Maybe converting to a Catholic

[lilCook009]

Currently I lack a religion. And for many years I have not believed in God. But over the last few months I have felt a pull towards the Catholic church. Currently I still have my doubts, I don’t believe all of the church doctrine. I disagree with the church on really big issues, like abortion (Not that I would have one, but I still think it some might want one). I feel lost and a little scared. I don’t quiet know what to do.

 

[Chronister4673]

I think this is the season when most Inquirers are encouraged to come to the Church with their questions. Call your local parish and ask if they’re setting up a class for Inquiry anytime soon. In the fall they will form up RCIA classes for people interested in learning more and possibly converting. Just because you start a RCIA course doesn’t mean you have to convert. You can leave at any time if you find something you don’t agree with. Hope this helps.

 

[PerryJ]

Currently I lack a religion. And for many years I have not believed in God. But over the last few months I have felt a pull towards the Catholic church. Currently I still have my doubts, I don’t believe all of the church doctrine. I disagree with the church on really big issues, like abortion (Not that I would have one, but I still think it some might want one). I feel lost and a little scared. I don’t quiet know what to do.

That is wonderful news! That pull is Christ tugging at your heart because he loves you. Remember he created you from the beginning of time. You are his special creation and he will not abandon you.

Do not worry about not agreeing with the Church on major issues right away. Christ will grow within you spiritually.

Remember much of what you hear in the secular media is untrue. Let the Church teach you what she means and why. The “why” in the media is often unintentionally twisted because they do not understand it.

God bless you and do not be afraid! I converted myself and found the Catholic Faith to be full of very loving and generous people that are focused on Christ.

 

[dzheremi]

I too converted recently after several years without any religion to speak of. RCIA is well worth your time to learn what it is that Catholics believe and have your questions answered before you make any decision, and it is required if you wish to convert. As another poster commented, you also don’t have to convert once you’ve enrolled. You are free to leave at any time. So you really can’t go wrong by investing your time in it!

I have heard of bad RCIA classes from other people, but my experience was very enlightening and fulfilling. I hope you find a similar experience, should you choose to attend.

May God guide you in your journey.

 

[Sublime_Prince]

Currently I lack a religion. And for many years I have not believed in God. But over the last few months I have felt a pull towards the Catholic church. Currently I still have my doubts, I don’t believe all of the church doctrine. I disagree with the church on really big issues, like abortion (Not that I would have one, but I still think it some might want one). I feel lost and a little scared. I don’t quiet know what to do.

Well coming on here is your first step. I know a lot of Catholics that don’t believe in all the church’s doctrine, my mom for one. I would research many denominations and make sure you become educated about what the Catholic Church believes.Look at the community your joining too. Sometimes joining a church that has many strong church activities is just as important. How active a Catholic church is in the community can vary a great deal. So you might be more happy joining a Catholic Church that is not in your hometown.

 

[Rolltide]

I disagree with the church on really big issues, like abortion (Not that I would have one, but I still think it some might want one). I feel lost and a little scared. I don’t quiet know what to do.

With regard to this issue, the explanation is actually pretty easy.

1. Can you tell me, precisely, at what moment a human soul enters the body? (You shouldn’t be able to give me an answer, since nobody knows with any certainty.)
2. In that case, since it is impossible to know, the Catholic Church must defend the most conservative position possible in order to protect life and guarantee that NO ONE is accidentally murdered. The most conservative position is that the soul enters the body and that a person is fully human from the moment of conception. Life is that important to the Catholic Church.

 

[chris_molter]

I’d strongly advise you to flip through the Catechism online (it’s free, which is always nice!). It will help you understand why the Church teaches what it does on certain things. Obviously, for things you’re having real difficulty with, there are oodles of articles here at CA and elsewhere that can offer you a more thorough insight into the Church’s teachings.

Talking to a local Priest and possibly attending RCIA, even just to observe, isn’t a bad idea either if you’re comfortable with it.

Remember, the Church has been around for almost 2000 years. It invented the University. It’s given rise to some of the greatest thinkers in western history. It doesn’t make arbitrary decisions

 

[JRKH]

Currently I lack a religion. And for many years I have not believed in God. But over the last few months I have felt a pull towards the Catholic church. Currently I still have my doubts, I don’t believe all of the church doctrine. I disagree with the church on really big issues, like abortion (Not that I would have one, but I still think it some might want one). I feel lost and a little scared. I don’t quiet know what to do.

For some of your questions you could post in the ask an apologist section. (first board on the list.) Make sure to tell them you are thinking about becoming catholic. They may simply answer your question by directing you to another thread or whatever, but it will assure that you get good answers to your questions and not just “opinions” from those of us on the board.

May God Guide You Home.

