Catholic becoming Protestant

[steve-b]

Is it possible to Catholics that have become protestants to be saved? Every single one of my family members are in this situation. They said that they were not engaged in the catholic church. I don’t think they saw scriptural evidence for the sacraments and did see corruption in the Church. They love Jesus, but seem to be unaware that they were leaving his true church. I am thinking about becoming Catholic but I am heartbroken to think my family would be damned if they made an honest mistake when they thought they were following Christ and learning about him.
Help!

If you are looking for answers to give your family should they ask

consider the following points

While still a Protestant, before he became Catholic, John Henry Newman, in his studies, made the following, statement
"To be deep in history is to cease being a Protestant"

That statement is HUGE !

Is that really so?

Acts 9:31, says
in the English , “the Church throughout all” …
In the Greek study bible, ἐκκλησία καθ’ ὅλης τῆς

translated
ἐκκλησία , ekklésia = church
, καθ’, kat-ah’ = according to ,
ὅλης, holos = whole / all / complete / universal ,
τῆς = the ,
= the Kataholos Church = the Catholic Church.

THAT

is the only Church Jesus established on Peter and those in full communion with Peter. And Jesus wants perfect unity. John 17:20-23 & since the HS only teaches what comes from Jesus John 16:12-15

Then

no one can LATER say, the HS inspired THEM to divide, or dissent as we see today in Christianity FROM Our Lord’s One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church…

Consequences from scripture for one dividing from Our Lord’s plan?

Romans 16:17-20 & Galatians 5:19-21

both quotes use the same Greek word διχοστασίαι,for dissension / division /schism And the consequence for that sin if one won’t return to the Catholic Church… Paul says (NOT ME) “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”. IOW they go to hell when they die [Gal 6:21]

Where do we see in history, the name Catholic Church, and the offices of bishop, priest, and deacon?

Examples:

Ignatius, Catholic bishop of Antioch, direct disciple of John the apostle, was bishop from ~ A.D. 69 - ~A.D. 107. , wrote 6 letters to the Church in 6 locations. Here’s 2 of those letters.
Epistle to the Smyrnæans. Note: (ch 2) & (ch 8)
Epistle to the Philadelphians. Note: (ch 3)

Then

they can also check THIS

 

[ProfFF]

I am sorry but I must say:

1. You misquoted the number to the scripture it is Gal. 5:21.
2. But also let us look at a couple of verses before we even get to this verse. Paul is giving a list of sins that if practiced you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Now before it is said this is not an overall list and it is not only these sins that will keep you from heaven. There are denominations out there that teach only these sins named.
3. So I have one question to ask as well. Jesus and the apostles were Roman Catholic?

 

[ProfFF]

You say miracles that the church attributes. Okay when is the last time that someone raised one from the dead? When is the last time someone said pick up your belongings and walk? When was someone healed by merely touching the hem of a garment?

But the statement says it all to me” that the church attributes”.

 

[ProfFF]

No it was understood.
Also with all due respect I have asked questions on this site and via email to other Catholic sites. But when pressed with biblical evidence of some of the church teachings that are taught in the Catholic Church, none can be provided and those questions could not even be addressed by priests on a debate I watched. They could only point to the catechism.

I am sorry but Paul said to study scripture daily on things taught.

Again no disrespect meant.

 

[Welshrabbit]

Are you asking because you are genuinely interested or because you’re a Protestant looking to argue with Catholics?

Something tells me you’ve probably been given answers in the past but you just like to argue with strangers online for some weird reason.

Edit: here’s a whole thread about miracles for you to peruse:

The question of miracles - Are there convincing miracle cases? Sacred Scripture

Not so fast! Today’s culture is by far, indisputably, undoubtedly, clearly, concisely, demonstrably, unarguably the most superstitious age of all. Why? Because of superstitious evolution. Today’s superstitions have only built upon the layers of superstition practiced by preceding generations. And, the decreasing levels of belief in anything outside of the self have only fueled the superstitious fires. It is the only aspect of the human which has advanced. All others, from the cognitive to the …

 

[rosejmj]

It seems they had good intentions when they became Protestant. They believe it and can have a relationship with God. I can’t imagine God damning someone for following their conscience and converting to a faith or denomination that seems more true or resonates with them. It’s obviously not super clear Catholicism is true otherwise many more people would be or stay Catholic. Religion is one of those things you’ll never know for sure until you die. Humans will follow different ones. I assume Most have good intentions and seek truth and relationships with God.

 

[steve-b]

I am sorry but I must say:

1. You misquoted the number to the scripture it is Gal. 5:21.

Thanks for that. I should have caught that, given I linked to those very passages from Galatians a few lines above that.

