Why I Don’t Call Myself A ‘Roman’ Catholic

July 13, 2019 By René Albert

Since reverting to Catholicism after spending over a decade as an Evangelical Protestant, I’ve spent much time reevaluating my Christian worldview. One of the things I recall noticing in the Evangelical community is how the words or ‘Catholic’ ‘Roman’ seems to rouse people to raise their guards up. Aside from major theological disagreements, I’ve found myself bothered by the flippant use of the terms Romanist, papist or even the abbreviation ‘RCC.’ Similarly, I find myself especially bothered when my fellow Catholics... Read more

How To Pray The Rosary In Latin

July 7, 2019 By René Albert

In my experiences, it took me a number of years before I learned to appreciate the meditative qualities of the rosary, which I have written about in a separate article. But after returning to Catholicism, I’ve realized I have much to catch up on, even though it was something I grew up with. One of the things I noticed is there is an increasing push for returning to traditional roots and practices — and one of these involves the use... Read more

Catholic Fellowship Sucks

July 5, 2019 By René Albert

I remember hearing my grandparents recall a time when the local church was the epicenter of community events and social gatherings. They used to reminisce about the days when they used to attend movie nights and dances that were hosted in the parish hall while they were dating. It seems as though their generation lived in a golden age when much of their neighborhood was united by the fellowship of Catholic culture. But as the years passed by, the local... Read more

What Is So Intriguing About ‘Stranger Things?’

June 30, 2019 By René Albert

I don’t really watch much television. The internet allows so much freedom to watch whatever I feel like, yet I find myself to be extremely bored with cable TV and online streaming. It often feels like the more choices there are, the less there is to watch. I know, it’s a strange paradox! However, after hearing about the reception over the Netflix original series Stranger Things, I decided I had to give this show a chance. And sure enough, I... Read more

Why Isn’t Catholic Communion More Inclusive?

June 26, 2019 By René Albert

As a cradle-Catholic in my youth, I’ve noticed the times when church attendance was the highest was during Christmas, Easter, weddings and funerals. These were usually the days when close friends and relatives of parishoners would visit and attend Mass with them. Often during these particular services, the priest would make an announcement to the congregation that non-Catholics ought to refrain from partaking in communion. Regardless of whether or not the priest announces it tactfully, being barred from communion seems... Read more

I Long For Christian Unity

June 23, 2019 By René Albert

One of the things that makes my heart ache is how divided Christianity really is. In my own experience, I’ve seen the hostility go both ways. Leaving the Catholic faith initially in my teens was a heartbreaking experience for my relatives. Returning to it felt like admitting to my Evangelical friends I was hooking up with an old ex-girlfriend. No matter what side of Christianity I was on, there was always someone reminding me I’m either going to Catholic Hell... Read more

In Defense of Mary: Mediatrix & Queen of Heaven?

June 12, 2019 By René Albert

I remember receiving a set of anti-Catholic tracts from someone I met at an Evangelical Bible camp when I was 17 years old. They were intended to paint Catholic doctrine in a light that seemingly contrasted the Bible. Among the many doctrines it attempted to refute were regarding how the Catholic Church portrays Mary, such as her role as Mediatrix and Queen of Heaven. The tracts referred to an ancient Babylonian king named Nimrod and his mother the queen named... Read more

My Critique of Calvinism: PART VII – In Summary

June 10, 2019 By René Albert

My Christian worldview initially aligned with Calvinism after I first gave my life to Jesus when I was 17. But over the course of my journey, wrestling with these theological issues actually led me to reconsider Catholicism. It can be said that a person’s personal theology is expressed through their actions, similar to how Christians view good deeds as evidence of good faith. That being said, convincing oneself to be highly favored, set apart or chosen without any consideration for their actions... Read more

My Critique of Calvinism: PART VI – Perseverance of the Saints

June 10, 2019 By René Albert

When I think of the Perseverance of the Saints, the first verse that comes to my mind is, “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 24:13 RSV Calvinists, Arminians and Catholics would unanimously agree that this verse describes our lives on earth as a marathon, in which the prize of eternal life is at the end of the race. But what Calvinism teaches is those who are truly saved will persevere in the faith no matter what.... Read more

My Critique of Calvinism: PART V – Irresistible Grace

June 10, 2019 By René Albert

Many Christians use the phrase ‘Once saved, always saved‘ as a way to summarize how salvation in Christ is eternally secure. One of the most common verses from the Bible used to support this doctrine is: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than... Read more