Can I become Catholic even if I don't believe all that the Church teaches?

[sablouwho]

I’m a Jewish convert, first becoming a “generic” Christian after a powerful conversion experience. I spent some time in a Protestant churches but am currently in RCIA.

From ages 0-5, because my parents were working, I was pretty much raised by a Catholic nanny and was very close to her and her family. I got to celebrate Christmas with them, go to see Santa Claus, etc. Because of that positive exposure (even though it was mainly to the cultural side of Catholicism rather than the religious aspects) at such a young age I have always been drawn to the Church (even when I didn’t believe in God, which was most of my life).

The problem I am having is this – since my converion I’ve been to a lot of churches. I’ve done a lot of reading as well. What I have found is that there is no church that I have ever been to (various Protestant denominations, Mormon, Catholic) where I believe all the official doctrine. In each case, some of what is being taught makes sense to me and some does not.

However, I definitely believe in Jesus, thus I know I am called to be a Christian. And, of all the churches I’ve been to, while all of them are an imperfect fit in terms of doctrine, I feel like the Catholic Church is the “best fit” for me given all the choices available.

I do not want to be left out in the cold and not belong to a church, as I know that this is not a good way for me to grow in my faith. I need a church community or I will not flourish in my faith. But I know that I don’t believe every single thing that the Catholic Church (or any other church) teaches. Yet I am still drawn to the Church despite these areas where I don’t agree. Am I wrong for wanting to be Catholic under these circumstances?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I think the key is that you said “some of what is being taught makes sense to me and some does not.” There is a difference between a lack of understanding and a lack of belief. If you can honestly say, “I do not understand everything the Catholic Church teaches, but I will place my faith in the Church and seek to improve my understanding,” then you can in good conscience become a Catholic, even if you still have difficulty understanding all that the Church teaches. Only if you deliberately reject something the Church requires all Catholics to believe as a matter of faith would you not be able to become a Catholic. If you are uncertain as to whether something you’ve heard is Catholic teaching is something you must accept as a matter of faith, I recommend that you discuss the issue with the pastor of the parish or with a Catholic whose knowledge of the faith you trust.