Conversion - - do I have to wait until I've overcome every single doubt?

[legaleagle]

For over a decade, I’ve felt a strong pull to Catholicism. Too timid to attend Mass (in case I didn’t know when to knee/stand, etc), I first started visiting Catholic churches to pray, then worked up to Eucharistic adoration. Finally, I purchased a missal and attended my first Mass at Easter this year - - and I’ve been attending regularly since. (I love attending Mass and I love adoration - - I often feel like I wish there was more time to devote to these things instead of having a career.)

For years I’ve been a Catholic sympathizer and read theology for fun. I was raised Baptist and have been a practicing Christian since childhood. I went into Anglicanism last year and probably would’ve been content there if it weren’t for the lack of apostolic succession and the heretical views that have infiltrated the Anglican Communion (but I suppose that’s just an excellent example of why we need a Magisterium).

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

 

[KarenElissa]

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

I think the big question would be do you have major theological issues with these things or is it more just discomfort.? I think there is a major difference.

I converted almost two years ago (has it really been that long?! ) and I wasn’t totally comfortable with devotion to Mary. I still don’t have a huge attachment to her like I see many Catholics have, but I’m slowly growing a bit more comfortable with it. One thing I decided along the way, was that it is like any relationship, the more you invest into it, the closer you become. So I started trying to pray just one decade of the Rosary every day. It helped. It was a nice baby step, but something that didn’t overwhelm me. Even now, it isn’t my favorite devotion or something I do consistently by any means, but I’m ok with it.

As for indulgence, that is still something I don’t really “get.” I’ve read about them some and have somewhat of an understanding, but I don’t totally “get” them. But I’m ok with that right now.

For me it came down to, do I believe that the Pope is the leader of the Church on earth? I say yes, so then I need to be a part of that church. I wouldn’t have joined if I still have major theological issues, but a few discomforts I was ok with. I figured a bit of time would help that and I would be better off in the Church and able to participate in the Sacraments than I would waiting until every little tiny discomfort was gone.

Either way, I would talk to your priest. I’m sure they’ve all heard about these issues before, they aren’t unique to you! As long as you are voicing your thoughts respectfully and not in a confrontational way, I’m sure they would be glad to talk with you and help you think through things. You also might want to go ahead and ask about RCIA. Maybe participating in a group where you can ask these types of questions around people who are most likely asking the same thing would help. There is no firm commitment in just going to RCIA classes. You can start and if you decide that you aren’t ready, either just keep going, but put off entering the Church for awhile, or stop going all together. There isn’t any pressure.

 

[Eucharisted]

All you need to know and believe for conversion is what is contained in the baptismal promises. God will guide you from there. These promises are your marital vows to God, as your soul is married to Him in Christ Jesus, for no longer are you two but one flesh, a member of His Body, that is, the Church.

 

[roveau]

You sound as though you are ready to be a full part of the Church. Go and see your priest as soon as possible to discuss those aspects - he’s there to assist you through such matters.

I was born a Catholic but had a big break in the faith. I’m fully back now but I would have been back a long time ago if I didn’t have these minor objections here and there. In the end I just came to the point where I accepted obedience to the Church… even though I wasn’t personally fully at home with issues of a similar nature to yours.

I just concluded if the Church has it right on all the basics of faith, I can work on the few outstanding matters later. I’ve resolved almost everything… I’m at present warming up to the Sacred Heart… but still get the mildest trace of panic when I get to the 4th and 5th decade of the Glorious Mysteries

The other thing is that Catholics have a wide variety of ways of private devotion, you can’t do them all and you will like some more than others. You are not obliged to do or believe in every private devotion (of a ‘private revelation’ nature).

See a priest as soon as possible to discuss your first Confession and mention that you are working on those outstanding issues - he will guide you. Keep up the Rosary though. It will be a great help to you if you can recite the Rosary while in the presence of the Eucharist.

God Bless You,

Rove

 

[phoenix3212]

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

If you’re content with researching these issues after your conversion, to understand them better, I don’t see any problem with it.

 

[KarenElissa]

All you need to know and believe for conversion is what is contained in the baptismal promises. God will guide you from there. These promises are your marital vows to God, as your soul is married to Him in Christ Jesus, for no longer are you two but one flesh, a member of His Body, that is, the Church.

Those who are already baptized already, which I would assume this person is, will be asked something along the lines of “Do you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches and proclaims to be true?” That is a bit more involved than the beliefs listed in the Apostles Creed which is used in baptism.

 

[NHInsider]

For over a decade, I’ve felt a strong pull to Catholicism.
[snip]

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

Hi - you sound JUST LIKE ME thirty years ago!!

