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PrestonPrice
Guest
I am considering converting to catholicism from refrmed protestantism. I live in Ashland, OR and I need someone to talk to. Any suggestions?
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Paul_Folbrecht
Guest
I don’t know anyone local to you to recommend. (I would HOPE local parishes would give you orthodox answers/instruction, but I don’t see how I could assume that.)
If you don’t find someone there, or if you do, please feel free to ask away here or in the other forums.
Feel free to PM me as well…
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PrestonPrice
Guest
Thank you for your utmost kindness. I am back and forth between faith and non-faith. My major conern right now is, How can three separate consciounesses(the Trinity) form a single being?
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Blade_and_Blood
Guest
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. In my own interpretation, I believe it means God is the Creator who became one of us, died, and then was resurrected as a guiding spirit.
As for your conversion, in general, you should definitely do some research on the faith you want to convert to. If it’s really Catholicism you want, then give it a try.
Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood
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KJS
Guest
Hey, I’m in a similar boat. Definitely check out some of the articles here at Catholic Answers - very sound information about a lot of Catholic beliefs/theology that was new to me.
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PrestonPrice
Guest
I really like your quote B&B.
I think that Catholicism is the way to go, in terms of Christianity because I believe that I have to remain faithful to go to heaven, and spend eternity with God. This is my inference away from Protestantism.
But, there are some passages that seem to refute that it is my faith that is actively getting me into heaven:
Phil. 1:6; Rom. 3:28–which states that we’re justified by faith apart from the law, meaning that our faith and not our works justify us; Gal. 3:15-27.
Also, it seems that it was God who did the choosing, or electing, not man:
Eph. 1:4-6; Acts 2:23, which I am using to show that God planned out reality, good and bad, for his eternal glory.
My Protestant convictions show in this passage. My true problem comes when I question the validity of God’s benevolence in contrast to his sending predestined sinners to hell. Can anyone articulate the Catholic view on predestination, free will, eternal justification?
I think that Catholicism is the way to go, in terms of Christianity because I believe that I have to remain faithful to go to heaven, and spend eternity with God. This is my inference away from Protestantism.
But, there are some passages that seem to refute that it is my faith that is actively getting me into heaven:
Phil. 1:6; Rom. 3:28–which states that we’re justified by faith apart from the law, meaning that our faith and not our works justify us; Gal. 3:15-27.
Also, it seems that it was God who did the choosing, or electing, not man:
Eph. 1:4-6; Acts 2:23, which I am using to show that God planned out reality, good and bad, for his eternal glory.
My Protestant convictions show in this passage. My true problem comes when I question the validity of God’s benevolence in contrast to his sending predestined sinners to hell. Can anyone articulate the Catholic view on predestination, free will, eternal justification?
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PrestonPrice
Guest
I am ready to convert! I still need more knowledge, but I don’t think I can know everything beore I enter into the Church. I do not want to be arrogant toward people who are not of the same faith as I, so pray for me!
Preston James(PJ)
Preston James(PJ)
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FCEGM
Guest
Preston, like the others here so far, I’ve no knowledge of the parishes in your area, but I hope you will find one that offers solid preparation for your fully entry into the Church.
Regarding the Most Holy Trinity, a book that is often recommended on CAF is Frank Sheed’s Theology for Beginners; his section on the Trinity would be very helpful to you.
God bless you always.
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Blade_and_Blood
Guest
Thanks.
I couldn’t even believe I wrote that in such short notice! 
Yeah, I have a few Protestant classmates who quote from the Bible so very literally. Catholicism’s different; loose constructionism.
You don’t have to question God’s benevolence. I personally don’t believe in predestination or a vengeful God; it’s all on us whether we choose whatever a “sinful life” would be.
Ironically Yours.
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jmcrae
Guest
The first place to start is with your parish priest.
Your next question is, “What? I have a parish priest?” And the answer is “Yes.” The whole world is divided into little territories called “parishes”, and your priest is the priest who is responsible for the territory, or parish, in which you live.