Peace
James

 

[wisdomseeker]

this is a great website to start.

zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m3/4mrkc.html

this will answer many of your doubts.

God bless.

 

[Harmony1988]

If it’s of any help, many people disagree with the church on many issues, even the apostles as indicated in the Bible quarrelled amongst themselves.

Cardinals and bishops and priests too have varying opinions. So do not be upset that you “may” have a view that not everyone holds. Pray about it, reflect on what you have learnt over the months/years and by all means ask questions.

 

[cathopologist]

Here are some unorthodox ways to do it: Study all Protestant books. Find out why each and every church claims to be an “apostolic church”. How do their churches nit and pick verses - - all offering their different interpretation of Scripture. Look into morality issues, if they have hierarchy at all, and if so, how do they base it upon?

Just don’t go “shopping” into “Mainstream Protestant Churches” visit other places of worship as well Get an insight into what the world’s religious can offer that best suits your needs. If all else fails, light a ciggy on a cloudless night and stare at the stares.

Get up the next morning, and ask God to intervene. If He doesn’t, no worries. Sit down and relax. Watch Christian or History programs on your tele. This will take time but hopefully His magic will guide you. It did to me!

 

[Deconi]

The only thing I’d add is that when you ask God anything, He ALWAYS ANSWERS !!

The problem with Him is He hardly ever answers in the way WE EXPECT!

Yeah, I know! He’s like that!

 

[churchcamefirst]

Here are some unorthodox ways to do it: Study all Protestant books. Find out why each and every church claims to be an “apostolic church”. How do their churches nit and pick verses - - all offering their different interpretation of Scripture. Look into morality issues, if they have hierarchy at all, and if so, how do they base it upon?

Just don’t go “shopping” into “Mainstream Protestant Churches” visit other places of worship as well Get an insight into what the world’s religious can offer that best suits your needs. If all else fails, light a ciggy on a cloudless night and stare at the stares.

Get up the next morning, and ask God to intervene. If He doesn’t, no worries. Sit down and relax. Watch Christian or History programs on your tele. This will take time but hopefully His magic will guide you. It did to me!

Hi. I would be quite cautious on what you watch on any history channel. Especially when all the scholars are so-called experts in the Catholic religion, and they aren’t even Catholic…

 

[Genesis315]

As has been mentioned, check out RCIA and do some serious discerning. One thing we believe in is that faith must be freely chosen–so you may be gently persuaded, but you won’t be coerced or pressured.

In regards to agreeing or disagreeing, that’s not really the best approach. We shouldn’t start clinging to what we already believe, and then find a group that says God’s way for us matches what we already think. Rather, we should seek first to find what way and truth God has revealed and who has handed it down and professes it. Then, we should acknowledge that the omniscient God knows what is best for us better than we do and follow His way–that is what faith is–whereas Adam and Eve chose their way over God’s leading to our fall, we return to God by choosing His way over our own

Investigate the origins of your own convictions and the origins of the doctrine handed on by the Catholic Church through the centuries. See which ones (if any) are more likely to come from God and choose that way

 

[cathopologist]

Hi. I would be quite cautious on what you watch on any history channel. Especially when all the scholars are so-called experts in the Catholic religion, and they aren’t even Catholic…

I am a Catholic. It wasn’t the History channel that convinced me to become Catholic, but God. I was suggesting he watch history channel programs such as “Building An Empire” - The Byzantines, etc. Although such channels are hugely bias against the Church, it does help with investigative thinking. If he is really serious about choosing the right religion, i’m sure he will do more than just watch history programs.

 

[cathopologist]

Sorry, the title of the program is “Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines.”

 

[churchcamefirst]

Sorry, the title of the program is “Engineering An Empire - The Byzantines.”

I saw that and it was great. Just that many “scholars” are supposed learners of Catholicism and they aren’t even Catholic…go figure. I once saw a book titled “The Gospels according to Disney”. Written by Jewish people who don’t even know about the New Testament, let alone believe in Jesus Christ.

 

[cathopologist]

I saw that and it was great. Just that many “scholars” are supposed learners of Catholicism and they aren’t even Catholic…go figure.

This reminds me of the time when the hoopla over the Duh Vinci Code and Mary Magdalene was aired on Discovery Channel. They interviewed this supposed Catholic priest who claimed that the Church has a “unhealthy view on sex”. Little did non-Catholics know that he was a dissent of the Church and openly admitted it. Talk about being sneaky.

I once saw a book titled “The Gospels according to Disney”. Written by Jewish people who don’t even know about the New Testament, let alone believe in Jesus Christ.

I grew up watching alot of Disney programs and was extremely disappointed when Disney backed the scandalous Vanessa Anne Hudgens when concerned parents were questioning her ability of being a good role model for children.