I found this recent email from Tim fascinating, and rather eye-opening, as he shares his heart regarding the Evangelical Renewal Movement among Catholics:
I am indeed a born-again Catholic and I appreciate you pointing out that not all Catholics believe in the mainline teaching on salvation by the Church (salvation by faith-works-sacraments). In fact, the Evangelical Renewal Movement started by Pope John Paul II, which strongly emphasizes salvation by faith alone, is alive and well. One example of this is the acceptance of and teaching the Alpha Course in many Catholic parishes.
Another example of renewal is the small group concept being taught and encouraged. My parish started small home groups about two years ago. There is no set regimen, just Christians coming together to study the Bible. Twenty years ago, the concept of a small group, or a non-church supervised Bible study within the Catholic church would have been shot down.
I'm actually a Catholic convert, raised in the Assembly of God denomination. I was also an elder for many years in a non-denominational church. I accepted Christ as my Savior years ago and love him with all my heart. I've taught the Alpha Course, led discussion groups on apologetics, led Bible studies and have led several small home groups.
What made me convert to Catholicism? After years of research, prayer and attending both Mass and Sunday services at my non-denominational church, I made the decision to become a practicing Catholic.
Many Catholics don't understand, or have not questioned the idea, that in the early days of the Church, people did indeed receive and "practice," for lack of a better word, the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It breaks my heart that so many Catholics don't realize that infant baptism, confession, purgatory, and many of the other highly debated Catholic beliefs, were not part of the original church teaching.
In some ways I feel the Lord has called me to the Catholic church to become a part of the Evangelical Catholic movement. I suppose I see the beauty and deeply sincere love for our Savior that is the bedrock of the Catholic church. Yes, the Catholic hierarchy has created some pretty self serving and flawed doctrine within the Catholic church. However, the Catholic church, as with all Christian churches, exist to simply share the good news of Jesus Christ and His promise of salvation.
Thanks and keep up the good work,
Tim
• Read the editorial "Are Catholics Christians?"
• Read another perspective: "Roman Catholicism is not a Denomination."
• Jump in the Discussion on Christianity - General forum.
