Lutheran on the fence

[larael]

Hi all,
I’m a 20 year old college student who was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church (ELCA). I didn’t think much of it until I came to college (typical, right?) where an Anglo-Catholic friend of mine (also discerning conversion to the RCC) began nudging and prodding me with questions about my beliefs. Our first conversations didn’t go too well because I couldn’t seem to answer his questions sufficiently without his very good Catholic explanations blowing mine out of the water. Eventually, our conversations became less of him lecturing and us actually having a dialogue/FAQ back and forth. This went on for about a year or so.

Then, last Christmas break I expressed some frustration about the Lutheran church, and my friend suggested I start saying a Hail Mary every day. It was weird at first, but eventually the one Hail Mary turned into a full on Rosary. I began writing down my “big ticket” issues with Catholic doctrine (or what I perceived to be Catholic doctrine) and starting researching. My friend and I met after the break and for a few hours pored over the CCC and other resources to tackle at least a dozen questions I had about the Catholic faith. Afterward, my friend suggested we go to Eucharistic Adoration. I had heard him talk about it before, but had never been, so I didn’t see the harm in it.

This was a pivotal and odd experience for me (in the best sense). After an hour in the presence of Our Lord I came away with three changes in my thinking: that as long as I stayed in the Lutheran church I wouldn’t be living the truth, Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and there was no way I could say no to the RCC – to do so would be like saying no to God. It was a very emotional experience. I cried for about fifteen minutes afterward just for the love and mercy I knew God was offering me in the True Church, and because I was terrified of saying “yes” to Him and what that would mean.

The rest of the semester I continued going to Mass and Adoration; I kept praying the Rosary and learned the Divine Mercy Chaplet; I read about the Saints, listened to Catholic Answers, and kept researching; and I prayed, prayed, prayed to God, and for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. And now I’m back home since the semester ended, and I’m starving for the Church. I’ve been to Adoration at a local parish a few times, am still reading and researching, and praying,

So, by now you’re probably saying “what’s stopping you? Join the Church already!”. But, here’s where I’m hoping for some encouragement or the sharing of your own story – I don’t know what to do about my family. Both of my parents’ families have been staunchly Lutheran probably since the Reformation (we are 100% German). My mother especially regularly says things like, “you were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and I hope you’ll be married in it”, or “once a Lutheran, always a Lutheran.” Seriously, they don’t budge. It’s kind of a German thing too.

Anyway, our Lutheran home church is going through a lot of change right now – new pastor, new contemporary worship service, and of course, the ELCA changes theology just about every day. My parents are hesitant, but willing to try things out. They don’t understand when I put my foot down and say that I want to go to a traditional Lutheran service for the summer. (There’s no option for us to go to separate services – my mother very much believes that we should do things like eat dinner and go to church as a family.) So, you can see that I would be very hesitant to just come out and say that I want to join RCIA or even that I’ve been remotely interested in the Catholic faith. I’m afraid they would guilt me into “giving it up” by suggesting that I’ll be splitting our family (which I would be during the summer, Christmas, and Easter). We’re very close, and I would feel horrible doing so. I pray that the Spirit would guide them as I have been guided.

As we went church hunting this summer (for a traditional Lutheran service, which seems to be very hard to come by these days!) my mother joked that if we were desperate enough maybe we’d be “Catholic by Christmas”. If only she knew that if I could, I would!

Anyway, that’s my novel of worries! Any suggestions for dealing with family, especially close family, during the conversion process would be wonderful. (I won’t even start on my worries about my many Lutheran and non-denominational friends!)

 

[SAVINGRACE]

I am sorry that you are experiencing a lot of angst and worry about this. Telling families is often the most emotional and nerve wracking experience for new Catholics, especially if their family such as yours as been part of a certain faith for generations.

Just remember sometimes our families and those closest to us surprise us by their reactions. We might be expecting a bad reaction and they surprise us with their support. It doesn’t sound to me that your family are anti-Catholic (please correct me if I’m wrong), it sounds like the thought never occurred to them.

Attending RCIA doesn’t mean you have to join, it’s a discerning phase. You can complete RCIA and choose not to convert. Maybe at first, you explain to your family that you are just exploring the Catholic faith. The 12mth RCIA process will give them time to get used to the idea.

