What are some of the main reasons that people are attracted to the Protestant faith?

[House_Harkonnen]

I wish you well in your new church home. My understanding is that WELS, like LCMS, tends to be strong in doctrine and tradition.
The Catholics I know who switched to Protestant followed a different path. They tended to join non-denominational churches who are “light” on doctrine, emphasize “how to be a caring person in your daily life”, accept yourself as lovable, build a nurturing community.
Even if it were proven to everyone’s knowledge that God did not exist, these churches would suffer only a slight decline; they meet so many other kinds of needs.
There are negative experiences that cause people to leave the Catholic Church - on my cranky days, I am one, myself. I would rather see a Catholic join a strong doctrinal church - even one that disagrees with Catholicism at times - than join a church that never has doctrinal disagreement, because they don’t really have any doctrine.

It may help to keep in mind the distinction between the Catholic Church, and the Catholic Faith. In America the media constantly focuses our attention on the Church, but the Faith is separate. Many who have left the Faith, remain in the Church, sometimes even remaining in the convent. Others who have left the Church (maybe they bumped into Catholics like me) are still deeply formed by the Catholic Faith.

Indeed. I have said before and will say again, that if Confessional Lutheranism were to disappear completely I would much rather worship at the local Catholic or Orthodox parish than the massive evangelical mega church down the street.

 

[Faithdancer]

I have known a fair number of Catholic-to-Protestants, and what they typically say is that Catholicism seemed to be empty ritual to them, with an undue stress on outward duties. They felt that the Bible-based faith of the churches I belonged to was much truer and more genuine, and promoted a much stronger connection with our Lord Jesus. They were pleased at the emphasis on Scripture, the worship of God, and community between believers; it was refreshing to them.

I think your observations are apt. Transubstantiation and sacerdotalism might be issues as well, among others.

The fact is, not all those who leave the Catholic church for Protestant churches are “poorly catechized” or “don’t understand Catholicism.” I totally understand, even sympathize with how thinking so might make Catholics feel better about those who leave- but it’s simply not true.

 

[Faithdancer]

Recall an Episcopalian posting data on Catholic converts to Anglicanism; I think it represents the highest number of former Catholics.

I went the Anglican route for a time, was even strongly encouraged to pursue ordination, but I wrestle with the sacerdotalism. The Anglican church holds to four of the five solae, but I believe in all five.

 

[House_Harkonnen]

-]/-]

I went the Anglican route for a time, was even strongly encouraged to pursue ordination, but I wrestle with the sacerdotalism. The Anglican church holds to four of the five solae, but I believe in all five.

Which sola do they not believe in?

 

[Randy_Carson]

What are some of the main reasons that people leave the Catholic faith for Protestant faith?

Here are the classic reasons why people leave Catholicism:

1. They disagreed with a moral teaching of the Church (ie, contraception, divorce).
2. They were emotionally or physically hurt by someone in authority in the Catholic Church (a priest or a nun).
3. They were casual Catholics with no real understanding of the Church’s doctrine, and they left when someone who was Protestant gave them what *appeared *to be a better explanation of the gospel.
4. They married a non-Catholic Christian.

I believe it is EXTREMELY rare for a Catholic who knows the faith well to leave the Church unless points 1 or 2 are involved. Conversely, I believe that Protestants frequently convert to Catholicism for some of the same princilples but also because as they study theology and history more deeply, they begin to realize that Catholicism offers a truer and more complete explanation of theology and history.

 

[JRKH]

I’ve never had reason to doubt what they say. Yes, for these folks, they could not get close to Jesus in the Catholic Church.

Yes - and I believe them…the question is why? That is what I would wish to probe just a bit…
Not to attack them so much as to understand.

They also felt they weren’t being taught to read and study Scripture for themselves.

Well - without being exactly sure what they meant by that, I have two parallel thoughts going on…

1. Of course they are not taught to read and study Scripture for themselves…we are to read and study Scripture within and under the protection of the Church.
2. What is their to “teach” about reading and studying Scripture? Every week there are three readings…OT, NT and Gospel…Every other day at mass there are two scripture readings. Every Catholic should have a bible in their home…Many parishes offer bible study classes during the year…
   All one needs to do is to pick up the bible and start reading…It’s a great way to have prayer time as well.

