Should I become a Catholic?

[Steel_Pinwheel]

Hi. I’m a life-long Protestant who has been considering becoming Catholic. Let me share some some of my pros and cons.

I recognize the long history of the Catholic church as giving it legitimacy. In a way, it’s even the mother, even if unwillingly, of Protestantism. But, my main motivation is the state of the Protestant church. I think in many cases, and in general, the Catholic Church has superior doctrine to modern Protestant churches. Frankly, in recent decades, the Protestant churches have just become a chaotic and cultish mess. And, I feel that many of them are too effeminate (if you don’t know what I mean, don’t worry about it).

On the other hand, there are Catholic doctrines I am uncomfortable with, such as calling the minister “Father” or such as the extreme veneration of Mary, albeit she was greatly blessed. I also don’t think the Church of Rome was ever intended by the Apostles to rule the other churches.

Are my objections to the Catholic Church too much to make me acceptable in Catholic circles? What are the chances of me becoming comfortable with those things I am not accustomed to? Is a man allowed to be more manly in the Catholic Church? And, if I should become Catholic, how would I go about doing it?

 

[phoooiee]

Go to see a priest- and pray about the doctrines that you are uncomfortable with. My mind has been changed on quite a few that I didn’t understand in the past.

Good luck!

 

[Cat_Herder]

I think you should enroll in an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class at your favorite Catholic parish. Give the Church a fighting chance to explain why she believes the things she does.

As for Mary and “Father,” here you go. There is more on my profile.

 

[JRKH]

Hi. I’m a life-long Protestant who has been considering becoming Catholic. Let me share some some of my pros and cons.

Hi Mr Pinwheel, may I call you Steel?..
Thank you for your wonderful post and questions. Based on what I see below I don’t see any great impediments. I’m a “revert” (rasied catholic, left the church and returned) so I’ve been down a similar path of dicernment. To address you specific concerns…

I recognize the long history of the Catholic church as giving it legitimacy. In a way, it’s even the mother, even if unwillingly, of Protestantism.

And this is a great motivation that, in my view, far too few seem to really get. If God promised to be with His Church through all time, how could it go soooo wrong as to need schisms

But, my main motivation is the state of the Protestant church. I think in many cases, and in general, the Catholic Church has superior doctrine to modern Protestant churches.

And the more you study, the more you will find the doctinres sound.

Frankly, in recent decades, the Protestant churches have just become a chaotic and cultish mess. And, I feel that many of them are too effeminate (if you don’t know what I mean, don’t worry about it).

And Frankly this has been ongoing from the very beginning of protestantism. the Fracturing of the “Reformed Church” (Protestantism began as an effort to reform the One Church began immediately among the “Fathers of Protestantism” and their failure to get along set the tone for others in how to deal with internal disagreements.
Also, for me anyway, I couldn’t put a lot of faith in people who delcared the Bible supreme and the first thing they did was to change it…(removing books)

On the other hand, there are Catholic doctrines I am uncomfortable with, such as calling the minister “Father” or such as the extreme veneration of Mary, albeit she was greatly blessed.

To deal with Mary first, the “veneration” that you refer to is a matter of personal devotion. Granted it is widespread, and encouraged, and some DO take it to, what I think of as, extremes, but always remember that much of this is a “personal devotion” not something mandated by the Church. So if you are uncomfortable with these things, don’t do it.
As to calling the priest “father”, there are whole threads here at CAF dealing with this issue. Just as a quick help though, take a look at THIS page containing 11 instances where St Paul uses the term “Fathers”. Note that in the very first one, 1 Cor 4:15, Paul says, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” If the Great Apostle Paul who was trained by revelation from Christ Himself refers to heimself as “father” (int he spiritual sense) then why should we be troubled by calling our spiritual leaders “father”.

I also don’t think the Church of Rome was ever intended by the Apostles to rule the other churches.

I think that certain arguments can be made over the exact way in which the Roman See should relate to the other Sees. But I would ask you to note this. In 1500 years The Church, acting under the councilior and papal model suffered but one major schism. And those two RC and EO have pretty well maintained their orthodoxy and unity since then.
The Protestant model, and the one many of them claim is the model of the early church, is for each community to be “independant”, Yet look at the result in less than 500 years.
You call it, “a chaotic and cultish mess”. So which model seems better able to protect the True Gospel, and build up the kingdom…

Are my objections to the Catholic Church too much to make me acceptable in Catholic circles? What are the chances of me becoming comfortable with those things I am not accustomed to?

