Former SDAsteps into a Catholic church for the first time.

[PJM]

=Mighty Pawn;8509860]I hope this is the right forun section to post this in :\ I’ve lurked this site for a long time but rarely post anything.

First, let me say that I was a 4th generation SDA from my mom’s side of the family and a third from my dad’s. That should explain a lot right there. I’m not SDA anymore.

Anyway… there is a Catholic church about a 1/4 mile from my house. Every day I hear its bells ringing. As I was driving by and the bells started going off. I don’t know why I decided to go in, I’ve past the church a thousand times and never thought about visiting.

It was the most beautiful church I had ever been in…amazing compared to any church I’ve visited.

I was a little intimitated because I didn’t know what rules there are for entering the church so I just ended up walking in and sitting in the back pew.

I always have a Bible with me in the car (ESV) so I brought it in with me. There were a few other people there praying. I knelt down, prayed, then started to read and a feeling of peace came over me like I’ve never felt in another church.

More people started coming in and I began to wonder what was going on. Then everyone stood upand a priest walked dowwn the isle. I realized they were doing Mass! I sort of freaked out because I didn’t know if I was even supposed to be in there but I thought it rude just to walk out. At least I knew enough that I wasn’t supposed to take the bread and wine.

After mass a nun, at least I think she was a nun, came up to me and said I looked a little confused during mass. I told her my story. She took me to her office and gave me a New American Bible, a United states Catechism, and the Catechism of the Catholic church. She wasn’t pushy or anything, it was just like she was giving me a gift to be nice. These were some expensive books she had given me.

She took me back into the church and taught me how I should enter and what I should do as a non-catholic at mass. Then invited me back the next day. I’ve gone 4 days straight now.

Last night I was talking to my father, he’s no longer SDA either, telling him about my experience.he seemed to know a lot about the Catholic church because his cousins,aunts,uncles, most of his family other than his parents, were Catholic. My Mom overheard us and flipped out and started crying. She was REALLY upset. I told her about the peace I felt and the nun but she wouldn’t listen. I could see that she was very hurt and concerned for me.

I wish I could convince her to go once but she refuses to even step on the church property. My Dad said he would go but he doesn’t want to die just yet and my mom would kill him if he did.

So there’s my experience for what it’s worth. There are a lot of things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to believe in good conciounce (the Pope, the bread and wine actually being the flesh and blood of Jesus, PLEASE don’t take this the wrong way, but what seems to be a total obsession with Mary) but I KNOW for sure I’ll be back in that church praying and reading again. I’ll even do the sign of the cross thing with the water that kind and giving nun taught me

THANK YOU!

Just a few brief comments and I’ll send you a [private mssage also]

It is God [the Holy Spirit] that led you there. You were offerd grace and ACCEPTED IT! YEA.

To know that someone is aware [besides God] is yeat another special grace, This nun; like everyone that everyones meets is controlled by God for at least the possibility of a good resulting from it.

The numbers of myths, misunderstandings, and down right incorrect beliefs about catholism are lengend. With a 2,000 year history there are bound to be MANY complex and profound issues; new terminology, and at times a deeper understanding that on the surface seems to change the meaning; but unpon careful reflection does not.

One is greatly aided by a guide in any faith; in the catholic Faith it is a necessity not a luxury.

The Bible given to us is the One we Catholic currently use at Mass as a FYI. Also usually there are missels in the entrance way that can guide you through what we are doing, and have the Sunday readings in them.

The US Catechism for Catholic Adults is BY FAR easier to read than the “Catechism of the CC” and cover the same material in different manners. It is primarilya reference book.

Welcome to the FORUM, and know that as this is a public forum one will meet moth good and bad, informed , uniformed and misinformed members; so prayerful help is to be sought.

God Bless you.

May I ask what led to you and dad leaving the SDA?

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

Hello and welcome. I am so glad that you are here and shared that with us. It is a true sign that God is leading you to have some one like the lady that came up to you after the first mass to take you in like that.

