Why are Protestant Ministers who are well educated in the faith Joining the Catholic Church?

[Carolinagirl411]

I will gladly admit that I WAS an IGNORANT Protestant! I am not calling all protestants ignorant by any means but I was one. Once I got rid of my brainwashing about the catholic church (and that is exactly what it was) I converted b/c I realized the truth

I actually sat down and read the church fathers and realized all of the arguments given by protestants against the Church were faulty. Martin Luther didn’t want to stop the sacraments either, he just didn’t like the corrupt political structure of the Church at the time. The doctrine is SOUND though!!

Praise God I was shown the way. All the stuff about Catholics don’t focus on Jesus at all but other things is a load of lies! They focus their whole mass on Christ and their whole lives on Christ! I’ve never been more devoted!

 

[Hisalone]

I don’t think it’s condescending to say that the ignorant Catholics convert to Protestantism, and the more bookish and learned Protestants convert to Catholicism.

If you think of the logistics for a Catholic going over to Protestantism he is removing large portions of his faith, possibly portions he doesn’t understand, portions he doesn’t agree with etc… It requires very little on his part simply to keep what he likes and remove what he doesn’t. For a Protestant going over to Catholicism he is required to add things to his faith which require research, reading, study etc…

Sad that you have so little understanding

 

[Hisalone]

I’ve listened to this guys mp3 downloads and read a bunch of his stories and something seems off, he seems very angry to me. That’s one thing you don’t see from Protestants coming over to Catholicism, they are typically very gracious and grateful for thier original denomination.

He interviewed a woman who may or may not have been a nun and she was truly out there I didn’t believe her at all.

I have found many angry ex Prots who are now RC.

 

[elvisman]

Over the years, 9 of my siblings have left the Catholic Church. They used to “work on” the 4 of us who remained Catholic – until we began to educate ourselves about our faith.

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Not too long ago, one of my cousins married a Protestant and she began to lead him out of the Church. They started attending my sister’s Church (she and her husband started their own “Bible church”). She (my sister) and my other siblings told my cousin not to discuss the Catholic Church with me and my Catholic brothers because we were too “too stubborn” to have a charitable discussion. Funny how when they used to attack the Catholic Church, it was all in the name of “evangelization”. But, when we defended our faith, it was “stubbornness”.

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All of Protestant siblings are angry anti-Catholics. Why are they angry? I was there and grew up with them and I can honestly tell you it is not because of the Church. In the end, my siblings left because of rebellion, spiritual pride and ignorance – not because they were “enlightened”.

 

[reteeks21]

Dear Protestants,

Nearly all of the Protestant ministers now converting to Catholicism were raised in an anti-Catholic atmosphere.

They were very well educated in their own religious beliefs. So it wasn’t as if they didn’t truly know what their particular church believed.

Protestants, I know what you are thinking, you are saying to yourselves, that many Lay Catholics leave the Catholic Church to become protestants as well. So true, but these Lay Catholics never new their faith were not grounded as were the many Protestant Minister who are now converted to Catholism.

Allen Hunt, was the senior pastor of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church near Atlanta, Georgia, the third largest Methodist congregation in the world. Allen earned his Ph.D. from Yale and also serves as host of the Allen Hunt Show, broadcast on one of Atlanta’s most influential secular talk radio stations. **** He mentions at least two things that brought him to the Church: 1) the deep divisions within Christianity which give a poor witness to the world, and 2) the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. ****

1.Tim Staples’s Conversion As an Assembly of God Youth Pastor, Singles’ Ministry Leader and an attendee at the Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, Tim once used his Biblical knowledge to attack the Catholic Church, **sound familiar lol.**causing many Catholics to question their beliefs, until the day he ran into a Catholic who really knew, and was willing to share his faith.

1. the astonishing conversion of Alex Jones, a dedicated Pentecostal Pastor, who led his congregation into the Catholic Church. Pastor Jones promised his congregation a real New Testament worship service, and after thirty days of reading the Church Fathers, he came face-to-face with the Apostolic Church

3.Marcus Grodi’s Once a Protestant minister to an apologist for the Catholic faith. He is host of the popular “Journey’s Home” program which airs on EWTN.