ProfFF:

1. But also let us look at a couple of verses before we even get to this verse. Paul is giving a list of sins that if practiced you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Now before it is said this is not an overall list and it is not only these sins that will keep you from heaven.

Agreed. It is one example out of many that can be used. Due to maintaining space requirements of the forum, per post, we need to contain the size of our responses per post

ProfFF:

There are denominations out there that teach only these sins named.

I don’t doubt that for a moment.

ProfFF:

1. So I have one question to ask as well. Jesus and the apostles were Roman Catholic?

I’ve heard that question many times.

short answer

“Roman” is a rite within the Catholic Church among many valid Catholic rites.

Now

While the “Roman” rite is ~98% of the total number of Catholics in the world, all the rites in the Catholic Church are 100% Catholic.

Hope that helps

Oh almost forgot,

The Church has been named the Catholic Church from the beginning. Just ask for the references

 

[fhansen]

Is it possible to Catholics that have become protestants to be saved? Every single one of my family members are in this situation. They said that they were not engaged in the catholic church. I don’t think they saw scriptural evidence for the sacraments and did see corruption in the Church. They love Jesus, but seem to be unaware that they were leaving his true church. I am thinking about becoming Catholic but I am heartbroken to think my family would be damned if they made an honest mistake when they thought they were following Christ and learning about him.
Help!

For the record I left the Catholic Church early on, then later found some bad corruption in the Protestant church I attended. To be human in this world is to be corrupt in one way or another. And sacraments have been part of the Church in the east and west since as far back as anyone knows. They’re just correct teachings or theology set in stone, so to speak, simple and physical ways of understanding and living out the faith in some important and basic ways.

Anyway, yes, cradle-Catholics are not immune from ignorance-we don’t necessarily comprehend and truly believe in something simply because someone else told us that it’s true, regardless of how true it is. And the Church even teaches that we’re obliged to be true to our consciences regardless of whether they’re wrong. But we’re also obliged to seek out the truth, and seek earnestly, on our own in order to be able to adequately discern the truth, in order for our consciences to become properly formed.

Either way God judges by the heart as Scripture tells us, which He knows far better than we do. That means, among other things, that we’re judged on our knowledge-and what we did with whatever we were given. I doubt very much that a person leaving the Catholic faith and joining a Protestant church would do so knowing with certainty that the CC taught the truth, and wanting to be a heretic and apostate anyway.

 

[steve-b]

No it was understood.
Also with all due respect I have asked questions on this site and via email to other Catholic sites. But when pressed with biblical evidence of some of the church teachings that are taught in the Catholic Church, none can be provided and those questions could not even be addressed by priests on a debate I watched. They could only point to the catechism.

Do you have references (properly referenced) that you can provide for the particulars you’re pointing to?

ProfFF:

I am sorry but Paul said to study scripture daily on things taught.

Again no disrespect meant.

Well, for clarification,

In Paul’s time, the only scriptures that were there , was the OT which the Jews don’t consider “the OT” even today. AND, even the OT THEN, wasn’t officially closed. There was the Septuagint translation, that was read by far more Jews outside of Jerusalem than inside Jerusalem.

AND

The NT hasn’t been written yet, NOR have the writings been identified, collected, and canonized, as scripture… YET

Technically speaking, we wouldn’t have the bible, OT + NT till after 381 a.d.

 

[steve-b]

You say miracles that the church attributes. Okay when is the last time that someone raised one from the dead? When is the last time someone said pick up your belongings and walk? When was someone healed by merely touching the hem of a garment?

But the statement says it all to me” that the church attributes”.

I think you misread that. It doesn’t say the Church performed the miracle. It recognized a miracle happened.

 

[steve-b]

Anyway, yes, cradle-Catholics are not immune from ignorance-we don’t necessarily comprehend and truly believe in something simply because someone else told us that it’s true, regardless of how true it is. And the Church even teaches that we’re obliged to be true to our consciences regardless of whether they’re wrong. But we’re also obliged to seek out the truth, and seek earnestly, on our own in order to be able to adequately discern the truth, in order for our consciences to become properly formed.

True

And for added clarification RE: ignorance

1791 This ignorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man “takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.” In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.

AND RE: one’s other personal actions

2089 Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. " Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him."

fhansen:

… we’re judged on our knowledge-and what we did with whatever we were given. I doubt very much that a person leaving the Catholic faith and joining a Protestant church would do so knowing with certainty that the CC taught the truth, and wanting to be a heretic and apostate anyway.

Based on my previous entry

I’d just make the following qualification in response to your final point.

If one has responsibly acquired or tried to acquire education, and knowledge of what is true and good, then they might not be held responsible.

