For my Protestant friends

[gcnuss]

First, I pray the Holy Spirit will guide you as you travel on your journey. If that leads you to the Catholic Church, then I pray you will be blessed in word and sacrament there.

As usual, Jon beats me to the punch. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and you can’t go wrong. I have offered the same counsel to Lutherans who were contemplating entering the Catholic Church.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

It has been my observation that on a primarily Catholic website you will have postings from people of all religions or no religion what so ever. Unfortunately, you will also find the occasional extreme anti-Catholic postings. I do not believe that I have ever been on a non-Catholic religious website and found postings by Catholics berating the beliefs of that particular site. I may have inadvertently discovered a possible answer: I recently signed up on Baptistboard .com (having been raised SB) and completed the profile that was not duplication. I received the following email a few days later. Obviously, my “incompatible belief system” is just more than they can take!

*Dear Hboggs,

Unfortunately your registration at BaptistBoard.com did not meet our membership requirements. This may be because of an incomplete profile, incompatible belief system, or duplicate registration. Therefore your registration was deleted.

If you believe this was done in error please feel free to contact us.

Sorry,
BaptistBoard.com*

I’ve not had the opportunity to contact them back, but I intend to do so. This is just too good to let go of until I get a straight answer.

I just made a quick visit to this site and my question is why would you want to go there. I instead of even trying to tak with them am going to pray for them.

 

[SteveVH]

Thank you, this is a perfect example of the reaction I am asking about. Why would you think this would have been an “extremely charitable offer” more so than not?

And you’ve got a little mixup here - I said that this person does not know MY experiences, studies, prayers, etc. That may help you understand why I was so offended. Someone who assumes I am blindly making a profession of faith without ever having met me is, in my opinion, more offensive than charitable. Any educated person would be offended by such an assumption.

My take on this is that the person who sent the PM was, in their ignorance, just trying to “save” you and probably has the best of intentions. I would take this as an opportunity to explain what you have found in the Catholic Church and invite them to join you.

 

[Blacksword]

The anger or rejection from family can be difficult, and the journey at times has seemed lonely for me too. My parents are staunch Baptists of the independent kind I suppose (there are too many Baptist types to count!). My father is unhappy but seems to feel if it brings me closer to the Lord, then he can live with it. My mother is less happy, won’t come to Mass when they visit, etc. But at least no one has told me I was going to Hell for converting (yet).

But the Truth is worth it, always worth it. The strange part is that they shouldn’t mind as Protestants, since for the Protestant it’s all supposed to be about individual interpretation of Scripture, right? So, if my individual interpretations happen to align in theology with the Catholic Church’s, what’s the big deal? Funny that if I had become a Methodist or Presbyterian, who they disagree with about as much as the Catholic Church, they likely would have been fine with it.

 

[fbl9]

Again Agreed. One of the things that drives me nuts is how Catholics don’t like it when Protestants use false, or misunderstood arguements against them, yet they turn around and do the same to us. ** We are not all the same, there are a wide variety of doctrine and beliefs, and differences out there among protestants.** If you want us to be educated when we debate you please offer us the same courtesy.

The bolded part makes things a tad bit difficult to study what one person believes. ie
Frank holds to a,b,c,d
George holds to a,c,d,f
Kevin holds a,g,h,i
and they each go a a different non-denom fellowship. So it would be hard to know that frank doesn’t hold f,h,i.

 

[Alix1912]

The bolded part makes things a tad bit difficult to study what one person believes. ie
Frank holds to a,b,c,d
George holds to a,c,d,f
Kevin holds a,g,h,i
and they each go a a different non-denom fellowship. So it would be hard to know that frank doesn’t hold f,h,i.

I never said it was easy, but to assume that all protestants are anti catholic, or against someone converting to catholicism is false. I am Lutheran, which is a High Litergical Church, and our Pastor is very open to Catholics (we even had a priest give the sermon on Reformation Sunday this October). We are very different from a fundamentalist non denominational church (many of which I find very strange myself). I guess what I am trying to say is quit lumping us all together like we are all the same thing.

 

[icamay]

I never said it was easy, but to assume that all protestants are anti catholic, or against someone converting to catholicism is false. I am Lutheran, which is a High Litergical Church, and our Pastor is very open to Catholics (we even had a priest give the sermon on Reformation Sunday this October). We are very different from a fundamentalist non denominational church (many of which I find very strange myself). I guess what I am trying to say is quit lumping us all together like we are all the same thing.

