Thank you or the welcome!
Hahaha, well in my years working in various labs, I've met plenty of Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It's certainly more diverse.
Catholicism is actually growing slightly worldwide iirc, but to be honest that really had no bearing on it. Evangelical Christianity is the fastest growing Christian branch, but I have zero interest in it, because it lacks the Marks of the Church and connections to the Apostles/Jesus. These are what ultimately drew me to Catholicism.
Most of the people "leaving" the Church were already inactive members, the fastest aging religious orders and such are those which abandoned all tradition and community post Vatican II. I personally haven't met any and my parish is actually growing quite rapidly. I don't mind driving a half hour for Holy Mass.
The only benefit to being a member of such a large religion is that I can use my knowledge of Catholicism and say "well according to the majority of Christianity....", and if Catholicism ever goes below 50% I won't be able to do that anymore.
(May 10, 2012 at 5:08 am)Kayenneh Wrote: The reason why I wondered, is because I'm curious why well educated persons (being in an university myself, I've come across quite a few) still believe in a deity. I guess it's something so profoundly personal, that I will never understand it, but nevertheless it intrigues me.
Molecular biology, eh? Well, it's always great to have theists here, when talking about certain sciences, who won't come across as stupid and ignorant because they never bothered to look things up or educate themselves.
Hahaha, well in my years working in various labs, I've met plenty of Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It's certainly more diverse.
(May 10, 2012 at 8:38 am)Faith No More Wrote: Welcome, Aiza. I have a Catholic wife, but she was raised that way. I have to ask, why convert to Catholicism, especially in these times when people are leaving the church in droves?
Catholicism is actually growing slightly worldwide iirc, but to be honest that really had no bearing on it. Evangelical Christianity is the fastest growing Christian branch, but I have zero interest in it, because it lacks the Marks of the Church and connections to the Apostles/Jesus. These are what ultimately drew me to Catholicism.
Most of the people "leaving" the Church were already inactive members, the fastest aging religious orders and such are those which abandoned all tradition and community post Vatican II. I personally haven't met any and my parish is actually growing quite rapidly. I don't mind driving a half hour for Holy Mass.
The only benefit to being a member of such a large religion is that I can use my knowledge of Catholicism and say "well according to the majority of Christianity....", and if Catholicism ever goes below 50% I won't be able to do that anymore.
Mary Immaculate, star of the morning
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