No, you don’t have to eliminate every doubt. You have to be willing to say “I don’t understand this or that, but I believe that Jesus gave His Church authority, so I will accept it anyway.” (A traditional Act of Faith pretty much says just that):

O MY GOD, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
I believe that Thy Divine Son became Man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

Over time, the Holy Spirit will reveal more and more truth to you - it’s the work of a lifetime!

 

[EmBee]

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

In short, no you do not have to wait … as long you can accept that the Catholic Church is the one true Church and she does hold the correct answers regardless of whether you understand them to be correct right now or not. Oh, and you should also know that RCIA is a lengthy program. If you are already feeling a pull towards Catholicism, start RCIA as soon as you can (my parish starts in the Fall) so that if you are ready to be in full communion with the Catholic Church this coming Easter, you will be able to. If you wait until March 1st 2010 to decide you want to be Catholic, and haven’t been thru RCIA, you will probably have to wait another year!

Peace!

–

 

[kabyr8]

First of all, welcome home. What a great beginning you have. Definitely speak to your Pastor . He will not be offended by your questions. In fact I think he will welcome them and answer them for you. Do you have to understand everything about Mary? No, but like the person who wrote about saying a decade a day, is a great way to begin. The Rosary is private prayer and I have to say as someone who was born into the Catholic faith, it was not until recently that I really fell in love with saying the rosary.
As far as RCIA is concerned, as someone who works with people in RCIA, may I say that if your are baptized ( in the baptist faith) you do not have to wait until Easter to come into full communion with the Church. It might take you that long, but Easter Vigil is really for those who have not been baptized . the Church recognizes most mainline Protestant faith’s Baptism as long as it has the Trinitarian words"I baptize thee in the name of the Father , and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and is used in conjunction with water.
As you journey into the Catholic faith, continue to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Be open and continue with what you are doing asking questions, seeking answers and spending time in prayer and in reading. May I suggest a fun book for you. Catholicism for Dummies and the The Catholic Source Book are two great books to have for reference and for reading. Along with that buy the Catechism . These are great books to have for references. I recommend them to all my inquirers to have.
I hope this has helped you in your journey. I will certainly pray for you as you continue your quest into full communion with the Church:thumbsup:

 

[Madzamboni]

Wow, we have simliar stories, but in my case I was coming back into the church in my late 20’s. I was Catholic, but strongly disagree’ed with some of the thoughts of Confession to a Priest, what I viewed as worship of Mary, Inducgences, Purgatory, etc.

Matter of fact, I developed what I called the “B.S. List” and write down what I disagreed with.

Coming to your faith takes time, and there are still items on that list I have not answered - but over the years I have done my own study in various ways (talking to a Priest, Deacon, Bible Study, Apologetics, etc) and have come to terms with many of them.

As it pertains to those that I have not answeered yet, I just “stay off the podium”, accept them on faith alone (for now), and realize in time they will be revieled to me. Even then, I may not agree 100% with what is taught.

But when it comes down to it I believe in the Dogmas of the Catholic Church - Period. That, in unison with my faith in the Holy Father, and believe in the Sacraments and Eucharist gives me, what I believe, a good foundation to work from.

What I can tell you at this time, is to NOT be afraid of approaching a Priest or Deacon to help you through this period of discernment. Heck, it is now that you need the most guidance from a sound source. I used to get hung up on something I read in a devotional, topic from an Apologetic’s forum, etc - then I would call my Deacon and meet at his office for an hour. It’s that one on one guidance which will help build faith and guidance in your journy.

May I offer a resource that helped me (Allthough I am only 1/2 way through it) - its a CD set from shop.cathollic.com which is directly linked to Catholic Answers. Its called “God’s Perfect Plan: Purgatory And Indulgences Explained” by Tim Staples.

Good luck in your walk, please private message me if you need to.

 

[legaleagle]

Thanks everyone for all of your insights, book suggestions, etc. Each of your comments have really helped me.

I think it is just discomfort at this point and not major theological issues, to answer KarenElissa’s question. But as she pointed out:

Those who are already baptized already, which I would assume this person is, will be asked something along the lines of “Do you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches and proclaims to be true?” That is a bit more involved than the beliefs listed in the Apostles Creed which is used in baptism.

That’s what worries me, though, because I’m taking that literally and it sounds like there’s no room for doubt there.

NHInsider wrote:

Over time, the Holy Spirit will reveal more and more truth to you - it’s the work of a lifetime!

I was seriously worried about this taking a lifetime to figure out, but I don’t want to wait a lifetime to take part in the sacraments so faith will have to help me in the meantime.

