Introduction: "Katholik-Ism"

I haven't really told anyone about this (except maybe Alexandra) but I feel that my purpose is becoming clearer as time goes on. A fusion of reflection, reading Scripture, prayer, history, and my experience with Christianity over the last five years has drawn me into ecumenism. And my first step in that direction is to do my part in cleaning house first (meaning pointing out flaws that I think need fixing in my own denomination). I am writing a book that I should finish by the end of the summer. The working title is Katholik-Ism: A Truly Universal Church. I thought I would share with you the introduction to that book, as it is one of the most heartfelt pieces of writing I have ever worked on (so far). Hope you enjoy!

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Introduction


I am no Martin Luther. My purpose in writing about the state of the Roman Catholic Church is not to radically separate myself from the beliefs of the Church. I am in agreement with nearly all of its theology. I find Christian theology that comes from a Roman Catholic perspective to be rooted heavily in Scripture, tradition, and history, which is why its the denomination I have chosen to fall in line with.

In contrast, the purpose for this particular piece of writing is to attempt to bridge the gap that divides the followers of Christ. It is indeed an arduous task to even consider trying to play a role in reversing five centuries or so of historical division. But after much reflection on Scripture, history, and in my own experiences, I truly feel that this is my purpose. This is God's will for my life.

There are many in the world, Christian and non-Christian alike, who have an overtly negative view of the Roman Catholic Church and her adherents. This view prevents Christ's church from being truly catholic (universal), which I consider to be a tremendous obstacle in the Christian mission to make disciples of all the nations. How can people consider committing their lives to Christ if those who follow Christ are so rabidly opposed to each other? Instead of being united as one Christian church, we tend to identify ourselves as "Catholic" or "Protestant", "evangelical" or "Calvinist", "Baptist" or "Methodist", "Presbyterian" or "Episcopalian", and the list goes on.

I am not so naive as to believe that everyone will adhere to one specific interpretation of Scripture. The different sects of Christianity, however, tend to demonize each other and claim the other groups as not being truly Christian because of differing ideas when it comes to doctrine. In reality, what you believe in terms of ordained ministry, the afterlife, and the literal/allegorical view of Scripture is not what makes one a Christian. What qualifies a person to be considered a Christian is his/her belief in one God, that Jesus (His son) was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died for the forgiveness of sins, and rose from the dead three days later to conquer death and grant all who believe eternal life.

Instead of preaching the Good News to the world as a united Christian front, we resort to mindless intra-Christian attacks that deflect any non-believers from entering into communion with Christ and his church. By attacking each other, we are in direct opposition of Christ and are not heeding the words of St. Paul.

Before I get strayed into apologetics, the biggest issues with Roman Catholicism are its "clothing." It is not the Church's theology that I think need reform, but its public appearance to the world. That being said, if you are a Catholic who believes there are some aspects of the Church that need exterior reform, this book is for you. If you are non-Catholic Christian who, like me, constantly prays for the unity of Christians throughout the world, this book is for you. If you are an ordained Catholic minister (deacon, priest, pastor, bishop, cardinal...or the Pope himself), I truly hope you read this in its entirety.