Dear Parishioners,

The book that has most influenced my conversion to Christianity and helped shape my thought is Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton. Though he was still an Anglican when he wrote the book, the reasons he gives for being Christian apply especially well to Catholicism. So, it is no wonder that later in life he converted as well. Here’s one reason he gave for his conversion to Christianity:

This, therefore, is, in conclusion, my reason for accepting the religion and not merely the scattered and secular truths out of the religion. I do it because the thing has not merely told this truth or that truth, but has revealed itself as a truthtelling thing. All other philosophies say the things that plainly seem to be true; only this philosophy has again and again said the thing that does not seem to be true, but is true. Alone of all creeds it is convincing where it is not attractive; it turns out to be right. (Orthodoxy, Chesterton)

He is asserting here that he believes in Christianity because it has shown itself true over and over again even when it teaches unpopular things. The Church stood up against the Romans who even after converting, wanted to make the Church an arm of the state. When various heresies arose the Church pointed out why they were wrong even if they were well-liked. Right now, the world is generally accepting of divorce, contraception and same-sex unions. Only the Catholic Church has unequivocally stood up against all of these.

The Christianity he describes in his book is one where you cannot just pick and choose what you want to believe in. This can only be true if you have a living authority that can interpret the revelation of God. The Bible is the inspired word of God that contains everything necessary for our salvation. But the Bible cannot self-interpret. That is why so many non-Catholic Christian churches are so divided among themselves with even the most basic teachings of salvation and why Christianity cannot speak with a unified voice in modern times outside of Catholicism. So, I invite all of you to know the truths Our Lord Jesus teaches through His Church and to not be timid in witnessing what is true.

Next week, we are going to begin our RCIA course. So, if you know anyone who would like to become Catholic or needs to complete their sacraments, feel free to call the office or email me here: toddcarterpreist@gmail.com

God Bless!

Fr. Carter