1. THE LIST OF NAMES OF WELL EDUCATED PROTESTANT MINISTERS BECOMING CATHOLIC GOES ON AND ON…

Protestants there are so many, many well educated in faith Protestant Minister Converting to the Catholic Church. Don’t have to believe me **google it for yourself! ** FIND THE TRUTH! and perhaps you protestant will convert as well, thats if the Lord gives you the Grace to do so.

(Q.) Why are Protestant Ministers who are well educated in the faith Joining the Catholic Church? (A.) Jesus Christ is calling them home to the Catholic Church.

Again, google it for yourselves.

God Bless YOU on your Journey HOME!

Ufamtobie

Very curious and interesting. Could you tell me a website where I could check out more stories like this? Thanks.

 

[Polaris]

Over the years, 9 of my siblings have left the Catholic Church. They used to “work on” the 4 of us who remained Catholic – until we began to educate ourselves about our faith.

---

Not too long ago, one of my cousins married a Protestant and she began to lead him out of the Church. They started attending my sister’s Church (she and her husband started their own “Bible church”). She (my sister) and my other siblings told my cousin not to discuss the Catholic Church with me and my Catholic brothers because we were too “too stubborn” to have a charitable discussion. Funny how when they used to attack the Catholic Church, it was all in the name of “evangelization”. But, when we defended our faith, it was “stubbornness”.

---

All of Protestant siblings are angry anti-Catholics. Why are they angry? I was there and grew up with them and I can honestly tell you it is not because of the Church. In the end, my siblings left because of rebellion, spiritual pride and ignorance – not because they were “enlightened”.

Actually this sounds and looks very angry to me and a belief of spiritual superiority over your brothers and ANTI-Protestantism. Where is your peace, love and understanding? We all seem to fall into the same traps and we are all stubborn.

 

[ralphinal]

I have read this line of reasoning before but in a different context. When I first converted to Christianity I heard a lecture about how educated ministers were finally throwing the old vestiges of a belief in the inerrancy of the Bible, literal resurrection, and a Virgin Birth for a more educated view of Christianity. How could AN EDUCATED Christian think such things…
It is the same line of reasoning but it ignores what the Bible teaches about relying on worldly wisdom and faith…

Actually, you raise a good point. How many people were tricked by “Jesus Seminar” folks? How many want to remove the miracle so as to make the “story more realistic?”

This is a real danger.

 

[Metamorphoo]

Thanks for pointing that out. Yes, there have been well educated Catholic priests who have left the Church. You can also point to Luther as one of them. However, most of them left for reasons other than theology.

I was brought up in the RCC, but have been involved in nondenominational (mostly) charismatic churches throughout my adult life.

I must confess that I didn’t have much respect for the RCC for a long time–primarily because most Catholics that I personally knew (please note that emphasis) did not seem to have a Christ-centered expression of faith. They went to church every Sunday, participated in the sacraments, etc. Some talked about the Catholic Church a lot and were very devoted to the Church. But it seemed that many of those who would be considered “devout Catholics” were more devoted to the RCC than to Christ Himself. And it really bothered me.

About seven years ago, I began to study the Jewish roots of Christianity. I have found it to be a very rich and rewarding experience, and it makes me sad that I was never taught about these things (either as a Catholic or as an evangelical Protestant). Along the way, however, I began to understand the Catholic Church better (because of its prayers/practices that are Jewish in origin). In addition, I attended for several years a “convergence” church. My pastor had a very good relationship with the local Catholic parish priests in my hometown–and some of the things he would tell me absolutely floored me. Through him, I began to realize that I had short-changed the authenticity of ALL Catholics’ faith on the basis of the particular circle I was familiar with.

My Catholic brother and sister-in-law think that if I knew what I now know today 25 years ago, I would have remained Catholic. I don’t think so. I have gained so much that I really value in my years as an evangelical/charismatic. Even if I felt led by the Lord to return to the RCC one day, I would always appreciate the spiritual deposit I have received during my Protestant years.

I think both Catholics and Protestants (particularly evangelicals) are often blinded to the positive elements that each has to offer. Evangelical Christianity emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ, and it takes seriously The Great Commission–to share the Good News of Christ with the world around us. Reading and studying the Scriptures are strongly encouraged. I think the RCC (and Eastern Orthodox) are stronger in their theology of worship and the power of the sacraments.

Respect on both sides seems to be lacking–as evidenced in some of the posts of this forum.

It makes me sad.

 

[ChristIsLord]

Sad that you have so little understanding

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool”

‘If anyone amongst you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he become wise.’