Read what she gave you. Ask question and pray. i would suggest making an appointment to meet with the priest just to talk about were you are and what you you are looking for.

RCIA would be a good option as well. There is no commitment to join the Church to go to RCIA the learning and discernment is its purpose.
May God Bless you on your journey.

 

[andrewstx]

So do I! What is with SDAs and anti-Catholicism? We don’t go around preaching hell on protestants…

SDAs are not exactly run of the mill Protestants. They have practices that seem to me to combine Jewish and Protestant ideas besides just worshipping on Saturdays. They also keep semi-kosher dietary rules like no “unclean” meats may be eaten.

They were started by a “prophetess” named Ellen White, and her writtings are considered to be equal to the bible.

They are the most anti-catholic group of all and call the Catholic church the “whore of babylon”, and the “great beast”.

 

[Im4It]

SDAs are not exactly run of the mill Protestants. They have practices that seem to me to combine Jewish and Protestant ideas besides just worshipping on Saturdays. They also keep semi-kosher dietary rules like no “unclean” meats may be eaten.

They were started by a “prophetess” named Ellen White, and her writtings are considered to be equal to the bible.

They are the most anti-catholic group of all and call the Catholic church the “whore of babylon”, and the “great beast”.

Your statement lets me know that you are misinformed. NO SDA that I know and even their GC does NOT consider Ellen White’s writings above the bible. You are a good example as to why “others” see Christians as strange. You slander you brethren’s name because of personal dislikes. You should be ashamed. I have studied with SDA’s and they have shown me “anti-catholic” ideas from the bible and not Ellen White. I have read her writings and I must say, they are something. Am I anti-catholic? No, but your statement is very unfair.

 

[JRKH]

Originally Posted by andrewstx View Post
SDAs are not exactly run of the mill Protestants. They have practices that seem to me to combine Jewish and Protestant ideas besides just worshiping on Saturdays. They also keep semi-kosher dietary rules like no “unclean” meats may be eaten.

Im4It,
Welcome to the boards.

The above exchange is a wonderful example of why we need to be very careful about reading and understanding each other.

Note the bolded and underlined sections. Andrew did NOT say “above” the bible, what he said was “equal” to the bible.

Now there may be other problems with Andrew’s comment - I don’t know…but at least in this case, you seem to have “heard” something that he did not, in fact, say.

Peace
James

 

[Captain_America]

OP: thanks for the post; others, thanks for your notes.

I ran into an SDA guy I know, an old friend of mine, a really good guy, solid gold. But the SDA trainings on Catholicism were/have been the source of an immense chasm in feeling between us.

Me, a Catholic, I knew nothing whatever of SDA views. Through this guy, I did, and I was pretty surprised. So I’ve been a bit sad as this discomity between us: he’s a guy with really good friend potential.

I guess what I’m saying is that I didn’t create any problem, or even at first recognize any, but the SDA views have made a barricade of sorts.

 

[Im4It]

Im4It,
Welcome to the boards.

The above exchange is a wonderful example of why we need to be very careful about reading and understanding each other.

Note the bolded and underlined sections. Andrew did NOT say “above” the bible, what he said was “equal” to the bible.

Now there may be other problems with Andrew’s comment - I don’t know…but at least in this case, you seem to have “heard” something that he did not, in fact, say.

Peace
James

I’m sorry. Let me rephrase that.

NO SDA that I know and even their GC does NOT consider Ellen White’s writings equal to the bible.

Equal or above. It still stands. NO SDA that I know thinks like that and I know a lot them. Nor does their General Conference. So the rest of my post stands as well.

 

[JRKH]

I’m sorry.

No problem. I’ve caught myself (and also been busted for) doing the same thing.
When I post something like this it is not so much about correcting an individual as it is an opportunity to remind us all to read and post carefully.
I’m glad you took my post in the spirit intended.

Let me rephrase that.

NO SDA that I know and even their GC does NOT consider Ellen White’s writings equal to the bible.

