Returning to the Protestant Faith

[Jon_Hus]

I was wondering as another poster in another post mentioned that most protestants won’t reveal which denomination they belong to. Is there a reason for this? It is difficult to know where someone is coming from theologically if they won’t reveal the church they belong to.

God Bless

Bernadette

I will freely tell you mine. I belong to an Evangelical Free Church but consider myself a conservative Baptist. The reason why some people are reluctant to state their belief is because many people here immediatly place them in a “pigeon hole” thus ending any meaningful conversation. In fact, I have probably put myself in that position now. Now, based on this can you Bernadette tell us where I come from theologically? Good luck.

BTW, to answer many other posters question, most conservative/fundamental/evangelical churches do not spend very much time commenting on the CC. Not saying the subject doesn’t come, up but it doesn’t come up often. They, like the CC do contrast their faith heritages and history and point out the theological differences but it’s not like it is a stedy diet of catholic bashing from the pulpit.

 

[Justin_Mee]

I disagree. If the Priest were to take a poll, Raise your Hand if you believe Christ is TRULY present in the Eucharist… everyone else should pack up and go… I’d guess that 1/2 the parish would probably need to pack up. She’s only been Catholic for 3 years… and maybe she believed it before but isn’t so sure now? No crime in that… we all go through periods of doubt. It’s the people whose faith is faltering and weak who MOST need to stay.

What I wonder most is what made her decide to become Catholic and what has happened since to make her want to jump ship?

I’m only in RCIA so you have to filter my opinion as one of a neophyte. That said, if I did not believe 100% in the True Presence of Christ at the Eucharist I would be long gone back to the pitch-in dinners and great gospel singing at my Protestant church. It would cut the heart out of the Catholic church. In my humble opinion; you either believe it or you’re not a Catholic because if that is not true, nothing else is either. Hope this doesn’t sound abrasive because that is not my intent.

 

[AmericanJosiah]

I’m only in RCIA so you have to filter my opinion as one of a neophyte. That said, if I did not believe 100% in the True Presence of Christ at the Eucharist I would be long gone back to the pitch-in dinners and great gospel singing at my Protestant church.

Of course, many Protestants also embrace Real Presence. In Lutheranism (some 20% of all Protestants), it’s dogma. It’s embraced by many Anglicans (another 20%) and many Methodist.

It’s the 1551 unique dogma of Transubstantiation that is the divisive point - between The Catholic Church and all others; not that it’s necessary rejected as wrong but not embraced as dogma by the EO, OO, and Protestants.

It would cut the heart out of the Catholic church. In my humble opinion; you either believe it or you’re not a Catholic because if that is not true, nothing else is either.

I could not agree more. The foundation, center, crux of The Catholic Church is its demand that all accept whatever it alone says “with docility” (CCC 87, etc., etc., etc., etc.) cuz it says it. I think you are correct: Accept those 2,875 points (and whatever else it officially says or claims or demands in official ways) “with docility” - or leave. I left. I felt it was the only honest thing to do. I just could not “live the lie” of almost every “Catholic” I knew. Before I left, I told my priest that I agree with The Catholic Church probably 95% of the time (and most of the other, it’s not really a disagreement). He laughed and commented, “That’s a lot better than most Catholics - including Catholic priests!” He may be right, but that’s THEIR problem, we all need to deal with issues of honesty and integrity.

.

 

[Teneas]

Of course, many Protestants also embrace Real Presence. In Lutheranism (some 20% of all Protestants), it’s dogma. It’s embraced by many Anglicans (another 20%) and many Methodist.

It’s the 1551 unique dogma of Transubstantiation that is the divisive point - between The Catholic Church and all others; not that it’s necessary rejected as wrong but not embraced as dogma by the EO, OO, and Protestants.

