Experience some last-minute resistance before being Catholic

[Magdalen2013]

CaliLobo – before you take your stand on “sola scriptura” – do you know who created the Bible, who mandated what books were to be part of it? The Council of Nicaea – bishops of the original Church, what is now the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

The leaders of the Reformation took books out of that Bible – so their foundation was fractured from the beginning, and it is one reason why Protestantism continues to fracture even more today.

If beautiful women are more important to you than the state of your soul, perhaps it is better if you shake the dust from your sandals and depart to an expression of faith that will welcome you.

 

[Kal2012]

As a former Protestant, there are times when I miss Protestantism.

It’s the culture I know and grew up with.

However, what keeps me going is knowing that while I mourn that part of my life, I have begun the greatest faith journey ever…being Catholic.

In the end, Catholicism is true.

Protestantism is half-truths.

This year, I’ve been struggling a lot because we moved away from the first Catholic church community where I really got involved and participated in church life. However, I’m now at a point where I’m more confident in the new parish I’ve chosen as my new church home and I’m ready to make a commitment to serving that parish as long as we are in the area.

All of us who’ve converted have had that “freak out” moment where Easter Vigil is right around the corner and is “right there” and you wonder if you are really doing the right thing.

You are. If God is calling you to be a Catholic, then be Catholic.

We are told to follow Jesus, be faithful, and answer the call. Why would you ignore God’s call on your life to be Catholic? Maybe he has more in store for you than just meeting hot chicks? Let’s see…hot chicks or eternal life with God and the salvation of your soul?

Honestly, I was attracted to my husband because he was a hard-core Catholic, not in spite of it. I wish he was still that excited about Jesus, but that’s another post entirely.

Answer the call. It’s okay to have doubts. We’ve all had them. However, we don’t know how much time we have on Earth and when we get a chance to take care of our business with him, we should take advantage of it. The opportunity may not come up again.

 

[LSZ1318]

I’m sort of scratching my head at the audacity of the original post.

CaliLobo, I’m going to say a prayer for you, right now, that you may find peace in your heart and that Grace may fill you up.

 

[oldgraymare2]

The Eucharist- the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that enough?

I was going to post the same thing to him, too.

CaliLobo, when I felt that I have needed more guidance, and more Wisdom and Counsel for example from Our Lord, I will pray to the Lord for an increase in them.

Wisdom and Counsel are some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Here is a link to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, if you would like to read more about them. On this same page, you will also find a link to the Fruits of the Spirit as well:

catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/tp/Gifts_of_the_Holy_Spirit.htm

 

[CaliLobo]

You are well versed on these matters Cali, so what exactly do you feel you have missed out on?

My parish missed out on an opportunity to better teach the others in the group, if not me.

Rau:

What goodness would that be? The strong social vibe? The stirring and entertaining services? And your friends will leave you - really? Would you abandon them if the tables were reversed? And the “beautiful women…” … I guess these are the same women that you once told us would be unavailable to you unless you supported abortion and gay marriage - or is this a different set of women?

Yes, some friends would leave me. At least I’ll learn who my real friends are. No I wouldn’t abandon them, but there is such a hate against Catholicism among Protestants. At least agnostics respect Catholics.

And no, it’s a different set of women. But the principle is the same, by converting I fear that the pool will grow much smaller. Many youths and families, but few 30s singles in parishes.

Rau:

The Catholic Church is not the only group that sided against SSM Cali. I remind you also that this is a fight that you have advocated should be lost, indeed, not fought at all!! I understand you like the idea of the Church as a religious minority. Sounds like you have all that you have argued for.

You’re misquoting me again. I never advocated that the fight should be lost. I said that the fight is futile, we need to move to the new battlefront, and that changes in the definition of marriage are simply happening whether we like it or not.

Rau:

For some of these Churches, they have no teaching in some areas that have captured your attention. Eg. the Evangelical Lutheran Church has competing positions on homosexual marriages. Subgroups within that Church (which as I understand it, does not really have a hierarchical structure) support positions equivalent to the Catholic position at one end, all the way through to the full endorsement of the holy nature of same sex marriage at the other end, and various half-way houses too. Kind of like offering something to please everyone!