I say "might" , because one’s conscience might be by various degrees, almost blinded through the habit of committing sin. Thus grace isn’t influencing them. So In such a case, then, they ARE guilty of what they do. IOW they wouldn’t be innocent in that case of the wrong they do.

And yes, to your other point, God judges that.

 

[fhansen]

I agree here. But I think my main point is that, simply knowing what the Church teaches doesn’t mean that a person necessary believes, or would necessarily be expected to in every case. We can’t force ourselves to believe anything, certainly not with any kind of sincere and authentic faith–and these are supernaturals truths as well, after all. A lot of it takes struggle, time, seeking, really wanting to know the truth, which is where para 1731 comes in.

But to learn for oneself that the Church teaches is the truth, to develop the sensus fidelium as it were, can take time, and should also grow with more time. And individual circumstances and backgrounds including negative experiences with people of one faith or another can contribute to prejudices on a persons part, not necessarily of their own doing. In any case God knows all these kinds of details minutely, and I’m sure takes it all into account. This isn’t to try to excuse a Catholic for becoming Protestant, but only to recognize our human limitations along with God’s infinite fairness. I returned to the Church when I finally knew and understood why. And I’m still understanding more almost every day.

 

[steve-b]

I agree here. But I think my main point is that, simply knowing what the Church teaches doesn’t mean that a person necessary believes, or would necessarily be expected to in every case. We can’t force ourselves to believe anything, certainly not with any kind of sincere and authentic faith–and these are supernaturals truths as well, after all. A lot of it takes struggle, time, seeking, really wanting to know the truth, which is where para 1731 comes in.

But to learn for oneself that the Church teaches is the truth, to develop the sensus fidelium as it were, can take time, and should also grow with more time. And individual circumstances and backgrounds including negative experiences with people of one faith or another can contribute to prejudices on a persons part, not necessarily of their own doing. In any case God knows all these kinds of details minutely, and I’m sure takes it all into account.

True

fhansen:

This isn’t to try to excuse a Catholic for becoming Protestant, but only to recognize our human limitations along with God’s infinite fairness. I returned to the Church when I finally knew and understood why. And I’m still understanding more almost every day.

Obviously grace was working in you.

AND

As Peter taught, for all of us to do

we are to add 6 priorities to our faith without stopping,. It’s interesting, knowledge is #2. So it’s up at the top of priorities

HERE

OR else

as he said, we will fall.

 

[Francisco_Fernando]

Grave matter, full knowledge, complete consent. If they didn’t have full knowledge that it was a sin, then I don’t see why they won’t be saved.

 

[steve-b]

Grave matter, full knowledge, complete consent. If they didn’t have full knowledge that it was a sin, then I don’t see why they won’t be saved.

Problem is,

People can and DO play games with “Full knowledge” as they can with the other 2 qualifications. They can convince themselves one or more didn’t occur. Mentally reducing a mortal sin to a venial sin . Bottom line our faith isn’t rocket science nor do we need an IQ of a rocket scientist to understand it… Mortal sin is a cinch to commit. And if there is ANY question about it, one can go to confession and be rid of it.

 

[fhansen]

Obviously grace was working in you.

Yes, grace-and a strong desire to know truth-which is the part we play.

 

[ProfFF]

I would like to say thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut. On another thread in this forum, my soul is damned to hell. There is no other way to say this. Just due to the fact that I am Protestant.

But I will add that in Acts we see that when ABOUT 3,000 souls were added to the church they continued in the apostle’s doctrine. I would believe then that the doctrine was of the teachings of Christ and also inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Which we also see descended on them in Acts as well.

 

[ProfFF]

So with respect to this please tell me have you studied out any of these so called miracles for yourself.

 

[ProfFF]

So just because only written form was OT, do you not believe that we should also study out the NT. Are you saying that this now doesn’t pertain to us today?

I will start with one. Please point or give me Book, chapter, and verse or verses that states Mary was sinless. Again not being rude but biblical evidence not the church teaching or quoting the catechism.

 

[steve-b]

I would like to say thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut. On another thread in this forum, my soul is damned to hell. There is no other way to say this. Just due to the fact that I am Protestant.

A key phrase in scripture, said in different ways,

“once a person comes to the knowledge of truth” THEN …

ProfFF:

But I will add that in Acts we see that when ABOUT 3,000 souls were added to the church they continued in the apostle’s doctrine. I would believe then that the doctrine was of the teachings of Christ and also inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Which we also see descended on them in Acts as well.

True

and I will add,

since Acts wasn’t written till most of the apostles were already dead.

Then

At this point, the Church was following oral tradition.