I'm a convert from Protestantism and

[erine]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

 

[robert_chacon]

Welcome! I love converts! God bless you.

I think converts challenge many cradle Catholics who are too complacent in their faith and do what Protestants criticize Catholics for doing-walk through hoops to “earn” salvation. Of course Protestants and Catholics can both be guilty of that but I truly think many cradle Catholics or liberal Catholics are all too happy to see the Catholic Church as a social service agency and only focus on the social justice aspect of the Gospel while almost ignoring the real source of salvation - compete faith and trust in Jesus Christ! They want to reduce Catholicism to feel good attitude, love everyone mentality without a clear understanding of the person of Jesus Christ and what that means in term of matters of faith and morality. Of course we should love everyone, but that doesnt mean we have to condone every sinful behavior. In fact, it is more loving to point out sins of our brothers when it could save their souls!

So, if that fits your situation, keep being “intense” for you love of Christ. Perhaps they could be referring to being too stuck on doctrine. Well sometimes we all do that, as Pope Francis reminds us. But dont worry a second about them in their charges of your intensity in your love for Christ and His Church and wanting to follow Him in every way you can! As a cradle Catholic myself, I welcome your intensity!

Perhaps if I met you, I might say Wow, youre “too intense” too, but I doubt it. But my last thought is simply to consider what they may be referring to. And if it is what I described, then dont worry! But if its something else, you may want to consider their thoughts.

 

[Della]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

In many ways this is just a cultural difference. Catholics tend to be quiet about their faith, but many practice it in their quietness in ways no one sees but God. As one who is new to the Catholic faith it might be good to give yourself a year in a parish in which you simply learn and take in how things are done there. Not that you can’t get involved, but there are channels in a Catholic parish that don’t often exist in more relaxed Protestant ones.

I bolded the sentence that really bothered me. It’s absolutely not true that you’ll “really never know how to be a ‘real’ Catholic.” What a judgmental thing to say, which only shows how insular whoever said it is. The Church is universal and welcoming of all persons and personalities. There is no “set way” of being Catholic. Go ahead and be enthusiastic. It might do some of the staid people good to see some fervor.

 

[erine]

Welcome! I love converts! God bless you.

I think converts challenge many cradle Catholics who are too complacent in their faith and do what Protestants criticize Catholics for doing-walk through hoops to “earn” salvation. Of course Protestants and Catholics can both be guilty of that but I truly think many cradle Catholics or liberal Catholics are all too happy to see the Catholic Church as a social service agency and only focus on the social justice aspect of the Gospel while almost ignoring the real source of salvation - compete faith and trust in Jesus Christ! They want to reduce Catholicism to feel good attitude, love everyone mentality without a clear understanding of the person of Jesus Christ and what that means in term of matters of faith and morality. Of course we should love everyone, but that doesnt mean we have to condone every sinful behavior. In fact, it is more loving to point out sins of our brothers when it could save their souls!

So, if that fits your situation, keep being “intense” for you love of Christ. Perhaps they could be referring to being too stuck on doctrine. Well sometimes we all do that, as Pope Francis reminds us. But dont worry a second about them in their charges of your intensity in your love for Christ and His Church and wanting to follow Him in every way you can! As a cradle Catholic myself, I welcome your intensity!

Perhaps if I met you, I might say Wow, youre “too intense” too, but I doubt it. But my last thought is simply to consider what they may be referring to. And if it is what I described, then dont worry! But if its something else, you may want to consider their thoughts.

Thank you. I actually think it is less that I am stuck on doctrine; it is that I believe there isn’t just one way to be a real Christian and if you are acting in a way that doesn’t conform to the social culture it doesn’t mean you aren’t a Christian. But I used doctrine to support this, where as sometimes I feel like I am in a comedy of manners or a Jane Austen novel and that Christianity is based on who fits the proper social norms. It boggles my mind. I think it can get confused because to me there are these minor cultural differences based on my background that some people interpret as a huge scandal. I wish I could practice my faith more quietly but part of why it’s easy for cradle catholics to do that is because they have been set apart from the world since birth, they don’t have to go through this entire rewiring of their perspective on reality. But sometimes I become daunted by the prospect that I want to be close to cradle catholics or even marry one one day, (I’m open to converts too of course) but sometimes I doubt anyone could ever understand me. I had a really bad experience dating a cradle catholic who basically thought that my past sins (which were all severely colored by a really abusive household growing up) like weren’t forgiven and he told me he expected that all people even those like me who weren’t born in the church and had never heard the church teachings once in my life or knew anyone who believed them, should have known the subtle nuances of the catechism the same as someone who was steeped in it since birth. I am scared they all see me this way and I don’t know how someone could ever see me as God sees me.