Yes, some churches take no stance at all on certain things because the Bible does not have anything to say on point on those issues. For example, the Orthodox, because of their long history existing in stable nondemocratic regimes, are just starting to develop doctrine on the issue of how to vote politically in a democracy.

Rau:

Why is their teaching superior? And see my earlier comments about the lack of teaching and lack of position of some of these Churches. Is that a better way?

They might lack a united teaching on certain issues, but in general their teaching is superior because they spend time, money, and energy on it. Much more so than Catholic parishes do. Even the sermon itself is a teaching time, unlike a homily.

Kal2012:

We are told to follow Jesus, be faithful, and answer the call. Why would you ignore God’s call on your life to be Catholic? Maybe he has more in store for you than just meeting hot chicks? Let’s see…hot chicks or eternal life with God and the salvation of your soul?

I was just exaggerating to prove a point. But I’ve already had one girl reject me for converting, and in the USA it is SO much easier to meet lots of attractive women in an Evangelical megachurch than in a Catholic parish. Granted, I’ve never been able to date at an Evangelical church…

That’s why I ask, is it possible to be saved as a Protestant?

Regina7:

The Eucharist- the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that enough?

So is that what it’s gonna be? Superior doctrine and sacraments, at the expense of inferior community, evangelism, missions, and outreach? I will miss the superior community and programs of Evangelical churches.

Is all that keeps people in the parish the academic idea that the truth is there, and that the sacraments and doctrine are superior?

In general my fear is that the goodness of Catholicism won’t make up for the goodness of Protestantism in my life. My question is, has the goodness of Catholicism outweighed the goodness of your previous life?

 

[gracepoole]

In how many Catholic parishes have you participated? 'Cause your characterization of the Church sounds *way *off from my experiences in at least a dozen. Listen, you either believe the Catholic faith is the one truth faith (and everything else is not) or you don’t. You either believe Christ established His church on the rock that has been ongoing for over 2000 years or you don’t. You either believe in receiving the actual body and blood of Our Lord or you don’t. Every objection you’ve listed (I’m going to lose friends, the chicks aren’t as hot, the Church isn’t as political as I want it to be) sounds really (sorry) juvenile when compared with the above. Those seeking truth aren’t dissuaded from this end by the sorts of superficial concerns you seem to be emphasizing. You want the Church to mold itself to your fancy. On the contrary, you should be concerned with molding yourself to Christ’s will. Your description of the RCIA process (I’m smarter than most there, including my sponsor) sounds excessively prideful, which doesn’t seem well aligned with the sacraments you’re preparing to receive on Easter.

The question about salvation outside of the faith has already been answered. I’m not sure if you just don’t like the answer? Regardless, it’s the only one taught by the Church.

If you want the community that exists in protestantism, go get it. If you want to create community with other Catholics, go do it.

 

[casslean]

So is that what it’s gonna be? Superior doctrine and sacraments, at the expense of inferior community, evangelism, missions, and outreach? I will miss the superior community and programs of Evangelical churches.

Is all that keeps people in the parish the academic idea that the truth is there, and that the sacraments and doctrine are superior?

In general my fear is that the goodness of Catholicism won’t make up for the goodness of Protestantism in my life. My question is, has the goodness of Catholicism outweighed the goodness of your previous life?

You’d rather have an inferior truth and inferior sacraments because you want a better social life?

I think you need to re-examine what you are looking for in the Church and why.

 

[Rau]

My parish missed out on an opportunity to better teach the others in the group, if not me.

The issues you listed, abortion, contraception, marriage could presumably be joined by a great many other topics not covered in RCIA. And of all such topics - the Catholic teaching on these is perhaps among the best known. So really, the only substantive point you are making is that the educational content of RCIA is limited. You may be right. What does the program comprise - how many hours of participation are involved?