Can you help me with something? My MIL is LCMS and has been quick to let me know that her belief is “anti-Catholic”, and has even tried to convince me to come to her faith rather than the RCC. I didn’t think, from my studies, that her faith is that much different in doctrine. One contention is the role of Saints - she says LCMS don’t believe in them, but I thought the primary difference in LCMS and RCC is the validity of the Pope. Can you steer me in this manner?

 

[Little_Mary]

It has been my observation that on a primarily Catholic website you will have postings from people of all religions or no religion what so ever. Unfortunately, you will also find the occasional extreme anti-Catholic postings. I do not believe that I have ever been on a non-Catholic religious website and found postings by Catholics berating the beliefs of that particular site. I may have inadvertently discovered a possible answer: I recently signed up on Baptistboard .com (having been raised SB) and completed the profile that was not duplication. I received the following email a few days later. Obviously, my “incompatible belief system” is just more than they can take!

*Dear Hboggs,

Unfortunately your registration at BaptistBoard.com did not meet our membership requirements. This may be because of an incomplete profile, incompatible belief system, or duplicate registration. Therefore your registration was deleted.

If you believe this was done in error please feel free to contact us.

Sorry,
BaptistBoard.com*

I’ve not had the opportunity to contact them back, but I intend to do so. This is just too good to let go of until I get a straight answer.

If memory serves, their policy is to only allow baptists to join that site. If I’m right, it is your “incompatible belief system” that got you deleted.

 

[fbl9]

I never said it was easy, but to assume that all protestants are anti catholic, or against someone converting to catholicism is false. I am Lutheran, which is a High Litergical Church, and our Pastor is very open to Catholics (we even had a priest give the sermon on Reformation Sunday this October). We are very different from a fundamentalist non denominational church (many of which I find very strange myself). I guess what I am trying to say is quit lumping us all together like we are all the same thing.

You all are the same thing in a few respects, mainly that the Catholic Church is not the one true church

Can you help me with something? My MIL is LCMS and has been quick to let me know that her belief is “anti-Catholic”, and has even tried to convince me to come to her faith rather than the RCC. I didn’t think, from my studies, that her faith is that much different in doctrine. One contention is the role of Saints - she says LCMS don’t believe in them, but I thought the primary difference in LCMS and RCC is the validity of the Pope. Can you steer me in this manner?

Waiting for your reply, to learn what you beleive.

 

[Alix1912]

Can you help me with something? My MIL is LCMS and has been quick to let me know that her belief is “anti-Catholic”, and has even tried to convince me to come to her faith rather than the RCC. I didn’t think, from my studies, that her faith is that much different in doctrine. One contention is the role of Saints - she says LCMS don’t believe in them, but I thought the primary difference in LCMS and RCC is the validity of the Pope. Can you steer me in this manner?

I can give you my take (lay person who has not gone to seminary). Doctrinally there isn’t that much difference between the two.

You can debate Consubstation vrs. Transubstation (sp/ on both), but we all basically believe it is the real presence of Jesus, his body and blood. (No idea why it still looks and taste like bread and wine…but that is part of the mystery.) You can debate the number of sacraments 3 major ones and a couple Sacemental Rites or 7 Sacraments. You can debate papal infallibility, or the roles of saints and Mary. But a lot of it comes down to schimatics and is in my mind only a couple steps above the “Big Fish or a Whale” arguement. I know people on both sides that are willing to go to the mat on these issues, but to most lay people they aren’t that big a deal. I can eleborate on these in a PM if you want.

I think the lingering divisions stem more from the scars of the Reformation, and at least for the LCMS, the desire left over from Colonial times to distinguish themselves from the Catholic Church.

Lutheran do believe in Saints as in everyone in heaven is a Saint. Which is similar to the Catholic belief if I’m not mistaken. The RCC uses canonization as a method of saying “we are sure this person got to heaven” as they lived a good life and have interceded on people on earht’s behalf. We don’t generally venerate Saints, mainly because it is not something that we grow up doing, I think it was also an early way to distinguish the the protestants from the catholics. My LMCS Church did celebrate All Saints Day with a HUGE processional of Banners bearing the symbols and names of famous Saints, and we did study them. I think there is a lot of misconception about Catholic’s “worshipping” Saints and Mary…which is a false claim. There is actually a Lutheran Rosary, which is almost identical to the Catholic one (you can pray the “Hail Mary” or another prayer to Jesus).

