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

[epan]

Well, as long as you are asking…

Someone who believes that saving a life by preventing HIV infection is more important than using a condom, might not be attracted to Catholicism.

Someone who believes that an organization which represents itself to hold the moral high ground should have helped victims, instead of enabling child molesters, and instead of shirking its apparent moral obligations when it’s behavior was exposed, might not be attracted to Catholicism.

Someone who knows enough about church history to be aware of the various atrocities, might be skeptical of its potential for moral behavior when it will be put to the test again in the future, and therefore may not want to risk being associated with such an institution.

Someone who perceives the gay marriage issue as one of social justice, might be ashamed to be called a Catholic.

There are many reasons for which one might reject Catholicism in favor of Protestantism.

 

[CuriousMike]

I left the Protestant Church because of the music.

When you have to stand there singing (Modern “Christian” rock) for over an hour before hearing an impractical, regurgitated and repetitive sermon delivered by different lay people each week with different world views, interpretation of scripture and means of communicating your message, it gets old REALLY quickly.

Not just that, but there were emotional scars that I only realised once my views developed enough to realise I had to move into the Catholic Church, and did so.
Having been there almost a year, no one (not even the Church “elders”) ever approached me asking about my faith, was I baptised etc etc. No, just wishy-washy “make sure you pray every day, and read the Bible.” Sorry, but how does one do that? (Was the question that was never answered).

Apart from one devout women, who happens to be a family-friend, there was really no one that seemed to care so much. And she left too. For reasons that upon examination, I can relate to.

To top it all off, I developed theological issues that meant nothing I was hearing there was practical to ME and MY faith. Hearing different versions of “A Life of Worship,” “Gates of Praise” over and over and over and over (and over and over and over).

The Catholic Church offers so much more nourishment for the soul, through the Eucharist, through the readings and then a homily appropriately based upon that scripture (And not a “lucky dip,” as it were) and through the Real Presence.
Why you’d leave this… The person I used to attend Church with had theological issues that couldn’t be answered by his Priest at the time - so I have to agree with what has been posted before!!!

Definitely going to sub this thread - some interesting views being put across.

 

[AbideWithMe]

We were thrown out of our Protestant church (Evangelical Free Church in America) after being enthusiastic members of that church for 7 years.

Traumatic is an understatement.

On other threads, I have described what happened in more detail. At the time it happened (in 2002), I wrote everything down, and it’s 70 pages long, so I think I would be in trouble here on CAF if I tried to cut and paste it!

But it was dreadful. My husband and me, and our two daughters immediately stopped attending all churches. My older daughter said, “Mom, if they could kick you and Dad out after all you’ve done for them, what would they do to me?”

My younger daughter still doesn’t attend church. I don’t think she will ever be at a place where she can trust any church. She went through some things at that church that were much worse than what any of the rest of us experienced (possible sexual abuse).

The idea of “Post Traumatic Church Syndrome” is very accurate. I wonder if any psychologists have proposed it and studied it? It would be a worthwhile study.

Cat, though I’ve read about your terrible experience before, I continue to be impressed at the generosity and even-handedness you often display towards us Evangelicals. Though you must still be scarred yourself, that generosity is the work of God. In a smaller way, it reminds me of the story of Corrie ten Boom happening to meet with one of her Nazi imprisoners, who postwar, sought to ask her forgiveness and shake her hand. Of herself, that forgiveness was not available, but God gave her the grace to give it to the Nazi guard that day. Maybe it won’t happen before Judgment Day, but I hope one day that particular woman and others from your former church will ask your family’s forgiveness and all your scars will be healed and turned to beauty under the gaze of Him who was wounded for our trespasses. You must know the hymn, “Crown Him with Many Crowns”: “Rich wounds yet visible above, in beauty glorified.”

 

[Faithdancer]

I left the Protestant Church because of the music.

As I’ve posted elsewhere, Mike- hold that thought until you attend the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress (sponsored by the Diocese of Orange) or one of the similar events around the country. You’ll feel like you’re right back in that ol’ mega-church (but with icons). Why there were even dancing girls helping to “lead” the responsorial Psalm in Anaheim last year. Hey, whatever gets the kids fired up about the faith!

When you have to stand there singing (Modern “Christian” rock) for over an hour before hearing an impractical, regurgitated and repetitive sermon delivered by different lay people each week with different world views, interpretation of scripture and means of communicating your message, it gets old REALLY quickly.

