For Catholics and Protestants

[Cairisti]

Well, I’m in RCIA, so not a Catholic yet. After being raised Southern Baptist and attending Methodist churches, I felt something missing. Though I must say that the Methodist and Baptist hymnals are some of the best. (One thing Protestants do excell in is their music and hymnals) And as others have stated, the numerous denominations in the Protestant sect were troubling. After going to Orthodox Easter week services, I felt a longing for the original church. What I saw at Easter was so full of worship and beauty, leaving my dear old Protestant church sadly plain and lacking.

Then I started reading about the early Church, and books by Steve Ray, ect and realised that the early Church still existed. (And yes, I still think both Othodox and Catholic churches were the Original. But that’s another thread. G) And after attending Mass, saw what as a Protestant I was missing. The Real Presence, the communion of Saints, our Blessed Mother. I choose to have the fullness of our Faith in the Catholic Church and hopefully will enter into full Communion next Easter (unless I get lucky and can enter sooner! )

 

[Philthy]

RonWI:

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I should have said because I can give credit to no one or thing other than Christ. Because my salvation is credited to Christ alone, I can boast of my confidence in Him and it. He did everything in his passion. He paid the entire price. There is nothing left for me to do or pay.

Sorry to be a nitpicker, but how does this end up with you as a Lutheran? You could be Wicca and still be in the same situation, no? You haven’t told us what separates you from the rest of humanity. If Christ did it all, then all are saved, I mean were saved, 2000 years ago. Sounds universalist to me.
Your position is substantially Catholic up until your very last sentence. Catholics believe you must live your alleged faith in service to Christ by virtue of God’s grace made available to us by Christ’s Passion.
I’m Catholic because, all things considered, it makes the most sense for me, and has history strongly on its side. I consider the functionally disunified Protestant theologies which resulted from strict adherence to Sola Scriptura with the most genuine of motives to be a strong indication that it (Sola Scriptura) is a fallacy. Well intentioned, but a fallacy nonetheless. There is also this funny thing that nags at me: I could read 100 books from former Protestant pastors, priests and seminaries who converted to the Catholic Church. Incredible stories. Where are the Priests, Deacons, Nuns, seminarians who converted from Catholicism to Protestantism? I can’t find them. That’s not where they go.

Phil

 

[mj330]

Paris Blues:

Nice topic!

Why am I pursuing Catholicism? 'Cause! I prayed to Jesus that I wanted the WHOLE TRUTH and prayed what Church He intended for all to be in! As many of you know, I joined this forum back in December 2004, sooo frustrated as where I should be Catholic or stay a Protestant:

Couldn’t have said it better.

 

[reen12]

Dear RonWI,

“Because my salvation is credited to Christ alone, I can boast of my confidence in Him and it. He did everything in his passion. He paid the entire price. There is nothing left for me to do or pay.”
quote, RonWI

I understand exactly what you’re saying.
Sola fides, sola gratia…

In answer to the question posed in this thread:
I’ve left Catholicism for sola gratia.

reen12

 

[BlestOne]

I was born Catholic (thanks mom and dad) and took my faith for granted. When I was in HS I dated a Lutheran, I can’t tell you how ticked dad was. Being in my rebellious stage of life, I started to “check out” what other religions taught. My impression was Lutherans were almost identical to Catholics and the music was better. The kicker came when dad really threw a fit about my sister wanting to date a Baptist. As I said I was rebellious, so I checked out a few different churches when I went off to college. Each Church I attended left me unfulfilled, but I was considering becoming a minister (I think I thought that would fulfil me) so I still searched because I am female I knew I couldn’t become a priest. I looked long and hard, but still felt unfulfilled. I decided to take a vacation alone to spend time discerning what I wanted to do. Well… you know the saying “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” boy could I write volumes on that! Anyway, suffice it to say, I could not reconcile that emptiness I felt away from my faith. I ended up back at the Catholic Church that I really loved. I realized that marriage and mothehood was my true vocation and that the idea of being a minister was not really a calling but a look into the future of being a parent. I desperately wanted my kids to love,know and serve God. I truly believe God was preparing me for what was yet to come, a time when I would need every bit of my faith, without any reservations to get through my weird twisted life. Thank God!!! I am very happy that I am a member of a church that does not sway with popular opinion, doesn’t base it’s doctrine on what is wrong with another religion, is not a social club but a family, and has single men(yes even this) devoted to Christ’s flock on earth to guide my family and me. I am so very grateful that I am home…