Again - I’m not discounting what they told you - but as a Catholic - and knowing what I know about the Church - I have to wonder why they felt the way they did.

Peace
James

 

[Faithdancer]

-]/-]

Which sola do they not believe in?

Well, I had thought that “Solus Christus” was something that many Anglicans did not hold, because of the sacerdotal aspect of worship. However, I just read a poll conducted here a couple of years ago and I was rather surprised to read that only about 20% of those respondents- though a very small sample- believe in all 5 solae: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=684515

 

[rjg99a]

Thank you everyone for your answers so far! Even though I definitely do appreciate the Catholic answers as well, thank you especially to heidi_storage and House Harkonnen for your ex-Catholic perspectives.

The reasons that many of you listed out make sense. And I hadn’t thought of the marriage issue before. Or the divorce issue. Because I’m married and we were both baptized protestant, I hadn’t even considered the position of someone baptized Catholic who wished to marry someone who did not want to become Catholic - that’s not allowed, is it? In my case though, if I do become Catholic eventually (which I probably will), my husband is not required to become Catholic as well, is he? Since this is my own faith journey and I cannot compel him to believe as I, though I of course do hope that he will follow my lead eventually. (Sorry, I know this is a side topic - I can table to for another thread/forum)

McCartney asked why Protestants convert to Catholicism and JRKH asked the reasons why I grew disenchanted with Protestantism. To answer both, at least in my case:
All the church experiences that I had known growing up seemed to base their religious knowledge on what to me seemed like some sort of emotional response. Either an emotional response to a bible verse they read, or something that happened to them in life, or something a pastor said. It was almost as if anyone could interpret “God’s will” in any which way that they wanted to, and different people could quote different Bible verse and come away with too totally different meanings. I also never full grasped how simply “believing in Jesus” made you magically different. I always felt like there had to be more. I grew bored with it because it seemed empty. Sure, people would get together and hold Bible studies and try earnestly to understand passages from the Bible and apply it to their lives, but it felt like a bunch of directionless people grasping at straws and trying to make interpretations work out to match what they already wanted. The religion felt like it had no backbone, no structure, no tradition, no authority. And I just lost interest. (And I was well educated, attending private Christian schools from 5th grade through college.)

Oh, and I also got bored with the performances of worship. It still annoys me when I see these huge mega-churches that work so hard at being cool and hip and current.

I asked the original question because I wasn’t able to choose Protestantism or knew what I was getting into beforehand; it’s what I was raised in. If I’m going to choose to become a Catholic, I want to make sure that it’s a well-considered decision.

 

[Tommy999]

My sister-in-law left the Catholic Church several years ago because she felt it was too heavy on rules and regulations and she desired a more “no frills” faith. She is happy in the Church of Christ.

I equate it to finding the Hilton unnecessary and wanting to go back to the the basics of a “Motel Six” faith without all the bells and whistles.

She might blow a gasket when she finds out that I am considering the Catholic faith she left. I am considering the Catholic faith because I feel there are things lacking in my denomination, such as the lack of emphasis on such important things (to me) as confessing one’s sins – although it is touched on occasionally.

I also long for a more reverent faith in which God is viewed as Holy Father instead of as our heavenly buddy. I am also drawn by the fact that the Catholic Church is the only church who has been there from the end of the apostolic times. I believe Jesus and the apostles left a logical succession of leadership to guide the faithful and the Catholic Church is the closest to what the disciples left to the early church fathers and it has
not splintered into many Catholic denominations like us protestants have.

 

[JRKH]

Thank you everyone for your answers so far! Even though I definitely do appreciate the Catholic answers as well, thank you especially to heidi_storage and House Harkonnen for your ex-Catholic perspectives.

The reasons that many of you listed out make sense. And I hadn’t thought of the marriage issue before. Or the divorce issue. Because I’m married and we were both baptized protestant,** I hadn’t even considered the position of someone baptized Catholic who wished to marry someone who did not want to become Catholic - that’s not allowed, is it?**

It is permitted for a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic. There needs to be a dispensation but that is more or less automatic any more.