Good luck and God Bless You.

 

[po18guy]

Welcome! You have studied well, and have followed the Holy Spirit well. A good and solid foundation has been laid in your soul. A couple of things come to mind regarding your family:

1. Germans were Catholic long before the reformation.
2. Luther was Catholic before he rebelled.
3. You are being called to be salt for the earth - seasoning for your family. You are not following a family tradition at the cost of truth, but rather, you are following Christ regardless of the cost. That is the mark of a true disciple. You are being called to lead your family to the truth which you have found. How this will occur is by the careful reasoning that you have set forth in your post - and by your faithful example to them. Yet, do not be discouraged if they will not listen, as most of the Lord’s own disciples left Him.

Tobit 12:13
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
13 And because thou wast acceptable to God, it was necessary that temptation should prove thee.

It will not be easy, but the Lord tests those whom He loves.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

I had the same problem, but I was Jewish, did not know how to approach my parents who were staunch practicing Jews, so I took the cowards way out and mentioned that I was not happy in the Jewish Religion and left it like that for a few weeks, then I casually mentioned I was going looking at other Religions ( which I was not, having gone to Protestant School) I knew I wanted to be Roman Catholic, but it was my strategy of buying time so to speak, then a few weeks later , now at this stage it was three months since I started speaking my mind so to speak and my Dad had a talk with me told him that I respected my Jewish religion but no longer believed in it but I still wanted God in my life, and as I was brought up never to lie I told him straight out I wanted to be Catholic, he then discussed it with my mum and was promptly thrown out of the house, with no clothes, money etc, just had what I stood in, went to see the Priest who was instructing me and he found me a Hostel run by nuns to stay in and I then went to look for work, as I had just finished Commercial College.

I knew I had to follow what I believed in - the Catholic Church, and no matter what age, what place in time IT WOULD NEVER BE THE RIGHT TIME, so I made it the present time (then) now a Catholic for 20 years, and not regretted any of it, the Lord gave me many consolations, never worry what friends think, you don’t have to answer to God for them nor they for you- friends will always do there own thing- its the parents, as you know Jewish parents are very close to there children but you have to decide when is going to be the right time and as we know “its never” be brave they might take it better than you think, go to RCIA to investigate the Catholic Church more and know where and how the teachings come about as there is a lot of wrong information on our teachings put out by some Protestants they have it all wrong, then some say well where is that in the Bible, you know I don’t see where it says that there should be a Collection of money done during the Service, in the Bible, either but its done . Have courage, pray to the Lord, and there is no reason why you still cannot go away on those special times with your folks, its just that you would have to get Mass on Sunday. Walk with the Lord, with courage in your heart.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

I had the same problem, but I was Jewish, did not know how to approach my parents who were staunch practicing Jews, so I took the cowards way out and mentioned that I was not happy in the Jewish Religion and left it like that for a few weeks, then I casually mentioned I was going looking at other Religions ( which I was not, having gone to Protestant School) I knew I wanted to be Roman Catholic, but it was my strategy of buying time so to speak, then a few weeks later , now at this stage it was three months since I started speaking my mind so to speak and my Dad had a talk with me told him that I respected my Jewish religion but no longer believed in it but I still wanted God in my life, and as I was brought up never to lie I told him straight out I wanted to be Catholic, he then discussed it with my mum and was promptly thrown out of the house, with no clothes, money etc, just had what I stood in, went to see the Priest who was instructing me and he found me a Hostel run by nuns to stay in and I then went to look for work, as I had just finished Commercial College.

I knew I had to follow what I believed in - the Catholic Church, and no matter what age, what place in time IT WOULD NEVER BE THE RIGHT TIME, so I made it the present time (then) now a Catholic for 20 years, and not regretted any of it, the Lord gave me many consolations, never worry what friends think, you don’t have to answer to God for them nor they for you- friends will always do there own thing- its the parents, as you know Jewish parents are very close to there children but you have to decide when is going to be the right time and as we know “its never” be brave they might take it better than you think, go to RCIA to investigate the Catholic Church more and know where and how the teachings come about as there is a lot of wrong information on our teachings put out by some Protestants they have it all wrong, then some say well where is that in the Bible, you know I don’t see where it says that there should be a Collection of money done during the Service, in the Bible, either but its done . Have courage, pray to the Lord, and there is no reason why you still cannot go away on those special times with your folks, its just that you would have to get Mass on Sunday. Walk with the Lord, with courage in your heart.

