Advice sought

[t68ware]

Greeting friends. As many of you know as I have stated on previous posts, I am Protestant, Wesleyan to be exact, and I have been studying the Catholic church, going to Masses, RCIA, but after 2 years my mind is still confused as to where to go. A lot of it is my family, another part is my friendship with my current pastor. I believe what the Church believes, but my ties with my church, which is my wife’s home church are strong. I really would like any advice. I hate living in a confused state. Thanks!

 

[Trishie]

Is faith a family matter?
Is faith a personal decision?
Does one at death stand before God alone in one’s choices?
Or with others?

Is it a case of choosing to love God above all by choosing truth, or alternately choosing human relations, maybe even loving humans above His truth?

I’m asking these questions in case there is any answer in that for you…

There is an inconvenient truth that if we know the truth we should live the truth.
But you are also thinking of the love you have for these people.

Your wife would never follow you into the Church eventually?

Please God you will follow His wishes. May the Holy Spirit guide you…Trishie

 

[Dempsey1919]

"Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." Luke 18:29-30

Eternal savlation is more important than friends and family. Do not reject the truth because your family belongs to another church.

If you know the truth of the Catholic faith, you have an obligation to accept the promptings of the Holy Spirit and become a member of the Church. This is very important.

Go where God has led you and trust that he knows best. Maybe you should show your family the truth of the Catholic faith. Don’t reject the truth to remain in falsehood. If your family is important to you, then you must share the truth with them.

 

[CV81]

If you’re feeling called by God to come to the Catholic Church, yet reject that calling for fear of reprisal by friends or family, you deny God.

if you haven’t, you should read Rome Sweet Home by Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn. they both went through what you’re feeling now.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

You might be helped by the site www.chnetwork.org which was established by and for people in your situation. You know where you should be but the journey can be difficult. The Coming Home Network may encourage you on the way.

 

[jeanannemarie]

You have already been given good advice, which there is no need for me to repeat. I converted in 1995. My son was then 16. He is now five years into seminary to be a Catholic priest. My family of origin is divided by my own immediate family’s choice, but I just live without their approval. Blessings have followed for me. Think of yourself as a leader and example. Protestants, and the clergy, especially, have alot at stake by changing their minds; but many do. May god bless you as you seek the truth; there is but one. And since you asked, I was glad to throw in my 2 cents!

 

[Windmill]

"I count all for naught in view of the surpassing value of my knowledge of Jesus Christ." - Phil 3:8

You are seeking, and He is letting you know Him in incredible ways! How amazing is that? The only way to respond is with love and trust. Whatever doors may close behind you, the joys ahead are immeasurable. It may be disorienting at first, but you will find "the peace of God, which passes all understanding, [which] shall keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus" - Phil 4:7

Take that leap of faith, and God will richly bless it.

 

[DAPDN]

Have you ever read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott and Kimberly Hahn?

That’s a very good book. It tells you a conversion story of this couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, who were protestant theologians, who then converted to the Roman Catholic Church. I think it may be a good book for you because it is full of theological reflection of the authors on many of the controversial dogmatic questions that divide Roman Catholics and other Protestants. We’ve read it at a retreat, and I kept a very good impression about the book.

Try searching more information about the book, see if it interests you, and read it. Perhaps you can find, from the authors’ perspectives, some of the answers you are searching for.

Pax Christi!

 

[PraRFLEsEkHm]

Hi

I went through the same things when I converted. Fear. Jesus said ‘Fear Not’ so many times in the Gospels I can’t count them. (Others have, but not me - lol.) My own experience came out positive, although it seems that expectations are high for me - like we (Catholics in general) are some kind of ‘Super Christians’ and above temptation and sin.

My advice for you is to follow your heart. You searched, and you found. Obviously you felt something was missing before or else you wouldn’t have been searching, are you now going to turn your back on that and continue on like nothing happened and everything was/is fine?

I Corinthians Ch 7 has a lot to say about the issues you are facing. If, as it seems, all are believers and strong in their faith, maybe a good idea would be to point out that chapter and have a good honest discussion not only about what that means, but your reasons for doing what you are contemplating?

Be prepared to give honest answers to their questions, and where you don’t know the answer - say that you don’t know but you will find out and get back to them. A LOT of things can be resolved through calm rational discussion.

My prayers are with you - keep us informed please, and remember we are all here for your support.

Peace

 

[Cinette]

Greeting friends. As many of you know as I have stated on previous posts, I am Protestant, Wesleyan to be exact, and I have been studying the Catholic church, going to Masses, RCIA, but after 2 years my mind is still confused as to where to go. A lot of it is my family, another part is my friendship with my current pastor. I believe what the Church believes, but my ties with my church, which is my wife’s home church are strong. I really would like any advice. I hate living in a confused state. Thanks!

It takes courage but the right thing to do is to love God above family and friends. Read the bible - its all there.

Think of the many courageous Protestant ministers who took the plunge forsaking all things - the loss of friends, the loss of family… Ultimately the decision is yours - do you follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit or do you stay where it is more comfortable?

Its not easy - will pray for you.

 

[Fran65]

"Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." Luke 18:29-30

Eternal savlation is more important than friends and family. Do not reject the truth because your family belongs to another church.

If you know the truth of the Catholic faith, you have an obligation to accept the promptings of the Holy Spirit and become a member of the Church. This is very important.

Go where God has led you and trust that he knows best. Maybe you should show your family the truth of the Catholic faith. Don’t reject the truth to remain in falsehood. If your family is important to you, then you must share the truth with them.

Excellent reply!