 

[Max_Kolbe]

I think in my conversion process from the Protestant church something made a deep impression on me. The Reformers (Luther for instance) each started their own movement based on ‘scripture alone’. I found it interesting that they basically gave the authority to everyman to become ‘mini-popes’ by making scripture the sole rule of faith. Yet when Lutherans, Calvinists broke ranks and say became Anabaptists, they were persecuted and often killed for aspousing hersy? This to me is a complete contradiction of scripture as the sole rule of faith showing that it really does not work well. This as I said before relly got me thinking seriously about leaving the Protestant church.

 

[snowman10]

reen12:

Dear RonWI,

“Because my salvation is credited to Christ alone, I can boast of my confidence in Him and it. He did everything in his passion. He paid the entire price. There is nothing left for me to do or pay.”
quote, RonWI

I understand exactly what you’re saying.
Sola fides, sola gratia…

In answer to the question posed in this thread:
I’ve left Catholicism for sola gratia.

reen12

Your profile says you are now Christian, once Roman Catholic. Do you view Catholics as Christians?

DU

 

[CheesusPowerKid]

I’m a cradle Catholic, and still learning so much about my faith…so far, I have learned some very important things. To start, my Protestant friends have amazing faiths and I admire them so much, but there is so much that they miss out on. For instance, they are so closed to the idea of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist…that is the greatest gift Christ left for us to remember Him by. I don’t know where I would be without Adoration of the Holy Eucharist. There are so many other things they never truly experience, like the feeling of absolution after Reconciliation, the Communion of the Saints, or the blessings of the different sacraments. Now I know we could argue the legitimacy of these points of the Catholic faith until we are blue in the face, but the bottom line is that I know in my heart that these things are truth…they also believe in their hearts that theirs is the truth…but when I talk to them, when we discuss our faiths and share our experiences with Christ, I feel like there is so much more they could have to experience in Him, so far deeper they could go…I’m certainly not saying this to upset anyone or cause a debate or argument, and I am absolutely not down-playing the faiths of my friends…several of their faiths are much stronger than mine…but I, because I believe the Catholic Church is the true Church, wish that they could all, just once, experience some of the things I get to experience, and do so with completely unbaised, untainted opinions so that they have absolutely open minds…maybe if this was possible, just maybe, they would begin to think a little differently about the Catholic faith.

I love my church, but I hate denominations…I really don’t want to start an agrument here, but I just wish that everyone could be Catholic for one day. I know that obviously many people would immediately disagree, that’s why we have the denominations in the first place…but for everyone who has never had the chance to be Catholic, those raised from birth in other faiths, if they could just experience it once, maybe more people would find their way to the church…for those who are struggling to hold onto the faiths they have, who have never known the power of God’s Catholic church…maybe a chance to come home is just what they need, what they’ve been looking for, they’ve just never thought to search there before.
Bottom line: I love my church, I don’t believe anything could ever bring me to abandon it…and I wish that others had the opportunity to experience what I have…whatever God’s will, let it be done, but maybe if we all worked a little harder, we could bring more people home.

In Him,
Brittany

 

[jjwilkman]

urquhart:

I left a protestant denomination (the Episcopal Church) for the catholic church when I realized that they were deciding theological and moral issues by popular vote, without reference to scripture and tradition, and that they did not have valid holy orders, and therefore their eucharist is not valid.

believe it or not episcopal is catholic. not like us, episcopal refers to consecrated bishops, from the time of henry vii, who formed the church of england over a petty dispute. the pope wouldn’t give him an annulment. there were bishops, with power to consecrate.
soooo, they are catholic even though separates. i wouldn’t call them protestant. think about it. if you’re a bishop and the king says separate or die…

 

[JohnDee]

