Conversion Worries

[ladylinguist]

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 )

 

[dosdog]

The purpose of The Coming Home Network International (CHNetwork) is to provide fellowship, encouragement and support for pastors and laymen of other traditions (Protestant, Orthodox, etc…) who are somewhere along the journey or have already converted to the Catholic Church. The CHNetwork is committed to assisting and standing beside all inquirers, serving as a friend and an advocate.

chnetwork.org/

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

Hello again ladylinguist,

I would also recommend the Coming home network. Read some of the conversion stories, they will be inspiring for you during this time. I highly suggest Patty Bonds story here: chnetwork.org/pattybondsconv.htm if you know anything about her brother (James White) then you will know what she must of went through in her pursuit of truth.

I have read a lot of conversion stories and what you have brought up is touched on in every one that I have read, so yes this is a very common thing to be feeling. There are tons of people on these forums who have gone through what you are going through so hopefully they will be able to lend some advice.

And you don’t have to feel that you need defend or justify yourself to your friends, there is only one judge and judgement that matters.

God Bless

 

[littleone]

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,
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. )

Well your showing that like all of us you are human.
In many years I have worked in many churches. But I have a home. I searched the bible to find answers to the questions such as you praise Mary (Jesus last words to us were Take this woman as your mother), you have statues, (and that i know of most if not all in your land will have photos are these not the same?) etc.
Well i got in touch with the oly Spirit and asked Him to guide me. He did and still i did help other churches under questions of the pasters. My priest never questioned he saw the things Iwa doing in the church.
The key …I was not afraid. You mention leaving friends …do you have to , be overjoyed and maybe they might follow your example in all your fears turn them around. Don’t be afraid, Jesus said the person who cannot give up… for my sake is not worthy of me. Turn the negative thought around, be happy and they might join you.

 

[Dorothy]

Prayer can change your concerns about family, friends, etc.

Offhand I don’t remember where this Scripture can be found, but I’m sure you will know it…it is about when Jesus tells us we have to be ready to leave all for Him. He will take care of your concerns.

 

[littleone]

Could be “He who cannot leave his family for my sake is not worthy of me”!
Jesus to the crowd with his deciples.

 

[puzzleannie]

OP states very well the dilemma of many persons who have not been able to make that final step, and their reasons, which are usually much less about doctrine and more about heart. An analogy that comes to mind is stories common in the early days of this country, of people taken as children and raised by Indians, returned to their Anglo families as teens or adults. They were actually going home, but it did not always feel like it to them as they had learned to love their foster families, and owed them all their knowledge of life, survival, and relationships.

A similar catharsis (not too strong a word, I think) is experienced by cradle Catholics who either fall away completely from the faith and revert later in life, or more often, who have been lukewarm, dissenting, or disobedient to key teachings and go through a conversion process returning to full, sincere acceptance and practice of the faith. That I can testify to. You have to leave what you have been taught by respected leaders within the Church, or in the cultural system you have accepted, and turn your back on a lot of people.

The other analogies I can think of are Ruth and Naomi, or marriage, where a person leaves father and mother to cling to their spouse. If those were not painful, frightening realities, the Bible would not have made a point of including these passages.

I can only repeat I have seen first hand how Coming Home network has helped people in this situation, and heard a moving testimony only last night about a Lutheran pastor and missionary who converted with his entire family and how CH helped them.

 

[Della]

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.

I hope this won’t sound trite, but you will make new friends and become comfortable in your new parish quicker than you think. The best way to make friends in a Catholic parish is to join some small group–a prayer/Bible study, an outreach program, etc. When you are working or praying with others in a more intimate setting you will make friends. Catholics may not be overly effusive at Mass, but in small groups they are warm and accepting of others.

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 )

I too had these fears and found they were really nothing to be worried about. With various people I simply explained that I had come to believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church where I had found my spiritual home. Most people just looked at me like they were seeing me for the first time and I had two heads, but those that did say anything were polite, if baffled.

You may have a couple of unpleasant discussions, but if you do remember that they aren’t where you are and don’t know what you do, and they probably think they are helping you all the while being abusive and rude. Just let it slide off your back and pray for them–that’s what Our Lord did. He promised that we would be persecuted by our own family members for wanting to follow him, but also promised that we would be blessed for suffering for him. And pray. That’s the most important thing. Give all your doubts and fears to God in prayer and then do what you know is right. That’s all God asks of us, in the end. God bless you, I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[water]

When I got a job offer out of state, I was worried because I would have no one. My family and friends would be far away. However, I’ve decided to move because it is for me and my family. Having a job helps me to support my family. It is a sacrifice for a good cause.

Same thing with your case, are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of Jesus?

Pray hard to the Lord and with Virgin Mary for intercession, you will be given strength and courage to follow what you believe.

Also, your conversion will be a great example for many souls to be benifit from.

God bless!

 

[ladylinguist]

Thanks for the replies so far. When it comes down to it, on an intellectual level I know I need to convert because the evidence points to the Catholic Church being the church Jesus founded. If nothing else, how can I remain in my church when the tenets of sola scriptura and faith alone really don’t reflect Scripture? I think it’s just a matter of letting go of what I’m used to, and becoming more comfortable with the idea that I intend to become Catholic. Right now it’s just very new, and feels a little odd.

 

[mercygate]

Thanks for the replies so far. When it comes down to it, on an intellectual level I know I need to convert because the evidence points to the Catholic Church being the church Jesus founded. If nothing else, how can I remain in my church when the tenets of sola scriptura and faith alone really don’t reflect Scripture? I think it’s just a matter of letting go of what I’m used to, and becoming more comfortable with the idea that I intend to become Catholic. Right now it’s just very new, and feels a little odd.

The culture shock can be paralyzing. It’s normal.

 

[littleone]

Thanks for the replies so far. When it comes down to it, on an intellectual level I know** I need to convert because the evidence points to the Catholic Church being the church Jesus founded. If nothing else, how can I remain in my church when the tenets of sola scriptura and faith alone really don’t reflect Scripture? I think it’s just a matter of letting go of what I’m used to, and becoming more comfortable with the idea that I intend to become Catholic. Right now it’s just very new, and feels a little odd.

I have to ask where our love for God comes from? Maybe I’m wrong but I believe I was told that God neither needs or wants my two degrees’ or for that matter any of my abilities. What He wants I know is my** availability **and if He so wishes He will decide if He can or want’s to use my abilities.
So…in my case all I do is not in interlect but in “littleness” of letting go and letting God use me the way He want’s.

Maybe yo might relate here for your own peace? Either way God bless you .

 

[Ceil-1]

Fear has one source, and one source only. The enemy of your soul. If you have thought this out, and in prayer come to the conclusion that you need to convert, then any hindrance is a temptation to discourage you from doing what your soul knows it needs. You need to pray for courage to do what your heart and soul is telling you is necessary. Come on, you can do it!

 

[gardenswithkids]

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.

You don’t have to turn your back on your friends. It may not be quite the same as going to the same church and seing each other every Sunday and Bible study night, but I still stay in touch with friends I made when attending a Protestant 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.

Loosing friends is a possibility, especially if they are anti-Catholic. Maybe you will or maybe you won’t do a good job explaining to them. Regardless of what you say, your joining the Catholic Church will most certainly make them think about the Catholic Church. I think some stay Protestant, hopping from one denomination to the next because they search the truth, but never even thought that Catholics might have it. Some converts find their family or friends later convert too. You journey somewhat alone at present, but you don’t know who else might one day follow your trail. Don’t be afraid to share the truth you discovered. Speak from your heart and share your faith in Jesus Christ and His Church. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest.