Thinking of converting

[jots]

I hope this is the right place to post this…

was raised in a very strict Protestant sect and later in the Conservative Baptist church (also pretty strict). As an adult, I am seeking. I am the assistant to the pastor of our non-denominational community church, and ordained deacon in that church, and am also in formation with the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. The Cistercian charism has really drawn me in and been an enriching journey.
Lately I have been asking questions and have found myself concerned with discovering the most true New Testament church expression in this present time. Obviously I have been drawn towards Catholicism and the Orthodox church. But there are also things that don’t sit too comfortably with me. I am someone who probably would never end up praying the rosary for example. And I would like stay with the ingrained tradition of going directly to God with my prayers. I have a great respect for St Mary and St Benedict and many of the other Godly men and women (saints) of tradition. And the succession and tradition of the ancient churches feels so rich to me…like a real connection to the first Church and to Jesus.
Currently I am a member of a good, but flawed church. I was raised in good, but flawed churches. I feel like any church and tradition will likely not be a 100% perfect fit and will have flaws.
Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

 

[AndrewF1995]

I guess so, as long as the traditions you don’t want to do are not any thing really important. Do you believe that the saints can hear our prayers though? You would just prefer not to pray to saints?

 

[jots]

I guess so, as long as the traditions you don’t want to do are not any thing really important. Do you believe that the saints can hear our prayers though? You would just prefer not to pray to saints?

I’m not sure what I feel about the saints. I do believe in the communion of saints.

 

[Will_B]

If your mother, the one who gave birth to you, saw you sick and in pain; would you ask her to pray for you? Whether she were on Earth or in Heaven??

Mary, the Mother of God; Mother of Jesus, is in Heaven and very close to God. Why not ask her to pray for you?

 

[reindeer]

Perhaps you could attend an RCIA class just to find out more info about the church.
You would also be free to ask your questions. Other people will also ask questions.
You don’t have to promise to join the chuch to attend the class.

Lorraine

 

[fermat]

Welcome!

There are traditions that you are not bound to as a Catholic. Prayer to the saints is one them. If you decided that you only wanted to pray to God and leave the saints out, there is nothing objectively wrong about.

That being said, it is important to understand that what prayer to the saints really is. Paul tells us ‘not to quarrel about words’ and this is one of those cases. The way Catholics use the term ‘pray’ in the context of the saints uses the ye-old-English form of pray which simply means to ask. The Protestant use of the word tends to be strictly limited to God. So in this case when I say that I ‘pray to Mary’ I am saying that ‘I am asking Mary to also take these prayers to God.’ (The English term ‘prithee’ is just short for ‘I pray thee’. Prithee will get me a cup of coffee.)

The earthly version of this is to ask you to pray for me. We know that there is nothing wrong with asking each other to pray for us and in the Catholic tradition we are simply asking our departed brothers in sisters to do the same.

Does that make sense? (There is also the understand of just how the saints hear these requests, but three of the four kids are running around looking for food, so I can’t get there right now.)

 

[HCC]

I hope this is the right place to post this…

was raised in a very strict Protestant sect and later in the Conservative Baptist church (also pretty strict). As an adult, I am seeking. I am the assistant to the pastor of our non-denominational community church, and ordained deacon in that church, and am also in formation with the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. The Cistercian charism has really drawn me in and been an enriching journey.
Lately I have been asking questions and have found myself concerned with discovering the most true New Testament church expression in this present time. Obviously I have been drawn towards Catholicism and the Orthodox church. But there are also things that don’t sit too comfortably with me. I am someone who probably would never end up praying the rosary for example. And I would like stay with the ingrained tradition of going directly to God with my prayers. I have a great respect for St Mary and St Benedict and many of the other Godly men and women (saints) of tradition. And the succession and tradition of the ancient churches feels so rich to me…like a real connection to the first Church and to Jesus.
Currently I am a member of a good, but flawed church. I was raised in good, but flawed churches. I feel like any church and tradition will likely not be a 100% perfect fit and will have flaws.
Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

Dear jots,

Hi and welcome. We certainly welcome all respectful seekers to this forum. Obviously you already know the importance of continued prayer in making any decision, so definitely keep that up.

I wanted to recommend Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s stories to you. They were Reformed Presbyterians, Scott, a pastor and Kimberly, the daughter of a minister. Their stories of how they came to the Catholic Church are very inspiring.

youtube.com/watch?v=W8RMvmrheE0
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberly_Hahn

 

[HeavenlyRoses]

Jots, I look at it this way. I may not be at the point of being able to believe every bit of doctrine, to partake in each prayer or devotion, or to live each day as Christ commands. But, I am open to the possibility of achieving that. If I say, “No, I just don’t believe that”, then for sure I won’t believe it. If I am open to believing it in the future, then it’s a valid possibility, one that wouldn’t exist if I said “no”.
Best wishes on your spiritual journey.

 

[excubitor]

I converted.

For some reason I always believed that the bread and wine were the actual body and blood of Christ. It came as a shock to learn that protestants I was communing with did not share my belief. They do not believe that it is the flesh and blood of Christ and regard it as merely a symbol.

But John 6 said to me that unless I eat the flesh and drink the blood there is no life in me.
This led me to study into how the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ. This introduced the importance of Holy Orders which shows who is authorised to consecrate the bread and wine and how it must be done.

After this I felt that it was simply a work of obedience, something that I had to do to obtain salvation. Nevertheless it was a struggle to work through all the distinctives like Mary, and to go through all the RCIA. But I did and so I was converted and baptised as a Catholic to the disdain and horror of staunch protestant family and friends.

Family and friends eventually come around to the new reality and things eventually click back like they were, but not always. I lost some loved ones but most have been supportive and I have gained a great peace of mind to know that I now am in communion and am a member of the one holy apostolic catholic church of the long vast ages.

 

[Scoobyshme]

I hope this is the right place to post this…

was raised in a very strict Protestant sect and later in the Conservative Baptist church (also pretty strict). As an adult, I am seeking. I am the assistant to the pastor of our non-denominational community church, and ordained deacon in that church, and am also in formation with the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. The Cistercian charism has really drawn me in and been an enriching journey.
Lately I have been asking questions and have found myself concerned with discovering the most true New Testament church expression in this present time. Obviously I have been drawn towards Catholicism and the Orthodox church. But there are also things that don’t sit too comfortably with me. I am someone who probably would never end up praying the rosary for example. And I would like stay with the ingrained tradition of going directly to God with my prayers. I have a great respect for St Mary and St Benedict and many of the other Godly men and women (saints) of tradition. And the succession and tradition of the ancient churches feels so rich to me…like a real connection to the first Church and to Jesus.
Currently I am a member of a good, but flawed church. I was raised in good, but flawed churches. I feel like any church and tradition will likely not be a 100% perfect fit and will have flaws.
Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

There are two kinds of “tradition” that the Bible talks about. One refers to merely Jewish laws (don’t eat pork, etc.). These, you shouldn’t concern yourself about. The other “Tradition” (Capital “T”) is the teachings of Jesus, passed on orally. These you should be concerned about. Keep in mind that the Bible says that not everything Jesus did or said is IN the Bible. (See John 21:25) Yet, Jesus commanded His Apostles (and, by extension, their successors) to go forth and teach and preach “everything” that He had taught them. (Matt. 28:20). So, there’s a gap, if you believe everything has to be “in the Bible” in order to be believed. The gap is covered by Oral Tradition, a.k.a., Holy Tradition, which has been passed down through the Church for 2000 years now. The Bible is a subset of Holy Tradition, i.e., the part that got written down.

Here’s a good video on Origins of the Bible:
alabamacatholicresources.com/Bible.html

 

[FirstCalled]

I hope this is the right place to post this…

was raised in a very strict Protestant sect and later in the Conservative Baptist church (also pretty strict). As an adult, I am seeking. I am the assistant to the pastor of our non-denominational community church, and ordained deacon in that church, and am also in formation with the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. The Cistercian charism has really drawn me in and been an enriching journey.
Lately I have been asking questions and have found myself concerned with discovering the most true New Testament church expression in this present time. Obviously I have been drawn towards Catholicism and the Orthodox church. But there are also things that don’t sit too comfortably with me. I am someone who probably would never end up praying the rosary for example. And I would like stay with the ingrained tradition of going directly to God with my prayers. I have a great respect for St Mary and St Benedict and many of the other Godly men and women (saints) of tradition. And the succession and tradition of the ancient churches feels so rich to me…like a real connection to the first Church and to Jesus.
Currently I am a member of a good, but flawed church. I was raised in good, but flawed churches. I feel like any church and tradition will likely not be a 100% perfect fit and will have flaws.
Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

The first part of recognizing Apostolic Authority is recognizing the collective wisdom passed down throughout 2000 years is greater than your own, and that while you disagree now, that is because you do not understand the correct theological viewpoint. Pray for understanding. Many people think that asking for prayers = worship, but it’s a common protestant misunderstanding; if people understood the truth, why would they be protestant? We have great love for Mary, through her came Jesus, who was our salvation. As we love people and remember their passing through photographs we remember Mary and her love for Jesus through the rosary, the Hail Mary is based on biblical passages, have no fear, but pray for understanding.

 

[jots]

If your mother, the one who gave birth to you, saw you sick and in pain; would you ask her to pray for you? Whether she were on Earth or in Heaven??

Mary, the Mother of God; Mother of Jesus, is in Heaven and very close to God. Why not ask her to pray for you?

I see what you mean. Thanks.

 

[Gogetters1]

Convert to pedobear

 

[JohnDamian]

I hope this is the right place to post this…

was raised in a very strict Protestant sect and later in the Conservative Baptist church (also pretty strict). As an adult, I am seeking. I am the assistant to the pastor of our non-denominational community church, and ordained deacon in that church, and am also in formation with the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. The Cistercian charism has really drawn me in and been an enriching journey.
Lately I have been asking questions and have found myself concerned with discovering the most true New Testament church expression in this present time. Obviously I have been drawn towards Catholicism and the Orthodox church. But there are also things that don’t sit too comfortably with me. I am someone who probably would never end up praying the rosary for example. And I would like stay with the ingrained tradition of going directly to God with my prayers. I have a great respect for St Mary and St Benedict and many of the other Godly men and women (saints) of tradition. And the succession and tradition of the ancient churches feels so rich to me…like a real connection to the first Church and to Jesus.
Currently I am a member of a good, but flawed church. I was raised in good, but flawed churches. I feel like any church and tradition will likely not be a 100% perfect fit and will have flaws.
Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

Firstly speaking;

1. Catholics don’t pray to Saint’s; we ask Saint’s to interceed with God for us; we ask the Saint’s to pray for us. This is why; for example we say “Hail mary … Pray for us sinners”. We don’t pray to the Saint directly for anything.
2. The Rosary was invented so that the Lay person could enjoy contemplating the prayer and meditation common in Monestaries. However; as most Lay people could not read the psalms that Monestaries used; the Rosary was created.

The Rosary was created as a way to reflect upon Mary; and to meditate on the Mysteries; an example of which would be meditating on the “Luminous Mysteries” which are

1 --The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. Fruit of the Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit-the Healer.
2 --The Wedding at Cana. Fruit of the Mystery: To Jesus through Mary. The understanding of the ability to manifest-through faith.
3 – Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Fruit of the Mystery: Trust in God
4 – The Transfiguration. Fruit of the Mystery: Desire for Holiness
5 – The Institution of the Eucharist. Fruit of the Mystery: Adoration

Can I become a Catholic and not fully immerse myself in traditions that I am not so convinced about?

Yes - Many traditions do not have to be agreed upon by the individual; for example we can practice the rosary; or not. There is no compulsion to practice it.

However; you should discuss thing’s with a Priest. If you decide to convert; you will go through a (free) process called **RCIA ** Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; which will teach you all about every major aspect of the Church; and why we believe in certain things.

Naturally; any further questions can be asked on Catholic Answers.

