Protestant?

[whatsmyname]

Like you, I’m a protestant recently feeling called to Catholicism. And I do not want to tell my family about this. I come from a family of very devout Christian protestants. We are not particularly anti-Catholic, believing that Catholicism is a Christian religion, but I don’t think that any of us has ever met a Catholic who gives any indication of being a Christian in their lifestyle or behavior. I am very distressed over hurting my family this way even though I feel the Holy Spirit compelled me to visit the local Catholic church out of absolutely nowhere.

I’m fortunate to live far from my parents and siblings so I have been able to attend mass and the inquiry class at the Catholic church and do research without them knowing about it. I did mention to my sister that I went to a Catholic mass once out of curiosity. She was fine with it. I mentioned it to my mother and there was a long silence on the phone before I heard her voice say, “Why would you ever do that?” She sounded stunned and not in a good way.

I did try to have a discussion with my sister regarding Matthew 16:16-19 (…upon this rock I will build my church…). She claims all protestants believe “the rock” the church is built on is verse 16, Peter’s admission that Jesus is the Christ, i.e. the church is built on Christ and absolutely not on Peter. In 45 years of church, Bible study, Christian school, college and camp, I’d never heard that interpretation of the passage and my knowledge of the English language makes me reject that interpretation. The whole discussion made her quite upset that I have “Catholic” beliefs and she immediately called my mother to tell her I’m turning into a Catholic even though I tried to have the conversation just about the scripture, not about Catholicism. They’re both more upset and confused than they are angry. And they don’t know why I’m doing this.

I would suggest you do visit a Catholic church even if there isn’t one nearby. Do lots of reading and praying about what Catholics believe and what you believe. And gently introduce some topics of conversation to your parents about what scripture says, not even mentioning Catholicism. Or have a generic Catholic conversation with your parents discussing the difference in Catholic and Protestant beliefs and looking at scripture to find evidence for both views, not mentioning you are thinking of converting. You can at least feel them out on the subject that way.

 

[dlately]

This thread has been riveting.

Twenty years ago, I converted from evangelical Protestantism to the Catholic Church. My very devout and loving family felt hurt and rejected.

Through a combination of letters (most notably to my father) and various small displays of Christian love, they have come to understand that 1) some Catholics just might be genuine Christians after all and 2) that I still love them and have not rejected them in any way.

My advice? Follow Christ, forgetting all else. Follow hard after Him. All things will work together for good.

 

[PJM]

=Prairieskies;11952292]This is the first time I have posted here. I should state from the beginning I am not Catholic, but of the Protestant faith. I hope I am not upsetting anyone on this site by asking for your advise. My background, - I was a teenage when I heard the gospel for the first time and after a year or so, I as well as the rest of my immediate family accepted Jesus Christ as our savior. After going through several months of baptismal classes, I was soon baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I finished my high school education at a Christian school and became very active in the church. As the years have gone by, I have taught Sunday school, VBS, (vacation bible school), AWANA, nursery and been a Greeter and a worker in the kitchen. Yet, I am now having a deep longing to become …catholic. It has been going on for at least 5 years now. As the years go by the need has grown stronger and stronger till I actually bought a NAB, (tablet version). I know it sounds odd, but it feels like the Holy Spirit is pursuing me. I can’t imagine why since I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

Anyway, I came across this website while trying to get more information on just what was a catholic. The information has been interesting, informative and confusing. I would like to spend time attending mass and taking classes on the catholic faith, but I don't see that happening. I live in a small, (less then 4000) rural community where everyone knows everyone. If it got out that I was showing an interest in the catholic church it will cause an enormous amount of grief and pain for my family, friends and church. I don't want to do that! I could go to the city, (about 45 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic) but what reason could I possible give to be attending church in the city! I need to find out if the Lord is leading me in the direction of the Catholic faith. I must be sure of this before anyone I know finds out that I am even thinking about the catholic church.

My whole life I have never been interested in learning about the Catholic Church. We are warned to stay away from them since; they "Worship Mary and the Saints". Also, Catholics try to earn their salvation instead of accepting it as a gift from God. At 53 years old I should just be able to put this all behind me and continue forward but I can't.

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

Allow me friend to welcome you to CAF!

Protestant Myths about what we Catholics ACTUALLY believe and practice abound. Mary Worship being one of the more common ones.

Not only do we NOT “WORSHIP” Mary, but it not even mandated that we pray to [actually THROUGH] is a more accurate term…All prayer ends with God. We Honor, Reverence, Respect GREATLY; BUT “WORSHIP” is for God alone.