Find the Catholic Church that is nearest to your home, and give them a call during office hours. Make an appointment to speak with the Pastor. (The “pastor” is the head priest of the church.) Mention that you would like about an hour of his time to discuss possibly becoming a Catholic.
If he is too busy or if there is some reason why meeting with him would be impractical, your next choice is the Rector of your local Cathedral.
Good luck, and welcome to the journey!
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Rawb
Guest
Or just ask when the next RCIA (Rite of Christian Inititation for Adults) classes are, or if they have begun if you can still join. You may just need to speak to the head of the RCIA Committee.
You need to study your catechism more B&B, this is not in line with Church teaching.
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PrestonPrice
Guest
I have accepted that it is the church that chooses the canon based upon the tradition of the church. Where do i go from here?
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LittleJohn
Guest
I have also recently begun the conversion process. After being born and raised in the Baptist Church, falling away, then recommitting to Christ in 1995 at a “non-denominational” church. I met my wife at this church, eventually we left and spent the last 5 years hopping to different churches, unable to reconcile so many questions in our head.
A friend of mine led me back to the Catholic Church after himself being on a similar journey, although he was raised in the Catholic Church. The more we talked, the more things made sense to me. The more I was turned off by the divisions and schisms in the Protestant church universally, not to mention a myriad of other reasons.
3 weeks ago I vowed I would never set foot in a Catholic Church. Last Sunday I went to my first Mass, and today I start my RCIA classes.
What a journey.
A friend of mine led me back to the Catholic Church after himself being on a similar journey, although he was raised in the Catholic Church. The more we talked, the more things made sense to me. The more I was turned off by the divisions and schisms in the Protestant church universally, not to mention a myriad of other reasons.
3 weeks ago I vowed I would never set foot in a Catholic Church. Last Sunday I went to my first Mass, and today I start my RCIA classes.
What a journey.
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jmcrae
Guest
You ask the priest about this, during the interview, and then he sets you up with the RCIA coordinator.
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jmcrae
Guest
Speak to a priest.
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Claire_from_DE
Guest
One good website is chnetwork.org which is the Coming Home Network. It was founded by Marcus Grodi who was a Presbyterian minister who became Catholic. You might find it very helpful.
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Paul_Folbrecht
Guest
Make sure you find a good one, though!Speak to a priest.
When Scott Hahn, one of my favorite (and very mainstream) Catholic authors, decided to become Catholic, the first priest he talked to told him he should just try to be a better Protestant, and that it was pointless to join the Church.
When Fr. John Corapi, one of the best preachers & priests in the world, went looking for a priest after a long absence from the faith (for confession - I think), he got hit on.
My point is just that the first priest you find might not tell you what the Church teaches. Fortunately there are more orthodox priests every year!
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GailMac
Guest
Dear Preston -
You could try praying the Glory be… a few times through and ask God to help you understand while you do…
Peace,
Gail
P.S. That is - Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. And if you were Jean Marie, my youngest, I’d tell you to add, Dear Lord, help me to be a glory to You in all that I think, say, and do. I love You. Good night. Amen. Then hop into to bed and go to sleep.
You could try praying the Glory be… a few times through and ask God to help you understand while you do…
Peace,
Gail
P.S. That is - Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. And if you were Jean Marie, my youngest, I’d tell you to add, Dear Lord, help me to be a glory to You in all that I think, say, and do. I love You. Good night. Amen. Then hop into to bed and go to sleep.
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otjm
Guest
The Catholic Church in Medford is Sacred Heart; it is on 10th street in the 500 block.
They should have an inquiry program (called Rite of Christian Intiation of Adults; RCIA for short). The program may be year-round, or it may start in the fall depending on the parish. You could start there; if you prefer reading, I would suggest that Catholicism for Dummies is a good book, written by two priests.
They should have an inquiry program (called Rite of Christian Intiation of Adults; RCIA for short). The program may be year-round, or it may start in the fall depending on the parish. You could start there; if you prefer reading, I would suggest that Catholicism for Dummies is a good book, written by two priests.
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