Protestants

[2nd_Adam]

EXACTLY. That’s exactly how I feel going to the few Catholic services I have attended. Why? I don’t know.

But my point to the one who started this thread is this: please don’t generalize and assume ALL Protestants think you are leaving Christianity. Maybe your family does, or your old church does, but not all do. Please don’t lump us all together that way. I do not think Catholics are non-Christians and I am Protestant.

I think mature Christians know that there are converted regenerated (born again) Christians who are united to Christ from all the major branches of Christianity (Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, Anglican, etc). God saves sinners through the merit of Christ in-spite of our doctrine errors and religious Christian communities. I believe God saves sinners eventhough they do not embrace the truth of faith alone.

 

[sckcd]

Please don’t quote a portion of my post to make a point. My wife is loving our parish and our priest… She is not sure of converting because her parents are very opposed to it.

I am glad to hear that some protestants see that we are Christians, in fact the CC is the first institute of Christianity!

God Bless

Revert TSIEG

I didn’t use your words to make a point. I just totally related to what you said about your wife. I, too, am trying to embrace the CC. My husband is Catholic and never attends, although believes strongly in his faith. I would like him to lead our family like God intended, and by embracing his faith I am hoping he will take his position as head of the family, spiritually. I just felt exactly like you said your wife did. In fact, I felt very disconnected from the whole thing. I don’t know why I felt this way. I am hoping to “feel God” the more I go. I didn’t use your words to bolster my opinions or make the CC look bad. I just felt the same.

My using your quote had nothing to do with anything else I wrote, it was only me stating I felt the same.

 

[josephdaniel29]

What is wrong with Southern Baptists? I will be starting RCIA in a couple of weeks, and have been wanting to ‘officially’ join the Church for quite sometime.

The ‘pastor’ is wanting to come to my home and visit with my wife and I and try to talk some ‘sense’ into us. The entire baptist church we stopped attending regularly along time ago is wanting to pray for us because we are leaving Christianity.

My mother tells me I am parting from the religion of my upbringing! I have talked hours upon end how this is not so, but to no avail.

She told me the pastor preached on Catholics this past Sunday and I should have been there to hear it. Catholics just ain’t right because they can’t pray to God, a priest has to do it for them! I say “That’s a lie!” But of course it’s believed!

I wish my family could just be happy for me, because my wife, son and I are all happy to finally be joining the one true Church that Jesus Christ founded.

Have others experienced this same thing ? Why do you Protestants do this?

You should try telling them you’re converting to Orthodoxy.

My wife’s Protestant mother wasn’t too bad. She did have to ask if we believe in the Trinity and my wife had to explain it’s not a cult but after that it’s been pretty smooth.

For some reason there’s a lot of anti-Catholic sentiment among some Protestants. My mother was that way and a lot of my friends are. They believe Catholics worship Mary and have to go through a priest to talk to God. They have just been taught things about the Catholic Church that aren’t true.

The reality is considering what many Protestants erroneously believe about the Catholic Church it’s no wonder they respond the way they do. You would do the same I’m sure. The key I believe is to be patient and gentle in all your dealings with them that way they can see you are truly filled with the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Christ
Joe

 

[Kalos]

Hi dnar:
I think there is something wrong with this picture. I wonder why your pastor is wanting to see you now? No one seemed to care that you were not coming to church for a long time. I think there is something seriously wrong with this ministry. I doubt if many of those Baptists are saved. I am not concerned about your going to another church, but i am very concerned about your personal salvation. Do you know for sure where you stand with God? Perhaps you were misled in some way? Maybe you were offended in some way? When you go to RCIA they will only ask if you have been baptized. This will satisfy them. They will say nothing more about salvation. But I want to make sure you understand the promise of God from scripture. Please let me break it down from Rm. 10 as best i can. One must first hear the promise (Gospel) v.15. The promise is that Christ has taken our punishment and our sins for us. What we do is just agree (confess) with God. We agree that we are lost and dead in sins and that Christ has done all that we need for righteousness and we receive it as a FREE gift, believing that God has proved it by raising Christ from the dead(v.9). But then we must act on it by speaking, v.10 “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation”. Then make it go from the head to the heart, “For with the heart man believes[not works] unto righteousness” This is the only way we receive anything from God. Take healing for example. We believe His promise. We speak it with our mouth. We believe that we receive it by faith. Ministers often get people confused by telling them to just “pray this prayer”. Well, its not a prayer that saves. Its what happens in our heart.

