My guess is that its because they like the thrill and attention they get from “rebelling” against the Church. If they became Protestant they wouldn’t get the same reaction. IMO, its ultimately about them wanting to feel powerful.
My own guess is that they would want to keep their faith and identity but not the doctrines… which is what most Catholics are feeling about their membership to the Church. And it’s kinda sad really.
I’ve often thought about this and I know if I did not believe in the teachings of my church, I would find another more suited to my tastes. In Paul’s Epistle to the Romans it speaks of the perverse nature of men and how God will allow that to darken the light in their minds since they do not acknowledge Him. The rebellious are agents - there really is no neutrality and this is all about the spiritual realm. As scripture says “Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness.” Remember Satan’s ultimate goal is the destruction of the Catholic Church and the enemies within are more powerful than any outside force.
Sounds like a lot of American Catholics I know. I work with a guy who finds himself at odds with the Church with all the things you mention, so-called SSM, you name it. I try to point out Church teachings to him charitably, but to no avail. It always seems to end with; * “You’re entitled to your views…and I, to my own.” *This has become a most frustrating experience for me…made all the more complicated by the fact that his pastor sides with him!
Thankfully though, we remain very good friends. I feel very, very strongly that the Church truly has her hands full bringing these dissenting Catholics back into the fold. My experience tells me, that nothing short of a monumental miracle will make this happen. This is made all the more difficult by the fact that there are so many dissenting priests out there spreading their “teachings”…instead of what the Church teaches. And that IMO, is the biggest scandal in all of this.