I am a Protestant for the same reason I started being a Republican: Momma and Poppa were. That said, and some of you have read a few of my other posts in other threads, I am SERIOUSLY considering converting to the Catholic Church. I want to have that fulfillment that I hear about (whether Catholic or Protestant) but the Baptists, the Methodists, the Weslyans, the Full Gospels, all seem to be missing something. They all teach the Word, but only own their own terms, and God help you if you don’t believe the same way they do (I actually had a Baptist tell me I was going to Hell because I was a Methodist!). I think a Church that has been around for 2,000 years deserves some study, if not complete and down right conversion. I think you guys have a whole bunch of it absolutely right. I am still learning about what it takes to be Catholic and what the Church believes. I do know one thing: even if I don’t convert, I believe the knowlege I have gained by studying Catholicism has made me closer to God, and I am hungrier now than when I started! My wife is a little bit amazed, and a little bit shook up, but I think she will get over it, and might even go with me should I change my religious mind. I ask that all of you, Catholic and Protestant alike, pray for me, that I may know His will and that I may serve Him with all my heart and all my soul, and all of my abilities. Thank you!

J

 

[Contarini]

RonWI:

Anglican and Presbyterian Churches: moral relativism, women pastors, genderless.

Isn’t this equally true of ELCA? (Or nearly as much?) There are conservative Presbyterian and (much smaller) Anglican denominations as well.

RonWI:

Anglican: as I understand, shares its doctrine of justification with the Council of Trent.

You understand wrong. Many Anglicans do hold a basically RC view, but insofar as there’s an official Anglican view it’s Protestant, though not as clearly defined as in your tradition.

Edwin

 

[michaelgazin]

reen12:

I’ve left Catholicism for sola gratia.

Catholicism firmly teaches sola gratia. As for sola fides, you should listen to the Bible Answer Man Debate between James White and James Akin. This topic is thoroughly discussed. Protestant or Catholic, everyone should listen to it. Its availbale through Catholic Answers.

 

[Curious]

Since 2 posters have asked about my three things, I’ll describe them here, but no more on this thread, as it is not my intention to hijack. If any questions, feel free to pm me or something.

It’s kind of weird, because my reasons have kind of reversed. No longer do my reasons include any of the usual “biggies” like Mary, saints, calling priests “father” and so on. Those are now much smaller issues with me. So here are my three:

1. My husband. We’ve been so divided over church before, I really don’t want to go there again. It put a very unpleasant strain on our marriage. I wish he’d say to me, “Go wherever God leads you, even if it’s the Catholic Church.” It would leave me much freer to deal with number 2 and number 3. I realize that many here would think I want an easy way out, that doing what God has called you to do isn’t supposed to always be easy and all that. If wanting my husband to be okay with this means I"m a wimp than so be it.
2. Contraception.
3. Divorce

So now the “social issues” have taken the front in my obstacles.

So there’s my three. There’s a lot to get sorted out in my head as well. Any questions - please pm me or something. Like I said, I don’t mean to hijack.

 

[msaenz]

JohnDee:

I am a Protestant for the same reason I started being a Republican: Momma and Poppa were. That said, and some of you have read a few of my other posts in other threads, I am SERIOUSLY considering converting to the Catholic Church.
J

Hi J, I just read your posting and I am excited for you. As a cradle Catholic who is absolutely in love with the Church, I pray that the Lord continue to reveal to you His Love, Mercy and Goodness that con only be found IN ITS FULLNESS in the Catholic Church.

The Church is filled with so many treasures…the devotions, the Mass, The Blessed Sacrament, etc. BUT no question, THE EUCHARIST, is above and beyond the most amazing and Loving gift that Jesus has left His Church.

As you probably know, the Eucharist is the true body of Christ. Jesus, who said He would be with us til the end of time, chose to disguise Himself in a piece of bread, in order to make himself accessible to everyone who wants to receive him. The Eucharist is a mystery and it requires the eyes of faith to “see” Jesus and his desire (and LOVE) to give himself to us in this way EVERYDAY (at mass). When I go to Mass and receive Him in the Eucharist, I know I am leaving Mass a different person. I know that upon receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, I am transformed because of the infinite amount of graces that pour forth from Christ himself. When I open myself up to these graces at the time of Communion, I become more Christ-like and then I can truly proclaim: “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20)
SIMPLY AWESOME!!!

God Bless you J!
In Christ,
Michelle

 

[matthew1624]

I’m Catholic because it’s the only church that teaches the entire truth, not part of it, some of it, but ALL of it. I’m also Catholic because of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:11 - “…Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be ONE, even as we are ONE.” Jesus wants his Church to be ONE not many. Last but not least, I’m Catholic because the source and summit of the faith is the Eucharist. I need my spiritual food (daily) as I journey through this second exodus to my heavenly promised land.