Yes, some friends would leave me. At least I’ll learn who my real friends are. No I wouldn’t abandon them, but there is such a hate against Catholicism among Protestants

. Mixed in with the goodness you spoke of is this hate? Perhaps you exaggerate? Most of us don’t live our lives entirely in the presence of other Catholics - I for one have never encountered hate by reason of my religion. However, better to be hated than to hate…

And no, it’s a different set of women. But the principle is the same, by converting I fear that the pool will grow much smaller. Many youths and families, but few 30s singles in parishes.

Your Parish is not the only place where you might find a suitable wife.

You’re misquoting me again. I never advocated that the fight should be lost. I said that the fight is futile, we need to move to the new battlefront, and that changes in the definition of marriage are simply happening whether we like it or not.

Not at all. Your recent posts have stressed your view about futility. But in prior posts you have absolutely railed against the Church for requiring one to take a stand in the political sphere. You even went further than that, arguing about the “right” to abortion and the “right” to (same sex) marriage.

Cali you are a moving feast, and IMHO, you do not yet know your own mind. Do you recall writing this (17 months ago) while strenuously defending the right to abortion:

*Yes, the rights of women not to be victimized by the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy. The understanding that children are an economic, social, and career burden. The understanding that pregnancy affects the health of women. The understanding that it is evil to force women to bear children, and evil to let children be born under unwanted, poor conditions. The understanding that women are intelligent enough to make intelligent choices about their life and health. The understanding that men do not fully understand pregnancy, and that women cannot be pressured by a male-dominant society to have children against their will.

Yes, abortion is a human rights issue.*
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=11228804&postcount=50

And the following are your words on on same sex marriage: (about 6 months ago):
*
Of course a Latino judge, as a member of a racial minority, would understand that gays are a minority whose rights needs to be protected. Yes, the right of marriage. When will Catholics understand that marriage doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone? *
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=12180658&postcount=5

They might lack a united teaching on certain issues, but in general their teaching is superior because they spend time, money, and energy on it. Much more so than Catholic parishes do. Even the sermon itself is a teaching time, unlike a homily.

You might be right that they make more effort to teach - I don’t know.

 

[jimcav]

My parish missed out on an opportunity to better teach the others in the group, if not me.

Yes, some friends would leave me. At least I’ll learn who my real friends are. No I wouldn’t abandon them, but there is such a hate against Catholicism among Protestants. At least agnostics respect Catholics.

And no, it’s a different set of women. But the principle is the same, by converting I fear that the pool will grow much smaller. Many youths and families, but few 30s singles in parishes.

You’re misquoting me again. I never advocated that the fight should be lost. I said that the fight is futile, we need to move to the new battlefront, and that changes in the definition of marriage are simply happening whether we like it or not.

Yes, some churches take no stance at all on certain things because the Bible does not have anything to say on point on those issues. For example, the Orthodox, because of their long history existing in stable nondemocratic regimes, are just starting to develop doctrine on the issue of how to vote politically in a democracy.

They might lack a united teaching on certain issues, but in general their teaching is superior because they spend time, money, and energy on it. Much more so than Catholic parishes do. Even the sermon itself is a teaching time, unlike a homily.

I was just exaggerating to prove a point. But I’ve already had one girl reject me for converting, and in the USA it is SO much easier to meet lots of attractive women in an Evangelical megachurch than in a Catholic parish. Granted, I’ve never been able to date at an Evangelical church…

That’s why I ask, is it possible to be saved as a Protestant?

So is that what it’s gonna be? Superior doctrine and sacraments, at the expense of inferior community, evangelism, missions, and outreach? I will miss the superior community and programs of Evangelical churches.

Is all that keeps people in the parish the academic idea that the truth is there, and that the sacraments and doctrine are superior?

In general my fear is that the goodness of Catholicism won’t make up for the goodness of Protestantism in my life. My question is, has the goodness of Catholicism outweighed the goodness of your previous life?

This post is very similar to your opening post.