Sigh, I’m wiping away the tears.:bighanky: Are you back on good terms with your parents? I hope and pray that one day you will be reunited with your parents. You are a very strong person.

God Bless

 

[Incomplete]

You could do what your anglican friend did for you, prod and nudge and ask questions about their beliefs.

As another poster said, some people will surprise you. My husband went from a baptized Lutheran (WELS) who didn’t go to church when I met him to being received into the Church around 2000. Much more of a surprise, though, was his mother, who had actually said in the past that she was “born” Lutheran and would die Lutheran.

At age 85, she was received into the Church. It will be three years ago this November.

So, as someone else suggested, if you can, be light to your family.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

Sigh, I’m wiping away the tears.:bighanky: Are you back on good terms with your parents? I hope and pray that one day you will be reunited with your parents. You are a very strong person.

God Bless

After 10 years my parent talked to me , well my Dad first started talking to me kind of, as I sent him and my mum Birthday Cards, Anniversary Cards, and all got returned unopened back to me, makes me think of that Elvis song “Return to Sender” then eventually my mother started talking to me, but never EVER saw my home again, I stayed in a flat , and I was never ever invited home again as my parents were worried in case I would be a bad influence on my other two sisters. I might be strong, but the Lord gives you the courage when you believe in Him, " I can do all things in HIM who strengthens me" I could NOT go back to being Jewish, a great religion, but not for me, once the Lord opens your eyes, its hard to shut them against the truth. I think Converts to the Catholic Faith get special graces as you might notice Converts are Great Catholics, I think its partly because of these special graces the Lord gives us and the fight we had to go through to win this prize, anything you fight for is always more prized than when its given freely. If Catholics really understood there faith there hearts would be filled with joy every moment of the day for the gift they have received, what a shame they don’t read up on there religion as they would on make up, fashion/football etc.

Following the Church precepts makes one free in life and its so uplifting.

 

[quiet52]

…Anyway, that’s my novel of worries! Any suggestions for dealing with family, especially close family, during the conversion process would be wonderful. (I won’t even start on my worries about my many Lutheran and non-denominational friends!)

Iarael, thank you for sharing your beautiful story! I feel so joy-filled, just reading it. Not to minimize any anxiety you might be feeling, about breaking the news to your family. I know this isn’t an easy challenge. But you already “know” you’re doing what’s right – don’t let the obstacles take any of your peace and joy away during this time.

What a blessing your family is! To have raised you in faith, to love you so much, and wow, they must respect you very much to try to accommodate you in finding a Lutheran parish more acceptable to you!

The world isn’t going to stop when you tell your family you’re joining the Catholic Church. No matter how they respond, keep smiling, keep loving Jesus fervently, and continue to be a light of His love. Stay humble – several years ago a former Lutheran told me her family accused her of acting superior to them. And remain mindful and grateful about how blessed you are!

I’d like to encourage you to always be grateful for your Lutheran upbringing – Catholics rejoice that Lutherans are part of the Body of Christ, partially in communion with the Church Jesus founded. And we rejoice even more when a baptized Christian is received in full communion!

After breaking the news to your family, I suggest you thank them for teaching you how to love God, and for being so committed to the faith themselves. Remind them that you’re not rejecting everything you were taught – Lutherans and Catholics have much in common! Emphasize that you and they will always be brothers and sisters in Christ – and remember to be loving, because He is all about love.

Tell them that your inquiring mind had questions which needed answers, and you have found those answers in the Catholic Church. I think you should avoid being defensive if your family initially criticizes you, and not be overly eager to start talking about what Catholics believe and why. Answer when they ask, always with joy.