I could not agree more. The foundation, center, crux of The Catholic Church is its demand that all accept whatever it alone says “with docility” (CCC 87, etc., etc., etc., etc.) cuz it says it. I think you are correct: Accept those 2,875 points (and whatever else it officially says or claims or demands in official ways) “with docility” - or leave. I left. I felt it was the only honest thing to do. I just could not “live the lie” of almost every “Catholic” I knew. Before I left, I told my priest that I agree with The Catholic Church probably 95% of the time (and most of the other, it’s not really a disagreement). He laughed and commented, “That’s a lot better than most Catholics - including Catholic priests!” He may be right, but that’s THEIR problem, we all need to deal with issues of honesty and integrity.

.

While I wish you were still in the Church, I do admire sticking to your beliefs and accepting the teaching that if you don’t believe it all, don’t believe any, mind set.

It’s a shame you couldn’t come to terms with the things you had an issue with. I would say that the priest that told you what he told you, wasn’t that wrong in his assessment of most Catholics. It’s a down right shame how many don’t actually believe in the things Catholics are supposed to.

I hate to say it, but I blame the parents, and the Church also. I attended a teen group last night, first time for me helping the teens, and imo, they were to easy. What I mean is this:

One teen asked about confession, and why we do as we do. She followed it up with why don’t other faiths have confession.

The youth minister, a good friend of mine btw, fumbled on the answer. She gave a round about answer about why it’s so great to have confession, but fumbled on why we do have it. Someone did point out that some other faiths have confession in a round about way though.

I was going to jump in, and hammer the point home as to why we have it, but I was meant to observe last night only.

I did however, go to my friend and tell her she fumbled the ball on that question. Catholics should be taught what and why they believe as they do. Shouldn’t skirt around things to make someone feel “good or comfortable”. The truth is the truth, and it should be given as it sits. Then, those like you, or like me for that matter, can decide what path to take.

 

[spn82756]

It’s the 1551 unique dogma of Transubstantiation that is the divisive point - between The Catholic Church and all others; not that it’s necessary rejected as wrong but not embraced as dogma by the EO, OO, and Protestants.

I thought the Orthodox Churches did embrace Transubstantiation. But since I cannot speak for the Orthodox Church…perhaps a member will jump into the conversation.

BTW…while being Catholic and believing firmly in T…I also consider all Christians my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[BernadetteM]

If what she said is true about her priest and music director, I would think that she should go to the Bishop and disclose this. This would be a very bad situation with all the scandal that has been in the Church these past years.

Not to be uncharitable, but there have been many posts by Judi Therese and this subject was never mentioned. If it were me that is the first reason I would have given for leaving the Church.

I don’t believe anyone is pigeion holed for telling posters which denomination they are from. It helps everyone to understand where a person is coming from in their beliefs, it is difficult to discuss differences if one does not know anothers’ belief system.

Actually I think most of the posters have been kind to Judi Therese on this post. I guess I have a different way of looking at things coming from a protestant background myself. If someone wants to leave the Church then God has given them free will to do as they please. It really boils down to them and God.

We must remember this is the web and people can say anything they want and accuse others, including priests etc. of doing sinful acts with no proof. Unless I see the proof I won’t be judging the person accused. I noticed everyone just assumed that her priest and music director were gay because she said it. In my former denomination I knew of at least four homosexuals in the ministry, it was a very liberal denomination and more accepted than in most. In many churches the ministers are very careful about hiding their personal lives. It is also surprising that all the congregation just accepts this situation and that not even one has complained to the Bishop. I don’t know any Catholics who would allow this in their parishes to continue without trying to correct the problem especially after all the Church has been through these past years.

I won’t assume any accusation made on these or other forums unless names and proof of the offenders are offered. I am tired of hearing about this on forums, of course these offenses have happened and will continue to happen, but they happen just as much in other churches and no one hops on the band wagon to expose them, it is all hidden from the public.

Yes I feel that leaving the Real Presence of Christ is very sad, but unless one truely believed this, then going to a protestant church would have no effect on their lives in their opinion.

I have been on different forums run by fundamentalist, evangelicals and some liturgical denominations and find that CAF is much more charitable towards protestants than the other way around.