Did you not glean any helpful information from all the posters who offered answers, especially gracepool? There were some very beautiful and thoughtful posts that should have been of some help to you, but you seem to not have read any, or you already have your mind made up and are now just pushing our buttons.

Your language is also rather insulting because you keep saying things like the “superiority of evangelicalism” compared to Catholicism. I don’t think you are qualified to really make that statement.

Honestly, you should tell your RCIA instructors of your questions and problems. They know what’s in your heart better than we do, but if it were left to me and all I had to go by were the doubts you posted here, I would say you are not ready to become Catholic…

 

[LSZ1318]

Your language is also rather insulting

This is the key, right there. Sorry folks, but in my humble opinion CaliLobo is simply baiting and trolling. As someone who is on the path to conversion, I’ve read many other posts by folks who really are going through a crisis of Faith and honestly questioning doctrinal and liturgical issues within the Catholic Church. Open hostility, and certainly issues like ‘lack of beautiful women’ are never part of the equation. In fact, the only criticism he left out of his posts/diatribes would have been ‘the coffee is better over at the Protestant Churches’. I’m sure if this thread goes on long enough that will come up…lol.

In fact, the beautiful women statement was the pièce de résistance - a not so clever way, after dismissing all the important things - of twisting the knife.

 

[PJM]

=CaliLobo;12787692]I am feeling some last-minute resistance to being Catholic as Easter comes near.

REPLY in 2 POST

I am feeling some last-minute resistance to being Catholic as Easter comes near.

The people at my RCIA have been good to me, but honestly, my program is pretty weak and vanilla. It goes through mostly Catholic traditions, but by choice it avoids the hot-button, hard-hitting issues of abortion, birth control, contraception, and marriage. We have not read the CCC at all. I feel like I know more about the faith than some of the RCIA team, and perhaps my sponsor. I do respect the deacons of the parish and will chat about these hot-button issues with one of them. I really don’t care as much about historical tidbits, liturgical tidbits, details of saints’ lives, and the art and architecture of European churches, though. I want the impactful knowledge of the Truth.

REPLY pt 1 of 2
As well you should. The content of RCIA varies greatly from parish to parish. Some are better than others.

Understand though that what you’re experiencing is not unusual. It is SATAN”S last-ditch attempt to dissuade you. Here’s why you need to ignore him is summary form as the CAF limits the size of post.

There is BUT One True God 1st. Commandment

Even God can have ONLY one set of Faith beliefs on long defined precise issues

Rd. Mt. 10:1-8; Mt. 16:15-19; John 17:11-26 and Mt. 28: 166-20 … take careful note of the singular tense words Jesus uses. That is the key to right understanding of these passages.

God simply could not have; would not have waited more than 1,000 YEARS to make his Faith known. Eph. 4:1-7

The Reformation is but a few hundred years old compared to the biblical and secular evidence of Catholicism that dates back to the Apostles.

Space is limited and you pose many good issues, so please look for a private message from me

I am feeling some last-minute resistance. Because I fear that despite the flaws and division of Protestantism, I will miss all of the goodness that Protestant churches offer, and that the goodness of the Catholic Church cannot make up for it. I feel I will lose so many friends if I convert, and that the world will persecute me. (And yes, I will lose my chance at the beautiful women that go to Evangelical churches, so many more in number than in a Catholic parish

My friend, in candor you’re looking in the wrong places: The flaws in Protestantism may well be fatal to one’s salvation [though salvation MIGHT be possible highly conditionally]

Having taught RCIA for 3 years and having my retirement ministry now in its 5th year, I hear similar feeling a lot.

One the biggest errors of Protestantism [and sadly making inroads to the CC] is what Sunday worship is to be about. It is NOT about us; but needs to be and is intended to be about God. How we “feel” is nearly meaningless compared to this truth. Again the 1st three commandments. Worship must supersede fellowship.

