Catholicism
TLDR: I need some explanations to fully embrace the Catholic faith
Fellow Christians! I was an atheist my whole life, but I've repented my sins and came to believe in Christ. I'm currently taking part in a local pentecostal church, but I'm wondering about the validity of it's theology and is the Catholic church the right one for me, because it does draw me.
I generally loved philosophy for years. I love the Catholic theology in the God being three transcendentals (truth, good/just and beauty), St Augustine and Aquinas' ways to God. C. S. Lewis and Chesterton are also my go to guys. My main quarrells are the following:
- Sola scriptura - how do we reconcile with this? What gives anything other than scripture authority in divine matters?
- Our Lady - was she a virgin her whole life? Why do we pray to her?
- Saints - why are they "privileged" in Heaven and in prayers?
- Purgatory - why does it exist if it's not stated in the Bible (tied to the quarrell number one)
- Spiritual gifts - why did they die together with the disciples?
If you have the time and will do give detailed answers (preferably with quotes) I'd really appreciate it.
Note: I'm also open for messaging. If you want to speak about it privately feel free to text me.