I know some cradle Catholics who converted to Protestantism and don’t want to convert back. They are prideful and arrogant and full of anger and unforgiveness. Those sins are not allowing them to see the truth.
This may be with a few. But making a generalized statement about everyone leaving the Catholic church would be unfair. I have to remind myself not everyone has my perspective.
For most people I know who left a church or a denomination, it is a very upsetting and deeply personal decision. I may not like people leaving my now home in the Catholic church, but I do not hold a grudge for anyone who may have. That is counterproductive and insensitive. Sometimes when people leave, they just need a break. Other times they have legitimate issues that weren’t addressed and only time and healing by the right church will restore them.
I’ve known people to switch churches just because. But most I know have switched either because there is a conflict with another person in the church or perhaps something severely lacking in the local body. In my town of 1,000,000 plus people, its quite easy to find another Catholic church to attend. In smaller towns, sometimes your only choice is Catholic or Lutheran. I for one would much rather see someone leave the church and stay within the Christian faith, than stop going or become another religion.
A quick anecdote from my past:
One church I had to leave around 10 years ago was an AOG church. They went completely off the deep end. Their music was great, but their preaching and doctrine had gotten so out of whack, I walked out one Sunday. I couldn’t take it any more. It hurt to see friends of mine going with the crowd into something that was clearly not of the Holy Spirit. Most of my friends at this church wouldn’t even look at me or acknowledge me in public after I left. I ended up finding a small Four Square church after almost giving up. This church was the closest thing I’ve experienced as a “true church” besides my current one. The pastor worked full time, drove a 15 year old truck with 200k miles. He would come home from a 10 hour day and visit people in the community, and lead home bible studies. The whole church functioned as a community. Not only did they support each other, but they made a difference in the community behind the scenes. The last time I visited the church, they had grown 3 times the size from when I left and were still very grounded. Their main focus was to first love everyone, heal broken hearts, train the “babies” and send them out to do Christs’ work.
To cradle Catholics, I’m sure this kind of church would be utterly unacceptable and a waste of time. Had I not found them, its doubtful I would have been ever ready to be a part of any church. In spite of them not being “in communion” with Rome, they were meeting the need in that community, and they restored my faith in the body of Christ.
In my experience, the local body is only as good as its members no matter what denomination it is. I am honest enough to admit there are some bad churches out there both Catholic and Protestant. I wouldn’t fault anyone for leaving a bad church behind. There are times when you can stay and be a part of the solution. But there are also times when you can’t. I know if anyone ever asks me, I will gladly tell them my story and about the great church I am now a part of. I personally find everyone’s faith journey to be very interesting. For the “prideful” and “angry” ex-catholics, I trust God knows what He’s doing. If I can be a positive witness for the good of our Church or be used to bring healing/restoration, even better.
… for bringing some understanding to your wife and therefore bringing her back to the Church. And I do believe that your wife was a good Christian as she practiced obedience and therefore was humble in that way.
