To Protestants: Why aren't you Catholic?

[Le_Cracquere]

Paris Blues:

And I want a honest answer too! I don’t want none of the “oh, it’s a freedom of religon!”…yada yada yada…

For Protestants who are NOT anti-Catholic and yet have nothing against the Church, why do you stay Protestant than???

It’s a very fair question. I seem to be weaving my way towards the Church, but various things conspire to slow me down:

• Family ties do complicate things: I was raised Evangelical Protestant, and understanding would be scarce on the ground among my family. My wife is sympathetic to and supportive of my interest in Catholicism, but is happy being a Protestant and would certainly not herself convert. That gives one pause: one of the very worst barriers between husband and wife is a religious barrier.
• As one poster astutely pointed out, obedience is an issue, especially obedience to a bunch of new rules that one spent the first four decades of one’s life not bargaining for. Just as an example: if you detest children as wholeheartedly as my wife and I do, the whole contraception thing comes as a nasty jar indeed. And it’s not the sort of thing my Protestant wife would feel bound by, even if I (horrors!) did. Had a whole earlier thread devoted to that little issue (no pun intended).
• Catholic doctrine is admirably well thought out and deeply reasoned, but for that very reason it takes forever to get a grip on it. A fellow likes to understand what he’s getting into, and after a couple of years of inquiries, I still don’t know if I do. An RCIA class doesn’t even begin to cover it.
• Finally: Catholicism’s very appeal to me makes me suspicious. An elegant, well-thought-out doctrine, the beautiful liturgy (even what remains of it beats Evangelicalism all hollow), the rich history—it’s all so attractive. And I mistrust the thought that I might simply be looking for something to tickle my ears, as it were. It’s so exactly the sort of thing I would be drawn to … whether it happened to be true or not. Picking a religion because it suits you is a fearful act of egoism, one that Catholics rightly hold against some church-hopping Protestants.

“Cafeteria Catholicism” is not for me. And I won’t insult the Faith by embracing it with half a heart and half my mind made up.

Don’t know if that’s what you were looking for.

 

[ahimsaman72]

Mickey:

Yes, my friend. You have identified three major obstacles.
Number one is a matter of obedience.
Number three can be overcome when we realize the common bond of humanity: All nations form but one community. This is so because all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth, and also because all share a common destiny, namely God. His providence, evident goodness, and saving designs extend to all against the day when the elect are gathered together in the holy city. . CCC

Nunber two can be the most difficult. I have witnessed this in action and it makes me sad.

Peace and blessings to you,
Mickey

Hello dear friend.

no. 1 is obedience as you pointed out. I wonder how I can be obedient to a faith doctrine/doctrines which my heart and mind run away from and dismiss. I couldn’t just play the part of a faithful Catholic that way. Inside and outside must be complete and one to live a truthful and faithful life.

no. 2 is the knife that cuts the strings. Even if I could get inside and outside of ME squared away, evidence suggests my immediate family would break apart - divorce - kids tossed here and there. I could not bear it.

no. 3 is difficult too. Practicing Buddhist principles would be heresy. If Catholicism demands faithfulness to it alone, I could not in good faith do so. That sounds like a cop-out I admit. But, I reckon it to my marriage also. If I could not be faithful to my wife internally and externally, then we might as well not be married.

I really admire the Catholic faith and its people - especially you . It is deep and wide in theology and practice and rather unlike what protestantism can offer. I couldn’t go back to my protestant sect at this point. If I were going to practice Christianity I would have to go Catholic .

Be well my friend…

 

[Mickey]

ahimsaman72:

I couldn’t just play the part of a faithful Catholic that way. Inside and outside must be complete and one to live a truthful and faithful life.

This is true.

ahimsaman72:

no. 2 is the knife that cuts the strings. Even if I could get inside and outside of ME squared away, evidence suggests my immediate family would break apart - divorce - kids tossed here and there. I could not bear it.

A very difficult situation indeed.

ahimsaman72:

no. 3 is difficult too. Practicing Buddhist principles would be heresy. If Catholicism demands faithfulness to it alone, I could not in good faith do so. That sounds like a cop-out I admit. But, I reckon it to my marriage also. If I could not be faithful to my wife internally and externally, then we might as well not be married…

All valid points.