If you think it’s appropriate at some point, you might ask your parents if they would like you to send a link about Lutheran-to-Catholic conversion stories (or one which you might relate to)

• whyimcatholic.com/index.php/conversion-stories/protestant-converts/lutheran
• articulifidei.blogspot.com/2011/03/lutheran-landslide-recent-conversions.html

Enjoy the journey!

 

[benjohnson]

(Note: I’m a Lutheran)

Two things to consider:

As you get older, you may to start to consider that your family will be your spouse and your children - perhaps you will have to make a hard choice and you need to do what’s best for you and them. If that means raising your family as good Catholics, then make that decision. Raising your family in the ELCA would be a struggle in my opinion.

If you don’t become Catholic and remain a Lutheran, be the best Lutheran you can. Consider finding a confessional Lutheran church such as an LCMS or WELS. There are confessional ELCA churches out there, but they are hard to find and I pray for them. Do your research, and you may find a church that is authentic, valid and where the Gospel is preached and the Sacraments are administered.

I too had to escape the ELCA, so I know your pains.

 

[Incomplete]

If Catholics really understood there faith there hearts would be filled with joy every moment of the day for the gift they have received,

Nothing really to add to this…especially as it comes from someone who lost a lot to become Catholic.

Thank you for your contributions to this thread. They are good reminders for all of us.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

(Note: I’m a Lutheran)

Two things to consider:

As you get older, you may to start to consider that your family will be your spouse and your children - perhaps you will have to make a hard choice and you need to do what’s best for you and them. If that means raising your family as good Catholics, then make that decision. Raising your family in the ELCA would be a struggle in my opinion.

If you don’t become Catholic and remain a Lutheran, be the best Lutheran you can. Consider finding a confessional Lutheran church such as an LCMS or WELS. There are confessional ELCA churches out there, but they are hard to find and I pray for them. Do your research, and you may find a church that is authentic, valid and where the Gospel is preached and the Sacraments are administered.

I too had to escape the ELCA, so I know your pains.

Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression, Catholicism is pre denominational, We are the ORIGINAL.

 

[Ridgerunner]

As we went church hunting this summer (for a traditional Lutheran service, which seems to be very hard to come by these days!) my mother joked that if we were desperate enough maybe we’d be “Catholic by Christmas”. If only she knew that if I could, I would!

Anyway, that’s my novel of worries! Any suggestions for dealing with family, especially close family, during the conversion process would be wonderful. (I won’t even start on my worries about my many Lutheran and non-denominational friends!)

This might be useless, but it’s what I have.

Your family seems pretty German. My wife is of 100% Alsatian descent; the German-speaking ones. Despite having been in this country for a long, long time, they’re still pretty German in their thinking, their cooking and in their respect for things German. Of course, being Alsatian, they have been Catholic from Charlemagne onward and perhaps before.

I am aware that there are significant differences in Germans. A Swabian is not a Badener and vice-versa. But, up to Luther, “being German” meant one thing only, when it came to faith-Catholicism. That was as true in Prussia as it was in Alsace.

An American of German descent is truly “returning to his roots” in returning to the Catholic Church; his deepest roots.

I am one of those who believes that ancestral identities run deeper than we often think. If one looks at the Catholic churches in the U.S. that were built to serve German parishioners, one sees certain things they have in common. I believe those things reflect “imprints” those immigrants and their descendants had from long ago. And for Catholics, they are truly ancient in origin.

In Texas there are surely “German” Catholic churches; probably even some still-German parish populations, as I understand is the case in New Braunfels where (I understand) they still sing some hymns in German. I don’t know whether any of those places or people would have any kind of resonance with your parents, but in your “searching for churches”, one might locate a very German Catholic one and gravitate toward it. After all, for Lutherans wanting to escape something like ECLA into something more liturgically and theologically legitimate and historic, one might simply skip the “middle grounds” like LCMS and go deeper, to the real “roots”.

Anyway, it’s a thought.

 

[benjohnson]

Catholicism is Christianity at its fullest expression, Catholicism is pre denominational, We are the ORIGINAL.

Confessional Lutherans reject denominationalism, and we make a positive claim to be a valid continuation of the Western church.

That said, to be frank though, many ELCA churches are ‘reformed’ and not Lutheran in any sense of the word except by name.