In my case though, if I do become Catholic eventually (which I probably will), my husband is not required to become Catholic as well, is he?

No he is not.

McCartney asked why Protestants convert to Catholicism and JRKH asked the reasons why I grew disenchanted with Protestantism. To answer both, at least in my case:
All the church experiences that I had known growing up seemed to base their religious knowledge on what to me seemed like some sort of emotional response. Either an emotional response to a bible verse they read, or something that happened to them in life, or something a pastor said. It was almost as if anyone could interpret “God’s will” in any which way that they wanted to, and different people could quote different Bible verse and come away with too totally different meanings. I also never full grasped how simply “believing in Jesus” made you magically different. I always felt like there had to be more. I grew bored with it because it seemed empty. Sure, people would get together and hold Bible studies and try earnestly to understand passages from the Bible and apply it to their lives, but it felt like a bunch of directionless people grasping at straws and trying to make interpretations work out to match what they already wanted. The religion felt like it had no backbone, no structure, no tradition, no authority. And I just lost interest. (And I was well educated, attending private Christian schools from 5th grade through college.)

Oh, and I also got bored with the performances of worship. It still annoys me when I see these huge mega-churches that work so hard at being cool and hip and current.

Your reasons sound very similar to others I’ve heard. I use to watch “Journey Home” on EWTN pretty regular (a show about converts to Catholicism) and these are reasons that would come up time and again.

I asked the original question because I wasn’t able to choose Protestantism or knew what I was getting into beforehand; it’s what I was raised in. If I’m going to choose to become a Catholic, I want to make sure that it’s a well-considered decision.

Hope we are being an encouragement to you.

Peace
James

 

[Faithdancer]

All the church experiences that I had known growing up seemed to base their religious knowledge on what to me seemed like some sort of emotional response.

I reckon you never encountered the Presbyterians, eh? AKA God’s “frozen chosen.”

Oh, and I also got bored with the performances of worship. It still annoys me when I see these huge mega-churches that work so hard at being cool and hip and current.

Hold that thought until after you’ve attended the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress…or one of its clones.

 

[total_Catholic]

My sister-in-law left the Catholic Church several years ago because she felt it was too heavy on rules and regulations and she desired a more “no frills” faith. She is happy in the Church of Christ.

I equate it to finding the Hilton unnecessary and wanting to go back to the the basics of a “Motel Six” faith without all the bells and whistles.

She might blow a gasket when she finds out that I am considering the Catholic faith she left. I am considering the Catholic faith because I feel there are things lacking in my denomination, such as the lack of emphasis on such important things (to me) as confessing one’s sins – although it is touched on occasionally.

I also long for a more reverent faith in which God is viewed as Holy Father instead of as our heavenly buddy. I am also drawn by the fact that the Catholic Church is the only church who has been there from the end of the apostolic times. I believe Jesus and the apostles left a logical succession of leadership to guide the faithful and the Catholic Church is the closest to what the disciples left to the early church fathers and it has
not splintered into many Catholic denominations like us protestants have.

God bless you on your journey! We are here for you!

 

[robwar]

If this has been asked before, feel free to direct me to a previous thread. I’ve been poking around CAF for a few months now, but I’m still newer and still exploring all the different forums and topics and have likely missed recent discussions. I was raised non-denominational Christian, but kind of fell away from church during my 20s. I didn’t stop believing in God, but I felt something was lacking in my church experiences and no longer felt like I belonged there. I’ve lately been considering the Catholic faith and have a feeling I eventually will be, but I’m in the questioning phase right now.

My question is this: Kind of specifically for those ex-Catholic CAF posters (or anyone else familiar with people’s reasons for leaving the Catholic faith) - What are some of the main reasons that people leave the Catholic faith for Protestant faith?

Having come from a Protestant upbringing, I know why I became disenchanted with Protestantism, but Protestantism obviously must have draw for some as many people leave other faiths for it. I’m curious at to what that draw typically is.