 

[erine]

In many ways this is just a cultural difference. Catholics tend to be quiet about their faith, but many practice it in their quietness in ways no one sees but God. As one who is new to the Catholic faith it might be good to give yourself a year in a parish in which you simply learn and take in how things are done there. Not that you can’t get involved, but there are channels in a Catholic parish that don’t often exist in more relaxed Protestant ones.

I bolded the sentence that really bothered me. It’s absolutely not true that you’ll “really never know how to be a ‘real’ Catholic.” What a judgmental thing to say, which only shows how insular whoever said it is. The Church is universal and welcoming of all persons and personalities. There is no “set way” of being Catholic. Go ahead and be enthusiastic. It might do some of the staid people good to see some fervor.

Thank you. I agree it is cultural but what bothers me is that while I can understand it is cultural, they can’t and they think I am a bad person rather than someone with a radically different background who still loves my faith. I am in a parish and broader community and I love it but there are people who I love dearly but who I can only describe as treating me pharisaically at times even though many have changed that attitude once they got to know me. Others have not and called me some pretty bad things.

I guess I just am insecure and feel like I’ll never be good enough and so I put these people on a pedestal as knowing more than me. Then I read the list of convert saints and it was fewer than cradle catholics. Oh well. God will just have to make an exception for me, lol.

 

[jritenour]

As you get older, you’ll learn the difference between culture and practice and doctrine. Be yourself. Love God. Someone taught me this some time ago and it has served me well: what others think, do or say is none of my business. I don’t have to allow them to walk all over me of course but let others be themselves too. Even if they’re a pain. It will ease a lot of anxiety.

I was raised Catholic until I fell away when I was in the military. Afterwards, I became a Protestant. The more zealous I became for the God, the more it drew me back home. The most enthusiastic Catholics are new Catholics. I hope you’re always enthusiastic! Enthusiasm can rub others the wrong way but that’s their cross to bear, not yours.

 

[Allegra]

It sounds to me like you just know alot of nuts. I can relate. If my entire concept of Catholicism had been formed just on the unfortunate attitudes and hypocritical actions of the majority of Catholics I knew growing up, I would never have come back to the Church. There are millions of Catholics in the world and some of them are just plain jerks. Others are wonderful and are living witnesses to Christ. Still others fall somewhere in the grey. I don’t think the notions you expressed are consistant with the teachings of the Church or universally felt amongst all or most Catholics.

 

[CBinNY]

I think it’s wonderful that you have converted to the Catholic faith, give yourself some time, years I’m talking about to adjust. Depending on what type of Protestant beliefs you’ve come from I’m sure it can be a quite a change. Unfortunately some people open their mouths before they think. Our faith should be shared with great love and gentleness not judgemental comments. Trust in The Holy Spirit, be open to changes in your own beliefs and behaviors. Understand you’re bound to make mistakes and learn from them. Keep reading the catachism, it’s the best source of our faith. Then try some books from the great saints or books by converts like Scott Hahn. As a returnting cradle catholic myself, I have different adjustments but they stil take time and suffering as I strive for holiness in response to God mercy and love. It’s not always easy. Try to find some kind reliable persons that can answer you questions and stick with those people for guidance. Remember that what people talk about most times are the problems they are dealing with themselves. I’m praying for you.
God Bless
Bob

 

[MaryT777]

Welcome! I love converts! God bless you.

I think converts challenge many cradle Catholics who are too complacent in their faith and do what Protestants criticize Catholics for doing-walk through hoops to “earn” salvation. Of course Protestants and Catholics can both be guilty of that but I truly think many cradle Catholics or liberal Catholics are all too happy to see the Catholic Church as a social service agency and only focus on the social justice aspect of the Gospel while almost ignoring the real source of salvation - compete faith and trust in Jesus Christ! They want to reduce Catholicism to feel good attitude, love everyone mentality without a clear understanding of the person of Jesus Christ and what that means in term of matters of faith and morality. Of course we should love everyone, but that doesnt mean we have to condone every sinful behavior. In fact, it is more loving to point out sins of our brothers when it could save their souls!