— I Corinthians 3:18

“The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.”

 

[ralphinal]

I was brought up in the RCC, but have been involved in nondenominational (mostly) charismatic churches throughout my adult life.

I must confess that I didn’t have much respect for the RCC for a long time–primarily because most Catholics that I personally knew (please note that emphasis) did not seem to have a Christ-centered expression of faith. They went to church every Sunday, participated in the sacraments, etc. Some talked about the Catholic Church a lot and were very devoted to the Church. But it seemed that many of those who would be considered “devout Catholics” were more devoted to the RCC than to Christ Himself. And it really bothered me.

About seven years ago, I began to study the Jewish roots of Christianity. I have found it to be a very rich and rewarding experience, and it makes me sad that I was never taught about these things (either as a Catholic or as an evangelical Protestant). Along the way, however, I began to understand the Catholic Church better (because of its prayers/practices that are Jewish in origin). In addition, I attended for several years a “convergence” church. My pastor had a very good relationship with the local Catholic parish priests in my hometown–and some of the things he would tell me absolutely floored me. Through him, I began to realize that I had short-changed the authenticity of ALL Catholics’ faith on the basis of the particular circle I was familiar with.

My Catholic brother and sister-in-law think that if I knew what I now know today 25 years ago, I would have remained Catholic. I don’t think so. I have gained so much that I really value in my years as an evangelical/charismatic. Even if I felt led by the Lord to return to the RCC one day, I would always appreciate the spiritual deposit I have received during my Protestant years.

I think both Catholics and Protestants (particularly evangelicals) are often blinded to the positive elements that each has to offer. Evangelical Christianity emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ, and it takes seriously The Great Commission–to share the Good News of Christ with the world around us. Reading and studying the Scriptures are strongly encouraged. I think the RCC (and Eastern Orthodox) are stronger in their theology of worship and the power of the sacraments.

Respect on both sides seems to be lacking–as evidenced in some of the posts of this forum.

It makes me sad.

Wonderful post and story. I envy the perspective that you have gained on your journey

 

[gcnuss]

An interesting question and one that deserves a lot of thought and a reluctance to jump in with a quick answer.

At the same time, one could very well ask the reverse which applies to far more people – why are Protestant Ministers who are well educated in the faith not joining the Catholic Church? This, too, defies a quick and easy answer.

As a Lutheran, I am most interested in the stories of Lutherans who choose to convert. There are some high-profile ones, at least in Lutheran circles – Fr. Richard John Neuhaus and Fr. Leonard Klein – to name a couple. There are a number of others, some of whom had to give up their calling as pastors for the simple reason that they were female. For those who haven’t read it, I suggest There We Stood, Here We Stand: 11 Lutherans Rediscover their Catholic Roots by Timothy Drake. Not all eleven were pastors but those who were have very interesting conversion stories.

I confess that I do not feel called to follow in the footsteps of those Lutherans who have converted. I have read extensively about Catholicism – portions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, works by Chesterton, Scott Hahn, George Wiegel, Stephen Ray, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and others. Yet, I still find myself committed to the Lutheran understanding of Christ and his church. In many ways, it is congruent with Catholicism. In other ways we are apart and I have not been able to bridge that gap. I do pray that the Holy Spirit will lead me, and all of us, in the quest for unity.

Just a few thoughts for now.

 

[Hisalone]

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool”

‘If anyone amongst you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he become wise.’

— I Corinthians 3:18

“The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.”

My point exactly!

 

[ChristIsLord]

My point exactly!

Your reply makes no sense at all in the context of the quoted portion of your reply to me… No manner of smiley faces is going to change that.

 

[Hisalone]

Your reply makes no sense at all in the context of the quoted portion of your reply to me… No manner of smiley faces is going to change that.

Your initial post show no understanding of Protestant faith and for reasons Prots go to RCC and RCCers go to Prots. It is a superficial view not one of someone who has thought about it in any depth. My comments are an attempt to get you to look at why you say such things and how your indiviual bias may play into it.

 

[ChristIsLord]

Your initial post show no understanding of Protestant faith and for reasons Prots go to RCC and RCCers go to Prots. It is a superficial view not one of someone who has thought about it in any depth. My comments are an attempt to get you to look at why you say such things and how your indiviual bias may play into it.