Consider this PRAYERFULLY:

There is BUT One True God

That one True God can logically and Morally have ONLY one true Faith [true in both the OT & NT]. and just as Yehweh choose only One Chosen People, so too Christ following HIS OWN traditions, choose and did found ONLY One True Church, which dates back to the Apostles.

Nowhere in the bible is there even ONE example that denies this truth; this reality.

The RCC is some 2,000 years old; Luther began his revolution in the 16th Century; SURELY God could not have waited that long or longer [for other protestant faiths; 1,100 years for Anglican’s] to make evident HIS Truth.

John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd”

Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

1st. Tim. 4:14-16 “Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood. Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shall both save thyself and them that hear thee.”

Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body WHICH MEANS ONE CHURCH] and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, **[Meaning only One set of beliefs] **one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift."

PRAY MUCH, slavtion HAS to be according to God’s dictates, not man’s innovations. AMEN:thumbsup:

God Bless you and your family.

Patrick

 

[Prairieskies]

Like you, I’m a protestant recently feeling called to Catholicism. And I do not want to tell my family about this. I come from a family of very devout Christian protestants. We are not particularly anti-Catholic, believing that Catholicism is a Christian religion, but I don’t think that any of us has ever met a Catholic who gives any indication of being a Christian in their lifestyle or behavior. I am very distressed over hurting my family this way even though I feel the Holy Spirit compelled me to visit the local Catholic church out of absolutely nowhere.

I’m fortunate to live far from my parents and siblings so I have been able to attend mass and the inquiry class at the Catholic church and do research without them knowing about it. I did mention to my sister that I went to a Catholic mass once out of curiosity. She was fine with it. I mentioned it to my mother and there was a long silence on the phone before I heard her voice say, “Why would you ever do that?” She sounded stunned and not in a good way.

I did try to have a discussion with my sister regarding Matthew 16:16-19 (…upon this rock I will build my church…). She claims all protestants believe “the rock” the church is built on is verse 16, Peter’s admission that Jesus is the Christ, i.e. the church is built on Christ and absolutely not on Peter. In 45 years of church, Bible study, Christian school, college and camp, I’d never heard that interpretation of the passage and my knowledge of the English language makes me reject that interpretation. The whole discussion made her quite upset that I have “Catholic” beliefs and she immediately called my mother to tell her I’m turning into a Catholic even though I tried to have the conversation just about the scripture, not about Catholicism. They’re both more upset and confused than they are angry. And they don’t know why I’m doing this.

I would suggest you do visit a Catholic church even if there isn’t one nearby. Do lots of reading and praying about what Catholics believe and what you believe. And gently introduce some topics of conversation to your parents about what scripture says, not even mentioning Catholicism. Or have a generic Catholic conversation with your parents discussing the difference in Catholic and Protestant beliefs and looking at scripture to find evidence for both views, not mentioning you are thinking of converting. You can at least feel them out on the subject that way.

 

[Prairieskies]

Like you, I’m a protestant recently feeling called to Catholicism. And I do not want to tell my family about this. I come from a family of very devout Christian protestants. We are not particularly anti-Catholic, believing that Catholicism is a Christian religion, but I don’t think that any of us has ever met a Catholic who gives any indication of being a Christian in their lifestyle or behavior. I am very distressed over hurting my family this way even though I feel the Holy Spirit compelled me to visit the local Catholic church out of absolutely nowhere.

I’m fortunate to live far from my parents and siblings so I have been able to attend mass and the inquiry class at the Catholic church and do research without them knowing about it. I did mention to my sister that I went to a Catholic mass once out of curiosity. She was fine with it. I mentioned it to my mother and there was a long silence on the phone before I heard her voice say, “Why would you ever do that?” She sounded stunned and not in a good way.

I did try to have a discussion with my sister regarding Matthew 16:16-19 (…upon this rock I will build my church…). She claims all protestants believe “the rock” the church is built on is verse 16, Peter’s admission that Jesus is the Christ, i.e. the church is built on Christ and absolutely not on Peter. In 45 years of church, Bible study, Christian school, college and camp, I’d never heard that interpretation of the passage and my knowledge of the English language makes me reject that interpretation. The whole discussion made her quite upset that I have “Catholic” beliefs and she immediately called my mother to tell her I’m turning into a Catholic even though I tried to have the conversation just about the scripture, not about Catholicism. They’re both more upset and confused than they are angry. And they don’t know why I’m doing this.