It wouldn’t make me upset in the slightest if the original poster moved to the Catholic church to escape the ELCA - the key point is to quickly move away from the ELCA into anything vastly more orthodox: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican-Catholic, or Confessional Lutheran.

Especially, if the poster is going to start a family.

I’m glad to see that the poster is oriented toward the Cross and understands that the ELCA is oriented toward politics - wherever they go, it will at least be closer.

 

[PJM]

=larael;10883494]Hi all,
I’m a 20 year old college student who was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church (ELCA). I didn’t think much of it until I came to college (typical, right?) where an Anglo-Catholic friend of mine (also discerning conversion to the RCC) began nudging and prodding me with questions about my beliefs. Our first conversations didn’t go too well because I couldn’t seem to answer his questions sufficiently without his very good Catholic explanations blowing mine out of the water. Eventually, our conversations became less of him lecturing and us actually having a dialogue/FAQ back and forth. This went on for about a year or so.

Then, last Christmas break I expressed some frustration about the Lutheran church, and my friend suggested I start saying a Hail Mary every day. It was weird at first, but eventually the one Hail Mary turned into a full on Rosary. I began writing down my “big ticket” issues with Catholic doctrine (or what I perceived to be Catholic doctrine) and starting researching. My friend and I met after the break and for a few hours pored over the CCC and other resources to tackle at least a dozen questions I had about the Catholic faith. Afterward, my friend suggested we go to Eucharistic Adoration. I had heard him talk about it before, but had never been, so I didn’t see the harm in it.

This was a pivotal and odd experience for me (in the best sense). After an hour in the presence of Our Lord I came away with three changes in my thinking: that as long as I stayed in the Lutheran church I wouldn’t be living the truth, Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and there was no way I could say no to the RCC – to do so would be like saying no to God. It was a very emotional experience. I cried for about fifteen minutes afterward just for the love and mercy I knew God was offering me in the True Church, and because I was terrified of saying “yes” to Him and what that would mean.

The rest of the semester I continued going to Mass and Adoration; I kept praying the Rosary and learned the Divine Mercy Chaplet; I read about the Saints, listened to Catholic Answers, and kept researching; and I prayed, prayed, prayed to God, and for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. And now I’m back home since the semester ended, and I’m starving for the Church. I’ve been to Adoration at a local parish a few times, am still reading and researching, and praying,

So, by now you’re probably saying “what’s stopping you? Join the Church already!”. But, here’s where I’m hoping for some encouragement or the sharing of your own story – I don’t know what to do about my family. Both of my parents’ families have been staunchly Lutheran probably since the Reformation (we are 100% German). My mother especially regularly says things like, “you were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and I hope you’ll be married in it”, or “once a Lutheran, always a Lutheran.” Seriously, they don’t budge. It’s kind of a German thing too.

Anyway, our Lutheran home church is going through a lot of change right now – new pastor, new contemporary worship service, and of course, the ELCA changes theology just about every day. My parents are hesitant, but willing to try things out. They don’t understand when I put my foot down and say that I want to go to a traditional Lutheran service for the summer. (There’s no option for us to go to separate services – my mother very much believes that we should do things like eat dinner and go to church as a family.) So, you can see that I would be very hesitant to just come out and say that I want to join RCIA or even that I’ve been remotely interested in the Catholic faith. I’m afraid they would guilt me into “giving it up” by suggesting that I’ll be splitting our family (which I would be during the summer, Christmas, and Easter). We’re very close, and I would feel horrible doing so. I pray that the Spirit would guide them as I have been guided.

As we went church hunting this summer (for a traditional Lutheran service, which seems to be very hard to come by these days!) my mother joked that if we were desperate enough maybe we’d be “Catholic by Christmas”. If only she knew that if I could, I would!

Anyway, that’s my novel of worries! Any suggestions for dealing with family, especially close family, during the conversion process would be wonderful. (I won’t even start on my worries about my many Lutheran and non-denominational friends!)

My DEAR Friend in Christ;

I’m a Life long Catholic so I don’t have a conversion story to share. But I’m a teacher of our Catholic Faith with 20+ years of experience.