Your objections are NOT insurmountable by any means. Those who deal with folks like yourself who are looking into the church have answered these same questions hundreds of times. I don’t think any or your concerns would give them problems in addressing.

Is a man allowed to be more manly in the Catholic Church? And, if I should become Catholic, how would I go about doing it?

The Catholic church is very “manly” in the sense that it does not twist and turn on every whim of society. It has stood strong, like a sentinal for Truth. There are many “mens” organizations in The Church that you might enjoy. The Knights of Columbus" jumped to mind. Ask at your local parish about mens’ groups.
As to getting started, call the parish office and set up a time to meet with the priest or the DRE (director of religious education) or a deacon. Then be guided by them. There are classes in many/most parishes already underway called RCIA classes (Rite of Chrisitan Initiation for Adults) It may be too late to get into those classes, but you might also be able to study privately with a priest or deacon. It just depends on how teh individual parish is set up.
Then start going to mass every Sunday, and during the week too if you can. you won’t be able to receive communion, but the graces from attending, and from the “spiritual communtion” will be great and make you desire all the more to actually receive Our Lord in the most Holy Eucharist.

When I came back to the Church, I still wasn’t sure about all of the teachings, but I assented to them because I was convinced (as you are becoming) that She had to be Christ’s Church. So, where I had “problems” with techings I chalked them up to my shortcomings and not the shortcomings of 2000 years of Church teaching and tradition.
This requires a humility that is also very manly…

Hope some of this helps you - and - WELCOME HOME

peace
James

 

[Dorothy]

It would help if you investigate and learn about the doctrines you do not understand.

Here is an article about “Call No Man Father”…

catholic.com/library/Call_No_Man_Father.asp

 

[DavidKays]

Hi. I’m a life-long Protestant who has been considering becoming Catholic. Let me share some some of my pros and cons.

I recognize the long history of the Catholic church as giving it legitimacy. In a way, it’s even the mother, even if unwillingly, of Protestantism. But, my main motivation is the state of the Protestant church. I think in many cases, and in general, the Catholic Church has superior doctrine to modern Protestant churches. Frankly, in recent decades, the Protestant churches have just become a chaotic and cultish mess. And, I feel that many of them are too effeminate (if you don’t know what I mean, don’t worry about it).

On the other hand, there are Catholic doctrines I am uncomfortable with, such as calling the minister “Father” or such as the extreme veneration of Mary, albeit she was greatly blessed. I also don’t think the Church of Rome was ever intended by the Apostles to rule the other churches.

Are my objections to the Catholic Church too much to make me acceptable in Catholic circles? What are the chances of me becoming comfortable with those things I am not accustomed to? Is a man allowed to be more manly in the Catholic Church? And, if I should become Catholic, how would I go about doing it?

I will recommend you to read a book " Does Jesus have a last name" written by Matthew Pinto and this will help you to understand the Catholic Faith in better terms. It is an excellent introduction and I believe it is written by a former protestant. I find that when protestants enter the Orthodox Church that they still have a lot of their protestant ideals with them and the Church tends to be patient with them so that in time these ideals can be filtered out with the better understandings for their concerns.

 

[Dorothy]

And here is one about Mary’s Assumption into heaven, and her Immaculate Conception. (conceived without original sin.)

catholic.com/library/Immaculate_Conception_and_Assum.asp

 

[Dorothy]

And, here is about Peter and the Papacy:

catholic.com/library/Peter_and_the_Papacy.asp

 

[redroselover]

I too would suggest you take RCIA classes just to learn. I was raised Catholic but left and attended Protestant churches for 20 years., but returned about 2 years ago after much reflection and reading. . I understand your struggle. I contemplated returning for probably 3 years. It was very hard to make the move but I am glad I did . I finally am at peace with all those intellectual struggles and am making good friends who seem to honor what I did. Keep reading and asking questions. I am not sure what bothers you about calling the priests Father. As to Mary, it helped me when it was pointed out that we ask each other to pray for us all the time. That is what you are doing . You are asking Mary to intercede for you,. Why would you not ask the mother of Christ to ask her Son on your behalf?

