Sunday, May 06, 2007

Frank Beckwith explains why he returned to the Catholic Church

Frank Beckwith, author of numerous books and articles published by the likes of Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and Notre Dame Journal of Law and International Philosophical Quarterly, was raised Catholic, but found his way into Protestant (specifically Reformed) circles, and served as president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) until he resigned his position yesterday because of his decision to embrace Catholicism once again. His own story about how he found his way back to the Catholic Church is posted in an article under the title of "My Return to the Catholic Church" (Right Reason: the weblog of conservative philosophers, May 5, 2007). The first paragraph of his inspiring reflection will get you started; but read the whole thing in order to garner the measure of this man's integrity. He made his move at some cost to himself.
During the last week of March 2007, after much prayer, counsel and consideration, my wife and I decided to seek full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. My wife, a baptized Presbyterian, is going through the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This will culminate with her receiving the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. For me, because I had received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation all before the age of 14, I need only go to confession, request forgiveness for my sins, ask to be received back into the Church, and receive absolution.
Soli Deo gloria. Pray for the Dr. Beckwith and his family. Pray that their journey of discovery will continue and their Catholicism will take deep root now that they've truly come home.[Hat tip to E.E.]

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