What are some reasons in your opinion to convert religions?

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Yes I’ve been there too. I was a cradle Catholic once upon a time who felt forced into that decision. Though for me it wasn’t orthodoxy that was drawing me away but Deism. I had serious doubts about Christianity, and Catholicism in particular. And eventually those doubts won out and I walked away from both for more than a decade. Eventually I found my way back to Christianity, though not Catholicism, so I’d say my advice would be to contemplate and reflect and then do what you think is best for you. Your journey is yours and no one else’s. You will end up where you’re meant to be in the end.
 
Thank you Thomas. I think that is what it will come down to me too — the Papacy. Though I think I would be nothing but an Eastern Rite. The methods and understandings are just too true for me.
 
AlNg said:
Please give an example of one Eastern Catholic Church where the fasting is the same as the Orthodox.
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I don’t have experience with fasting Churches Sui Iuris do, and am unaware of how do Slovak Greek Catholics fast… though I know that it isn’t very similar to Latin fasting.

But Greek Catholic Priest in Czech Republic (belongs to Apostolic Exarchate afaik) preached about fasting and what he said seemed exactly like Orthodox fasting. So at least there is a push towards returning to Orthodox rules of fasting, if it isn’t already in force.
 
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I converted to Catholicism at 50. Because as I read Scripture and the early Church Fathers I kept seeing the real presence and the authority or the Church. That convinced me. Make sure you understand that the Orthodox don’t believe the Pope has authority, but is a Bishop among equals.
 
Ugh this is bad… I believe God may want me to but someone else might say God wants then to be a Catholic!!! Lol. Thanks for your answer!
 
Anna4 said:
Have you ever converted religions and what made you make the move?
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Yes I was raised a Baptist and later converted to the Baha’i Faith in 1965… The reason? After years of studying religions I felt that I couldn’t belong to a faith that looked down on other religions. The Baha’i Faith accepts the Divine origin of the major religions;

Another reason was that the Baha’i Faith advocates forming a world parliament and a international court of arbitration to resolve differences. So this could reduce or eliminate wars;

The Baha’i Faith opposes racism and prejudice.
 
Thanks for sharing! Funny, I was just reading about the Baha’i faith last night in the book “Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy”. Before I have never heard of it. There is something to be said about loving and accepting all people.

I’m not so sure an international arbitration system will eliminate wars (as politics will always occur and underhanded dealings will always be dealt) but it does seem to solve a lot of the problems.
 
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Yes Anna4… Thanks for your post! Let me share with you a related concept: The world is already becoming more integrated than ever before…

I purchased a razor online recently and noticed where the blades were manufactured, assembled and made.

“The blades were manufactured in the U.S. from steel made in Japan or Sweden. Product was assembled in Mexico and the Handle was made in China.”

So I’m using a product of five countries when I shave. Our world is “shrinking” becoming more integrated. When something occurs in China it can affect the rest of the world…

"… these are communities that define themselves by their commitment to the oneness of humanity. They value the rich diversity represented by all the world’s kindreds, while maintaining that one’s identity as a member of the human race has precedence before other identities and associations. They affirm the need for a global consciousness, arising from a shared concern for the well-being of humankind, and they count all the peoples of the earth as spiritual brothers and sisters. Not content with simply belonging to such communities, Bahá’u’lláh’s followers are making constant effort to invite like-minded souls to join them in learning how to put His teachings into effect.”

 
Others don’t get to tell you what God wants for you. God gets to tell you what God wants. The Holy Spirit is real.
 
I think its because people are always looking for something different. Some people are weak minded and are swayed by mens words or because they are told if they join a certain church they will be blessed more in their lives then before. There are many reasons why. May God guide you.
 
A lot of my friends I know are doubting the true presence of God. For me, I entertained doubts of leaving the church as I feel that God is no longer listening to me or answering my prayers.
 
I think God always listens, but he doesn’t always answer prayers in the way that we want. Sometimes no answer is your answer. Or a different answer is your answer.

However I also sometimes struggle with believing God (I know God exists because of the magic in this world) as is taught… I read the Bible… I learn about Catholicism… some parts feel right and some… it’s a struggle sometimes. Have to just believe I guess.
 
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So in general I feel Christianity is true, but somehow I feel the teachings of the church got lost in bureaucracy over the years and lost its true spirituality. I speak is both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, both apostolic churches.

As if the true message of God has been translated into “you must go to mass every Sunday or go to hell” or “don’t eat meat for Lent.” I feel there is something greater than this. I don’t know what. I just ask God and Jesus to guide me.
 
After a couple of decades of religious message boards and having seen people convert from one religion to another (and back again), one thing that has often struck me (the gaze of the observer) is how often it seems to be a process like falling in love.

I’m not denying the spiritual/intellectual journey being undertaken, it’s just that the emotional side seems to have parallels.
 
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