I have learned a lot from Catholics who have left the Catholic faith to become Adventists. I have not yet met one who could be classed as someone who hates Catholics or anyone else but what they have usually received from their former Catholic friends was not “the heart of Jesus.”
Hello everyone,
Just a couple thoughts on these last couple posts, and these are strickly my opinions…if anyone agrees…well…it is nice to be agreed with!
There are so many stories of conversions from one faith to another, many anecdotal stories of how those converts act. I remember when I was at the SDA colloge in Takoma Park, Md, we would go to Georgetown in D.C. on a Saturday night. Back in the 70s the Hare Krishnas used to dance on the sidewalks at Wisconson and M streets…and hand out their literature. They would invite people to their temple in Potomac Md, to see their worship and share in a nice vegetarian Indain meal. I went a few times to talk with them about Jesus and what they believed (They loved bringing out photo albums full of pictures of the late George Harrison, the ex-Beatle, at Krishna events)…some of you younger people may have no idea what I’m talking about, but you older ones probably remember the Beatles and when Hare Krishnas danced on the streets and in airports.
Anyway, the young American Krishna converts in their peach colored robes, shaved heads with the one stirp of pony tail growing from the back of their heads, would share conversion stories. One was interesting in particular. He was a Baptist, picked up a Hare Krishna pamphlet, read it, started going to their temple and converted. How often did I hear a similar conversion story when I was a SDA…and how I have heard that similar conversion story from some who became Catholic.
I guess my point is, that God leads each of us as individuals first, and then as groups. If a person is truly and sincerely seeking God, then where ever they are at any specific point in time, is where God is with them leading them on their journey to Him. If you look at the Covenants that God made with man from the beginning you see a progression of how He gradually extended His plan of salvation.
In the Garden, the covenant was with two individuals Adam and Eve, to not eat of the fruit, and they would live. Next it was with Noah and his family to build and ark, gather the animals, and they would live. Next it was with Abraham and his tribe. Next it was with Moses and his nation. Next it was with David and his national kingdom. And finally it was with Jesus and His Church…open to all mankind, Jews, Gentiles, male, female, slaves, freemen, the entire universe of humans.
And just as God gradually extended His plan of salvation to mankind, I believe He gradually leads an individual on their journey home to Him, in fullness and completeness. As a SDA I always felt it necessary to always be working to convert someone to the “truth”…it was necessary. Then I began to understand that conversion is God’s work…God leading a person on their individual journey…and who am I to interfere with God’s work. As a Catholic, I now feel it necessary to always be praying for someone to find the “truth”…the real Truth, Jesus. God will lead all who sincerely seek Him…let God do His work and me do mine (pray without ceasing and present an honest testimony). Where ever they are on that journey is where God has them and is with them…leading. Of course we are all free to leave that leading if we want to.
To be called brave for converting from SDA to RCC, at least for me is not accurate. I faced no threats from anyone in that process…I was fortunate. I do know of stories where threats were presented to people considering joining the SDA Church, and I do know stories where threats were presented to people considering joining the RCC. I know of a young SDA boy in an African country in the 70s who was beat to death by soldiers for refusing to not worship on the 7th day sabbath (a threat to the authority of the powers that be). I know of a RC priest who was murdered by soldiers in Iraq, just recently, for refusing to stop ministering the Eucharist (a threat to the authority of the powers that be). There are many many stories like this for many many different faiths.
So NO, bravery had nothing to do with my choice. I will say that it was at times extremely difficult, and that is an understatement, but I am confident without a doubt that God has led me to the place I am supposed to be with Him. And I must assume that everyone reading these posts are equally confident without a doubt that God has led them to the place where they are supposed to be Him. That is why I no longer need to work to “convert” people to the “truth”. But if you have doubts, then please know that I am praying for you each day, as are many others on this forum, and have faith that God will lead you home. It may be difficult and it may require bravery and courage, but rest assured, God WILL lead YOU home!!
God bless all!!!