I would suggest you do visit a Catholic church even if there isn’t one nearby. Do lots of reading and praying about what Catholics believe and what you believe. And gently introduce some topics of conversation to your parents about what scripture says, not even mentioning Catholicism. Or have a generic Catholic conversation with your parents discussing the difference in Catholic and Protestant beliefs and looking at scripture to find evidence for both views, not mentioning you are thinking of converting. You can at least feel them out on the subject that way.

whatsmyname, - you have indeed been going through a great deal of grief. I will be praying for you and your family as you try to balance family and God. That sounds awful. It sounds like we are choosing one over the other when in fact we are choosing both, (God is indeed first but our family is a close second).

Thank you for your advise! I will be praying for you!

 

[Prairieskies]

My advice? Follow Christ, forgetting all else. Follow hard after Him. All things will work together for good.

I am beginning to think you have the right approach to this. The longer I wait the harder it gets!

 

[Prairieskies]

Thank you PJM, you have given me much to think and pray on!

 

[FAB]

Let me ask hypothetical question - If someone wanted to become catholic, could it ever be done quietly?

I just don’t know, perhaps this is something to consider when my parents have passed on. They both live with me so it would be extremely difficult to do anything about this now. I just feel so torn and don’t know what to do.

Thank you for listening!

Just being able to talk about it has helped.

A few years ago I had a teenage girl who came into full communion with the Catholic church. She did so on her own attending classes and mass over a two year period. I not certain she kept it from her parents, I don’t think they had any particular religious leaning and may not have objected. The only challenge was with her grandmother that she didn’t tell until the come into the church.
If after discerning, you with the come into the church I would encourage you to do so. Your are not the first to have to turn away from family to be a follower of Christ in His Church. Jesus himself told us that these things would happen.
Peace and prayers
Dcn.Frank

 

[PJM]

=Prairieskies;12031440]Like you, I’m a protestant recently feeling called to Catholicism. And I do not want to tell my family about this. I come from a family of very devout Christian protestants. We are not particularly anti-Catholic, believing that Catholicism is a Christian religion, but I don’t think that any of us has ever met a Catholic who gives any indication of being a Christian in their lifestyle or behavior. I am very distressed over hurting my family this way even though I feel the Holy Spirit compelled me to visit the local Catholic church out of absolutely nowhere.

I did try to have a discussion with my sister regarding Matthew 16:16-19 (…upon this rock I will build my church…). She claims all protestants believe “the rock” the church is built on is verse 16, Peter’s admission that Jesus is the Christ, i.e. the church is built on Christ and absolutely not on Peter. In 45 years of church, Bible study, Christian school, college and camp, I’d never heard that interpretation of the passage and my knowledge of the English language makes me reject that interpretation. The whole discussion made her quite upset that I have “Catholic” beliefs and she immediately called my mother to tell her I’m turning into a Catholic even though I tried to have the conversation just about the scripture, not about Catholicism. They’re both more upset and confused than they are angry. And they don’t know why I’m doing this

.

Lets taker one issue at a time

John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd”

Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,** built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,** in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body [WHICH MEANS ONE CHURCH[/COLOR]] and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, [Meaning only One set of beliefs] one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift".

John 17:18-24 "As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. "I do not pray for these only**, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us,** so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.** The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them,** that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, "

The read Mt. 10: 1-8, John 17: 13-22, Mt. 28: 16-20 paying close attention the “singular tense” Christ chooses to use.

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!
Parick,

 

[ProVobis]

Protestant Myths about what we Catholics ACTUALLY believe and practice abound. Mary Worship being one of the more common ones.

Not only do we NOT “WORSHIP” Mary, but it not even mandated that we pray to [actually THROUGH] is a more accurate term…All prayer ends with God. We Honor, Reverence, Respect GREATLY; BUT “WORSHIP” is for God alone.

This of course is an Anglophone matter. Poles and others don’t have a problem. “Colere” is the word the Vatican uses. Some translator decided “to worship” is the best English translation. So we end up “worshipping” Mary. Protestants can easily point to the Vatican translation as “proof.”

 

[PJM]

=Prairieskies;12031450]Thank you PJM, you have given me much to think and pray on!

Your VERY welcome

If I can be of further assistance don’t hesitate to ask,

God Bless you,
Patrick

 

[PJM]

=ProVobis;12033656]This of course is an Anglophone matter. Poles and others don’t have a problem. “Colere” is the word the Vatican uses. Some translator decided “to worship” is the best English translation. So we end up “worshipping” Mary. Protestants can easily point to the Vatican translation as “proof.”