God Bless…

 

[matthew1624]

scylla:

I then felt that I couldn’t honestly not be fully Catholic, with what I knew. My wife similarly joined me in the journey home and now we are Catholic.
We were married in the Church in Feb and now are both happy to be Catholic.

Welcome back! Shalom…

 

[matthew1624]

JohnDee:

I ask that all of you, Catholic and Protestant alike, pray for me, that I may know His will and that I may serve Him with all my heart and all my soul, and all of my abilities. Thank you!

J

I just finished, and will continue to pray for you. May God continue to bless you in your journey.

Shalom…

 

[RonWI]

javelin:

RonWI, help me understand your dilemma with the two passages you quoted. I’m not seeing where you are finding the problem.

Peace,
javelin

See post #41: “Catholics believe you must live your alleged faith in service to Christ by virtue of God’s grace made available to us by Christ’s Passion.”

Post #41 is consistent with the Council of Trent. This position – that salvation is dependent upon how you live your life – is not consistent with my reason for being Lutheran: I am unable to take any credit for my salvation.

Michael’s statement appears to me to be inconsistent with the Council of Trent in that he is boasting of the certainty of his salvation, while the Council of Trent says “yet is it not to be said, that sins are forgiven, or have been forgiven, to any one who boasts of his confidence and certainty of the remission of his sins, and rests on that alone…”

Michael boasts either because (1) like me (and contrary to the Council of Trent), he is confident that Christ’s death and resurrection alone paid the price in full, or (2) consistent with the Council of Trent, he is confident that he has done enough good works that his salvation is guarenteed. Well, when I look at my life, I cannot boast in cofidence that I have earned salvation through my own actions. If Michael can, perhaps he should be Catholic.

I boast in Christ alone. That is why am Lutheran.

 

[RonWI]

Contarini:

Isn’t this equally true of ELCA? (Or nearly as much?) There are conservative Presbyterian and (much smaller) Anglican denominations as well.

You understand wrong. Many Anglicans do hold a basically RC view, but insofar as there’s an official Anglican view it’s Protestant, though not as clearly defined as in your tradition.

Edwin

Yes, it is equally true of the ELCA. The ELCA officially accepts the Book of Concord only “to the extent” it is consistent with the ELCA’s ever changing doctrines. Notwithstanding what it calls itself, the ELCA is not Lutheran under any honest definition.

I have no idea what a “protestant” view of justification is. If the view is that once you “choose” Christ, you are justified, then it certainly is not Lutheran. If it is that you “cooperate” via your works, it is not Lutheran. If there is no official position, then it certainly is not Lutheran, as the Lutheran’s position on justification is its defining belief.

 

[wcknight]

RonWI:

See post #41: “Catholics believe you must live your alleged faith in service to Christ by virtue of God’s grace made available to us by Christ’s Passion.”

Post #41 is consistent with the Council of Trent. This position – that salvation is dependent upon how you live your life – is not consistent with my reason for being Lutheran: I am unable to take any credit for my salvation.

Michael’s statement appears to me to be inconsistent with the Council of Trent in that he is boasting of the certainty of his salvation, while the Council of Trent says “yet is it not to be said, that sins are forgiven, or have been forgiven, to any one who boasts of his confidence and certainty of the remission of his sins, and rests on that alone…”

Michael boasts either because (1) like me (and contrary to the Council of Trent), he is confident that Christ’s death and resurrection alone paid the price in full, or (2) consistent with the Council of Trent, he is confident that he has done enough good works that his salvation is guarenteed. Well, when I look at my life, I cannot boast in cofidence that I have earned salvation through my own actions. If Michael can, perhaps he should be Catholic.

I boast in Christ alone. That is why am Lutheran.

IF Michael believes that his own actions alone saves him, then he is NOT abiding by Catholic beliefs either.

Such a statement does NOT represent the Catholic faith, as we abide by St. James statement that by FAITH AND WORKS are we saved.

You may cry out Jesus is Lord all you want BUT if you fail to act on your beliefs, you will be doomed nevertheless. Because even the demons and Satan believe that Jesus is Lord, and yet they are doomed to eternal damnation.

wc