I would prayerfully ask you to consider these FACTS

We all [Christians] believe in One God right? RIGHT

So how can this “One God” who we can briefly define as “ALL GOOD THINGS PERFECTED” Right? RIGHT! Hold more than just One set of Faith beliefs?

Surely God, both Good and Perfectly Good cannot hold contrary views on the same LONG defined issues? Such is a theological and Moral impossibility

God has always in the OT and the NT had just One chosen people; who He commanded to HEAR and OBEY [fully] His One set of Faith beliefs.

The Jews in the OT and His Church [todays CC in the NT]

READ carefully and prayerfully these passages in the order given:

Mt. 10:1-8
Mt. 15:15-19 and notice the SINGULAR tense {you Peter" & and “'MY church”}
Mt. 18:18 where this authority is extended to ALL of the Apostles THROUGH Peter
Jn.14:16-17
Jn.20:19-23
Jn.17:14-20
And then Mark 16: 4-15 & Mt. 28:16-20 noting that Christ COMMANDS Only and exclusively HIS Apostles to Teach the entire world. “TEACH YE”

One God
One Faith is all God can and DOES abide
One Church today’s CC

ALL of this being biblically provable. Amen? AMEN!

Let me know if I can help you more?

Patrick PJM here on CAF

 

[Southern_org]

I don’t know where to begin here, but first of all, let me say to those who are putting down the ELCA: PLEASE STOP! No denomination is perfect, but I’ve been privileged to be organist in an ELCA congregation for over 25 years. I know what you (on the fence) mean about traditional services–I’d want to leave a church, too, if all they had was “praise band” or “bubble gum Jesus” kind of music, but you just have to search your soul and find what is right for you. Ironically, in the Roman Catholic diocese in which I reside (and, don’t hold this against me, I’m actually a life long Episcopalian!), it’s hard to find a balance of traditional and contemporary, but I’ve taken into the ELCA congregation a combination of styles of ORGAN music, and simply worked around the rare times they’ve interjected lip synching to pre recorded junk, or an occasional guitarist who wants to share, never mind he can hardly carry a vocal tune, etc.
Now, about your family. I urge you to respect them, and I hope it’s vice versa. If you convert, the Romans are going to think it’s for life. The dean of my diocesan Episcopal cathedral is a former Roman Catholic, but he couldn’t have gotten married if he’d become a Catholic priest! 1 of my neighbors is a suspended Catholic priest because he wanted to get married. It was the churches loss! I don’t understand why liacization isn’t allowed any more–if people want to get married, they’ll get married, and the Roman Catholic church accepts former Episcopal priests who are married with children, for heaven’s sake (no pun intended).
So, follow your heart, and the may the power of the Holy Spirit lead you!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you convert, the Romans are going to think it’s for life.

This part is exactly correct, though we don’t call ourselves “Romans”, but “Catholics”.

I think for most Catholics, our knowledge of ECLA is derived from the occasional news story and what other Lutherans say about it.

 

[po18guy]

I don’t know where to begin here, but first of all, let me say to those who are putting down the ELCA: PLEASE STOP! No denomination is perfect, but I’ve been privileged to be organist in an ELCA congregation for over 25 years. I know what you (on the fence) mean about traditional services–I’d want to leave a church, too, if all they had was “praise band” or “bubble gum Jesus” kind of music, but you just have to search your soul and find what is right for you. Ironically, in the Roman Catholic diocese in which I reside (and, don’t hold this against me, I’m actually a life long Episcopalian!), it’s hard to find a balance of traditional and contemporary, but I’ve taken into the ELCA congregation a combination of styles of ORGAN music, and simply worked around the rare times they’ve interjected lip synching to pre recorded junk, or an occasional guitarist who wants to share, never mind he can hardly carry a vocal tune, etc.
Now, about your family. I urge you to respect them, and I hope it’s vice versa. If you convert, the Romans are going to think it’s for life. The dean of my diocesan Episcopal cathedral is a former Roman Catholic, but he couldn’t have gotten married if he’d become a Catholic priest! 1 of my neighbors is a suspended Catholic priest because he wanted to get married. It was the churches loss! I don’t understand why liacization isn’t allowed any more–if people want to get married, they’ll get married, and the Roman Catholic church accepts former Episcopal priests who are married with children, for heaven’s sake (no pun intended).
So, follow your heart, and the may the power of the Holy Spirit lead you!