Equal or above. It still stands. NO SDA that I know thinks like that and I know a lot them. Nor does their General Conference. So the rest of my post stands as well.

Thanks for clarifying.

Peace
James

 

[jesuspsr]

Wow, beautiful story. You know I was born and raised catholic, and that feeling you felt, I still feel it all these years later. It’s like the holy spirit stirring inside of me.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you.

God bless

jesus g

 

[Marybeloved]

Congratulations for taking the step to go to Mass. It is a beautiful worship of God.

When I was in RCIA I started going to Mass on Sunday. At that very first Mass, I realized that I would become Catholic.

Best thing I ever did and I thank God every single day for making me Catholic.

Hey, Miriam,

I’m intrigued by your story. Please, please please, do you mind sharing your experience in that first Mass that made you just know that this was home? I’d really appreciate it.

Peace!

 

[Link0126]

So there’s my experience for what it’s worth. There are a lot of things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to believe in good conciounce (the Pope, the bread and wine actually being the flesh and blood of Jesus, PLEASE don’t take this the wrong way, but what seems to be a total obsession with Mary) but I KNOW for sure I’ll be back in that church praying and reading again. I’ll even do the sign of the cross thing with the water that kind and giving nun taught me

yeeeaaah you will…

 

[SteveVH]

I hope this is the right forun section to post this in :\ I’ve lurked this site for a long time but rarely post anything.

First, let me say that I was a 4th generation SDA from my mom’s side of the family and a third from my dad’s. That should explain a lot right there. I’m not SDA anymore.

Anyway… there is a Catholic church about a 1/4 mile from my house. Every day I hear its bells ringing. As I was driving by and the bells started going off. I don’t know why I decided to go in, I’ve past the church a thousand times and never thought about visiting.

It was the most beautiful church I had ever been in…amazing compared to any church I’ve visited.

I was a little intimitated because I didn’t know what rules there are for entering the church so I just ended up walking in and sitting in the back pew.

I always have a Bible with me in the car (ESV) so I brought it in with me. There were a few other people there praying. I knelt down, prayed, then started to read and a feeling of peace came over me like I’ve never felt in another church.

More people started coming in and I began to wonder what was going on. Then everyone stood upand a priest walked dowwn the isle. I realized they were doing Mass! I sort of freaked out because I didn’t know if I was even supposed to be in there but I thought it rude just to walk out. At least I knew enough that I wasn’t supposed to take the bread and wine.

After mass a nun, at least I think she was a nun, came up to me and said I looked a little confused during mass. I told her my story. She took me to her office and gave me a New American Bible, a United states Catechism, and the Catechism of the Catholic church. She wasn’t pushy or anything, it was just like she was giving me a gift to be nice. These were some expensive books she had given me.

She took me back into the church and taught me how I should enter and what I should do as a non-catholic at mass. Then invited me back the next day. I’ve gone 4 days straight now.

Last night I was talking to my father, he’s no longer SDA either, telling him about my experience.he seemed to know a lot about the Catholic church because his cousins,aunts,uncles, most of his family other than his parents, were Catholic. My Mom overheard us and flipped out and started crying. She was REALLY upset. I told her about the peace I felt and the nun but she wouldn’t listen. I could see that she was very hurt and concerned for me.

I wish I could convince her to go once but she refuses to even step on the church property. My Dad said he would go but he doesn’t want to die just yet and my mom would kill him if he did.

So there’s my experience for what it’s worth. There are a lot of things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to believe in good conciounce (the Pope, the bread and wine actually being the flesh and blood of Jesus, PLEASE don’t take this the wrong way, but what seems to be a total obsession with Mary) but I KNOW for sure I’ll be back in that church praying and reading again. I’ll even do the sign of the cross thing with the water that kind and giving nun taught me

Awesome testimony! By the way, that incredible feeling you received was because of the true presence of Christ, hidden under the appearance bread and wine, that is present in every Catholic Church. So the one thing that you think you could never acccept (presence of Christ in the Eucharist) is the very reason for your experience there.

