition isn’t chosen. They didn’t chose their personality traits. So I don’t feel that anyone but God can judge their culpability. I am However a bit skeptical about their ability for rehabilitation.
I've heard really good things about this book on the cross as an artistic artefact, though I haven't read it yet. While it's primarily about the rosary, this book has some fascinating reflections on Caravaggio.
I never studied the liturgical reform in its own. I’ve always studied it in regards to the rest of the council.
My favorite book about the council is
What Happened at Vatican II https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674047494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V0754QAQXKWCHNXKS4AA
I’m sure that O’Malley has citations to works about the liturgical reform.
My apologies that I can’t offer more as my personal expertise isn’t in the history of liturgy.
>I’ve since found NRSV-CI bad by catholic’s
I don't entirely follow this sentence, but the differences between the different varieties of NRSVs are going to be very minimal. The most likely difference is that your edition is missing some books, not that there's anything wrong with the translation as you're reading it.
Just because the Church officially approves some versions doesn't mean that we thereby condemn other versions, especially not other versions within the same translation family.
NABRE is an officially Catholic translation (and very good!) as is the Jerusalem Bible. The NRSV, RSV, and ESV have officially approved Catholic versions. But that doesn't mean that other versions are somehow bad. I'd avoid the NIV, as that is an evangelical translation with some definite anti-Catholic bias, and (if you're just getting started on bible reading) avoid ones that are more paraphrases than translations, like The Message.
Of the Catholic(-approved) translations, the "odd man out" is the Jerusalem, which prioritizes beautiful prose over precise correspondance to the Greek or Hebrew source text. The others are all pretty literal.
If you're looking for a study bible, I think this is the best one out there.
That priests aren't happy.
There are various versions of this. Some are seemingly "positive," when someone thanks me for being a priest in a way that makes it sound like I must have accepted a terrible life in order to serve them. But the flip side of this is often negative; these same people probably never discerned priesthood themselves and may actively dissuade young men from doing the same.
Actually, being a priest is awesome (quite literally). I love it! Not to say there's no stress in my life, but anyone doing anything worthwhile deals with stress.
For documentation that priests are generally a happy and satisfied bunch, see this book from a psychologist.
The church recognizes the validity of marriages between two Christians, etc. if they followed the rules of their church/belief. That doesn’t mean they don’t need their marriage blessed if they become Catholic. If two Lutherans were married according to the Lutheran church, become divorced and one party wishes to remarry a Catholic, the divorced party still needs to seek out an annulment in the normal way. It’s not as simple as a lack of form (the Catholic party [could be both parties] gets married outside the provision of the church, such as by a Justice of the Peace or another church, without a dispensation from the local Bishop.)
There’s a lot to annulments and divorce, etc.
A great book/resource that I have found helpful on this matter is this:
When Is Marriage Null?: Guide to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1586177990?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That’s exactly the main message of Jesus! He came to save the world. Jesus literally says that many times.
This is a deep question and I have to reiterate, read Von Balthasar. His treatment of this question is excellent.
Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?: With a Short Discourse on Hell – 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/158617942X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KZ7B795XY19VC42Q9F5N
Just about everything.
Jesus is a Jewish Messiah. He is the fulfillment the God of Israel’s promises to the people of Israel (and thus to the whole world).
Jesus explicitly understood Himself in every way to be Jewish.
So in understanding the full wisdom, insight, stories, rituals, and culture of ancient Judaism we can better understand out Christian faith.
If you want to read more about this I’d highly recommend the works of Dr. Brant Pitre.
I especially love
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DADM52B1VASYHX7KSQDA
Skeptical about the historicity of the story, yes. I think it's a beautiful and profound theological reflection on God's response to human evil. Ignoring evil is not an option God ever contemplates. God always responds. God promises his response will not be destructive. Looking back on the story from the position of the Church, we also see a wonderful parallel to the image of Church as ship, sojourning in a dangerous world, awaiting better times that will come.
Various elements of the text (how did so many animals fit in one ship?) and the lack of historical / scientific evidence for a mass extinction (the only people I've seen claim such evidence have fundamentalism approaches to scripture that lead them to think they have to be able to find such evidence; a position I reject theologically).
For further reading, I'd direct you to the introductory articles and comments in the Catholic Study Bible.
That’s my understanding of damnation and I think there’s a very good case to be made that that is the most orthodox understanding of the question.
I think Von Balthasar had the best text in this issue.
Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?: With a Short Discourse on Hell – 2nd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/158617942X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J9KTMXWM5469GQQZTA49
Doctrine often develops over time.
Greens he Marian doctrines are a very good example of this.
St. John Henry Newman wrote an excellent essay on the development of doctrine. Interestingly enough it was one of the things that lead to his conversion to Catholicism.
Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (Word on Fire Classics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943243247/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1RKYQC01TPCKZCH7Z78N
Wow, that’s a big question that would require a very in-depth cultural and religious explanation to fully answer.