Your MIL may go to a LMCS church that is lead by a more liberal or different pastor, but most LCMS churches I have encountered are very friendly towards the Catholics. Especially since the ELCA kinda went off the deep end. (those of use that don’t ordain women and gays have to stick together) My mom struggles with my being married to a Catholic, mainly because of the same misconceptions your MIL has. My husband and I have been able to dispell a lot of those by actually going back to Luther’s original writings and teachings. You might try that with your MIL in a gentle manner.

 

[Nicea325]

I never said it was easy, but to assume that all protestants are anti catholic, or against someone converting to catholicism is false. I am Lutheran, which is a High Litergical Church, and our Pastor is very open to Catholics (we even had a priest give the sermon on Reformation Sunday this October). We are very different from a fundamentalist non denominational church (many of which I find very strange myself). I guess what I am trying to say is quit lumping us all together like we are all the same thing.

I agree with you. As Catholics we cannot clump all Protestants as being anti-Catholics. I find it less amongst Lutheran circles and Anglican circles. I find it a lot more among fundamentalist by far.

 

[JonNC]

=Blacksword;7749882] But the Truth is worth it, always worth it. **The strange part is that they shouldn’t mind as Protestants, since for the Protestant it’s all supposed to be about individual interpretation of Scripture, right? ** So, if my individual interpretations happen to align in theology with the Catholic Church’s, what’s the big deal? Funny that if I had become a Methodist or Presbyterian, who they disagree with about as much as the Catholic Church, they likely would have been fine with it.

Right? Not for me. It depends on the protestant. For Lutherans, it is about doctrine, not personal interpretation. If I wish to be a Lutheran, I confess the Augsburg Confession, which is not subject to my interpretation.
I’ve said before that I’d be Catholic long before most any other protestant communion, with the possible exception of some form of Traditional Anglican.

Jon

 

[icamay]

Your MIL may go to a LMCS church that is lead by a more liberal or different pastor, but most LCMS churches I have encountered are very friendly towards the Catholics. Especially since the ELCA kinda went off the deep end. (those of use that don’t ordain women and gays have to stick together) My mom struggles with my being married to a Catholic, mainly because of the same misconceptions your MIL has. My husband and I have been able to dispell a lot of those by actually going back to Luther’s original writings and teachings. You might try that with your MIL in a gentle manner.

Thank you. You answered my question very well. I’ve never seen that much difference in the two myself. I had wondered if her apparent resentment also comes from having been married to a Catholic for (an unhappy) 25 years. She commented once that she regretted letting their children being raised Catholic as opposed to Lutheran. I’m sure there is some personal resentment there, given how the marriage ended.

 

[Alix1912]

Thank you. You answered my question very well. I’ve never seen that much difference in the two myself. I had wondered if her apparent resentment also comes from having been married to a Catholic for (an unhappy) 25 years. She commented once that she regretted letting their children being raised Catholic as opposed to Lutheran. I’m sure there is some personal resentment there, given how the marriage ended.

That is probably a LOT of it. Her personal expierence with her former husband is going to shape her view of anything associated with him including his religon. My recommendation is again to demonstrate a loving Christian attitute and gently show her the beauty of your faith.

Regardless of the views and beliefs of any actual church we tend to associate it with the people we have encountered who are part of that church. If you have only run into poorly taught mean Catholics, that will shape your view of that church, same with someone from any protestant denominations. We must all remember that we represent our churches with our behavior towards others.

 

[Alix1912]

Right? Not for me. It depends on the protestant. For Lutherans, it is about doctrine, not personal interpretation. If I wish to be a Lutheran, I confess the Augsburg Confession, which is not subject to my interpretation.
I’ve said before that I’d be Catholic long before most any other protestant communion, with the possible exception of some form of Traditional Anglican.

Jon

So true…This is something that is common among most High Litergical Churches. I also agree that if the LCMS did not exist I would most likely be Catholic too.

 

[Blacksword]

Right? Not for me. It depends on the protestant. For Lutherans, it is about doctrine, not personal interpretation. If I wish to be a Lutheran, I confess the Augsburg Confession, which is not subject to my interpretation.
I’ve said before that I’d be Catholic long before most any other protestant communion, with the possible exception of some form of Traditional Anglican.