Only in the CC can you be offered the opportunity to actually and REALLY meet God while here on earth, in Catholic Holy Communion. Not a mere sign or symbol; BUT Jesus Personally and Really. Body, Blood Soul & Divinity. Only in the CC can one find the SEVEN Sacraments both validly and licitly. Only in the CC can one KNOW actual forgiveness of sins God’s way; not as mortal men would presume to be able to dictate to God How He WILL save them. … 1 Jn. 1:8-10; 1 Jn.5:16-17 and John 20:19-23.

No feelings can replace the JOY of these gifts not found in any Protestant Church. My friend

And Catholics keep saying the Church is a billion strong, and is the biggest charitable organization. But no, the Church is not a billion strong, no. How can it be, when most Catholics don’t go to Mass or Confession? When most Catholics aren’t following Catholic teaching on marriage, contraception, and abortion? Protestants understand that only 4% of Americans under 30 go to church regularly, and understand they are vastly outnumbered, hence their missions mindset. Isn’t that a better approach?

I’m not sure BUT think the 1.2 BILLION number comes from Mass head counts; not the MANY self-professed but unpracticing who continue to call themselves “Catholics.” The CC is a Missionary Church; having the Oldest and I suspect the most Missionaries. The Apostles were Missionaries. And ONLY the CC was given the Command and Charism to Teach Christ Faith, Mk.16:15-14-15 & Mt. 28:16-20.

No wonder why Catholics are such a weak force politically. No wonder why they continue to lose political battles, like the battle against SSM rights. Because they are just as divided as Protestants, if you think about it.

What do the Protestant Evangelical churches offer? Biblical knowledge and teaching of the faith. Music and worship that touches the heart. Actual impact on people’s lives–to heal broken families, insecurities, and addictions, and to change destructive former lifestyles

.

Are you saying that Receiving JESUS CHRIST; and actually having HIM forgive your sins is insignificant? That it’s more important to feel good about YOURSELF? As for EV’s having Bible knowledge: why then are there THOUSANDS of Protestant churches all holding differing beliefs on the One SAME bible after a FEW hundred years? While Catholics after 2,000 years have just ONE set of Faith beliefs

And politics is a far distant 2nd issue for Catholics who are to follow God’s Laws. And YES, many choose not too and will be judged on their life decisions.

End pt 1 of 2

 

[PJM]

REPLY

Part 2 of 2

In Protestantism, holy and manmade traditions are only upheld if they are useful to bringing people to Christ in today’s world. If they are obsolete, then they should be removed or updated. Isn’t that a better approach?

Indeed that is true. WHY?
Where in the bible does God even one time, permit, allow, or tolerate other faith beliefs and practices other than what he commands?

Protestant faiths ARE easier as that was and is how they are marketed. Not God focused; but on how good it makes their believers feel and how much less demanding they ARE compared to what God Himself has taught.

In Protestantism, there is no requirement for believers to oppose SSM politically, but ironically, Protestants are more likely to oppose SSM because of the superior teaching and preaching in their churches. Isn’t that a better approach?

So my friend you’re saying God’s views and commandments are SECONDARY to EV”s teachings?

Your point on preaching is sadly often valid. BUT that is a poor excuse when compared the benefits that actually CAN effect one’s Salvation through the Seven sacraments. And MY CC has Excellent preaching as I am sure do many other CC’s.

Unfortunately, it feels that despite all the good Catholicism has done historically, the future of Christianity, unfortunately, lies in Protestantism. And because of the current weakness and scandal of the Catholic Church, and its struggle to remain relevant while Evangelicals are mastering the art of relevance, the Protestants will do more good for the world, and will better execute the mission of the church in CCC

Any thoughts?

What you propose is a TOTAL & Complete IMPOSSIBILTY, or God’s a liar!

Mt. 16:18-19 “And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, [SINGULAR]and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever YOU shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever YOU shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.”

Mt. 28:16-20 “And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: Going therefore, YOU TEACH all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have [TAUGHT &] commanded you: and behold I am with YOU ALL days, even to the consummation of the world.” Amen

Perhaps this article explains why Protestantism is better equipped for the future of the Church. Because Reformation theology holds that man has a sinful nature, and by nature desires to flee from what is holy, Reformed Christians are better able to understand the mass apostasy of today’s world and know what to do to preach to it.