 

[Miriam1947]

Hey, Miriam,

I’m intrigued by your story. Please, please please, do you mind sharing your experience in that first Mass that made you just know that this was home? I’d really appreciate it.

Peace!

I converted to Catholicism at Easter Vigil 2008. I was 61 years old and completely ignorant of what Christianity really is. I thought I was a Christian. After all I had called myself one all my life. But, I had never been baptized and I didn’t realize at the time that baptism was so important.

I never said the Sinner’s Prayer. It never seemed real to me. It always seemed a manipulative thing to me. The altar call. Couldn’t do it.

I had gone to church occasionally when I was young but not as an adult. In fact even though I was not an atheist, I wasn’t a true believer either.

After many years I started going to church. By then I was a widow.

I just wanted to worship God. That’s all. Should have been so simple. But every place I went seemed so person oriented. Not God oriented.

Someone I had been doing business with told me about RCIA. Now I didn’t know at the time but he truly lives his faith. I went to see him one day but he wasn’t at work. When I asked about him I was told he was in the hospital. I didn’t even know he was sick! That’s when I found out that he had donated one of his kidneys to someone he doesn’t even know. Just a fellow Catholic at another parish. I have since met the person he donated his kidney to. He told me that he was given 15 more years of life because a man I knew truly believed and gave of himself.

It took me a year to actually start going to RCIA. You see, I knew the rule. I knew that if I became Catholic I would have to go to Mass every single Sunday and I just wasn’t sure that I wanted to give God one whole hour a week. I am amazed that I am still here to tell you this.

During RCIA, I went to Mass one Sunday. And I knew. This is true worship. I kept going to Mass, every SINGLE Sunday.

I now am co-owner of a Catholic bookstore and go to daily Mass. God is so much more than we think. I thank God every single day that He made me Catholic.

And to those of you on your journey now; study and pray. Mostly pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. It is amazing what God does. He is calling you. And in His Grace you are saved.

---

 

[Mighty_Pawn]

I love your story, Miriam!

In answer to PJM’s question…

Both of my parents were school teachers for the Florida Conference of SDAs (the SDA church is organized into “conferences”) since I was a baby. My dad went to school to be an SDA pastor then changed his mind and became a teacher.

After my parents retired I noticed my father reading a lot of books that challenged SDA doctrines. I wasn’t into the church at all but it thought it strange hime reading these books.

Later on my wife left and we got a divorce. I was devastated. I started reading the Bible and going back to my church. I realized that although everything in my childhood had been centered around my church and the SDA lifestyle I really didn’t know much about SDA doctrine or Ellen G.White, so I started studying really hard to learn it. The more I studied the more questions I had and the more things didn’t add up as to what the Bible said and what E.G.W. said.

I went to my father to ask questions since he went through college and seminary to be a pastor. I remember him telling me that he couldn’t answer my questions because I wasn’t ready to hear the answers. He said that all his life he had always studied with the intent to defend SDA doctrine rather then study to see if SDA doctine was the truth or not and until I was made a choice to look for the truth, rather than to look to defend, anything he said to me would bounce right off me. So I started studying this way. Instead of trying to line up the Bible to EGW I started to try and line up EGW to the Bible and I couldn’t. She contradicts what the Bible says left and right.

After MUCH study I made a very difficult decision and stopped calling myself an SDA. It’s harder than one might think. When you grow up a certain way, even if you find out the truth, it’s still difficult not identify who you are by that background. Even now, knowing that a lot of what the SDA church teaches is untrue I still get a little upset when people start putting it down…weird.

I’m still not quite sure why my Dad decided to restudy everything he believed for years and years. I don’t know what triggered it…what made him stop defending and start seeking. I’m glad he did though. He has been a big help in sharing with me what he’s learned and how to free myself from the guilt and fear of leaving the SDA church.