I pray that Judi Therese finds the peace that she is looking for wherever that leads her. We are not to judge her decision and many posters have explained what the Church teaches, nothing more can be done if someone chooses not to hear. Remember many turned away from Christ when he said “This is my flesh”, this has not changed in 2000 years.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[Corki]

I’m attending membership class for a non-denom church tonight. I’ve been attending for the last 6 months and just love it there. I am finally being fed spiritually again. (Catholic for 3 years)

Hello JudiTherese,

So I see that you have been struggling with your faith journey … I have worked with RCIA for nearly 15 years … I have journeyed with hundreds on their path seeking faith, truth and God’s love …

Have you also been attending Mass the past 6 months? You say you have been ‘catholic’ for about 3 years … so typically that might represent a year +/- of intense formation [RCIA] led by others with you - fallowed by your embracing your faith and becoming an ‘adult’ - shall we say - in the faith being more or less leading your own ‘spirituality’ … which it looks like you followed for a mere 18 months or so …

So how does one who A] had an accountability partner, B] led a womans bible study for 30+ parishioners, and C] who was responsible for heading up a new “Welcoming” ministry to enhance your parish - [all gleaned from your posts] … Move from professing and holding as Truth the Teachings of Christ’s Church, receiveing the fullness of Christ [Body, Blood and Soul] in the Eucharist - involved in the life of the parish to attending a Protestant Church [with a merely symbolic communion] in 18 months in order to feel ‘fed spiritually’?

Pax Christe

And remember, we [your fellow pilgrams] are waiting your return to the family meal, to join Jesus and hear the family stories and to receive the gift of Life, the Bread that Truly satisfies the heart and soul - the Bread of Life .

When you are ready - we wil be here, waiting, waiting with open arms and the angels and saints rejoicing in heaven

I remembered the thread about Judi leading a Bible study. From my own experience, the Bible study in my parish is intellectually “filling” as well as a source of many good friends/support group. But I went back and looked; the BS Judi was using was not a Catholic one. We read over and over here at CAF that using Protestant materials for Catholic Bible study is a “red flag”. Could that have been the beginning of some of Judi’s disconnect?

As for “being fed,” my pastor gave his homily on this very topic this past Sunday. We are deep in the “Bible belt” and many Catholics get dwawn away into various Protestant Churches. It is really hard, especially with the young, who are invited to the local Baptist praise and worship hour held (interestingly) at the same time as CCE. But that’s another thread…

Father talked about the importance of developing spiritually without an emotional component. The “feel good” experience rarely lasts. Not that you can’t be emotional about your faith but if your faith is tied too closely to the “giddiness” of high energy, high emotion experiences, you make that connection in your brain that is hard to break. He was talking about the need for those quiet, spiritual practices such as going to Adoration or simply praying alone as important to lasting spiritual growth.

I was a revert about 10 years ago and one of my advisors cautioned me early about “convert zeal”. Yes, the emotional charge has lessened over time but I have some solid spiritual practices to fall back on. In fact, 2009 was a very sad year for my family. It was the quiet, unemotional spirituality that helped me hold it together when I just wanted to run and hide from the “community” and “fellowship” of my well-meaning parish family. The times of letting God and the Church be there, around me, even when I don’t feel anything were most valuable.

Judi, I pray you find your way back and wish you the best.

 

[Jon_Hus]

I have been on different forums run by fundamentalist, evangelicals and some liturgical denominations and find that CAF is much more charitable towards protestants than the other way around.
Bernadette

What exactly is it that you want to hear? I say that in my opinion, posters that are protestant keep their church affiliation to themselves because they don’t want to be pigeon holed and then you say not true, then proceed to pigeon hole.

You know, before Luther came along, there wasn’t the uniform faith in the CC that you all think existed when it was the only game in town. If there was, there wouldn’t have been all the councils.

No one is going to go from Protestant to Catholic or vis versa based on an internet chat forum. If they did, that would be a shaky faith, no matter which direction they went.

 

[Janet1983]

Why would go to a protestant church and leave the CATHOLIC CHURCH? You are being guided in the wrong path. The people who leave the CATHOLIC CHURCH are selfish becuase they look for something that pleases them instead of the TRUTH.

I hope you return home becuase you are always welcome here. PEACE!!!

Excuse me?

 

[spn82756]

Excuse me?