May I add that I am now in a discussion with a friend from New York City who was born into Judaism, converted to Buddhism, and is now seeking Christ through the beloved Fransicans. And my brother-in-law is months away from converting from baptist to Byzantine Catholic without his wife and kids (although his situation is not as dire as yours).
With God, all things are possible.
I never stop praying for you my friend!

Peace and blessings,
Mickey

 

[SAHmommy]

I was raised Catholic and left the Church. I have tried to come back but can’t do it. Someone else mentioned one major sticking point for me. The Catholic Church requires total obedience to doctrines that I just don’t agree with. I’m not anti-Catholic at all, I just know I could never be a good Catholic, so I’d rather go where I feel the Holy Spirit is leading me rather than being dishonest with myself and God by pretending to believe something I don’t.

SAHmommy

 

[Mickey]

SAHmommy:

The Catholic Church requires total obedience to doctrines that I just don’t agree with.

Which doctrines are giving you trouble? Maybe we can help you here.

 

[ahimsaman72]

Mickey:

This is true.

A very difficult situation indeed.

All valid points.

May I add that I am now in a discussion with a friend from New York City who was born into Judaism, converted to Buddhism, and is now seeking Christ through the beloved Fransicans. And my brother-in-law is months away from converting from baptist to Byzantine Catholic without his wife and kids (although his situation is not as dire as yours).
With God, all things are possible.
I never stop praying for you my friend!

Peace and blessings,
Mickey

I remember your brother-in-law from a prior conversation. That’s great that he’s converting. The Baptist faith I used to love and grew up in left ME shallow and without direction. Yes, with God all things are possible!

(bows)

Thank you for your prayers my friend. I wish your brother-in-law blessings in his new faith.

Peace and blessings…

 

[SAHmommy]

Mickey:

Which doctrines are giving you trouble? Maybe we can help you here.

Let’s just say that Orthodoxy answered all the questions I had about the Catholic Church and leave it at that. I spent hours discussing issues with my local Monsignor and the more we talked, the more I realized I couldn’t make myself fit into the Catholic Church.

kamikat

 

[sea_oat]

I would say Protestants who aren’t anti-Catholic are still Protestants for the same reason that Catholics who aren’t anti-Protestant are still Catholics.

There are tons of major theological and even cultural differences between the two forms of Christianity, so you will get as many different answers as there are Christians. Plus, the sheer number of Protestant denominations and beliefs further complicates things.

Presonally, it took me so long to enroll in RCIA because although I wasn’t anti-Catholic, there were simply too many beliefs and things about Catholicism that I had a major problem with. I’m still struggling with some of them, but no one ever said things would be easy.

 

[Elzee]

The Iambic Pen:

.

In closing, there was a time not too long ago when I feared Catholicism was true and hoped it wasn’t. Now I hope it’s true and fear that it isn’t. I guess maybe that’s progress…

God bless!

It’s progress and I think it’s normal. You’re learning more and questioning more as you go, which is good. But your hope is still growing along the way it seems. You wouldn’t be hoping if you didn’t believe there was truth there.

I look for the day you know it’s true, but wish it weren’t (due to the personal situation you described). At that point, God’s grace will still keep you going and give you strenght, hopefully all the way home. God bless you.

 

[idoqna]

I am a Protestant (Baptist) who hasn’t set foot in a Baptist church in almost three years. I was 37 when I stopped going. God has led me to this point in my life and I’m ready for RCIA.

What I can’t fathom at this point is the questioning of Mary. Yes, that was a huge issue for me. I now totally understand Mary. I agree that she could not have had sin to be able to bear a sinless Jesus. It just makes plain sense. Also, I totally understand praying to her and/or the saints. I talk to my deceased father when something’s going on and it’s very similar to that, except I think she has a little more power…:yup:

If someone does not believe Catholicism is the original Christ church, then they’re way off. The Baptist faith was only founded around 200 or so years ago here in America. The Lutherans, while being around for a very long time, still cannot date their faith to Jesus’ time. Plus, Luther actually came back to the Church on his death bed. So, what faith, if not Catholicism, can trace their roots to Jesus?