 

[jots]

I truly appreciate the gracious and thoughtful replies, thanks! My only real exposure to the Catholic Church has been through the monks and liturgy at the Abbey of Gethsemani… very rich indeed! In fact, coming back from retreat there and going back to my non-denom community church is sort of like drinking a Bud Light instead of a Guiness Extra Stout.
I absolutely believe that the tradition of 2000 years is really important. I know a lot of Protestants will say that “things were corrupted along the way”, etc. But that is true of anything that mere men are involved with. We make mistakes…that’s who we are. But at some point I think we need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of that tradition…His ability to get things “back on track” when they get off track. And I also am am aware that between 33 AD and the the time of the first real distribution of Bibles to literate folks, all we really had was tradition!
I think I will look into RCIA.

 

[HCC]

I truly appreciate the gracious and thoughtful replies, thanks! My only real exposure to the Catholic Church has been through the monks and liturgy at the Abbey of Gethsemani… very rich indeed! In fact, coming back from retreat there and going back to my non-denom community church is sort of like drinking a Bud Light instead of a Guiness Extra Stout.
I absolutely believe that the tradition of 2000 years is really important. I know a lot of Protestants will say that “things were corrupted along the way”, etc. But that is true of anything that mere men are involved with. We make mistakes…that’s who we are. But at some point I think we need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of that tradition…His ability to get things “back on track” when they get off track. And I also am am aware that between 33 AD and the the time of the first real distribution of Bibles to literate folks, all we really had was tradition!
I think I will look into RCIA.

Yes, look into RCIA, but try to get some recommendations on a good, solid RCIA program. Some are a little more solid and inline with Church teaching than others.

 

[jots]

Yes, look into RCIA, but try to get some recommendations on a good, solid RCIA program. Some are a little more solid and inline with Church teaching than others.

What would you suggest as a good way to do that?

 

[mary_bobo]

I truly appreciate the gracious and thoughtful replies, thanks! My only real exposure to the Catholic Church has been through the monks and liturgy at the Abbey of Gethsemani… very rich indeed! In fact, coming back from retreat there and going back to my non-denom community church is sort of like drinking a Bud Light instead of a Guiness Extra Stout.
I absolutely believe that the tradition of 2000 years is really important. I know a lot of Protestants will say that “things were corrupted along the way”, etc. But that is true of anything that mere men are involved with. We make mistakes…that’s who we are. But at some point I think we need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of that tradition…His ability to get things “back on track” when they get off track. And I also am am aware that between 33 AD and the the time of the first real distribution of Bibles to literate folks, all we really had was tradition!
I think I will look into RCIA.

I was a sponsor for a RCIA candidate last year and one of the members of the class came thru attending retreats at Gethsemani. He was a brilliant man, a financial advisor on TV and a PhD in marine biology. He died suddenly before Easter, but he had a Catholic funeral and is buried in the Catholic cemetery here. Gethsemani is a wonderful experience.

As for praying to saints, we do not pray TO saints, but rather, THRU them. I especially ask for Mary’s intercession with her Son when I need something important, just as my children come to me when they need money (they are adults) knowing that I will intercede for them with their Dad.

Hope this helps. May God bless you on your journey.

 

[HCC]

What would you suggest as a good way to do that?

Is there a monk that you know who is very close to Our Lord, who takes Church teaching very seriously? Perhaps you could ask him. If he says that really isn’t his department, ask him if he could find out where there is an RCIA program that has solid teaching. Unfortunately, some religious (monks, sisters, priests, brothers) are not aware that all RCIA programs aren’t created equally. (So-to-speak)

If you would like to email me privately, I could try looking into a good program in your area.

 

[JerryS]

I started praying the rosary out of curiosity last year, and here I am Catholic. I was very skeptical about the rosary when I started, having similar discomfort with the veneration of Mary.

However, my experience was that the rosary carried me to Jesus. The prayers are oriented to Mary, but the contemplation is almost all about events in the life and teaching of Jesus. Only 2 of the 20 standard mysteries are exclusively related to Mary (Assumption and Coronation in the Glorious mysteries). The Hail Mary quickly fades into the background and the life of Jesus (sometimes intertwined with Mary and others) comes alive in your conscience. Except for the Annunciation and the Visitation, of course, when the Hail Mary resonates with the event under contemplation.

So don’t mess with the rosary unless you want to get closer to Jesus and are willing to risk getting pulled into His Church. It’s a very powerful spiritual practice. You don’t have to pray it. You get to pray it.