Excuse my ignorance, but isn’t it only evidence, not proof unless its true:shrug:

God Bless you,
Patrick

 

[ProVobis]

Excuse my ignorance, but isn’t it only evidence, not proof unless its true:shrug:

God Bless you,
Patrick

You’re right. It’s not proof, nor evidence for that matter, because translations are just translations. But I have yet to hear Catholics being attacked because they colunt Mariam.

 

[Truth_Faith13]

If you haven’t already, definitely read “born fundamentalist,born again catholic”…I’ve started reading it today and it is VERY helpful! Goodluck on your journey

 

[Prairieskies]

Hi Truth_Faith13, I haven’t heard about “born fundamentalist,born again catholic”. I will definitely put that on my list to read. Thank you

 

[Prairieskies]

Hi FAB, that you for your prayers!

 

[PJM]

=Prairieskies;12036742]Hi Truth_Faith13, I haven’t heard about “born fundamentalist,born again catholic”. I will definitely put that on my list to read. Thank you

Here’s another “must read” IMO

Written by the creator of CAF; Karl Keeting

“Catholicism and Fundalmentalism”: I got mine by Googling the title. It’s fair, factual and an easy read, AND it’s at discounted prices now.

God Bless you,
Patrick

 

[Prairieskies]

Life is interesting. For over 5 years I have been struggling with my desire to know more about the Catholic faith. Each year as been stronger then the next. Usually I could get it under control but it was always there. Frankly I was wondering if I was beginning to losing my mind. In January the instance that I learn about the Catholic faith became almost unbearable. Soon after I bought my NAB and have been reading it more then my New King James. This lead me to surf the Internet to see if there was any Catholic Churches that were on the Internet. I didn’t find a church at that time that had a service on the net but one site had a great website that gave links to different Catholic organization. One of those links was “Catholic Answers” were I was able to learn without feeling trapped.

I agonized for several weeks if I should post my question and after a lot of pray finally decided it was safe to do so. I am so glad I did. The advise, support and prayers has been a God send to me. I truly feel the Lord has lead me to this site since I was too afraid to learn any other way. Once I stopped suppressing the Holy Spirit, (I didn’t realize at the time that was what I was doing. Beside, as one poster commented before, the Holy Spirit can be mighty persuasive) I could no longer hold back my need to learn and become involved with the Catholic Church. So what is this leading up to? Yesterday afternoon I decided I couldn’t keep this a secret any long. I need to talk to my father about this before my sister told him. His body is frail, (93) but his mind is sharp as a tack. It was just he and I at the cemetery, (my brother died 10 years ago from cancer) and he calmly listened to me! Praise God! He sat there for 5 minutes or more before he said anything. Then he said the most unexpected thing, … he said, " I’m not surprised. I understand that the catholic church is full of meaningful rituals and is very visual. You will like that". I was shocked. Meaningful rituals? Very visual?( I hoped he wasn’t implying I was a superficial Christian) The Lord is truly awesome! He answered my prayer that Dad would listen to me and not get upset and he did. Praise the Lord! :extrahappy:

He said if the Holy Spirit is leading me in this direction then I must follow where He leads. He went on to say that he wants to read everything that I read and when I start, (not if, but when) the Catholic classes he wants to attend to make sure they really are true Christians. My 93 year old dad wants to attend RCIA classes with me this fall to make sure its on the up and up! I could have just fainted! Not only was he OK with me, (quietly, he made a big point of this) finding out about the Catholic church, he wants to attend with me! These are the conditions he would like me to follow if I am to have his blessing:
Don’t let anyone at work know you are thinking of becoming Catholic or you will lose your job. I told him I won’t mention unless someone brought it up.
Be discrete don’t bring any unnecessary attention to yourself by going to Mass. I told him I would start classes first and then take it from there.
Never tell your mother, - she will never be able to handle this. I don’t plan to since I know he is right, but how will I keep her from finding out if I ever attend Mass.
If you tell your sisters be prepare to lose them. I told him I had already told the one sister who lives back East and she promised to read a book called the Protestant Dilemma. Dad asked if I had heard from her since then and of course I haven’t. So perhaps, it will be a long road before she and I can establish our relationship again. I just don’t know. :nope:

So dear friends, here are some questions for you:
Is it acceptable to attend RCIA classes in the town closest to me but attend Mass in the City, (about 45 minutes to an hour away)?
I was baptised 40 years ago, but the Brethren church I attended back East didn’t give out baptismal papers. Baptism was considered symbolic and not vital to salvation. Does this mean I need to be baptised again? If so, could I do to do this in the City to keep this quiet?
When I become Catholic, - I would still need to bring my parents to their church, Bible studies and small groups. Would it be permissible for me to attend with them or do I need to stay in the parking lot? If I don’t attend with them it will look strange. I figured I could attend the Saturday Mass that is at 6:00pm in the City and then attend church with the folks on Sunday from 9:00 till 12:noon.