Oh, and yes, Catholicism has rules and has a request for obedience BUT what does a Baptist denomination call for you to do? They want you to abstain from dancing, drinking, smoking, etc. Now, where in the Bible did it tell me I can’t dance? Where in the Bible does it tell me I can’t drink? Didn’t Jesus turn water into wine? I’m assuming if Christ was against drinking he would have turned it into milk. (Now, before someone starts railing on these latter two points, I drink one drink every few months and NEVER have smoked. Don’t think it’s healthy.) Baptists are notoriously behind door drinkers, smokers, etc. We’re probably one of the most hypocritical of our own denomination that exists.

When it comes to family, well, if Christ came to you and said, “Come to the Church, the one I founded for you,” would you really say no? I don’t think so. If Christ is leading you to His Church, then I suggest you follow it. Look at Scott Hahn. He did. It caused tremendous strife in his family but Christ had a reason for everything. If your family is so closed minded to the Catholic Church, then there is something wrong with them, not with you and the Church. Perhaps they need to explore their Christian values and beliefs. It’s not like you are becoming a Jew or Muslim.

I thought, at the beginning, that the Mass was boring, structured and, honestly, depressing in the singing. What I realized is that it’s beautiful, reverent and positive. I realized there’s a place for everything but in Mass it should be reverent because you are presenting Christ in the Eucharist. It’s not a time to be clapping, dancing in the aisle, etc.

The last thing is the Eucharist. When I finally grasped the Eucharist, I looked at the silly little grape juice and wafer that my Baptist faith taught me was a “symbol” of Jesus’ death and realized what I had been missing for decades. For anyone to be able to go from taking in the real body and blood of Christ as a Catholic to taking grape juice and a symbol of him is beyond my comprehension. My daughter accidentally took the Eucharist one time. (She’s not to First Communion yet.) I asked her, “Well, Baby, what did you feel taking the Eucharist?” “Mommy, I felt Christ come into my body and it felt good.” She was beaming. That’s what I look forward to feeling.

peace be with you!

Steph

 

[carol_marie]

alsligh:

In a nutshell, converting to Catholicism isn’t like trading in my Toyota for a Honda. It’s a big deal, and if I convert it will be with my whole heart without looking back.

.

As a convert I can tell you that you are soooooo right… it’s not like trading in a Toyota for a Honda… converting to Catholiicism is more like trading in a '92 Ford Tempo for a brand new Mercedese Benz.

CM

P.S. I love the thought that if you convert it will be “with your whole heart without looking back” - pray for God’s guidance - He will never lead you astray. Peace to you.

 

[UBERROGO]

Well there are a few reasons…

1. I dont know about the whole RC religion but the whole Mary thing bothers me sometimes.
2. My wife ran off with a devout (meaning he puts his crucifixes and posters of Mary in my old apartment, although I realize RC arent supposed to do this) RC although this is a bad reason. In time I am sure this reason will go away.
3. I would like to get married again and I am under the impression that RC dont get married after a divorce so I am looking into Orthodox Catholicism instead.

 

[Hilde_Mari]

Paris Blues:

For Protestants who are NOT anti-Catholic and yet have nothing against the Church, why do you stay Protestant than???

This anti-Catholic phenomenon is totally new to me. I’m not Protestant because I have anything against Catholic teachings.

Sadly, where you live, and who your parents are, have a lot to say when it comes to choosing your religion. Living in Norway I was baptized and later confirmated into the Lutheran-Evangelical church. The confirmation was my own choise. It was either Lutheran, Humanistic or none.

My problem is geographical. The nearest Catholic church is far away because Catholicism is low represented here, and Protestantism is dominating. If I move to a place where there is a Catholic church, I’ll probably convert.

 

[Mickey]

SAHmommy:

Let’s just say that Orthodoxy answered all the questions I had about the Catholic Church and leave it at that. I spent hours discussing issues with my local Monsignor and the more we talked, the more I realized I couldn’t make myself fit into the Catholic Church.

It’s okay if you do not want to discuss it. I would not attempt to convince you otherwise (that’s not my place). I’m very happy that you have found a home in the Holy Orthodox Church. God bless you.

 

[alsligh]

Thank you to both posters, RCCDefender and Carol Marie, who were so encouraging. I appreciate your prayers very much.