I do wish you the best

 

[dnar]

This definitely goes both ways. I am a Protestant Southern Baptist who is considering also joining the CC in hopes that by being united in religion my husband (who is Catholic) will begin attending and “lead” our family like God intended.

Not all Protestants are ignorant bigots. Just like not all Catholics are either. I cannot tell you how many posts I have read on this site that have made me feel alienated and less than worthy, due to my not being a member of the “true” church. (So those of you posters who are so insulting need to remember if you want people to convert, like I may, set a good example DON’T insult or make generalizations or you will run off possible converts.) Tell your mother to remember that ALL who follow Jesus and believe in Him for salvation are Christians, no matter what church we worship in.

Many people have misconceptions about the CC. I know I have had, but I am trying to learn about it so I can sort out the differences before I decided what to do. The biggest reason I think there are misconceptions is because a person could not walk in off the street and attend a service and know what it going on. It’s very exclusive in that if you are not Catholic you feel very out of place and that is an unsettling feeling. That’s my view, anyway. Good luck on your issue.

I never meant to offend you. Sorry.

 

[dnar]

Hi dnar:
I think there is something wrong with this picture. I wonder why your pastor is wanting to see you now? No one seemed to care that you were not coming to church for a long time. I think there is something seriously wrong with this ministry. I doubt if many of those Baptists are saved. I am not concerned about your going to another church, but i am very concerned about your personal salvation. Do you know for sure where you stand with God? Perhaps you were misled in some way? Maybe you were offended in some way? When you go to RCIA they will only ask if you have been baptized. This will satisfy them. They will say nothing more about salvation. But I want to make sure you understand the promise of God from scripture. Please let me break it down from Rm. 10 as best i can. One must first hear the promise (Gospel) v.15. The promise is that Christ has taken our punishment and our sins for us. What we do is just agree (confess) with God. We agree that we are lost and dead in sins and that Christ has done all that we need for righteousness and we receive it as a FREE gift, believing that God has proved it by raising Christ from the dead(v.9). But then we must act on it by speaking, v.10 “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation”. Then make it go from the head to the heart, “For with the heart man believes[not works] unto righteousness” This is the only way we receive anything from God. Take healing for example. We believe His promise. We speak it with our mouth. We believe that we receive it by faith. Ministers often get people confused by telling them to just “pray this prayer”. Well, its not a prayer that saves. Its what happens in our heart.

I do wish you the best

It does me well to know that you are concerned about my salvation. I am too. I, like the Apostle Paul have been working out my own salvation with fear and trembling.

(Philippians 2:12: So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.)

We must also take into account that just because we call out Lord, Lord doesn’t mean we are ‘saved’.

(Matthew 7:21: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.)

Salvation requires more than just some set of pretty words, which I know you will agree.

 

[sckcd]

dnar, thank you. I wish you the best.

 

[JRKH]

I didn’t use your words to make a point. I just totally related to what you said about your wife. I, too, am trying to embrace the CC. My husband is Catholic and never attends, although believes strongly in his faith. I would like him to lead our family like God intended, and by embracing his faith I am hoping he will take his position as head of the family, spiritually. **I just felt exactly like you said your wife did. In fact, I felt very disconnected from the whole thing. I don’t know why I felt this way. I am hoping to “feel God” the more I go. ** I didn’t use your words to bolster my opinions or make the CC look bad. I just felt the same.

sckcd,
If I may interject just a bit here. You say that you are considering the CC in order to get your husband to be more of the leader in your family. This may be why you are having a hard time with the service. Your inention is more about what you can get your husband to do than about what you can get out of it spiritually. In order to feel God in ANY circumstance we must be properly open to him. I have eard many stories of protestants who have come into a catholic Church and were so overwhelmed by the presence of God that they were in tears.
If I may suggest, take some time to go to church when it is empty. Sit before the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, or during adoration. Pray and meditate on why you wish to come into The Church. God will provide you with the insights you need. He WILL make His presence known to you.

just as another point, I don’t know your background but if you came from a “preaching” background the mass can indeed seem differnt and take some time to learn. Be patient with yourself. Try watching the mass on EWTN, maybe with your husband. This would both encourage him and allow him ot explain some things to you, or if he can’t answer your questions you can ask questions and get answers together.

May God be with you on Your Journey.

Peace
James

 

[LutheranDK]

Why do you Protestants do this?

Why do RCs sexually assault children?