Catholics have for 2,000 YEARS called it CONCUPISCENCE. Insubordination of man’s desires to the dictates of reason, and the propensity of human nature to sin as a result of original sin. More commonly, it refers to the spontaneous movement of the sensitive appetites toward whatever the imagination portrays as pleasant and away from whatever it portrays as painful. However, concupiscence also includes the unruly desires of the will, such as pride, ambition, and envy.
Fr. Hardon’s Catholic Dictionary

God Bless you friend,

 

[LSZ1318]

^such a great series of replies, but again…he’s just baiting and trolling. There’s nothing about his comments or tone that leads me to believe he’s having any sort of real crisis whatsoever.

Still, love all the responses and if nothing else I’m learning from those.

 

[Rau]

^such a great series of replies, but again…he’s just baiting and trolling. There’s nothing about his comments or tone that leads me to believe he’s having any sort of real crisis whatsoever.

Still, love all the responses and if nothing else I’m learning from those.

He has a long posting record focussing on abortion and gay marriage and in particular the tension between legality and morality, which he persistently confuses, and a questioning of the obligation to oppose abortion and gay marriage through the political process.

 

[jimcav]

^such a great series of replies, but again…he’s just baiting and trolling. There’s nothing about his comments or tone that leads me to believe he’s having any sort of real crisis whatsoever.

Still, love all the responses and if nothing else I’m learning from those.

It’s a shame that anyone would come here and do that, but I guess it takes all kinds.

Hey, at least you got something from it!

 

[CaliLobo]

As well you should. The content of RCIA varies greatly from parish to parish. Some are better than others.

Understand though that what you’re experiencing is not unusual. It is SATAN”S last-ditch attempt to dissuade you. Here’s why you need to ignore him is summary form as the CAF limits the size of post…

Thanks a lot for your thoughtful reply.

My feelings of last-minute resistance are real. I posted what I did in my original post and post #25 about Protestant churches to illustrate the goodness, and the rich resources I got as a Protestant and in Protestant churches.

In addition, I fear backlash from friends and family. I have told only a few, the more open-minded ones.

Unfortunately, I feel like too many Catholics take for granted what is going on in the West. I am a witness to what Protestant churches are doing to attract new members. I am a witness to how well those techniques work, and how many Catholics are turning Protestant (especially Latinos and Filipinos). I am a witness to how Protestantism is the only thing standing in the way in the sprint towards secularism and Islam in Europe.

I am concerned that as a Catholic, I will be part of a weakening, ineffective church, even if it academically possesses the truth and the sacraments.

So let me refine my questions:

1. Are my concerns about a weakening, ineffective church true?
2. If you are a convert or revert, has the goodness of what you got in the Catholic Church overcome any of the goodness you got out of your previous belief system? How so? What did you experience that was superior and fulfilling, to the point that you can’t imagine going back to your previous life?
   2A) How did Catholic practice improve your relationship with God in a way that no Protestant practice can ever match?
3. Do you get a sense of community in your parish, or is that not a priority? How good is is it?

(PJM has already answered, so thanks a lot.)

 

[Jon_S_1]

Thanks a lot for your thoughtful reply.

My feelings of last-minute resistance are real. I posted what I did in my original post and post #25 about Protestant churches to illustrate the goodness, and the rich resources I got as a Protestant and in Protestant churches.

So let me refine my questions:

1. Are my concerns about a weakening, ineffective church true?
2. If you are a convert or revert, has the goodness of what you got in the Catholic Church overcome any of the goodness you got out of your previous belief system? How so? What did you experience that was superior and fulfilling, to the point that you can’t imagine going back to your previous life?
   2A) How did Catholic practice improve your relationship with God in a way that no Protestant practice can ever match?
3. Do you get a sense of community in your parish, or is that not a priority? How good is is it?