Basically Issac was handing on the covenant with YHWH and he was handing in the role of “head of the household”
The blessing was about who was the authority figure I’ve the family and who inherited the covenant with God.
I’ve read an excellent book that addresses much of this by a Rabbi.
“Not in God's Name” By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/080521268X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y41247CCZ9MDXGCH0PRS
Firstly, get a good study bible, like this one, to guide you. Then, it might be easiest to start with a gospel. One way to structure your reading is to use the lectionary to help guide you. The Sunday lectionary works through Mark this year, so maybe start with that. We're currently working through Ephesians for the second reading (though, depending on how long you spend with Mark, we may have switched to James or even Hebrews). The Sunday lectionary jumps around the Old Testament, but the daily Mass lectionary is currently working through the beginnings of the Deuteronomistic history (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges).
I'm traveling right now and don't have a lot of time for more in-depth responses (or access to the books I'd need to answer the more historical questions). At root behind your questions seems to be: "How do I let good historical study of the Bible build up my faith, not attack it?" The best book I know for people wrestling with that question is Peter Enns, <em>Inspiration and Incarnation</em>. He's an evangelical, so he doesn't bring in specifically Catholic sources that would support what he's doing, but his approach is still very helpful.
I’m sorry I don’t know how to help you via the internet.
So I’d very strongly recommend this book. It is excellent.
Prayer in the Catholic Tradition: A Handbook of Practical Approaches https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632530325/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_72PT77MWW7PHVR36GP16
I think the best that I could offer is this.
It’s not going to directly address this issue but it will clarify how the Christians lived in their world.
The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310499305/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JNT5HCFMKPQB2Y0NF4NJ
It seems that you’ve done a lot of great study already
I’d offer what Jesus said. The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete. In greek a Paraclete is: helper, guide, advocate, legal council for the defense, friend, counselor, and mentor.
It’s difficult to say more in this limited context but I would highly recommend what is probably the definitive work on the Holy Spirit
I Believe in the Holy Spirit: The Complete Three Volume Work in One Volume (Milestones in Catholic Theology) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0824516966/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QF64EYT51ZTAKYJE2291
I suggest asking your pastor these questions - he will almost assuredly have reasons for doing things this way. I'm a little hesitant to answer hear for fear of inadvertently sparking conflict - especially the day before the Triduum. Beware the devil trying to ruin this holy time for you or through you (albeit inadvertently), for others.
You might also read the rubrics in the Roman Missal ([available online [(http://www.liturgies.net/Liturgies/LiturgyArchive.htm)) and check out Bishop Elliott's Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year. Be wary of coming to conclusions of 'correct' or 'incorrect' about things that don't touch validity or even liceity of the sacraments. Especially with the restrictions that still exist for most every parish, there may be special permissions, circumstances, and reasons behind why a priest makes exception to the norms or traditional practice.
Two of my favorites right now.
The Kingdom New Testament, Paperback: A Contemporary Translation https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062064924/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HV9Q0M8JJNBG1M8V5HSJ
The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393292495/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SS2Q2Y7Y0CQG4H2PJPTQ
I’ve got Alter’s text open to Micah on my lap as I type this.
Thank you, Father.
This is my struggle: I do not have any qualms buying icons from devout Eastern Orthodox organizations or even any Trinitarian Christian outfit.
The issue that I have with Monastery Icons is that they preach a false gospel of Jesus. It's not clear to me how that money is used and what it supports. This is the bio for "Abbot" George Burke from his website: https://ocoy.org/author/abbot-george/
It goes beyond a "purity of faith" test for me. He seems to act deceitfully and dishonestly, although to my knowledge he has broken no secular law.
This is a book he wrote: https://www.amazon.com/Christ-India-Story-Original-Christianity/dp/0998599891/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Some of their stuff is nice, I'm just not comfortable with it, as the funds may be used to lead people astray.
Well, the text of the NABRE is available for free online. As for a physical bible, do you not think that's worth paying for? Your reading would be much richer with a good study bible anyway. I recommend this one.
I think your best bet is just to get a good study bible and read. I'm not familiar with the Bible you mention, so I can't comment on how good it is. I usually the Catholic Study Bible to people. One option would be to look at the readings coming up next Sunday, start with those, and then start reading around whichever one interests you most.
This a high school textbook, but it's would make a good intro for self-study too I think. There's also this online course, starting in February.
The aptly-named Catholic Study Bible contains a very accessible translation, and good footnotes that explain historical context and some doctrinal points. There are a few questionable comments, but not so many that I wouldn't recommend it to you. It's on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Study-Bible-Donald-Senior/dp/0195297768
I have a Catholic Youth Study bible (I'm 37). Amazon link I have an older edition then the one I linked but it is probably about the same. I like it because it breaks things down to how teenagers can related to them in their life, so I know I can figure it out. It also has lots of footnotes, pictures, and the basic prayers. I do find some of the footnotes a little confusing or there might be a verse I wish had a footnote but doesn't. For the most part I think it is great for a first bible to get used the flow of reading.