 

[JRKH]

I too would suggest you take RCIA classes just to learn. I was raised Catholic but left and attended Protestant churches for 20 years., but returned about 2 years ago after much reflection and reading. . I understand your struggle. I contemplated returning for probably 3 years. It was very hard to make the move but I am glad I did . I finally am at peace with all those intellectual struggles and am making good friends who seem to honor what I did. Keep reading and asking questions. I am not sure what bothers you about calling the priests Father. As to Mary, it helped me when it was pointed out that we ask each other to pray for us all the time. That is what you are doing . You are asking Mary to intercede for you,. Why would you not ask the mother of Christ to ask her Son on your behalf?

From one revert to another, Welcome home…

The one thing that we as “reverts” perhaps don’t understand in these discussions is the deep underlying “roadblocks” in training that a “lifelong protestant” like Steel has to deal with. The more I talk with protestants here and on other sites, the more apparent this becomes.
For instance, his entire training has likely been to reject the idea of a “visible universal authoritative church”. He has likely even been taught a different meaning for the word “Church” than we have.
It does not suprise me that he has trouble with calling a priest “Father”. Christ said “Call no man father (Mt 23:9)” and for many protestants this is drilled into them as an example of how catholics are not “biblical”. Yet as I showed in my earlier post, St Paul referes to himself as “father” in 1 Corinthians.
These are things that take time to undo.

I’m glad that Steel is here and hope that, together, we can give him help and encouragement

Peace
James

 

[gmoberg1]

Hi,

I’m in the RCIA process now. I was raised in a split family (Swedish Lutheran father and a Polish Catholic mother) My dad was my mom’s 2nd husband, and quit going to church. Neither of my mom’s marraiges were sacramental. When my parents got married, it was discussed on what faith tradtion to raise us children, and they both agreed on my father’s faith tradtion. So fast forward about 49 years. My mom’s first husband died in 1956 ten years after my parents married and my dad passed in 1996. My mother went back to the Catholic Church after a 50-some years absence and has practiced her faith for 15 years now.
Now that I got that out of the way, I practiced my faith tradition all my life and felt at a conflict because inside, I always felt “Catholic” but I grappled with the extra books in the bible, and the issue with Mary and the saints. So I drifted to the Episcopal Church for about five years. At first it was beautiful, because I felt it blended both of the tradtions I was exposed to under one roof (my cousin is a RC priest in Calumet City IL) The Eucharist was celebrated every Sunday, yet it retained some of the protestantism. So my mom had too many car accidents and now I’m her sole source of transportation, so I went to Catholic Mass on Saturday evening and Anglican Mass on Sunday morning. Then I picked up and said my first Rosary. I questioned in my heart whether this was right for me to do this, but after a week it felt so natural. So I decided to be true to myself and become what I was truly meant to be from birth, a Catholic.
Now for some of your concerns. According to the tradtions of the church the priest is in the place of Jesus through the line of apolstolic succession established by Christ Himself and can celebrate the Eucharist. Therefore it is correct to call him “Father”. As for Mary and the saints, Mary has been sighted many times through history, and I believe it (all those people CAN’T be wrong). In the Apostle’s Creed taught in the Lutheran Church is the same as in the Catholic Church, I believe in the communion of saints. They’re not dead, but very much alive, and I believe that there’s power in their intercession when we ask those saints to pray for us to the Lord our God. Go talk to a priest and keep an open mind, the fullness of the Catholic Church is mind boggeling.
God Bless, and enjoy your exploration.

 

[redroselover]

Yes, I agree that reverts may have a much easier time returning than someone from another denomination would have converting. Thanks for pointing that out. . But in all honesty if you leave as a teenager and return in mid fifties many Catholic ideas and practices at that point seem pretty unfamiliar and that makes for psychological discomfort. Mary was one of those for me. Anyway I think we can all agree that we should all be very patient with those who are asking questions with the possibility of converting.

 

[JRKH]

Yes, I agree that reverts may have a much easier time returning than someone from another denomination would have converting. Thanks for pointing that out. . But in all honesty if you leave as a teenager and return in mid fifties many Catholic ideas and practices at that point seem pretty unfamiliar and that makes for psychological discomfort. Mary was one of those for me. Anyway I think we can all agree that we should all be very patient with those who are asking questions with the possibility of converting.