1. No it’s not true. Have you considered the amount of protestant churches in your area greater than 50 years old? I say this because a large number grow exponentially and crash almost as fast and dissolve or are absorbed. The crystal cathedral in orange county is an example, Mars hill another well known but there are many of these.
2. Yes yes yes yes. In so many ways. The first and foremost though was in helping my spiritual growth. Changing my reference from myself, my happiness to my holiness. To being confirmed to Christ. The sacraments are invaluable in this area. The mass is wonderful in redirecting our focus from me to God. I have found family in my parish. Genuine people who help others grow in their faith.

2A explained above I think. Catholics are called to holiness and given the tools to attain that. No protestant church I was ever a part of had that in any real way.

1. the sense of community is very very good in my parish. Step out and get involved. Meet people. Check the diocese for events. I am one year out of RCIA and I sm on the RCIA team now and have made many dear friends. Many of them are much older than me but that’s ok. I have also been involved in a couple other ministries and when I go to mass I often run into several people I know and can interact with. I also regularly go to a theology on tap event held by the diocese at a local craft brewery.

Seek that stuff. It’s there. And if it’s not. Make it.

 

[Magdalen2013]

Weak and ineffective how?

The Church’s job is to preach the gospel, and to love its neighbors as itself. Politics is like the weather – the only guarantee we have is that situations and systems will change. Let’s do the things we can do to make things better, helping the poor, sick and outcasts – and oppose the true evil in this world – War.

I’m a convert – and I found little good in the Protestant churches I experienced, but plenty of “we’re better than everyone else” inside those entities. Frankly, the Buddhists who taught me to meditate were more Christ-like.

Adoration – time alone in the Lord’s presence, a little slice of Heaven each week, and the joy of the Mass.

Community – plenty in my parish. But you have to take the first step – volunteer. I’ve helped with hospitality Sunday. I’m sure your parish needs your help – ask.

 

[PJM]

.

My feelings of last-minute resistance are real. I posted what I did in my original post and post #25 about Protestant churches to illustrate the goodness, and the rich resources I got as a Protestant and in Protestant churches.

In addition, I fear backlash from friends and family. I have told only a few, the more open-minded ones.

Unfortunately, I feel like too many Catholics take for granted what is going on in the West. I am a witness to what Protestant churches are doing to attract new members. I am a witness to how well those techniques work, and how many Catholics are turning Protestant (especially Latinos and Filipinos). I am a witness to how Protestantism is the only thing standing in the way in the sprint towards secularism and Islam in Europe.

I am concerned that as a Catholic, I will be part of a weakening, ineffective church, even if it academically possesses the truth and the sacraments.

So let me refine my questions:
Are my concerns about a weakening, ineffective church true?

No, I think Not. WHY? Because Almighty God has committed to sustain HIS Church. Which BTW, is the ONLY Church founded and so protected by God. And we have a 2,000 year history as evidence of this.

If you are a convert or revert, has the goodness of what you got in the Catholic Church overcome any of the goodness you got out of your previous belief system? How so? What did you experience that was superior and fulfilling, to the point that you can’t imagine going back to your previous life?

While I can’t respond as a former Protestant; I can as a once fallen away Catholic who really did not know his faith. The ability to receive Jesus Himself in Person , In Eucharist and the KNOWN forgiveness of sin God’s WAY bring a sense of PEACE and Joy not otherwise attainable.

How did Catholic practice improve your relationship with God in a way that no Protestant practice can ever match?

SEE above. Never have I felt Closer to God, AND God to ME!

Do you get a sense of community in your parish, or is that not a priority? How good is is it?

While it IS A Priority; it is NOT THEE priority #1.is Divine Worship & is to be God Centered not “community centered”

That Said there are men’s groups, ladies groups, bible study, various ministries to partake in and the K of C where even entire families can be involved socially- A-lot depends on you and the particular parish.

God Bless you,

Patrick

 

[CaliLobo]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. One great thing is that I feel it’s genuine when the others at RCIA say they’ll pray for my prayer requests.