Conversion problems

[runningdude]

(Also posted in Liturgy & Sacraments)

I’m 12 weeks away from being baptized (and just 6 weeks away from completing the Rite of Election). …

My problem is that, despite all this, I still don’t feel Catholic. I disagree with the Church on a lot of social issues in sort of a “if the Church is right, then God is wrong” kind of way. …

Shouldn’t God meet me halfway on this? If the Church is the true Church and I’m actively trying to embrace it, shouldn’t it work? And is it alright to go ahead with baptism even if I still have doubts?

I wrote a similar response a few days ago. At this point, keep going to the classes and reflect on the matters that you disagree with. If when you still have serious doubts closer to your baptism date, then you may choose to refrain or postpone your sacraments.

 

[underacloud]

Many of the issues you raise are common to faithful Catholics the world over, such as contraception, treatment of homosexuals, God in the bible. But many of us live with these concerns, and ultimately defer to the Church, because we accept that she speaks with authority given by God. We have come to understand that our own judgements on certain issues can be flawed. We accept that truth is not something that must meet our standards, but is something that exists irrespective of our liking of it.

So as others have suggested, you need to consider the alternative way of thinking about your question:

“if Catholicism is the true form of Christianity, and some of its teachings seem to fly in the face of what I would expect from a benevolent god, then is Christianity really the true religion?”

So, is the problem with Catholicism…or is it with your expectations from a benevolent god? That’s for you to work through, and the answer will begin to lead you closer towards baptism, or to reconsider it. As long as you seek the truth with openess and sincerity, you should not hold any fear that the God of the Catholic Church would become impatient with you.

 

[stephe1987]

This website has a lot of tracts on these issues. I suggest you check them out. They’re on the home page in three categories: for Catholics, for non-Catholics and for non-Christians. I would start at the non-Christians and then look at non-Catholics and then Catholics.

Part of conversion is humbling yourself. Your feelings can be wrong. Look into why the Church teaches what it does. It’s not to be “mean” or that “God is mean.” There is a lot of good information out there. And more and more research supports what the Church teaches. Pornography being harmful, fornication/cohabitation having higher divorce rates, NFP-only couples having significantly lower divorce rates (<2-4%), homosexuality linked to STDs/depression/infidelity/domestic violence/short relationships/lower average life expectancies than even smokers. There are good non-religious reasons to support Church teaching.

We are not called to understand everything in this life, but we are called to obey. Obedience is pleasing to God.

The Old Testament is a source of confusion for a lot of people. Some Catholic bloggers have explanations about Bible difficulties. Jimmy Akin is one of them.

Homosexuality is a political issue because many people are being forced by law to violate their consciences. Photographers must photograph a gay wedding, bakers must bake a gay wedding cake, adoption agencies must place children with same-sex couples, churches must allow their property to be used for same-sex weddings even if the clergy won’t perform the ceremony. If they do not comply they can be fined or even forced to close their doors. It’s not just about not beating up gay people anymore (which is and has always been a sin), it’s about being forced to accept the homosexual lifestyle and to recognize them as married even if they believe marriage is between a man and a woman (gay marriages are physically impossible to consummate because the necessary body parts aren’t there).

If you have specific questions, I would suggest talking with a priest or posting in the “ask an apologist” forum or calling the apologist line.

I would not get baptized or go through with anything unless I was sure I wanted to convert. Babies can be baptized but there is a promise that goes with it that parents will raise the children in the faith. Adult baptisms require knowledge.

 

[retire_early]

Hello, Quasi-Catholic!

I didn’t have to convert to Catholicism; I’m a “cradle-Catholic”. But you know what? I wonder about things when I’m reading the Bible, too. I read and hear constantly about different opinions within the Church on a wide variety of topics related to our faith. I’m not always sure of the “right answer”. I try to keep learning: reading Catholic books, magazines, newspapers, attending classes and Bible studies, etc. I question things sometimes, but when all is said and done, I know this: Jesus loves me and I love Him. He founded this Church, so I’m sticking with it.

You’re getting close to finishing your RCIA class, so maybe you feel like you are “failing” if you don’t go through with Baptism, like everyone else in the class. Don’t worry about that! You are not doing anything “wrong” if you decide not to be baptized at this point. Just relax and keep going to Mass, talking to the Lord, studying and try to focus on the most important things in the Catholic Faith. What are those? Sit down with the pastor at your parish and ask him. I’ll bet that conversation would do you a lot of good.