I agree, the watered down, politically correct “message” does get old. But I have heard some flat out great sermons lately, in Evangelical and Baptist churches. But, I guess I’m blessed. Give me Jonathan Edwards or Billy Sunday any time!

Peace!

Definitely going to sub this thread - some interesting views being put across.

 

[bmoran]

I think the main reason people leave Catholicism and go to a protestant or evangelical church is it seems easier. It is Christianity light, and lets face we all look for that.

If I thought for a moment that all I had to do was accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal savior and nothing I did before and nothing I did after was going matter I would sign up tomorrow, but the fact is it is intellectually dishonest. You don’t need to be an apologist to know that. So there is little to bind people to the other denominations other then community and bake sales. Yet many of our parishes try to emulate them.

A good friend of mine who is a Priest happens to know the “Pastor” who runs the local Calvary church near us, it draws a lot of people many whom are famous and wealthy. Money is NO object. The Pastor told my friend that the average life of any congregant was 1.5 years. Those were his words. The truth is as others have posted that without the sacrament’s and the rich Catholic theology all you are left with is the show and hopefully a few thought provoking sermons. While many complain about a Catholic Priests lack of ability to deliver an emotional lifting homily fortunately it does not matter because as Catholics we don’t go to “Church” we go to Mass.

Once you understand the difference a homily becomes less significant, not that I don’t wish the average Priest would give a better homily. But that is another topic.

I might also point out that Priests who actually give a homily that talks about sin, confession and isn’t afraid to talk abut the Gospel as pertaining to our everyday life instead of a “feel good” lets all hold hands and sing kumbya sermon actually are far better received.

I have discovered that reasons people leave Catholicism are less theological and more convenience and emotional. And that is the same reason many Catholics grow weary of going to Mass. All to often they get a feel good theology with Communion that they seldom understand, so what’s the point they feel.

Learn what the Mass is and how NOTHING can bring you closer to Christ and few will leave and the ones who stay will be stronger

Just my one or two cents, which is worth even less in todays economy

Please don’t be afraid to share your faith, you are Catholic you have truth.

 

[rjg99a]

A good friend of mine who is a Priest happens to know the “Pastor” who runs the local Calvary church near us, it draws a lot of people many whom are famous and wealthy.

ha ha, the second I read this, I thought “oh does this guy (or girl; I don’t know which you are) live in L.A.?” and I look up at your location, and yep, you do. I also live in the L.A. area. Any suggestions for good Catholic parishes in LA/SFV? Feel free to PM me.

 

[AbideWithMe]

I think the main reason people leave Catholicism and go to a protestant or evangelical church is it seems easier. It is Christianity light, and lets face we all look for that.

If I thought for a moment that all I had to do was accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal savior and nothing I did before and nothing I did after was going matter I would sign up tomorrow, but the fact is it is intellectually dishonest. You don’t need to be an apologist to know that. So there is little to bind people to the other denominations other then community and bake sales. Yet many of our parishes try to emulate them.

A good friend of mine who is a Priest happens to know the “Pastor” who runs the local Calvary church near us, it draws a lot of people many whom are famous and wealthy. Money is NO object. The Pastor told my friend that the average life of any congregant was 1.5 years. Those were his words. The truth is as others have posted that without the sacrament’s and the rich Catholic theology all you are left with is the show and hopefully a few thought provoking sermons. While many complain about a Catholic Priests lack of ability to deliver an emotional lifting homily fortunately it does not matter because as Catholics we don’t go to “Church” we go to Mass.

Once you understand the difference a homily becomes less significant, not that I don’t wish the average Priest would give a better homily. But that is another topic.

I might also point out that Priests who actually give a homily that talks about sin, confession and isn’t afraid to talk abut the Gospel as pertaining to our everyday life instead of a “feel good” lets all hold hands and sing kumbya sermon actually are far better received.

I have discovered that reasons people leave Catholicism are less theological and more convenience and emotional. And that is the same reason many Catholics grow weary of going to Mass. All to often they get a feel good theology with Communion that they seldom understand, so what’s the point they feel.

Learn what the Mass is and how NOTHING can bring you closer to Christ and few will leave and the ones who stay will be stronger

Just my one or two cents, which is worth even less in todays economy

Please don’t be afraid to share your faith, you are Catholic you have truth.