So, if that fits your situation, keep being “intense” for you love of Christ. Perhaps they could be referring to being too stuck on doctrine. Well sometimes we all do that, as Pope Francis reminds us. But dont worry a second about them in their charges of your intensity in your love for Christ and His Church and wanting to follow Him in every way you can! As a cradle Catholic myself, I welcome your intensity!

Perhaps if I met you, I might say Wow, youre “too intense” too, but I doubt it. But my last thought is simply to consider what they may be referring to. And if it is what I described, then dont worry! But if its something else, you may want to consider their thoughts.

 

[TK421]

Just focus on loving & obeying God and don’t worry about the other stuff. When you do start worrying, go to prayer and remind yourself whose in charge.

The Bishop of Rome holds the fullness of truth on salvation, but this doesn’t in anyway shield cultures and groups with a Catholic background from having culture shape their life and thoughts. Being Catholic does not change your humanity. Before you became Catholic I’m sure you encountered this sort of thing all the time; if you thought this would change in the Church you were bound to be disappointed.

And about canonized saints, a huge number of the early Church saints were converts when the Church was rapidly taking shape in the Roman Empire. Not so much later in history, but a pretty obvious explanation is that the enormous majority of Catholics in the world are born into the faith, whether in a devout or not-so-devout household. Also, almost all Popes in history have been Italian. Reason? Because Rome is in Italy Don’t read too deeply into things.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

Erine, ‘methinks these people doth protest too much’. . .Actually, it is very possible that these particular people feel a little challenged by somebody like you who is probably trying a bit harder than they are to ‘walk the walk’. So unfortunately they might be the kind of people who try to bolster themselves up by cutting somebody else down, and all they can think to use as a ‘weapon’ is that they were ‘born’ Catholic and you weren’t, as if that makes them better (it doesn’t). Pray for them, and just know that the majority of us Catholics are only too delighted to have ‘intense’ people like you keeping us from getting lazy or complacent that we’re doing ‘enough’. And also remember, just because a ‘cradle Catholic thinks something’ doesn’t mean they ‘got it right’.

God bless you. We’re so glad you have chosen to be Catholic!!!

 

[tafan]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

Interesting environment you have found yourself in. I can tell you, that it is not the traditional attitude of Catholics towards converts. At least not in my experience. I remember Fr. Richard John Neuhaus talking once on an EWTN interview about being a convert. He said something to the effect that “Catholics never quite let you forget yoru a convert, once a convert, always a convert”. This much is true, but it has been my experience that it is in the opposite sense as what you say. When I was growing up, many moons ago, we had a couple of aunts who were converts after marrying Catholics. Yes, this was a fact about them that seemed to come up in conversation, but always in a positive way. It was as if, we as kids, should respect them more because they chose the Catholic faith as opposed to just being lucky enough to be born into it. In other words, they were placed on a little higher pedestal because they were converts. For the most part, this has been my attitude about converts throughout life. It seems to be highlighted by such shows as The Journey Home. Catholics love conversion stories!!!

I hope this makes sense, I don’t have much advice for you beyond telling you, I am not saying you are misreading those cradle Catholics that are causing the problems, I am saying there are many of us cradle Catholics who truly have a deep respect for your decision to join the Church.

 

[Spencerian]

Welcome to the Church!

Like you, I’m a convent, in a sense. Wasn’t actually a Christian but always had a sense of God in the works. Just wasn’t sure how that “Jesus” thing worked.

I’m married to a cradle Catholic. Sometimes my zeal is annoying to her and that she feels that I’m looking down at her as I follow the faith with her. I liken the situation to comparing convert Catholics and cradle Catholics with a ham and egg sandwich. Respectively, in its making, the chicken volunteered to enter into it (the convert) while the pig was *quite *committed to it.