Have you read and prayed with the Gospels?
Jesus says quite a bit in this issue?
Then I might suggest a small book which summarizes Catholic Social Teaching.
The Church's Best-Kept Secret: A Primer on Catholic Social Teaching https://www.amazon.com/dp/1565481186/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WSFKFbYJDB46F
I think at this point a mentor or just a conversation partner would be really the place to start.
Just taking and being able to ask questions in a casual setting is more important for you at this moment than formal classes.
If you want to read something then I’d recommend Frank Sheeds theology for beginners.
He writes almost exactly for folks in your situation.
Theology for Beginners https://www.amazon.com/dp/1887593926/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7XsGFbA66JYE5
Not yet. It on my bookshelf waiting for me.
I’m in the middle of
History and Eschatology: Jesus and the Promise of Natural Theology https://www.amazon.com/dp/1481309625/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OspFFbTKGFRSQ
I just think you're asking for something that isn't really likely to exist (were a secular source to be convinced of the resurrection, wouldn't they become Christian, making that a Christian source?), and that you're operating under the false assumption that all things are "provable" or "disprovable". That's just not the case, especially in history. Fr. Sparky already recommended some scholarship. Most arguments approach it from a few angles:
1) four individual documents are actually pretty good historical evidence
2) everybody agrees that the tomb was empty
3) the people in a position to know the truth died for it
I also don't really see where you're getting this idea that I'm super faithful or something, as though I don't struggle with this too.
I'm sorry if I've offended you somehow. To make amends, I'll also play the good vending machine by linking Brant Pitre's The Case for Jesus. I've heard it's quite good, but haven't read it myself. Have heard him talk a bit about it though.
I’d direct you to the commentary of John W. O’Malley on Vatican II
This is an excellent book on the issue. The introduction and chapter 2 especially address this.
Vatican II: Did Anything Happen? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826428908/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jD5xFb3FTJHDS
This book in the introduction and chapters 1 and 2
What Happened at Vatican II https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674047494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QF5xFb2BPYCQE
Edit to add: I’d also suggest reading chapter 3 of the first text that I linked. That’s my personal favorite chapter of the book. That chapter is written by Stephen Schloesser not O’Malley. It’s not directly on this topic but it is applicable nonetheless
Additional edit: yes, St. Paul, the Fathers, Christ, and the Apostles condemned some things but that wasn’t the main theme of their discourse with the world around them. In doing a rhetorical analysis we have to look at the big picture regarding attitudes, repetitive vocabulary, formulation, tone, and theme and not just a few proof texts.
That’s the point that I’m trying to make.
I think the challenge is to learn to accept yourself
The best resource that I know for that is the work of Brene Brown.
I think I’d suggest “Daring Greatly”
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592408419/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0o5sFbJDD41DA
Her work is not the usually fluffy self-help. It is real science and deeply insightful I’m about the struggle of life and dealing with the reality of shame.
Her work changed my life and my ministry.
Your formation should continue past your initiation. This is called "mystagogy." It's a period of the RCIA in which you unpack the mysteries you have received in the sacraments of initiation.
If you want to dig in to some of this stuff on your own, were you given a book as part of your catechesis leading up to the sacraments? If you have a Catechism, or the USCCB Catholic Catechism for Adults, you can just read the sections in that on the ten commandments. If you have neither, I recommend the USCCB one.
If you want to read a fantastic book about this I’d suggest “Surprised by Hope” by NT Wright.
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061551821/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UQuqFb1MEFYFR
I'd recommend this translation by Maria Boulding.
Do you know what the Bible actually says about the end?
If not I’d suggest reading this.
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061551821/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xDlmFbS37EZXM
Certainly, just praying from the heart for these people is a good thing. You might also get a copy of this "little green book." It contains prayers for the dead and dying, most of which can be used by lay people. (Would probably be best to read it through before you try to use it in the field and mark some prayers you can use).
This was a matter of big discussion when I was in seminary.
The short answer is if aliens exist, they can go to heaven if, and only if, they are redeemed by Jesus Christ. There may well be any number of other life forms within our universe or in other creations. They are all certainly created by God and exist as an extension of His creative love. If He created them with eternal souls, then they would need to be saved just as we need to be saved. Simple enough. Would they be in the "same" Heaven as us? Simply put, yes. But there's a lot of nuanced things we'd need to say about Heaven for that make sense.
I strongly recommend reading the book Voyage to Alpha Centauri by Michael O'Brien Amazon. It's an incredible read by an incredible Catholic author. There's a subplot that really digs into this kind of philosophical and theological question.