Eh, bmoran, rather than giving us Protestants just your one or two cents, I’m thinking I’d like about a hundred dollars for reading your misconceptions about Protestants without getting annoyed.

 

[Faithdancer]

It’s interesting how Roman Catholics here seem to want to lump all Protestants into their concept of the “mega-church” model, Perhaps that is the sum of their experience with Protestant churches. However, it’s tantamount to Protestants saying that all Catholics prefer the Tridentine Mass.

That being said, when I was Catholic I did prefer the Tridentine Mass, lol. All that page turning trying to keep up with the priest was reciting sotto voce kept me awake during the near two hour long service. And I did like the Latin music, although my favorite is good old gospel music.

 

[Faithdancer]

Eh, bmoran, rather than giving us Protestants just your one or two cents, I’m thinking I’d like about a hundred dollars for reading your misconceptions about Protestants without getting annoyed.

But you must know, Abide, it’s in the nature of CAF Catholics to pontificate! (No offense, Brother Bill, just can’t resist pun occasions).

 

[rjg99a]

It’s interesting how Roman Catholics here seem to want to lump all Protestants into their concept of the “mega-church” model, Perhaps that is the sum of their experience with Protestant churches. However, it’s tantamount to Protestants saying that all Catholics prefer the Tridentine Mass.

That being said, when I was Catholic I did prefer the Tridentine Mass, lol. All that page turning trying to keep up with the priest was reciting sotto voce kept me awake during the near two hour long service. And I did like the Latin music, although my favorite is good old gospel music.

Faithdancer - I know you’ve posted a bit on this thread, but I don’t think I read the reasons why you left the Catholic faith. Or I think you may have mentioned that you took issue with confession - that was you, right?

If you haven’t yet shared, as a ex-Catholic-turned-Protestant, I’d love to (respectfully) hear your reasons for your conversion. If you have already shared and I’m just loosing my mind (I have a newborn and sometimes I’m a bit forgetful lately ), can you remind me which page of this tread so I can go re-read?

As I originally stated, I’m particularly interested in hearing from ex-Catholics from their own personal perspectives.

 

[Faithdancer]

By the way, AbideWithMe, how are things at your spiritually shallow, theologically meaningless and empty, rock & roll megachurch?

 

[Faithdancer]

Faithdancer - I know you’ve posted a bit on this thread, but I don’t think I read the reasons why you left the Catholic faith. Or I think you may have mentioned that you took issue with confession - that was you, right?

If you haven’t yet shared, as a ex-Catholic-turned-Protestant, I’d love to (respectfully) hear your reasons for your conversion. If you have already shared and I’m just loosing my mind (I have a newborn and sometimes I’m a bit forgetful lately ), can you remind me which page of this tread so I can go re-read?

As I originally stated, I’m particularly interested in hearing from ex-Catholics from their own personal perspectives.

Sure:
sacerdotalism
legalism
clericalism
papal infallibility
Marian cultism bordering on worship, i.e. Fatima, Medjugorge, et.al.
rote prayer
transubstantiation
belief in the 5 (count 'em- 5!) solae
belief in Biblical inerrancy and sufficiency
(sorry if there is any redundancy herein)

scrupulosity (personal reason)
personal observations as a diocesan employee
God wanted me elsewhere

That’s a good chunk of it, if not all. FYI I’m not going to debate or elaborate upon any of it here. I’m simply answering your question.

Good luck with the newborn. I’m a substitute teacher, and once did a couple of days with the “crawlers.” Never again…diapers. Ugh!

 

[Faithdancer]

It’s interesting how Roman Catholics here seem to want to lump all Protestants into their concept of the “mega-church” model, Perhaps that is the sum of their experience with Protestant churches. However, it’s tantamount to Protestants saying that all Catholics prefer the Tridentine Mass.

That being said, when I was Catholic I did prefer the Tridentine Mass, lol. All that page turning trying to keep up with what the priest was reciting sotto voce kept me awake during the near two hour long service. And I did like the Latin music, although my favorite is good old gospel music.

 

[AbideWithMe]

By the way, AbideWithMe, how are things at your spiritually shallow, theologically meaningless and empty, rock & roll megachurch?