A lifetime of being Catholic, since we’re all human, is bound to leave some people less than zealous as they received their catechism over many years. But hopefully no less committed as a convert that’s on fire with the faith since their entry was voluntary and typically quite enthusiastic. It may also be that your membership opens up old myths, misconceptions and miscommunications among other Christians of all blends.

Converts, I think, help to keep the faith fresh and alive by reminding cradle Catholics of some rules and teachings they may have forgotten or ignore, but also what a gift it is from God to be part of the fullness of the Christian faith. But be mindful in how you speak. The direct approach is often disturbing to those in the faith who have become complacent.

There are a number of books that might help you measure and moderate your joy of becoming Catholic so that you share your faith and help others, Catholic or not, understand it better, without turning them off. “How Not to Share your Faith” is one. I think that’s by CA guest apologist Matt Brumley.

I’d also look to our new Holy Father, whose way of expressing the faith through action is a refreshing example.

 

[jritenour]

It sounds to me like you just know alot of nuts. I can relate. If my entire concept of Catholicism had been formed just on the unfortunate attitudes and hypocritical actions of the majority of Catholics I knew growing up, I would never have come back to the Church. There are millions of Catholics in the world and some of them are just plain jerks. Others are wonderful and are living witnesses to Christ. Still others fall somewhere in the grey. I don’t think the notions you expressed are consistant with the teachings of the Church or universally felt amongst all or most Catholics.

Great post. Made me laugh. Hypocrites are everywhere. I try not to be but sometimes I find myself being one. So, I try to overlook them when I run into them.

 

[ffg]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

The best Catholics are converts.

All of the Apostles were converts.

Your level of knowledge is not important as the educated kneel next to the uneducated in front of the same God.

(but converts tend to have more knowledge than cradle Catholics in my experience)

Rejoice in what you have found and be glad!

If you run into Catholics that are not happy, they might need to be reminded of what they have sitting under their nose.

 

[Brigid34]

There are so many wonderful posts here that I don’t know which to quote. That said what you said reminded me of the parable of the prodigal son. I’d stay “intense” as long as you can. As a convert myself I know that I have moderated my intensity over the years, but I don’t think that’s a good thing for us to do.

 

[Bonnie]

erine - I think you’re hanging out with the wrong Catholics. In all the years since I joined the Church I have heard nothing but good things about converts in general. It seems that most cradle Catholics tend to think that converts know more. Which isn’t always the case, but sometimes is. I don’t think that’s true in my case, but it’s always an ego boost!

 

[Isaiah45_9]

…a lot of cradle Catholics like to imply that I am too Protestant, tell me how sick Martin Luther was (thank you, I know, and growing up I wanted to be catholic but I did not have that option in my home) and that I’ll never really know how to be catholic like them or a real catholic. I am just paranoid now that my upbringing leaves me too rebellious or Protestant to know how to be a good community member. But Jesus caused a lot of upheaval too. Then cradle Catholics tell me they don’t like converts because they are too intense. I guess I’m also nervous because there aren’t nearly as many Protestant convert saints as cradle saints. I feel like they think God prefers them and they were born into the church because God thinks they are specialer than me. Ultimately I am confused, I want to be a good catholic but maybe this is All just in my head. I’m probably just seeking their approval because I think they must know more than me. I’m confused.

Those are sour and boring Catholics .

You are fine, have all the enthusiasm you want. I know I do!!! If they don’t like it, they can take it up to the Pope! I think we have the upper hand right now

God Bless you on your journey and welcome home!

 

[CB_Catholic]

I am on the RCIA team at my parish, and from years of observation, I have noted that converts are generally better educated and more enthusiastic than many cradle Catholics. I believe the reason is because they chose to become Catholic, and were serious in their studies.

Also, to make you feel better, here is a list of famous Catholic converts:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_converts_to_Catholicism

I was surprised to see Cardinal Arinze on the list.

 

[Oren]

I’m a convert but I was not raised in any religion or belief. I think most converts have a tough time at first no matter what their background is. I just sort of kept to myself mostly but over time I did start volunteering for things. In my experience, being involved isn’t that much greater than keeping to yourself, but if you feel like you have a talent or whatever, then you should eventually try to help out the parish. Just don’t let the parish life get you down. It can def be a downer in a lot of places! Remember that the point is not your particular parish or the people there or anything like that, but the point is Jesus in the Eucharist!