I thought of one other thing that is not a stumbling block necessarily, but an obstacle to be tackled, anyway. I already mentioned that I have a three year old daughter. Even more than I don’t want to be a “church-hopper” myself, I don’t want to make her one, either. I hope that I am not confusing her when I have her pray the “Our Father” and make the Sign of the Cross first thing in the morning when she wakes up. I also have a statue of the Infant Child of Prague in her bedroom. Who knows? At some point in her life, she may pave the road for her parents to enter the Catholic Church!

Peace and joy.

 

[Godcop]

Why aren’t I Catholic ?

A reading from the book of ‘Webster’ -

cult (kult) n. 1. A system of religious rites and observances: the cult of Aphrodite. 2. Zealous devotion to a person, ideal, or thing. 3. The object of this devotion. 4. The followers of a sect.

Does that sum it up ?

Richard Ramirez (the night stalker) was baptized Catholic. Where will he go when he dies ?
John Wayne Gacy was baptized Catholic. Where is he now ?
Jack the Ripper was baptized Catholic. Where is he now ?
Where is Adolph Hitler ?
Where is Pope John Paul II ?
Where is the man or woman - that your church sees as - precisely between, Hitler and the pope ?

Purgatory - you say - Answer these:
Did Jesus Christ die once for SOME of your sins ?
Did Jesus Christ die once for MOST of your sins ?
OR
Did Jesus Christ die once for ALL of your sins ?

 

[Godcop]

Mickey:

Very uncharitable.

Very uncharitable.

What are you insinuating? This is very uncharitable!

Wow! That is very uncharitable. The Catholic Church gave you the infallible Bible that you now read!

I am now compelled to ask you: Does your new inter-denominational faith teach about charity?

I have questions for you my friend.

Is the Catholic Church responsible for the Bible we read today?

Do you believe that if an ALMIGHTY, All powerful, Omnipresent, Omniscient God would have wanted ‘the Gospel of Thomas’ or ‘the Gospel of Mary’, or the ‘missing letter to the Corinthians’ in the bible, He would have made sure they were in there?

Or do you ‘limit’ God so much as to say that MAN is responsible for the Bible we read today ? Basically, placing fallible man in control of GOD’s Word ???

 

[Marquette]

katy:

As a Catholic, I have never heard those citations refer to anyone but Christ. Applying them to his mother is news to me.

Ditto for me.

As for the pope, every protestant congregation that I was a part of had their own pope. He was called the minister. If you didn’t speak the “party line” you were called on the carpet.

 

[Marquette]

Godcop:

Why aren’t I Catholic ?

A reading from the book of ‘Webster’ -

cult (kult) n. 1. A system of religious rites and observances: the cult of Aphrodite. 2. Zealous devotion to a person, ideal, or thing. 3. The object of this devotion. 4. The followers of a sect.

Does that sum it up ?

Richard Ramirez (the night stalker) was baptized Catholic. Where will he go when he dies ?
John Wayne Gacy was baptized Catholic. Where is he now ?
Jack the Ripper was baptized Catholic. Where is he now ?
Where is Adolph Hitler ?
Where is Pope John Paul II ?
Where is the man or woman - that your church sees as - precisely between, Hitler and the pope ?

Purgatory - you say - Answer these:
Did Jesus Christ die once for SOME of your sins ?
Did Jesus Christ die once for MOST of your sins ?
OR
Did Jesus Christ die once for ALL of your sins ?

Oh come on! There were never any baptized protestants who became terrible people?

Did you know that Hitler used the writings of LUTHER as a basis of his Jew hating? Have you ever read what Luther wrote about the Jews?

And I answered your purgatory question in another thread, but to sum up, Jesus died for our sins but he didn’t die for our temporal punishment. I robb a bank, I go to jail. Christian or not Christian.

 

[NiceFundamental]

I grew up Catholic. Until I became a “Born Again” Christian, I really new nothing. My reason for not being Catholic since you asked Paris are:

What I read in this thread:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=99506

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=98862

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=99582

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=98894

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=98640

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=80782

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=96701

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=95296

and this one:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=83193

A couple I can’t find right now,…but those just to name a few.

You asked, to me conversations in these threads explains why I am no longer a Catholic.