Reddit mentions of Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians"

If you are in college, seek out your Catholic Campus Ministries program, if you have one, and speak to the representative about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

If the college has no CCM (or its equal), then seek out the local parish in your area and speak directly to the pastor about converting to the faith.

Before all of this, though, pray.

If the pastor you go to makes you feel like you have to run the gauntlet to join the Roman Church - this is a good thing. We have too many lukewarm Catholics who do not practice what the Church teaches. If you're going to join, we want you to be all-in.

Next, study. Do your own research with the Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and Canon Law to be your guide.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask them here (or with your local pastor).

Edit Recommended Reading

• Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
  
  
• Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic
  
  
• Catholicism and Fundamentalism
  
  
• Theology for Beginners
  
  I also recommend watching some episodes of Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron.

Personally, I think there's a lot of garbage, namby-pamby advice in this thread.

As Venerable Fulton Sheen said, "There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing."

If you believe the Catholic Faith is true, then presumably your end goal is their conversion. If it's not, it should be.

Perhaps the initial explanation won't go well. That's fine. Whatever happens, don't burn any bridges. Unfortunately, since it's today there's not much more prep you can do.

The best advice I can give is to come armed with what they think they know. Beyond the initial, emotional reaction, they will have arguments. Maybe not today, but they'll come. They already know what they're going to say. They already have their "Catholicism is the Whore of Babylon Talking Points" on a 3x5 index card (even if it's just a mental index card.) So what do you do? Surprise them. Steal their lines. Ask questions that they aren't expecting. Since you already know all of the anti-Catholic talking points, you are (hopefully) well prepared to counter them with clarity and charity, using Holy Scripture as your guide.

Also, remember you're not alone in this. LOTS of fantastic people have made this conversion. Here are a few book recs that are relevant.

Catholicism and Fundamentalism

Rome Sweet Home

Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic

Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church

I haven't read this one yet, but it also looks awesome. Dr. Brant Pitre also writes on this topic:

The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross

You could write several large books on that topic alone.

I converted in 2006 based on my belief in Jesus and the scriptures... Read lots of good books. As a former Baptist, my favorite book was Catholicism and Fundamentalism: https://www.amazon.com/Catholicism-Fundamentalism-Attack-Romanism-Christians/dp/0898701775

Also pray lots and get comfortable with intercessory prayer -- that is asking others, even those who have gone before us, to pray for us... (e.g. Mary, Saints, and lower-case saints). "Praying to Mary" was my toughest thing to overcome, and once crossing that hurdle, I adore asking the Blessed Mother to pray for me.... Who better to capture the Lord's ear.

Hi, /u/CalmPassenger!

I'm on the journey to the Church; I come from the Reformed & Evangelical Protestant tradition - I raised many of the same concerns that you have. If it's alright, I'll share some links that I found helpful on this road! Many blessings.

"Why Are Priests Called Father?"

"Do Catholics Worship Statues?"

"Veneration of Images" from The Catholic Encyclopedia (this was especially helpful to me!)

"Why Do Catholics Confess Their Sins to a Priest?"

Edit: I can't recommend highly enough Karl Keating's Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians" - next to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it has been one of the most instrumental tools in breaking down the misconceptions Protestants often have about the Catholic Church.

I cannot recommend Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating highly enough.

As a kid who was baptized Catholic and spent my childhood in a slough of Protestant denominations, this book was instrumental in dissecting and refuting the nuanced American-Protestant attacks on Catholicism. Keating is a masterful author and the chapters are short and accessible.

You know, there are some excellent resources and books for you out there. Each of these deals almost exactly with what you have dealt with.

• Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie
  
• Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn
  
• Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating
  
  Though I am a cradle-Catholic, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the conversion stories of Currie and Hahn (though, to be honest, I enjoyed Currie's book more). Catholicism and Fundamentalism is more of an educational apologetic work to answer "Bible Christians" if you're interested.
  
  Godspeed!

Writer of that note needs to read this: http://www.amazon.com/Catholicism-Fundamentalism-Attack-Romanism-Christians/dp/0898701775

I was raised Evangelical... converted to Catholic in adulthood. There are a number of books that I could recommend. Here are some of my favorites - in order of importance/preference.

Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (only the NT though, they are currently working on OT)

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catholicism and Fundamentalism (written in the 80's, but still very relevant and the best Catholic apologetics book to defend the faith that I've ever read)

Works of G.K. Chesterton Vol 3 (This volume explains why he converted from Anglican to Catholic)

Rome Sweet Home

The Fathers Know Best

Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic

Surprised By Truth

> What are some good books to read about it?

A good, thorough book on what we believe is The Catholic Catechism by Fr John Hardon. It doesn't directly confront the attacks that would be familiar to someone from an evangelical background (like a book such as Catholicism and Fundamentalism), but just calmly, clearly sets forth what we believe on the assumption that the reader accepts Catholicism and wants to understand it better. Another helpful book to have is Midwest Theological Forum's Handbook of Prayers, which includes the text of the parts of the Mass that are the same every week and many other traditional prayers and devotions.

> How do I go about getting involved in a Catholic Church?

MassTimes.org is a good tool for finding a parish close to you. Call the rectory and make an appointment to introduce yourself to the pastor. Although we are unable to invite you to receive Communion yet, you are welcome to go to Mass and participate to any other degree you are comfortable with.

The best book by far for you would be Catholicism and Fundamentalism. https://www.amazon.com/Catholicism-Fundamentalism-Attack-Romanism-Christians/dp/0898701775
It is comprehensive and has to do with exactly what you are talking about. It is protestant convert Scott Hahn's recommended book.

Ah, Independent Fundamentalist Baptist / Christian Funamentalist Goes hand in hand with KJVO.

Long story short, it is harmful.

While this is more of a Catholic POV, I recommend you check out Ctaholic and Fundamentalism from a library if possible. Glance whatever that you can that you find useful/

I would probably recommend these two books as a departure point if you want to hear about this from the other side:

https://www.amazon.com/Usual-Suspects-Answering-Anti-Catholic-Fundamentalists/dp/0898707730/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517603144&sr=1-1&keywords=anti+catholicism+fundamentalism

And

https://www.amazon.com/Catholicism-Fundamentalism-Attack-Romanism-Christians/dp/0898701775/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0898701775&pd_rd_r=45S23QE1FB6PKCRXVQHQ&pd_rd_w=3zXoj&pd_rd_wg=qVKit&psc=1&refRID=45S23QE1FB6PKCRXVQHQ

I hope it goes without saying that if you ever want to directly message me to chat I would be more than happy to.