The Catholic and Orthodox Churches have the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Why would you leave that?

 

[Lutheranteach]

You know, we could solve this whole thing by asking the simple question: Do you believe that Christ is really present in at the Eucharist? If your answer is ‘yes’ then you will not even consider leaving the Catholic church. How could you? If your answer is ‘no’, then you are wasting your time and need to seek elsewhere. I think we are making it too complicated.

Hold the phone…Once again, my Catholic friends the Catholic Church is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT the only church that believes in the real presence of Christ at the Eucharist. (Lutherans, Episcopalians, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians and others) Also, let’s keep in mind that only around 30% of American Catholics believe in a real presence.

 

[Jon_Hus]

The Catholic and Orthodox Churches have the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Why would you leave that?

Simple, because Jesus said that where ever two or more are gathered in his name, that he will be in the midst of them.

Having Jesus that close by faith is good enough for me. In fact it doesn’t get any better than that ever.

 

[spn82756]

Simple, because Jesus said that where ever two or more are gathered in his name, that he will be in the midst of them.

Having Jesus that close by faith is good enough for me. In fact it doesn’t get any better than that ever.

It gets unfathomably better. Receiving Jesus…in the Eucharist.

 

[adstrinity]

Simple, because Jesus said that where ever two or more are gathered in his name, that he will be in the midst of them.

Having Jesus that close by faith is good enough for me. In fact it doesn’t get any better than that ever.

But, it surely does!!! Having Jesus is close is good but eating Jesus and having Him be an intimate part of you is best!

 

[yellowbird]

Simple, because Jesus said that where ever two or more are gathered in his name, that he will be in the midst of them.

Having Jesus that close by faith is good enough for me. In fact it doesn’t get any better than that ever.

I’m going to respectfully disagree with you Jon. I was an Evangelical Christian for years. I know exactly what you mean about Jesus be in the midst of them. And you’re right - it’s AWESOME… that is exactly how I met my Savior… he was there. But in all honesty, it is nothing compared to receiving Him in the Eucharist. Now he is so much a part of me… I can’t even explain it… except that it brings me to tears during the mass… to know that He is quite literally with me, and in me… I don’t know… my words don’t do it justice… I guess what I’m trying to say is it really does get better than that.

 

[Janet1983]

The Catholic and Orthodox Churches have the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Why would you leave that?

After more than 20 years I came to the end that I do not believe in it. That does however not make me or any other convert to Protestantism selfish in any way. Being accused of being selfish on the grounds of one’s conversion is not really productive.

In Him,
Janet

 

[Corki]

Also, let’s keep in mind that only around 30% of American Catholics believe in a real presence.

Stop spinnning that old lie. If you look at the infamous survey’s actual questions and the results, you would see that it’s closer to 70%. The other responses were close but not the exact wording of Catholic doctrine. Just because someone can’t articulate a response in CCC perfect wording, does not equate to unbelief.

 

[spn82756]

After more than 20 years I came to the end that I do not believe in it. That does however not make me or any other convert to Protestantism selfish in any way. Being accused of being selfish on the grounds of one’s conversion is not really productive.

In Him,
Janet

Janet…

I never accused you or anyone else of being selfish in any of my posts. I’ve merely stated that as Catholics and Orthodox…we take Jesus literally when He said "This is My Body/This is My Blood.

Steve

 

[spn82756]

Also, let’s keep in mind that only around 30% of American Catholics believe in a real presence.

Can you please substantiate that number?

 

[Janet1983]

Janet…

I never accused you or anyone else of being selfish in any of my posts. I’ve merely stated that as Catholics and Orthodox…we take Jesus literally when He said "This is My Body/This is My Blood.

Steve

No, but the person I quoted in the post to which you answered did so. I did not mean to accuse of of anything. Because you answered to my post it looked to me as if you were trying to explain that accusation.

Why would go to a protestant church and leave the CATHOLIC CHURCH? You are being guided in the wrong path. The people who leave the CATHOLIC CHURCH are selfish becuase they look for something that pleases them instead of the TRUTH.

I hope you return home becuase you are always welcome here. PEACE!!!
Excuse me?