You know, I saw the ad for the CD set on Purgatory and Indulgences. Thanks, Madzamboni for mentioning it. I will check it out.

I don’t expect to be involved in the RCIA process because I was baptized (twice actually). To make a long story short, I was baptized as an infant, but then my family became Baptists when I was a toddler. When I decided to join the Baptist church, I had to get done again!

I guess the next steps for me are to continue reading and studying and I need to see my priest to discuss all of this.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

 

[theladyiscrazy]

1. The Catholic Church does not teach that you have to have a devotion to Mary nor any other saint to be catholic. They do teach who Mary is, what she did, why it is significant, and that she shows the way to Christ. It is not mandatory that you say the rosary. As mentioned, it is a private devotion. You can be a good little Catholic and not be “devoted” to Mary. Does that make sense?
2. Any saint and all the Popes (well the good ones) will tell you that your religious journey takes a life time. Even Paul stated that he would not know everything UNTIL he was in Heaven with Christ. So, it is a lifelong journey. We are always learning and growing. The basics of the faith that you know thus far is what you are agreeing to. Yes, as you learn more, with guidance, you will also be agreeing to them.
3. Even though one is baptized by a recognized Protestant Christian faith, most RCIAs would prefer that the newly to Catholism group, attend all of the RCIA classes, AND come in at Easter Vigil as well with the unbaptized (called the Elect). My family fit this catergory. We were all baptized but didn’t become “Catholic” until Easter Vigil. Matter of fact that is normal in all of the parishes in our diocese.

 

[KarenElissa]

I think it is just discomfort at this point and not major theological issues, to answer KarenElissa’s question. But as she pointed out:

That’s what worries me, though, because I’m taking that literally and it sounds like there’s no room for doubt there.

So the issue becomes do you believe, for example, that Mary was immaculately conceived and ever-virgin? And do you believe that it is ok to pray the Rosary and ask Mary for her intercession, even if you choose not to? If you can say yes to those, then even if it feels weird or uncomfortable, you can honestly answer that yes, you do believe all the Church teaches.

I don’t expect to be involved in the RCIA process because I was baptized (twice actually). To make a long story short, I was baptized as an infant, but then my family became Baptists when I was a toddler. When I decided to join the Baptist church, I had to get done again!

You should defiantly not be baptized again, but you may still have to go through some or all of the RCIA classes. It will just depend on the resources at your local parish. My parish had a shortened class for the already baptized, so I was received into the Church in November, but many parishes may not. And either way, there is still no pressure to be done by a certain time. You can spend years in RCIA if you need to to get the issues all worked out.

I do think there is value in joining in on the RCIA program even if you aren’t really sure. The community of people in a similar situation can be very helpful. You will also be surrounded by people who are used to dealing with the issues you are having.

 

[PJM]

So here’s my question

: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

***Friend you are doing REALLY GOOD. My advice as a life long Catholic, and a teacher of our faith for fifteen years, with three years in RCIA, is to keep doing what you are doing and join NOW this years RCIA program.

While doubts are normal, your questions and concerns should be addressed as part of the RCIA couriculium. If not ask specifi question here on the Forum.

Most RCIA classes start in late August or early September. Now is the time for action

Love and prayers,

Pat***

 

[mangy_dog]

For over a decade, I’ve felt a strong pull to Catholicism. Too timid to attend Mass (in case I didn’t know when to knee/stand, etc), I first started visiting Catholic churches to pray, then worked up to Eucharistic adoration. Finally, I purchased a missal and attended my first Mass at Easter this year - - and I’ve been attending regularly since. (I love attending Mass and I love adoration - - I often feel like I wish there was more time to devote to these things instead of having a career.)

For years I’ve been a Catholic sympathizer and read theology for fun. I was raised Baptist and have been a practicing Christian since childhood. I went into Anglicanism last year and probably would’ve been content there if it weren’t for the lack of apostolic succession and the heretical views that have infiltrated the Anglican Communion (but I suppose that’s just an excellent example of why we need a Magisterium).

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

Your head…hmmm.

What if tomorrow you slip on a banana peel and crack your head open?

No time like the present. The Lord is calling you home.

YOu don’t know Mary but she knows you.

And the souls in Purgatory, well…I will pray for them until you decide to pray for a relief to their suffering. Let the catholics that are home already, pray for them… you pay attention to coming home.