There are actually groups for former SDA’s that help with breaking away from what one has grown up believing is the “remnant church” and the only denomination that has the truth and the fear EGW teachings puts into one about not being saved unless you believe as she does.

So, now I just call myself a Christian that’s “culturaly” SDA. LOL I still go to my childhood SDA church because I grew up there and have many many friends that I’ve known for 20+ years there, but I also will go to various protestant churches on Sunday. I’ve only recently “dared” to go to a Catholic Church though.

My friends know I’m not SDA anymore and accept that. They’ve learned not to try and bring me back to the “truth” because in discussions they can’t “win” without using EGW. Some will listen to what I’ve learned with the attitude of seeking but most just try and defend and will ignore what doesn’t fit. I’ve learned that it’s only the Holy Spirit that can lift the vail.

 

[White_Peony]

SDAs are not exactly run of the mill Protestants. They have practices that seem to me to combine Jewish and Protestant ideas besides just worshipping on Saturdays. They also keep semi-kosher dietary rules like no “unclean” meats may be eaten.

They were started by a “prophetess” named Ellen White, and her writtings are considered to be equal to the bible.

They are the most anti-catholic group of all and call the Catholic church the “whore of babylon”, and the “great beast”.

ikr? I go to an Adventist school and a lot of them are mean to me.SDAs were not started by Ellen G. White. It started with William Miller.

 

[ufamtobie]

I hope this is the right forun section to post this in :\ I’ve lurked this site for a long time but rarely post anything.

First, let me say that I was a 4th generation SDA from my mom’s side of the family and a third from my dad’s. That should explain a lot right there. I’m not SDA anymore.

Anyway… there is a Catholic church about a 1/4 mile from my house. Every day I hear its bells ringing. As I was driving by and the bells started going off. I don’t know why I decided to go in, I’ve past the church a thousand times and never thought about visiting.

It was the most beautiful church I had ever been in…amazing compared to any church I’ve visited.

I was a little intimitated because I didn’t know what rules there are for entering the church so I just ended up walking in and sitting in the back pew.

I always have a Bible with me in the car (ESV) so I brought it in with me. There were a few other people there praying. I knelt down, prayed, then started to read and a feeling of peace came over me like I’ve never felt in another church.

More people started coming in and I began to wonder what was going on. Then everyone stood upand a priest walked dowwn the isle. I realized they were doing Mass! I sort of freaked out because I didn’t know if I was even supposed to be in there but I thought it rude just to walk out. At least I knew enough that I wasn’t supposed to take the bread and wine.

After mass a nun, at least I think she was a nun, came up to me and said I looked a little confused during mass. I told her my story. She took me to her office and gave me a New American Bible, a United states Catechism, and the Catechism of the Catholic church. She wasn’t pushy or anything, it was just like she was giving me a gift to be nice. These were some expensive books she had given me.

She took me back into the church and taught me how I should enter and what I should do as a non-catholic at mass. Then invited me back the next day. I’ve gone 4 days straight now.

Last night I was talking to my father, he’s no longer SDA either, telling him about my experience.he seemed to know a lot about the Catholic church because his cousins,aunts,uncles, most of his family other than his parents, were Catholic. My Mom overheard us and flipped out and started crying. She was REALLY upset. I told her about the peace I felt and the nun but she wouldn’t listen. I could see that she was very hurt and concerned for me.

I wish I could convince her to go once but she refuses to even step on the church property. My Dad said he would go but he doesn’t want to die just yet and my mom would kill him if he did.

So there’s my experience for what it’s worth. There are a lot of things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to believe in good conciounce (the Pope, the bread and wine actually being the flesh and blood of Jesus, PLEASE don’t take this the wrong way, but what seems to be a total obsession with Mary) but I KNOW for sure I’ll be back in that church praying and reading again. I’ll even do the sign of the cross thing with the water that kind and giving nun taught me

Mighty Pawn,

The Peace that you were and are feeling as you entered the Catholic Church is coming from the Tabernacle where our Lord Resides Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity you may not believe this now but you are surly feeling the True Presence.