Am I just “bored” by Protestantism because it’s what I grew up in, and that’s why I’m turning to Catholicism? If I had instead grown up Catholic, would I have eventually gotten bored of Catholicism and switched to Protestantism, just because it was different? Or could my convictions toward Catholicism be genuine?

The premise to your basic question is off based. Why anyone leaves one faith for another is going to be as different as there are individuals on this planet. Each person is going to have their own reasons and emotions for doing so. We need to stop lumping this all together. Protestantism is extremely broad based and has many conflicting views and ideas ranging from very strict type fundamentalists to those that would resemble Unitarians (very liberal). Usually as a basis why someone leaves one faith for another could be that the former stop meeting their spiritual needs and there was a crisis, trauma or hurt. Lack of understanding the former faith can play a minor part but not always. Switching religions due to bordom is probably one of the shakest reasoning here. It implies a real lack of debth of reasoning and emotions and opens you up to be blown around like a dead leaf in the wind.

 

[cmodrmac]

I do not see it as a “conversion” but rather joining another tradition or communion-(just an aside)

all those Churches who believe and profess the NIcene Creed are very similar-my Church is indeed very similar in our core belief

I like the post where it refers to “personal reasons” -indeed some of the personal reasons I have heard from the many ex catholics in My Church relate to personal issues-

refused husband ( a non Catholic ) communion

disagree on birth control

one spouse Protestant one Catholic agree to go to a new Church

receptionist at the Church office was rude - Priest was considered “rude” whether He was or wasn’t

friend invited the person to come one sunday and they did

get away from the sex scandal ( although I suspect all Churches have some of this)

Church too big

never once have I heard a former Catholic cite issues with the dogma and what really happens with the Eucharist or cite a Bible issue

the way divorced Catholic are treated ( again their perception)

rarely hear about the Pope or the lack of female Priest in the Rc Church

 

[Irishgal49]

My question is this: Kind of specifically for those ex-Catholic CAF posters (or anyone else familiar with people’s reasons for leaving the Catholic faith) - What are some of the main reasons that people leave the Catholic faith for Protestant faith?

I converted to Catholicism after 16 year old son died in a tragic car accident. I suffer with bipolar disorder. I didn’t learn much about what the Church believed. I was a former ordained Methodist clergy and had been raised Protestant all my life. I can say I’ve never experienced more pain, abuse, alienation, and misunderstanding in my life. I genuinely tried to believe/be/do what everyone pressured me to but I just didn’t believe a lot of what was taught. I have had a priest blow up at me and due to that no one at the parish wanted to talk to me. I was having problems with scrupulosity and I kept asking him what to do and he just blew a gasket and screamed at me. I felt like I just withered inside and slowly began to hate myself more and more. I had continuous panic attacks as a result. I watched people who said they loved and cared about me walk away because if “Fr So-and-so” didn’t like me then they didn’t either. I spent hours hating myself, damning myself, never feeling good enough. I tried to pretend I agreed with the Church but I don’t. I really don’t. I got to the point where the anxiety attacks were so bad I had to leave 1/2 way through Mass. I had gone to a new parish but was too terrified to reach out. I was alone, isolated, depressed, and frustrated. I have medication but it is highly addictive, plus I can’t drive when I take it because it makes me feel loopy.

I am a social worker with the homeless and always tell them that no one should ever take their dignity away and try to help them feel love and wanted. I then realized that I would have never allowed any of my homeless clients to be treated this badly. I would have recommended they leave a year or two ago. This has been torture and I need to leave. I feel no connection and no longer want one. I probably shouldn’t have posted because I’m not going to a Protestant Church–I don’t really want to go to Church at all. I still pray and read devotional literature but I am too badly burned to open up to anyone and feel relief that I’m not having panic attacks in church any longer. I would go home and sob for hours. It was very depressing and I felt I was sinking into a deep black abyss of self-hatred and it was very bad for my mental health. I had no self esteem left at all. I blamed myself for everything and hated that I wasn’t good enough like everyone else at church.