Yup…

I left when I was 18-19 and didnt’ return until my early 50’s either and you are right, when we left we obviously didn’t have a grasp of what we were leaving.
I didn’t mean to imply that we reverts don’t have anything to offer here. Hope I didn’t offend.

Peace
James

 

[HAnne]

I am a “new” Catholic as well and am waiting to start RCIA.

Your understanding of many things will be helpful to you.

One of the BEST things I did “on my own” was to take a “Challenge” I found online. Be forewarned, it may take you a few days or the better part of one to complete. It’s extensive but can be done with only the internet.

(DISCLAIMER: I know there are many here on CAF who are not fans of this site. The Challenge, however is directly linked to doctrine and had nothing objectionable. This challenge - although not all information on this site - was recommended to me when I started my questioning period by the RE at our parish. It helped me to answer a LOT of my own questions. Thank you in advance for not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.)

 

[CalCatholic]

I think you should enroll in an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class at your favorite Catholic parish. Give the Church a fighting chance to explain why she believes the things she does.

As for Mary and “Father,” here you go. There is more on my profile.

I went to RCIA as an inquiry and not a commitment. Many of the Church’s teachings take a while to comprehend and take a hold in your life. I was pro-death penalty when I came to the RCIA, and slowly I came to understand the Church’s teachings on life, that all life is sacred.

 

[blue]

You have some good responses, I think if the real presents in the Eucharist isnt a problem for you, get on with it. Work out other issues on this site, in your readings and in RCIA with others in discernment. Remember there are paths within the church ( such as charismatic, traditional ) find whats best for you. Wecome and God bless .

 

[Roy5]

** I have to say that my problem with the Catholic Church (I come from a mixed religious heritage) is that I strongly value my freedom to think independent of any church.** The idea that a Catholic must accept each and every ‘infallible’ doctrine is my problem. I know that critics will dismiss it as ego issue or whatever, but I treasure and actually joy exploring different theological perspectives, and gradually have come to the view that God doesn’t care all that much about our church affiliation or the dogmas we accept. God looks are our hearts. Do we love him and seek to serve him through serving others? When we come to the final judgment, I believe that will be the only serious criteria.

**That seems to me to be the emphasis of Jesus.** At several points in thbe Gospels he is asked about the judgment. At one point - in response to the lawyer who wants to know how to gain eternal life - he gives us the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were 'heretics', shunned by the pious of that time, but Christ uses one as the hero. Jesus had a perfect opportunity to preach doctrine, but avoided it. 

**And then that passage in Matthew 25:31-46**. When the Son of Man returns and separates the sheep from the goats, there is no hint of church affiliation or doctrine being of concern. "For I was hungry and you fed me....I was sick and you visited me: etc.

** Catholicism does a good job of feeding the hungry and other works of mercy, but it places too much emphasis upon doctrinal conformity.** Mainstream Protestantism, that generally permits a breadth of Biblical interpretation among its communicants, becomes more and more appealing. I presume it differs from person to person. Some fine people simply need ‘the true faith’. Others of us stand in awe before God, don’t claim to know the final truth on many issues, and are pleased to discuss different points of view withour claiming that only the view of our church is correct.

** Did Mary live a sinless life?** Do the words spoken by a priest at Mass turn bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus? Can sins be wiped away by the sacrament of confession? Is the Pope infallible when he speaks ‘ex cathedra’? Can saints intercede to secure favors for those who pray to them for help? Did St. Padre Pio levitate? I have come to believe that Christians should be able to differ on these and many other matters, live in mutual respect, and not be troubled because uniformity is not achieved. “Think and let think,” said Wesley. “If your heart is right, if you love God as I love God, let us join hands and walk together.” I believe Wesley said something like that, also.

** God bless Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox and his children of every creed, **color, country and condition. May religion become a bridge rather than a barrier. That will only become true when we stop insisting that our faith alone is true and all others are lacking and/or false. I will trust God to make the judgment and I’m sure the Lord is just and merciful. When Christ gave us the beatitudes - ‘blessed are ye’ - he included nothing about any church or doctrine.