Jon

Granted, and my apologies for being overly broad in labeling it “Protestant”. I guess it would be better to call it more the low liturgical (or no liturgy essentially) reformed movement where it’s much more an attitude of personal interpretation as “led” by the Holy Spirit. Interestingly too, as others have expressed, it seems to be that type of believer who is more antagonistic and nasty towards Catholics, as opposed to the Anglican/Episcopalian and Lutheran traditions. More the evangelical, fundamentalist groups that seem to make up the large portion of American Protestantism, being Baptist, low Methodist, Presbyterian, penatacostals and charismatics, and the myriad of non-denominational evangelical types of communities.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Agreed. I would never have a problem with someone studiying their faith more.

Of course behavior like this towards protestants is exactly why some mught react badly to you becoming Catholic. This statement is HIGHLY offensive.

Again Agreed. One of the things that drives me nuts is how Catholics don’t like it when Protestants use false, or misunderstood arguements against them, yet they turn around and do the same to us. We are not all the same, there are a wide variety of doctrine and beliefs, and differences out there among protestants. If you want us to be educated when we debate you please offer us the same courtesy.

You know, believe it or not, I tend to agree with what you have stated here.
And I know of RCs (not many of them, but some) who get riled up also when one of their family memebers converts to protestantism.
the thing to do is----you may not agree with their decision (I wouldn’t) but keep the lines of communication open and pray—“pray without ceasing.”

 

[elvisman]

My experience of response from some Catholics, however, when espousing views of disagreement to theirs, is to abandon the debate and attack myself, instead: so sad, for them.

I think that is because so many of your posts employ a “hit-and-run” approach. You say many inflammatory things - then refuse to respond when you are called on it. It can only be seen as either wanton cowardice or lack of charity.

Of course, your obedience to the Holy Spirit promptings, and your own deducements, which are leading you to the Catholic Church is fodder, for your own Christian pathway; just as those for whom the Presbyterian Church is their sufficiency and reasoning, to leave the Catholic Church.
So - you’re saying that the Holy Spirit calls some away from Protestantism in the the Catholic Church and vice versa? **That’s a pretty wishy-washy view of the Holy Spirit. **

Curious_Seed:

It would be attractive to see all Christians learn and grow, as able, and realize no part of the matter should include personal attacks substituting for reasoned arguments.

I have a small list of Catholics on the Forum, with whom I choose to filter out, as in Mark 6:11, given their hubric proclivity to personal diatribe.

I’m sure I am one of those because you refuse to answer my responses. Again, I think that most of the time, it’s more a case of your inability to answer the retorts of your false charges.

Time and energy being a premium for us all, I have found great delight in fine conversation with others.

The educational depth of the Catholic Church is profound; I hope you, at least, find wisdom there.

As do I.

 

[rinnie]

Why is it so offensive to Protestants when one of us decides to join the Church? I just received a private message from someone asking if I’m willing to study the RC with them before making my decision. Frankly, I find this highly offensive, considering I do not know this person and they do not know what experiences, studies, and prayers have made up my life.

But it isn’t just this stranger. As I make my decision known, my fellow Protestant friends and family are overwhelming my email and text messages with little bits of scripture, or articles about walking with Jesus. When I decided to leave the fundamental life and was baptised Presbyterian, no one reacted with this much zealousness. Is this only happening to me, or is this common?

Frankly, I see it as more evidence that this is the right decision. I won’t go into the charismatic element of that statement, but many may understand what I mean.

You just stick with learning the word of God and don’t worry about anything else. Let the Holy Spirit carry you. Good luck in your studying you will enjoy it I am sure. May God grant you the Grace to learn and accept his teachings. Will keep you in my prayers.

 

[rinnie]

You know, believe it or not, I tend to agree with what you have stated here.
And I know of RCs (not many of them, but some) who get riled up also when one of their family memebers converts to protestantism.
the thing to do is----you may not agree with their decision (I wouldn’t) but keep the lines of communication open and pray—“pray without ceasing.”

I can understand that riled up as you call it because they have walked away from the truth that was given to them and can put themself in a state of mortal sin. That would rile me up a little also.

I mean when the truth has been revealed to you but you refuse to accept the truth that has been given to you thats pretty serious business.

I mean lets face it how are you going to receive the Eucharist now?