I have already left and I feel that it will take awhile but I am using affirmations and prayer to try to rebuild the destruction the churches have done to me. I don’t know what was worse, being attacked or being invisible. I know when I was being ripped up I became very suicidal. I don’t need or want this any longer. I told someone I was leaving and I was told, “Go ahead and leave. I’m sure a grateful convert will take your place.” Well take my place, I’m finally going to have peace.

 

[Faithdancer]

I converted to Catholicism after 16 year old son died in a tragic car accident. I suffer with bipolar disorder. I didn’t learn much about what the Church believed. I was a former ordained Methodist clergy and had been raised Protestant all my life. I can say I’ve never experienced more pain, abuse, alienation, and misunderstanding in my life. I genuinely tried to believe/be/do what everyone pressured me to but I just didn’t believe a lot of what was taught. I have had a priest blow up at me and due to that no one at the parish wanted to talk to me. I was having problems with scrupulosity and I kept asking him what to do and he just blew a gasket and screamed at me. I felt like I just withered inside and slowly began to hate myself more and more. I had continuous panic attacks as a result. I watched people who said they loved and cared about me walk away because if “Fr So-and-so” didn’t like me then they didn’t either. I spent hours hating myself, damning myself, never feeling good enough. I tried to pretend I agreed with the Church but I don’t. I really don’t. I got to the point where the anxiety attacks were so bad I had to leave 1/2 way through Mass. I had gone to a new parish but was too terrified to reach out. I was alone, isolated, depressed, and frustrated. I have medication but it is highly addictive, plus I can’t drive when I take it because it makes me feel loopy.

I am a social worker with the homeless and always tell them that no one should ever take their dignity away and try to help them feel love and wanted. I then realized that I would have never allowed any of my homeless clients to be treated this badly. I would have recommended they leave a year or two ago. This has been torture and I need to leave. I feel no connection and no longer want one. I probably shouldn’t have posted because I’m not going to a Protestant Church–I don’t really want to go to Church at all. I still pray and read devotional literature but I am too badly burned to open up to anyone and feel relief that I’m not having panic attacks in church any longer. I would go home and sob for hours. It was very depressing and I felt I was sinking into a deep black abyss of self-hatred and it was very bad for my mental health. I had no self esteem left at all. I blamed myself for everything and hated that I wasn’t good enough like everyone else at church.

I have already left and I feel that it will take awhile but I am using affirmations and prayer to try to rebuild the destruction the churches have done to me. I don’t know what was worse, being attacked or being invisible. I know when I was being ripped up I became very suicidal. I don’t need or want this any longer. I told someone I was leaving and I was told, “Go ahead and leave. I’m sure a grateful convert will take your place.” Well take my place, I’m finally going to have peace.

God bless you for your heartfelt post, IrishGal. I also struggled with scrupulosity, which is no longer an issue because now I repent directly to God, and I don’t have to wait until Saturday afternoon or wait in line to do it. I don’t think my confessions to a priest were invalid, but they were valid because I was contrite and because God readily forgives, not because of formulaic words of absolution. Now I know that I don’t repent to achieve salvation, rather, I believe I repent because I am saved. I take my need to atone with God every single day as a sign that the Holy Spirit is working in me. I know God expects me to continue on the process of sanctification and I know that it is a process, not something I can complete, as a “work,” in this life. I feel great peace and joy, and know the Lord will direct me to the church in which He wants me to serve.

I hope you find peace and joy in Jesus Christ again too, sister- God bless!

 

[Faithdancer]

I do not see it as a “conversion” but rather joining another tradition or communion-(just an aside)

all those Churches who believe and profess the NIcene Creed are very similar-my Church is indeed very similar in our core belief

I like the post where it refers to “personal reasons” -indeed some of the personal reasons I have heard from the many ex catholics in My Church relate to personal issues-

refused husband ( a non Catholic ) communion

disagree on birth control

one spouse Protestant one Catholic agree to go to a new Church

receptionist at the Church office was rude - Priest was considered “rude” whether He was or wasn’t

friend invited the person to come one sunday and they did

get away from the sex scandal ( although I suspect all Churches have some of this)

Church too big

never once have I heard a former Catholic cite issues with the dogma and what really happens with the Eucharist or cite a Bible issue

the way divorced Catholic are treated ( again their perception)

rarely hear about the Pope or the lack of female Priest in the Rc Church

Personal issues weren’t primary factors for me, although I did work as a parish youth minister and I did see and hear things being in and around the diocese that really made me think. But my issues are more theological and dogmatic, with sacerdotalism probably being at the top of the list. It’s the reason I haven’t pursued Anglican ordination, despite being encouraged to do so.

