Just out of curiousity, is anyone here from a non-Christian background?
Me! My parents and little sister are all atheists. When I became a Christian a few years ago, my parents weren’t very understanding at all. There were a lot of heated arguments, and they would do whatever they could to stop me from going to church (like refusing to lend me the family car). But over time they’ve gotten used to it, and realised that it wasn’t just a phase I was going through. (Believe me, I had my fair share of phases!) They still show no interest in it whatsoever, but they aren’t angry about it like they used to be. Anyways, when I started researching Catholicism, I didn’t say anything to them (although they probably figured it out because I have a terrible habit of leaving books lying around all over the house!), but when I decided to convert to Catholicism, I knew I’d have to say
something! I thought long and hard about how to bring up that topic, but they ended up (unintentionally) starting the conversation! See, last Sunday morning, they asked why I was leaving home 3 hours earlier than usual, and so I told them that I was going to mass rather than the church (Church of Christ) I had been going to for the past few years. They seemed a bit shocked and asked what was ‘wrong’ with the church I used to go to (because I would always speak very highly of it), to which I explained that I had done some research and no longer agreed with their teachings. We haven’t really spoken about it since, but I’m praying for more opportunities to talk to them about it, and *hopefully *they might even come along when I am confirmed next year!
As for telling people at church… I’m *trying *to work up the courage to do that this weekend. Part of me wants to just never show up there again so as to avoid those conversations, but I know that wouldn’t be the right thing to do. That church has been a huge part of my life, and I am so grateful for the support they offered during some particularly difficult times. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that many people there won’t react the way I’d like them to when I tell them that I am becoming a Catholic! I know there will be people there (the leadership team in particular) who will try and debate with me. Now, I’ve done enough research to believe that the Catholic Church really *is *the one true Church established by Christ, but I certainly don’t know enough to be able to refute *all *their arguments on the spot! Also, I’m worried that some people will accuse me of making that decision simply because my boyfriend is Catholic (a couple of people have already said that to me).
Sigh Sure, he’s a huge part of why I decided to
research Catholicism, but there’s just no way I would
convert because of a guy (even one as amazing as he is!) As much as I love my boyfriend, I love God more, and there’s just no way that I would go against His will and be a part of something I didn’t believe in. I am converting becasue God has called me to do so.
Anyways, rambling finished! It was really encouraging to read other peoples stories in this thread. Thank you all for sharing!
. God bless you for standing firm in the faith in spite of this abuse. Remember that Jesus endured exactly the same derision and disagreement when He first shared the doctrine of the Eucharist. That is the point when many of His disciples left Him (John 6:66). However, the truth of this doctrine shone out across centuries and millennia, and is believed now by more than a sixth of the world’s population. Most of the rest have not heard about it or don’t know any of the reasons for believing in it. God has revealed this truth to souls in an endless variety of ways.
. It really is difficult, but you’re doing the right things.