A Curious Invitation

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When I had this crazy idea to make a list of the things that I held in my heart to be true, I never dreamed I would end up writing a book about them. The process was laborious, but rewarding because my personal faith grew stronger as I dove deeper and deeper into this labor of love.

I must have written, and re-written, this material hundreds of times! But, that’s the best part about doing something worthwhile. I say that because a lot of fact checking needed to be done, and, thanks be to God, I have been able to share my working manuscripts with people “in the know” whose kindness and generosity have helped me immensely. If there is one thing I have learned, it is this:

“One comes to understand how much one does not know when one sets out to write down what one thinks one knows.”
…… You can quote me on that.

So many people have supported me as I searched, cultivated and nurtured my thoughts. Several wonderful priests have unknowingly helped me develop this book, and have inspired me with their knowledge, wisdom and insight—especially our holy priests from St. Raymond’s, in Dublin CA … Father Lawrence D’Anjou and Father Bob Mendonca!

One of the first to help was Father Gary Thomas, the exorcist of the Diocese of San Jose. He was kind enough to inform me of the nuances, and reality of exorcism and spiritual warfare!  Also, Father Thomas Steinke, from Our Lady Queen of Peace, in Santa Clara, helped me fill in the blanks regarding several topics that needed to be developed more fully.

I would also like to thank my dear friends who have either strengthened my faith, or read the early drafts of this book and have contributed such valuable feedback—pro and con. Especially: Diane Plume, Alan Napleton, Ann Flook, Mike Aquilina, Dr. Ray Hausbeck, and Ann Ammar!

This Odyssey has taken many twists and turns along the way. But, as I like to say:

“All’s well that ends well.”
…… Don’t quote me on that.

Also, I would like to thank YOU for accepting this invitation, and embarking on this Quest for the Truths of Life!

Dr. John W. Vitz

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Peter Kreeft wrote:

“Our culture has filled our heads, not our hearts.
It has stuffed our wallets, but starved our wonder.
It has fed our need for facts, but not for meaning and mystery.
It produces nice people, not heroes.”

St Paul to the Ephesians 6:11-12 [ On Spiritual Warfare ] :

“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood
but with the principalities and powers, [fallen angels]
with the world rulers of this present darkness,
with the evil spirits in the heavens.
Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist
on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.”

Psalm 25:

“Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths,
Guide me in your Truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.”

John 14: 1-6 says this about “The Way”:

“Let not your hearts be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in Me.
In My Father’s house are many mansions;
if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And when I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to Myself,
that where I am you may be also.
And you know the way where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life;
no one comes to the Father, but by Me.”

[Throughout this book, added emphasis will be mine.]

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Table of Contents

Invitation and Introduction
Chapter 1:  A Paradigm Shift
Chapter 2:  The Covenants
Chapter 3:  Trouble in Paradise! Now What?
Chapter 4:  Is Jesus Necessary?
Chapter 5:  Jesus Was a Jew. Does That Matter?
Chapter 6:  The Prophet Isaiah and Scripture Fulfilled
Chapter 7:  Were the Jews Expecting a Messiah?
Chapter 8:  Did Jesus Claim to Be God?
Chapter 9:  Did Jesus Start a Church?
Chapter 10:  Apostolic Succession/Apostolic Authority
Chapter 11:  Peter and 265 Other Popes
Chapter 12:  The Face of Heresy—What it Looks Like
Chapter 13:  Our Hall of Fame
Chapter 14:  Weapons of “Mass” Destruction
Chapter 15:  Blessings of “Mass” Instruction
Chapter 16:  That Mean Old Catholic Church
Chapter 17:  Mary
Chapter 18:  Saint Joseph, What You Might Not Know
Chapter 19:  The Good Shepherd
Chapter 20:  That Ain’t Natural!
Chapter 21:  The Rosary
Chapter 22:  Other Devotions
Chapter 23:  A Kingdom Divided — Old and New
Chapter 24:  Abba v. Allah
Chapter 25: The Impact of Spiritual Warfare
Epilogue — We Are Called
Moving Onward!

Copyright © 2017, John W. Vitz

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