The point being: Because some people do it, it does not mean that you can conclude anything in general.

 

[sckcd]

JRKH-

Yes, I am trying to encourage my husband back into his faith. I know that he needs to be the spiritual leader of our family as God intended and that will mean that I will submit to him in that I will attend his church. I also hope it will come to mean what it does to him (and everyone else). I hope that it grows on me and that I can find as much joy in it as I have at my home church. I do come from a preaching church and the services are very different. So, yes, it’s going to take some getting used to. I am trying to get a handle on what the faith is all about and learn as much as I can, and in the end I may also decide to join the CC. I will try what you said about going to pray alone. Right now Mass just seems foreign to me, but I hope that will change. Thank you for your comment, and please pray for my family to be united in faith.

 

[JRKH]

JRKH-

Yes, I am trying to encourage my husband back into his faith. I know that he needs to be the spiritual leader of our family as God intended and that will mean that I will submit to him in that I will attend his church. I also hope it will come to mean what it does to him (and everyone else). I hope that it grows on me and that I can find as much joy in it as I have at my home church. I do come from a preaching church and the services are very different. So, yes, it’s going to take some getting used to. I am trying to get a handle on what the faith is all about and learn as much as I can, and in the end I may also decide to join the CC. I will try what you said about going to pray alone. Right now Mass just seems foreign to me, but I hope that will change. Thank you for your comment, and please pray for my family to be united in faith.

I’m glad my comments were of help to you. Yes I do pray that your family will be united in faith. May God bless and keep you on this journey. Also, I know things can get a bit hectic on the boards since so many different people provide answers. This is good but can sometimes be confusing. If you would like to PM me I would be happy to try and answer any concerns you have. I am a revert after being away for many years.

Also, if I may suggest, If you do get EWTN, take a look at the program “The Journey Home” on Monday night at 8:00 (again at 1:00am Tu, 10:00am Tu, and 1:00 pm Wed). The shows are about people who have come into the Church from many backgrounds. This week was a Gentleman who was raised evangelical. Quite good.

I could go on but do not wish to overwhelm you. (I get a bit “pushy” sometimes)

Peace
James

 

[dnar]

After studying Catholicism with a sincere heart, I don’t see how anyone could possibly remain a Protestant. To me it seems so simple and obvious. The early chuch members had no Bible, because it didn’t even exist yet, therefore they could not accept Sola Scriptura. The early church members were not Protestants, this is so easy to see its blinding.

Therefore, I was just saying how could one remain a Protestant and continue to bother somebody who obviously believes the truth now.

I am going to the fullness of the truth, you can choose to remain in 85% truth if you want, but leave me alone!

I don’t hardly ever see Catholics out trying to convert Protestants…After leaving a Protestant service how many times have you seen Catholics outside waiting on you telling you to leave the false religion or your going to hell?

I bet you have never seen it. Some Protestants are pushy.

 

[guanophore]

I really resent that the faith I am practicing and and passing on to my kids is something other Christians bash day in and day out. I once read on this forum that bashing Catholics is the last acceptable form of prejudice and stereotypes!

Harbor no resentment! This is a great gift. The devil knows quite well where the fullness of the faith resides.

James 1:2-4

2** Count it all joy,** my brethren, when you meet various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

This bashing is one of the signs that you are in the Kingdom:
Matt 5:10
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 3:13-18
14 But even if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than for doing wrong.

Bless, and do not curse them!

It reminds me of a line from the Matrix… Morpheus states… my faith does not require you to believe. That is an awesome line!

Revert TSIEG

I LOVE THAT LINE TOO!!

 

[VARC]

What is wrong with Southern Baptists? I will be starting RCIA in a couple of weeks, and have been wanting to ‘officially’ join the Church for quite sometime.

The ‘pastor’ is wanting to come to my home and visit with my wife and I and try to talk some ‘sense’ into us. The entire baptist church we stopped attending regularly along time ago is wanting to pray for us because we are leaving Christianity.

My mother tells me I am parting from the religion of my upbringing! I have talked hours upon end how this is not so, but to no avail.

She told me the pastor preached on Catholics this past Sunday and I should have been there to hear it. Catholics just ain’t right because they can’t pray to God, a priest has to do it for them! I say “That’s a lie!” But of course it’s believed!

I wish my family could just be happy for me, because my wife, son and I are all happy to finally be joining the one true Church that Jesus Christ founded.

Have others experienced this same thing ? Why do you Protestants do this?