So, ELCA is off limits but ample criticism of the Catholic Church is not?

Are you suggesting that the OP should violate his conscience and remain in a faith tradition that he no longer believes holds the fulness of truth - for the sake of family unity?

 

[larael]

Thank you all so, so much for your responses! It’s been wonderfully uplifting!

I would encourage all of my fellow Lutherans on this thread to take their conversations about the ELCA, confessional Lutheranism, etc. elsewhere. The ELCA, while retaining elements of the truth and whose intentions are good (although misguided), is not where I belong anymore. God is calling me to the Church His Son founded, and that’s that.

To all of you who shared your stories, thank you! Many of you noted my distinct German heritage, and the strength of love in my family. It put things into a much better perspective for me - the idea that I’m truly going back to my roots is astounding! I can’t imagine my family would be anything more than disappointed, and all of your suggestions for dealing with the situation with love was tremendously helpful.

Please, keep sharing your stories! God bless!

 

[PJM]

=Southern org;10886241]I don’t know where to begin here, but first of all, let me say to those who are putting down the ELCA: PLEASE STOP! No denomination is perfect, but I’ve been privileged to be organist in an ELCA congregation for over 25 years. I know what you (on the fence) mean about traditional services–I’d want to leave a church, too, if all they had was “praise band” or “bubble gum Jesus” kind of music, but you just have to search your soul and find what is right for you. Ironically, in the Roman Catholic diocese in which I reside (and, don’t hold this against me, I’m actually a life long Episcopalian!), it’s hard to find a balance of traditional and contemporary, but I’ve taken into the ELCA congregation a combination of styles of ORGAN music, and simply worked around the rare times they’ve interjected lip synching to pre recorded junk, or an occasional guitarist who wants to share, never mind he can hardly carry a vocal tune, etc.
Now, about your family. I urge you to respect them, and I hope it’s vice versa. If you convert, the Romans are going to think it’s for life. The dean of my diocesan Episcopal cathedral is a former Roman Catholic, but he couldn’t have gotten married if he’d become a Catholic priest! 1 of my neighbors is a suspended Catholic priest because he wanted to get married. It was the churches loss! I don’t understand why liacization isn’t allowed any more–if people want to get married, they’ll get married, and the Roman Catholic church accepts former Episcopal priests who are married with children, for heaven’s sake (no pun intended).
So, follow your heart, and the may the power of the Holy Spirit lead you!

THANK YOUR for your post and sharing your views.

In the end, as in the beginning there was and IS ONLY

One God

Who can and DOES hold only His One set of Faith beliefs

and Founded and protects ONLY His One Catholic church [23 brances]

And yes, my friend this is easily proven in the Bible. Even your modfied King james version.

God Bless and PLASE stick around for awhile. ASK questions. we love them

patrick /PJM here on CAF

 

[berryright]

Thank you all so, so much for your responses! It’s been wonderfully uplifting!

I would encourage all of my fellow Lutherans on this thread to take their conversations about the ELCA, confessional Lutheranism, etc. elsewhere. The ELCA, while retaining elements of the truth and whose intentions are good (although misguided), is not where I belong anymore. God is calling me to the Church His Son founded, and that’s that.

To all of you who shared your stories, thank you! Many of you noted my distinct German heritage, and the strength of love in my family. It put things into a much better perspective for me - the idea that I’m truly going back to my roots is astounding! I can’t imagine my family would be anything more than disappointed, and all of your suggestions for dealing with the situation with love was tremendously helpful.

Please, keep sharing your stories! God bless!

hello-- keep in mind the major difference between the lutheran and catholic is the
sola scriptura debate-- this is a time to understand - why there is a difference–and why it has been going on for 500 years–

where the mass ceremony is similar – and luthern and catholic worship the same God-- and believe that Jesus was the Israel messiah-- and there are other differences that you will discover – in scripture debates-

youtu.be/j45czYrPJfI