 

[Cat_Herder]

** I have to say that my problem with the Catholic Church (I come from a mixed religious heritage) is that I strongly value my freedom to think independent of any church.**

Does this freedom include the freedom to deny that Jesus is Lord?

Does this freedom include the freedom to deny that Mary is immaculately conceived?

If your answers are different: Why the double standard?

 

[PJM]

Hi. I’m a life-long Protestant who has been considering becoming Catholic. Let me share some of my pros and cons.

On the other hand, there are Catholic doctrines I am uncomfortable with, such as calling the minister “Father” or such as the extreme veneration of Mary, albeit she was greatly blessed. I also don’t think the Church of Rome was ever intended by the Apostles to rule the other churches.

My dear friend in Christ;

A wonderful and saintly Bishop once said: “no one really hates Catholics,” what they hate is what they really don’t understand about what Catholics actually believe and teach."

With THOUSANDS of competing churches and faiths now in existence; the correct information on Catholism is all but impossible to find out side of the CC Herself.

**So WELCOME TO CATHOLIC FORUM. **

EACH of the points you raise is a VALID issue, and frankly each of them is explainable. The Problem here is space allowed. [SEEE THE PM I SENT YOU].

So let’s just take the first issue calling priest “Father.” [Did you know one of the names for the Pope is “papa?” WHY?

**Mt. 23: 12 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; [seat of authority] so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. but they themselves will not move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

**FROM HAYDOCK’S Catholic Commentary: **

Ver. 9-10. Call none your father … Neither be ye called masters, &c. The meaning is, that our Father in heaven is incomparably more to be regarded, than any father upon earth: and no master is to be followed, who would lead us away from Christ. But this does not hinder but that we are by the law of God to have a due respect both for our parents and spiritual fathers, and for our masters and teachers. This name was a title of dignity: Nothing is here forbidden but the contentious divisions, and self-assumed authority, of such as make themselves leaders and favorers of schisms and sects. But by no means the title of father, attributed by the faith, piety, and confidence of good people, to their directors; for, St. Paul tells the Corinthians, that he is their only spiritual Father:

1 Cor. 4:15- 16 “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I [PAUL] **became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. **I urge you, then, be imitators of me.”

The term Father is given to priest [Bishops] and the Pope as they ARE TO REPRESENT to us a living image of God by how they lead there life‘s. Do all succeed? NO!

Recall also that the OT refers to “our Fathers” frequently: Abraham, Moses, David in particular. Why? Because they too “mirrored” the image of God in person to us.

It is the self-adulation that is to be avoided!

Keep in mind the most elementary rule in PROPER UNDERSTANDING of the Bible; is no one teaching can contradict another teaching. WERE THIS PERMITTED THE BIBLE WOULD BE OF NO VALUE AT ALL AS NO ONE COULD DISCERN the TRUTH.

God’s continued Blessings,

Pat
PJM

 

[PJM]

=Steel Pinwheel;7332237]Hi. I’m a life-long Protestant who has been considering becoming Catholic. Let me share some of my pros and cons.

On the other hand, there are Catholic doctrines I am uncomfortable with, such as calling the minister “Father” or such as the extreme veneration of Mary, albeit she was greatly blessed. I also don’t think the Church of Rome was ever intended by the Apostles to rule the other churches. ?

Some VERY brief points for your consideration.

**READ Mt. 16:19…**Jesus Gives to Peter the “Keys to the Kinhdom of heaven” [In Mt. 18:18] this authority is also given to the other Apostles. **READ Mt. 28:19-20 **where Christ commands that what He Jesus Taught the Apostles; be shared “with the ENTIRE World”

By logical necessity in order for this to be done WITH ONLY ONE MESSAGE
IT HAD TO BE ONE CHURCH. READ Mt. 16:15-19

Eph. 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [singular] 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; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

Eph. 4: 4 -8“ There is one body [Only One Church[/COLOR]] and one Spirit, [Only One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, [Only One God] ***ONLY one faith, ***[Only One set of doctrine and dogma[/COLOR]] one baptism, By water in the Trinity] 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. "

Are you aware that the NT has OVER 100 references to ONLY ONE New Church, One New Faith and One new Covenant?

Mary is alway’s a hot-buton issue. But this too can be explained with suficient space and time.

God bless you my friend,
Pat