Someone said to me, “Who made you God?”  I don’t remember what I had said that prompted this question…but it did make me think.   Was I playing God…coming up with my own conclusions  or was I seeking  the source of all truth…God’s truth about His Church?

Guidelines –  Searching for God’s Truth about His Church

• First and foremost, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. 

At first, much of the information I researched  about Catholicism was from internet sites. (Of course everything on the internet is truthful…NOT!)  I read both Protestant and Catholic internet articles.  I listened to tapes from a non-denomination church about “Why I shouldn’t become Catholic.”  I watched DVD’s on the Catholic Catechism.  I prayed, I read, I watched, I listened….to books, DVD’s, audio tapes, talked to people…once again presenting both perspectives.  I  wrestled with many things…it was a process.  The Holy Spirit  probably put me on the “tough nut to crack” list.  But one-by-one my questions  received answers and I had a wonderful new understanding of my Christian heritage through the Catholic Church.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:26

• Read and study God’s Sacred Scripture…

God did not say one thing and mean another.  He didn’t give us scripture for us to turn around and change the meaning.  He is not a God of confusion…yet we make it look that way when we misuse His sacred word by making  scripture  fit our need rather than to read it for its true meaning and applying His truth to our life.  We need to allow Holy Spirit to show us what he wants us to understand from scripture.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Read Historical books about the Church and Saints
  

Ask the Holy Spirit what books you should read and study.  God will guide you when you ask.   Read about the Saints of history and what their lives were like and why they are called saints.  Another thing I learned, if you want to know about the Catholicism… you have to go to the source, the Catholic Church.

A dear Christian friend, raised Catholic but left the Church years ago, told me to watch a TV series called The Tudors.  She felt that this would convey some truth (in a negative way) about the Church that might change my mind.   I watched this TV series and it held my attention as far history goes.  It was well done, however, I don’t recommend watching it as it contains a lot of nudity and profanity, but herein lies the problem…how historically accurate was the series?

One obstacle stands in our way when we study history, much of what is wrote today is not accurate.  In fact, it is very biased.  Many involved in the film industry have conspired to distort Catholic/Christian history.  Since the Reformation, history was purposefully altered to put the Catholic Church in a bad light.  So, in your search, consider the source of your information and know from what perspective it is given.  I do give credit for my friend recommending this film to me as it made me do  more research and helped me appreciate our Christian heritage even more.

• Keep an open mind and spirit

Because, depending on where you are at in understanding and spiritual growth, you may hold some preconceived ideas about the Catholic church as I did.   One needs to approach your search with an open mind and spirit asking God to guide you. It was hard at times to keep an open mind…as I was so convinced Catholicism was wrong, but the Holy Spirit knew I was seeking the truth and each new nugget of truth spurred me on to find more.

Now I see things is such a different light as before…many of my preconceived ideas about the Catholic faith were wrong.  I encourage you to find out the truth…not merely accept what I am saying  or others that haven’t studied or researched Church history.  You need to go on your own personal journey of truth using reliable sources and asking the Holy Spirit to help you discern the difference between the truth and lies. Reading historical books of the Bible, reading about the saints and keep an open mind and spirit.

One of the songs I loved to sing as a child while attending church is titled,  “Open my Eyes” written by Clara H. Scott (1841-1897).  She provides us with a hymn of consecration that has been sung for over 100 years.

Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp, and set me free. Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear; And while the wave-notes fall on my ear, ev’rything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see. Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere; Open my heart and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share. Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see. Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my mind, that I may read more of Thy love in word and deed.
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead? Only for light from Thee I plead.
Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see.Open my mind, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:8

A note to my Christian friends who have left the Catholic church, I encourage you to “Come Back Home.”  For those that I led out of the Catholic church, please forgive me and “Come Back Home.”

To my other Christians brothers and sisters… I love you and so glad we are a part of the Body of Christ but I encourage you to take another look at the Catholic Church…go beyond what you have been told to believe and search for yourself.  You’ll be glad you did!

Please feel free to leave a question or comment.