Once you are home and you understand - you too will pray for them.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

For over a decade, I’ve felt a strong pull to Catholicism. Too timid to attend Mass (in case I didn’t know when to knee/stand, etc), I first started visiting Catholic churches to pray, then worked up to Eucharistic adoration. Finally, I purchased a missal and attended my first Mass at Easter this year - - and I’ve been attending regularly since. (I love attending Mass and I love adoration - - I often feel like I wish there was more time to devote to these things instead of having a career.)

For years I’ve been a Catholic sympathizer and read theology for fun. I was raised Baptist and have been a practicing Christian since childhood. I went into Anglicanism last year and probably would’ve been content there if it weren’t for the lack of apostolic succession and the heretical views that have infiltrated the Anglican Communion (but I suppose that’s just an excellent example of why we need a Magisterium).

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

I converted from the Protestant church over a decade ago. Like you I had questions, which I initially put into the too-hard basket, and made the move anyway.

AFTER you make the move, you’ll find a lot of the problems will gradually disintegrate, either because you’ll find your questions are answered, or because you’ll realise that a lot of them weren’t even important. Protestants tell a lot of lies about Catholics and the Catholic Church, usually because they’ve heard other Protestants say them and haven’t even bothered checking whether they’re accurate or not.

I still have a couple of objections, mainly to do with Papal Infallibility and the Contraceptive Pill (the ruling on contraceptives generally). I’m not impressed with some traditions eg. scapulars, and at this stage I still don’t have much devotion to Mary or the Saints (my former Protestant bias no doubt), although I’m moving towards the view that Mary is the Lady of the Hour, having read up a bit on Fatima, Lourdes, Akita etc. I think she’s warning us about dire trouble that’s coming, and that these apparitions are mentioned in symbolic language in the opening verses of Revelation 12.

Go ahead. By moving to the Catholic Church, you’ll be getting CLOSER to the truth, not further away. If the Protestants are so sure of themselves, why are they so divided? As my old Protestant pastor said to me, “When it comes to theology, Protestants couldn’t agree how far to spit.”

 

[jmcrae]

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

All you need is the ability to give the Church the benefit of the doubt - if you can say, “I have no idea how that is so, but it must be so, since the Church teaches it,” then you’ll be fine.

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

My personal experience is that it is incredibly difficult to actually offend a priest - by the time they make it through Seminary, they have developed pretty thick skin. I think as long as you approach him with a listening attitude and a student’s heart, there is nothing you could say to him that would ever offend him.

 

[Tomb54]

For over a decade, I’ve felt a strong pull to Catholicism. Too timid to attend Mass (in case I didn’t know when to knee/stand, etc), I first started visiting Catholic churches to pray, then worked up to Eucharistic adoration. Finally, I purchased a missal and attended my first Mass at Easter this year - - and I’ve been attending regularly since. (I love attending Mass and I love adoration - - I often feel like I wish there was more time to devote to these things instead of having a career.)

For years I’ve been a Catholic sympathizer and read theology for fun. I was raised Baptist and have been a practicing Christian since childhood. I went into Anglicanism last year and probably would’ve been content there if it weren’t for the lack of apostolic succession and the heretical views that have infiltrated the Anglican Communion (but I suppose that’s just an excellent example of why we need a Magisterium).

So here’s my question: In my heart, I want to convert and be able to receive my Lord in the Eucharist, but my head is getting in the way. Because of some influences from my past (think Jack Chick, John MacArthur, etc), I’m still not 100% comfortable on two main issues: devotion to Mary and indulgences regarding souls in purgatory. Must I wait to convert until I have settled every single one of my doubts on these issues?

I haven’t talked to the parish priest yet because I don’t want to offend him by questioning these things. I’ve started praying the Rosary daily but I’m not really comfortable. I’ve got a lot of fear, I guess. However, I’m reading and ordering tons of books (Hahn, Madrid, etc) and listening to EWTN Radio a lot.

To me you sound ready but looking at 2 things might help. I have been a Catholic for over 50 years and at time my faith is still weak and I have doubts. During these times I pray and I usually get the help I need. 2nd look how long it took for the Apostles to fully believe without doubt and Jesus was living right with them. Blessed are those who believe who have not seen.

 

[theladyiscrazy]

mangy dog:

Your head…hmmm.

What if tomorrow you slip on a banana peel and crack your head open?

No time like the present. The Lord is calling you home.

YOu don’t know Mary but she knows you.

And the souls in Purgatory, well…I will pray for them until you decide to pray for a relief to their suffering. Let the catholics that are home already, pray for them… you pay attention to coming home.

Once you are home and you understand - you too will pray for them.

Very well said!

 

[awantz]

You can go to RCIA and ask the teacher there. Either way at least you got the benefit of taking RCIA.