As a recent convert who was raised Baptist, then was a Presbyterian Youth Director for a while, I can tell you the grass isn’t always greener. You son may soon find this out.
Have Faith. I’m sure your husband was coming from the belief that those who leave the Chuch with “full understanding” of Her teachings could lose their salvation.
There are some keys here, first of all I believe that if someone has full understanding they would never leave the Catholic Faith.
It’s the lack of understanding and the enticement of all the glam in those mega churches that attracts many. It’s also the preaching style. Lets face is some Protestent minister put some of our Priest to shame when preaching, yet the best sermons I have ever heard came from Priests.
Another thing is our cluture and the message of those sermons. Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) is what many of these people preach. Hey, that FITs with America dosen’t it? If you really believe then what you do dosen’t matter, you’re good! It’s easy, it’s fun and while they will preach that you must turn from your sins and that you will do that if you are truly saved… if you don’t, who knows?
I would first work on your realtionship with your husband, no matter what your son does, you guys are 1 flesh and God wants you to remain that way.
In regards to your son I would call him. Tell him you think things got a little out of hand. Tell him you respect his decision but that you believe he has been mislead about certain aspects of the Church. Give him David Currie’s “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” and ask him just to read it.
I, as does our Pope from what he has said, believe that Protestant’s can find Salvation in their churches but it’s not as easy as in the Catholic Church. God knows what we need and how to help us be more like him. We may not like Confession but HE has a reason for it. We may like more lively music and praise, that’s great, but that’s not really “worship” that’s just priase and often Protestants get those confused.
Most of all Christ calls us to love. Love you son, show him how much by accepting him but encourage him to study not just follow instincts. True freedom is not following your gut, it being able to choose the correct path over that gut instinct.
You may or may not know who Francis Beckwith is but I would encourage you to read about him. He was President of the Evangelical Theological Society up until last year. He was born Catholic but became an Evangelical Protestant in High School and teaches at Baylor. A couple of years ago, after many years of small things pushing him from time to time, he dove headlong into his heritage, our Faith. After much prayer and study he returned to the Catholic Church last Easter. That may not sound like much but it’s more than it seems in that he had to give up his Presidency and created difficulties with many of his longtime friends and co-authors. During the time he was a practicing protestant his parents never condemed him but praised him for his good works and were proud of his accomplishments - especially in the Pro-Life movement, he led a Godly life but I’m sure they prayed for his return. And in time he did…
Have Faith
and pray for God to work on his Heart and that of his Spouse.
Joe
