[soc.religion.christian] <unspecified>

wfg@hprnd.hp.com (Frank Galneder) (03/16/90)

>/ hprnd:soc.religion.christian / bridean@kentvax.kent.edu (Brian Dean) / 12:59 am  Mar 13, 1990 /

> Hello, I am new to the list so I would like to give some background
>on myself. 
> I was raised a Methodist, got bored with it, converted to Buddhism,
>got bored with that and now I am on the process of becoming an 
>orthodox catholic (seems to be where the spirit is leading me,
>for whatever that's worth).  I have studied religion a lot but I 
>don't know near as much as I would like to know about it.  
> I was wondering, does going from one religion to another indicate
>some kind of insincereity at some level, and if I am not totally sure
>whether or not I should become a catholic, how can I resolve this
>conflict?

>- An intelligent, but confused mind -
>- Brian M. Dean -


Pleased to meet you, Brian.  I hope the following response will be of benefit
to you in your conflict.  I would begin by encouraging you to not simply
"join a religion" but to consider becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.
From your Methodist background, you may recall this involves several things.
First, it requires one to confront and confess their hopeless, sinful
condition and one's desperate need for a Savior.  Next, one must through faith
believe that God sent His Son Jesus, the Christ, to be that Savior.  That
His substitutionary, sacrificial death at Calvary was sufficient payment for
all one's sins and that God raised Him from the dead.  This confession of
faith brings life in Christ.  It causes one to be born again, sealed by the
Holy Spirit and saved for all eternity.

No, I don't think you are necessarily insincere.  You obviously sense the
need for a relationship with God and are searching.  But, look beyond
"religion" and find Christ.  He is "the way, the truth, and the life"; no
one comes to the Father but through Him.  I am willing to continue this
dialogue through private e-mail if you wish.  At any rate, I will pray for
you to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develop an intimate 
relationship with Him.  God bless you in your search...

Frank Galneder
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