My Story

I was in grade school when I first became aware that all of my classmates were not of the Roman Catholic Faith. Those of us who attended early morning Lenten mass would then join our Protestant friends to begin our school day. Not only were they Protestant but they called themselves Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal etc.  I did not realize it at the time but this awareness had formed a curiosity that would stay with me my entire life. But growing up I still continued to faithfully receive the sacraments, learn and follow the teachings of the Roman church. I became a devout defender of my faith.

So I always had this yearning to learn more about the different faiths while still clinging to my Catholic upbringing. I thought, does it really matter what you believe? What church you belong to? Are there more or better ways to please or be reconciled to God?

In my late teens and early 20’s my faith began to wane. I began to question certain beliefs and dogmas of the Roman church. Something I was taught never to do. I’ll say more about this later.

Fast forward to the day a co-worker handed me a Radio Bible Class booklet titled ‘The Breath of the Lord’. This publication spoke about the Creation of the world, one’s physical birth and one’s spiritual rebirth called Regeneration. It explained that none of these events happen or happened without the quickening (to be made alive) by the Holy Spirit. Obviously I did not comprehend much of what I read. I also did not realize it then but I believe it was a prompting of the Holy Spirit that was working in my heart. So began my quest to discover everything I could about Protestant Theology, Roman Catholicism, the Bible and Church History.

(Romans 11:33) ‘Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.’

The question I now faced was, where do I go from here? The only Christian doctrines I could relate to besides the Roman Catholicism that I’d been taught were the messages from the several Billy Graham Crusades I had watched with Mom years before. I then somehow acquired a Scofield Reference Bible, King James Version that someone had recommended. This Bible contains subject chain references that follows key words of the bible using a chain of scripture verses and notes of explanation. It also includes a concordance referencing proper names, subject matter and additional key words of the Bible. Thus began my early study of Biblical Theology. I started studying key words that held a different meaning or context than I remembered from my Catechism days. Sometime after this, I stumbled upon and began listening to WPEL-FM, the Christian radio station out of Montrose, Pa. I started listening to a several radio-bible ministries. This was a watershed moment in my journey. I did not realize it at the time but I was hearing for the first time true biblical preaching of the Gospel.

At this point I had no idea where I was concerning my beliefs. I was basically in no-man’s land but I was finally hearing the difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Not completely understanding or accepting what I was discovering, just trying to get some facts straight. What did come to the forefront was how the Protestant doctrine of Justification was explained and supported. Simply, how does a lowly sinner like me be declared righteous before a holy, perfect and righteous God?  How does one we become accepted by God?

The next step in my journey was to confirm what the Roman church declares in her doctrines of salvation. I needed to know if my memory and understanding of such teachings were accurate. I could in no way be certain. So I began to accumulate books such the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott in addition to books regarding Protestantism and the Reformation. It became my desire to fully understand both sides of the argument. I admit that it’s been quite a revelation and journey.

What I plan is to methodically present the doctrinal differences of both sides. I recommend you read the articles in the order it is presented. We will discuss the doctrines of Salvation, Grace, Faith, Righteousness, Regeneration, Sufficiency, the Church and more. My one wish is that you do not take my word for what I have written. I urge you do your own spirit filled research and fact-checking. Why, because it does matter what we believe.

I invite you to come along.  J Cav.

Note: It was when I began working on the Doctrines of Justification that I started to feel the deep and profound significance of it all. It does matter what we believe, where and in whom our faith rests.