Jesus Christ, is there waiting for you to come visit with him… On your next visit go and sit or kneel close to the Tabernacle and just let go and let God speak to you. Ask a Priest what day of the month that this Catholic Church has an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

An exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the Church exposing the Body of Christ so all may Look upon Him and Worship Him and Truly Believe that This is the Son of God… Mighty Pawn, did not Jesus Christ say in John 6: 40 40 It is my Father’s will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and that I should raise that person up on the last day.

Re:John 6: 40 Jesus Christ said this over 2000 years ago and it is still valid for us today to see Our Lord in the Flesh that Whoever Sees the Son and believes in Him should have Eternal Life. Amen

Mighty Pawn, It is the Fathers will even today that one should see the Son in the Most Holy Eucharist and be Raised and have eternal Life. Once you believe you will want to partake eat His Body and Drink His Blood.

I will Pray for your Journey Home because it is your Home, the Catholic Faith.
Ufam Tobie

 

[Doxiemom]

There IS a something wonderous about a catholic church. You walk in and there it is, the Altar and the Cross. Every word said during Mass points to Christ. He commanded, not suggested, to do this in memory of Him. This has never been put in second place by the catholic church.

Peace be with you.

 

[Marybeloved]

Hey, Miriam,

During RCIA, I went to Mass one Sunday. And I knew. This is true worship. I kept going to Mass, every SINGLE Sunday.

I now am co-owner of a Catholic bookstore and go to daily Mass. God is so much more than we think. I thank God every single day that He made me Catholic.

And to those of you on your journey now; study and pray. Mostly pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. It is amazing what God does. He is calling you. And in His Grace you are saved.

Lovely! Thanx so much, Miriam!

I’m still not quite sure why my Dad decided to restudy everything he believed for years and years. I don’t know what triggered it…what made him stop defending and start seeking. I’m glad he did though. He has been a big help in sharing with me what he’s learned and how to free myself from the guilt and fear of leaving the SDA church.

Remember, Miriam and Mighty Pawn,

"You did not chose me…I chose you"

Peace!

 

[Mighty_Pawn]

Well, I made an appointment to talk to the nun that was so helpful to me. We talked for an hour or more. She asked me a lot of questions about my past and wanted to know why I was interested in the Catholic Church. In our talk she was able to help me understand some of the questions I had. At the end of the talk she said I definitally didn’t need to go to RCIA, thatin her view I was Catechized( I don’t know what that means) and I could start classes in January to study more if I chose to and then take I long as I needed to decide

. She told me she was suprised that I had already read the u.s.c. and the c.c. she also, like you all. Said it was God that made me stop by and enter the church.

I go into the church to pray and go to the grotto to study. I still feel I bit uncomfortable with the icons but I feel that they help me visualize Jesus better when. Pray.i

So now I’m just reading as much as I can and praying a lot. My Mom agreed to give me great grandmothers rosery( which was a miracle it itself) so I’m learning how to use that too.

This whole experience is just awesome!

 

[jesuspsr]

Well, I made an appointment to talk to the nun that was so helpful to me. We talked for an hour or more. She asked me a lot of questions about my past and wanted to know why I was interested in the Catholic Church. In our talk she was able to help me understand some of the questions I had. At the end of the talk she said I definitally didn’t need to go to RCIA, thatin her view I was Catechized( I don’t know what that means) and I could start classes in January to study more if I chose to and then take I long as I needed to decide

. She told me she was suprised that I had already read the u.s.c. and the c.c. she also, like you all. Said it was God that made me stop by and enter the church.

I go into the church to pray and go to the grotto to study. I still feel I bit uncomfortable with the icons but I feel that they help me visualize Jesus better when. Pray.i

So now I’m just reading as much as I can and praying a lot. My Mom agreed to give me great grandmothers rosery( which was a miracle it itself) so I’m learning how to use that too.

This whole experience is just awesome!

God bless

jesus g