Well, since we ran out of Starbucks last week we just cranked the music up louder to keep the entire congregation of emotionally-addicted spiritual thrill-seekers satisfied. A few people near the floor to ceiling sound system passed out from the noise, so we had to call paramedics. Dang expensive, they were. That really cut into our financial return for the week, which hurt, because all we care about is money.

 

[Faithdancer]

Well, since we ran out of Starbucks last week we just cranked the music up louder to keep the entire congregation of emotionally-addicted spiritual thrill-seekers satisfied. A few people near the floor to ceiling sound system passed out from the noise, so we had to call paramedics. Dang expensive, they were. That really cut into our financial return for the week, which hurt, because all we care about is money.

LOL! Sounds like they might have to sell off a couple of the stretch Hummers, maybe one of the Lear jets too!

 

[Faithdancer]

In the interest of fairness, I want to point out that Protestant churches in the collective sense aren’t perfect either. One can find legalism and other issues like hyper-Calvinism and hyper-Arminianism, as well as intolerance grounded in fundamentalism. All churches are planned, organized, managed, controlled and populated by fallible human beings. I think it’s important to remember who the common enemy is.

 

[Mystophilus]

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?

:twocents:
As something of a variant on this, I went from Evangelical Protestantism through a long and circuitous route which took me close to Catholicism but ended with my finding a home in the Anglican church.

What kept me out of Catholicism were purely theological issues: 1/ infallibility (of anyone or anything whatsoever except for God), 2/ the non-ordination of women, 3/ the position on homosexuality, 4/ what the Orthodox define as Scholasticism, and 5/ being told that RCIA would involve my declaring acceptance of that the Catholic Church teaches (which I could not do because of #1-#4).

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?

Your current attraction to Catholicism could be entirely valid even if it is partially motivated by boredom. Think about it this way: whatever it is that leads you to your one true love is good in that it so leads you.

 

[JonNC]

hi,

i’m quite angry about this whole matter… for example my niece was a really strong believing catholic… she converted into a protestant… and how/why ? cause protestants talked her into it… that is how is happens many times on this earth… look at Brazil… before an absolute Catholic country… now it’s turning more and more into Protestantism… and what is Protestantism ? made my Martin Luther and ( can’t remember the other guy’s name).. so made by humans… while Catholicism comes from our first pope st. Peter… a direct disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes a lot of misunderstanding from Bible-passages… that also… many things like why do you worship Mary ? Why do you pray to statues ?.. stop misunderstanding… understand us Catholics… read the bible again without misunderstanding… convert back into the first Christian religion and lets all think alike !

Hope I don’t sound to extremist… but i’m just a passionate Catholic… that’s all…

Hi snowwolf,
Welcome to CAF.

The Lutheran Church in Brasil has only about 250,000 members. That is just a fraction of the 22% of the population that self-identifies as a member of one of the various communions generally termed as “protestant”.
Most of those communions are not related to Lutheranism, or Luther, and more recently it has been Pentecostals and Seventh Day Adventists who have made gains there. Pope Benedict, when speaking to Lutherans in Germany a few years back, warned of this type of influence.
The point is that the usual reason for large conversions in a given area has far more to do with poor catechesis by our communions - yours and mine - than it does the message of these groups.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

=Faithdancer;12094507]It’s interesting how Roman Catholics here seem to want to lump all Protestants into their concept of the “mega-church” model, Perhaps that is the sum of their experience with Protestant churches. However, it’s tantamount to Protestants saying that all Catholics prefer the Tridentine Mass.

Not a good analogy, with all respect. While Catholics may or may not like the Tridentine Mass, they are all in one communion, unified (to a great extent) by doctrine.
This is not the case with protestants. Hence the problem with the term protestant. It isn’t a matter of “mega-church” model, the difference is doctrine. So, for example, Lutherans and Baptists are not in communion not because of our worship style, but because we have significant differences in doctrine.

Jon

 

[Peter_J]

Well, since we ran out of Starbucks last week we just cranked the music up louder to keep the entire congregation of emotionally-addicted spiritual thrill-seekers satisfied. A few people near the floor to ceiling sound system passed out from the noise, so we had to call paramedics. Dang expensive, they were. That really cut into our financial return for the week, which hurt, because all we care about is money.

Wait, I thought that was Catholicism? Stop trying to confuse me!