Praising God and wondering about the future

 

[pablope]

Life is interesting. For over 5 years I have been struggling with my desire to know more about the Catholic faith.

He said if the Holy Spirit is leading me in this direction then I must follow where He leads. He went on to say that he wants to read everything that I read and when I start, (not if, but when) the Catholic classes he wants to attend to make sure they really are true Christians

 

[jesuspsr]

Life is interesting. For over 5 years I have been struggling with my desire to know more about the Catholic faith. Each year as been stronger then the next. Usually I could get it under control but it was always there. Frankly I was wondering if I was beginning to losing my mind. In January the instance that I learn about the Catholic faith became almost unbearable. Soon after I bought my NAB and have been reading it more then my New King James. This lead me to surf the Internet to see if there was any Catholic Churches that were on the Internet. I didn’t find a church at that time that had a service on the net but one site had a great website that gave links to different Catholic organization. One of those links was “Catholic Answers” were I was able to learn without feeling trapped.

I agonized for several weeks if I should post my question and after a lot of pray finally decided it was safe to do so. I am so glad I did. The advise, support and prayers has been a God send to me. I truly feel the Lord has lead me to this site since I was too afraid to learn any other way. Once I stopped suppressing the Holy Spirit, (I didn’t realize at the time that was what I was doing. Beside, as one poster commented before, the Holy Spirit can be mighty persuasive) I could no longer hold back my need to learn and become involved with the Catholic Church. So what is this leading up to? Yesterday afternoon I decided I couldn’t keep this a secret any long. I need to talk to my father about this before my sister told him. His body is frail, (93) but his mind is sharp as a tack. It was just he and I at the cemetery, (my brother died 10 years ago from cancer) and he calmly listened to me! Praise God! He sat there for 5 minutes or more before he said anything. Then he said the most unexpected thing, … he said, " I’m not surprised. I understand that the catholic church is full of meaningful rituals and is very visual. You will like that". I was shocked. Meaningful rituals? Very visual?( I hoped he wasn’t implying I was a superficial Christian) The Lord is truly awesome! He answered my prayer that Dad would listen to me and not get upset and he did. Praise the Lord! :extrahappy:

He said if the Holy Spirit is leading me in this direction then I must follow where He leads. He went on to say that he wants to read everything that I read and when I start, (not if, but when) the Catholic classes he wants to attend to make sure they really are true Christians. My 93 year old dad wants to attend RCIA classes with me this fall to make sure its on the up and up! I could have just fainted! Not only was he OK with me, (quietly, he made a big point of this) finding out about the Catholic church, he wants to attend with me! These are the conditions he would like me to follow if I am to have his blessing:
Don’t let anyone at work know you are thinking of becoming Catholic or you will lose your job. I told him I won’t mention unless someone brought it up.
Be discrete don’t bring any unnecessary attention to yourself by going to Mass. I told him I would start classes first and then take it from there.
Never tell your mother, - she will never be able to handle this. I don’t plan to since I know he is right, but how will I keep her from finding out if I ever attend Mass.
If you tell your sisters be prepare to lose them. I told him I had already told the one sister who lives back East and she promised to read a book called the Protestant Dilemma. Dad asked if I had heard from her since then and of course I haven’t. So perhaps, it will be a long road before she and I can establish our relationship again. I just don’t know. :nope:

So dear friends, here are some questions for you:
Is it acceptable to attend RCIA classes in the town closest to me but attend Mass in the City, (about 45 minutes to an hour away)?
I was baptised 40 years ago, but the Brethren church I attended back East didn’t give out baptismal papers. Baptism was considered symbolic and not vital to salvation. Does this mean I need to be baptised again? If so, could I do to do this in the City to keep this quiet?
When I become Catholic, - I would still need to bring my parents to their church, Bible studies and small groups. Would it be permissible for me to attend with them or do I need to stay in the parking lot? If I don’t attend with them it will look strange. I figured I could attend the Saturday Mass that is at 6:00pm in the City and then attend church with the folks on Sunday from 9:00 till 12:noon.

Praising God and wondering about the future

Praise the Holy Spirit for his work truly is mysterious.
God bless you brother
Continued prayers to the Holy Spirit to soften the rest of your families heart.
Gob bless

jesus g