 

[JRKH]

I do not see it as a “conversion” but rather joining another tradition or communion-(just an aside)

Yes - to an extent we can look at it this way (do we have a choice?) - Yet is this the unity that Christ prayed for and Peter/Paul exhorted?

all those Churches who believe and profess the NIcene Creed are very similar-my Church is indeed very similar in our core belief

Now - if the Protestants could only come together and decide on a common set of “core beliefs” that would be wonderful. Unfortunately, this seems to be different depending on who you talk to.
If we note, Jesus did not pray “that they may all be similar; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Jesus prayed that we be ONE…(John 17:21)

Some additional NT references on unity…not none of these say "similar…
Rom 15:5-6
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 1:10
I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

2 Cor 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Php 1:27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

1 Pet 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.[/INDENT]

I like the post where it refers to “personal reasons” -indeed some of the personal reasons I have heard from the many ex catholics in My Church relate to personal issues-

refused husband ( a non Catholic ) communion

disagree on birth control

one spouse Protestant one Catholic agree to go to a new Church

receptionist at the Church office was rude - Priest was considered “rude” whether He was or wasn’t

friend invited the person to come one sunday and they did

get away from the sex scandal ( although I suspect all Churches have some of this)

Church too big

never once have I heard a former Catholic cite issues with the dogma and what really happens with the Eucharist or cite a Bible issue

the way divorced Catholic are treated ( again their perception)

rarely hear about the Pope or the lack of female Priest in the Rc Church

Good list…

Peace
James

 

[Cat]

The music.

Don’t scoff. Think of all the many topics on CAF over the last ten years about music, and many have been closed due to the escalating conflict and passion.

I don’t criticize the Church very often here on CAF, but I do believe that the Catholic Church underestimates the importance of music to people, especially here in the United States. Almost everyone has an iPod these days, even older people, so they can listen to “their” music. I was at a singing convention all last week, and people in their 90s had iPods! It just goes to show how very important music is to people.

Many Protestant churches present excellent music, both traditional and contemporary (truly contemporary, not 40-year-old “boomer” music).

I think a lot of people get tired of Mass music that doesn’t speak to them, and they start attending a Protestant church “just to hear the good music.” And then they stay. Usually Protestant churches are very friendly, without alcohol, and the Catholic is lulled into sticking around and being friends with these lovely folks, and eventually, they just stop going to Mass.

Also, the teenagers in a family will visit a Protestant church with their friends, and they love the music and insist on attending that church. To keep the family together (and because they like the music, too!), the Catholic parents start attending the same church that their teenagers love. To the parents, music isn’t an issue that they want to start a war with their teenagers over. Yes, I agree, they probably don’t have a complete understanding of Catholic doctrine, but when it comes to family and children, a LOT of people will abandon teaching in favor of peace and family. This is true, yes?

A lot of people here on CAF insist that teenagers want ancient music, but that doesn’t seem to be true in real life with the majority of teenagers.

I would love to see the Catholic Church convene a council on “music,” and study with honesty all of the issues surrounding music in the Mass. I think it would help the new evangelization efforts.

 

[rjg99a]

Cat - I think it’s interesting that you say music. I was a teenager at an emerging mega church (it’s now one of the largest 25 churches in the U.S.) with lots of loud, contemporary music. It’s one of the things I felt the most uncomfortable with actually. To me it felt like everyone was supposed to find unity by collectively singing themselves into trance of ‘worship’. It felt so artificial to me.

I did attend a Church of Christ university though, and grew to greatly appreciate their accepella worship.

I do agree that it might be nice if there were more social opportunities after the service in the Catholic church, but I hope the Church never changes its’ music to cater to teenage proclivities.