LOL why don’t you check out my first post on CAF:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=287612

Again you claim total understanding of something you don’t. If we can all agree that going from RCC to a prot requires essentially dumping portions of faith and going from prot to RCC requires adding portions to the faith we can agree one requires more study than the other. It takes little to no study to remove large portions, but lots of study to add large portions.

IF I did leave the Church it would be of the understanding that I can’t accpet certain teachings and I am abandoning them, for me to convert to a Protestant would take no study or learning on my part, I am already familiar with the Gospel, all it would take is finding a Protestant Church that now fits my views, which is simply reading a belief statement on thier website.

 

[gcnuss]

Very curious and interesting. Could you tell me a website where I could check out more stories like this? Thanks.

Check out the Coming Home Network (chnetwork.org)).

 

[mark_a]

An interesting question and one that deserves a lot of thought and a reluctance to jump in with a quick answer.

At the same time, one could very well ask the reverse which applies to far more people – why are Protestant Ministers who are well educated in the faith not joining the Catholic Church? This, too, defies a quick and easy answer.

As a Lutheran, I am most interested in the stories of Lutherans who choose to convert. There are some high-profile ones, at least in Lutheran circles – Fr. Richard John Neuhaus and Fr. Leonard Klein – to name a couple. There are a number of others, some of whom had to give up their calling as pastors for the simple reason that they were female. For those who haven’t read it, I suggest There We Stood, Here We Stand: 11 Lutherans Rediscover their Catholic Roots by Timothy Drake. Not all eleven were pastors but those who were have very interesting conversion stories.

I confess that I do not feel called to follow in the footsteps of those Lutherans who have converted. I have read extensively about Catholicism – portions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, works by Chesterton, Scott Hahn, George Wiegel, Stephen Ray, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and others. Yet, I still find myself committed to the Lutheran understanding of Christ and his church. In many ways, it is congruent with Catholicism. In other ways we are apart and I have not been able to bridge that gap. I do pray that the Holy Spirit will lead me, and all of us, in the quest for unity.

Just a few thoughts for now.

This is completely respectable.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Polaris]

LOL why don’t you check out my first post on CAF:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=287612

Again you claim total understanding of something you don’t. If we can all agree that going from RCC to a prot requires essentially dumping portions of faith and going from prot to RCC requires adding portions to the faith we can agree one requires more study than the other. It takes little to no study to remove large portions, but lots of study to add large portions.

IF I did leave the Church it would be of the understanding that I can’t accpet certain teachings and I am abandoning them, for me to convert to a Protestant would take no study or learning on my part, I am already familiar with the Gospel, all it would take is finding a Protestant Church that now fits my views, which is simply reading a belief statement on thier website.

You say you have to abandon something or give up a large chunk but you forget you also have to accept or take in a large chunk of something. If you now no longer believe in a legalistic confession you have to accept the belief in forgiveness of sin without it. What does this mean? How does it affect your theology and its implications. Many protestant churches have done this with a well developed theology that you have to study to understand and accept. I would not say you are loosing anything just exchanging. Now who has the right understanding of God you can argue about. I have my best guess , Hisalone has his and you have yours.

 

[acw]

[SIGN]Helllo, I have to say that according to Marcus Grodi of the
Coming Home Network there have been over 700 protestant pastors entering the Catholic Church as a result of their[/SIGN]search for TRUTH. None have set out to join the Catholic Church,but were led as they searched the Early Church Fathers, the teachings on Euchariist, Authority, Sola Scriptura and on and so forth.The Holy SPirit leads us into truth. Many of htese stories are in the “Suprised by Truth” books, of which there are 3. The Coming Home Network is a great resource for those on the journey. It is all in God’s timing. There is so much richness in the Church. I cannot imagine the journey to God without the Sacraments, the Blessed Mother, and all that is availble to us. these all lead me into a deeper relationship with Jesus, my Saviour–they do not detract from that relationship.Come to the table of plenty and be fed-really.

 

[elvisman]

Actually this sounds and looks very angry to me and a belief of spiritual superiority over your brothers and ANTI-Protestantism. Where is your peace, love and understanding? We all seem to fall into the same traps and we are all stubborn.

**How so? **
Am I to understand that you don’t believe that the Catholic Church was the only Church established by Jesus? If not, why do you identify yourself as Catholic.

PLEASE enlighten me.
**This ought to be interesting, since you were obviously there when we grew up. **