L
ladylinguist
Guest
Ok. I admit it. I’m kinda afraid of converting. I’ve been studying up on Catholicism for over a year now, and have recently enrolled in RCIA, and yet a part of me has always held back from saying “yes, I believe enough to convert” or “no, these Catholics are crazy people (I jest, of course).” I realize now that my issue is not with the doctrines or beliefs of the Catholic Church. All my studying and research has really given me a confidence that the Catholic Church is really the one that was set up by Jesus. I believe I saw the quote on someone’s signature line that ‘to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant’ or some such idea. It’s true, I believe. I realize, however, that what has been keeping me from making the plunge is fear of dealing with repercussions of conversion. First off, I’ll have to give up the church I’m comfortable with and that is filled with friends who I’ve come to care for deeply. I feel almost like I’ll be deserting them somehow, or turning my back on our relationships by leaving for the Catholic Church. And secondly (and almost more importantly), I’m afraid of having to defend my decision to all my non-Catholic friends. I’m afraid I won’t do a good job, and I’ll have everyone simplying pitying the poor girl who was led astray, or I’ll lose good friends. I know that sounds silly, but it’s how I feel. Did any of the converts on this website go through a similiar sort of fear? If you did, how did you get past it? Is it simply determining a path and going for it, regardless of those fears? Any advice/suggestions/prayers would be deeply appreciated. (BTW, I apologize if this post is long. I just wanted to get that out and see if anyone has any wisdom to pass along )