Pretty unfair for you to generalize about protestants like that. You should be more specific in your criticisms.

 

[VARC]

After studying Catholicism with a sincere heart, I don’t see how anyone could possibly remain a Protestant. To me it seems so simple and obvious. The early chuch members had no Bible, because it didn’t even exist yet, therefore they could not accept Sola Scriptura. The early church members were not Protestants, this is so easy to see its blinding.

Therefore, I was just saying how could one remain a Protestant and continue to bother somebody who obviously believes the truth now.

I am going to the fullness of the truth, you can choose to remain in 85% truth if you want, but leave me alone!

I don’t hardly ever see Catholics out trying to convert Protestants…After leaving a Protestant service how many times have you seen Catholics outside waiting on you telling you to leave the false religion or your going to hell?

I bet you have never seen it. Some Protestants are pushy.

If you want to be an RC, go ahead. But you are coming off as pretty arrogant. As hard as it may be for you believe, some people sincerely disagree with the RCC’s position. I was a protestant who converted to catholicism. Years later, I felt that the RCC couldn’t live up to the assertions that it claimed. So I left and I don’t have any hard feelings toward the RCC. Right now you are in the honeymoon stage. There is a chance that after the honeymoon ends you will feel differently. So try to remain humble about your newfound faith.

 

[dnar]

If you want to be an RC, go ahead. But you are coming off as pretty arrogant. As hard as it may be for you believe, some people sincerely disagree with the RCC’s position. I was a protestant who converted to catholicism. Years later, I felt that the RCC couldn’t live up to the assertions that it claimed. So I left and I don’t have any hard feelings toward the RCC. Right now you are in the honeymoon stage. There is a chance that after the honeymoon ends you will feel differently. So try to remain humble about your newfound faith.

It’s not a newfound faith. Just something thats being done ‘officially’ for lack of a better word.

 

[VARC]

It’s not a newfound faith. Just something thats being done ‘officially’ for lack of a better word.

Great. Maybe you could “officially” be humble about finding what you believe is the truth and stop generalizing about those who disagree with you while questioning the sincerity of their beliefs.

 

[guanophore]

Funny thing, but in another thread I was posting in, a Catholic said that it was of satan when a former Catholic met Jesus Christ in a Protestant church.

So…Why do you Catholics do this?

This is not a Catholic thing to do. The Catholic Church teaches that the HS uses these ecclesial communities to draw people to Himself. When a person makes such a comment, that person is probably acting out of ignorance, fear, or pride. It is inconsistent with what the Catholic Church believes and teaches.

Seriously, people should read up on Spiritual abuse.  When someone leaves Christian denomination A to join Christian denomination B, and Christian denomination A considers this someone somehow less of a Christian for joining an inferior church, that is spiritual abuse.

And I don’t care whether denomination A is THE CHURCH FOUNDED BY JESUS CHRIST or just your inferior, heretical Protestant church. It is all the same.

It is not all the same, and these ecclesial communities are founded by men, not Christ, and many are steeped in heresies. Nonetheless, God will go after anyone who is sincerely seeking Him. I left the Catholic Church and sojoured in a variety of denominations for a long time. It was very beneficial to my spiritual development. If I had known then what I know now, I know I would have gotten much further faster if I had stayed put, but God can write straight with crooked lines.

 

[guanophore]

When you go to RCIA they will only ask if you have been baptized. This will satisfy them. They will say nothing more about salvation.

This is very misleading, Kalos. Perhaps you had a very bad experience with RCIA, and you don’t know any better, but the whole of RCIA is about how we are saved by grace, through faith. The program is to introduce the teaching of the Apostles, which is that we are born again in baptism, it is a free gift, and that we work out our salvation while here on earth, and look forward with joyful, hopeful expectation to being perfected in our faith so that we can remain with Him for eternity.

People come to CAF for Catholic answers. What you gave is not.

 

[guanophore]

If you want to be an RC, go ahead. But you are coming off as pretty arrogant. As hard as it may be for you believe, some people sincerely disagree with the RCC’s position. I was a protestant who converted to catholicism. Years later, I felt that the RCC couldn’t live up to the assertions that it claimed. So I left and I don’t have any hard feelings toward the RCC. Right now you are in the honeymoon stage. There is a chance that after the honeymoon ends you will feel differently. So try to remain humble about your newfound faith.

What assertions were those?

Do you feel like your needs are met where you are presently?