Why Are So Many Evangelicals Turning to the Catholic Church?

[Reuben_J]

The top 3 reasons people give for leaving Catholicism for Protestantism is: Seeking a personal connection with God (81%), Enjoy style of worship at new church (69%), Wanted a greater emphasis on morality (60%). Obviously people could check off multiple answers, but these were the reasons that people gave for leaving Catholicism.

Perhaps this is also the reason for Evangelicals to become Catholics. Personal connection with God and vibrant worship … after a while, they would seek something deeper, quieter, profounder, which they found in the Catholic Church.

Also the reason why Catholics left - they did not find ‘enough’ God, they do not find tangible experience in worship that feeds the senses. They do not understand nor appreciate the Blessed Sacrament.

Also interesting is a survey that shows in all 20 countries surveyed (including US Hispanics), Catholics were much more likely to favor gay marriage as compared to Protestants.

And leave the Catholic Church for those churches that allow gay marriages.

 

[Tommy999]

My experience has been as follows:

Most former Catholics I know who became evangelicals did so because the Catholic faith – to them, anyway – was just a legalistic list of do’s and don’ts and not a faith in which they could have a personal relationship with the Savior and grow close to Him. Borrowing from the words of Catholic radio host Al Kresta, they were “catechized but not evangelized”.

On the other hand, my interest in the Catholic Church is based on study, logic, and prayer and a belief that Jesus meant for there to be one united Church under the leadership of a Vicar and not a bunch of different Christian faith traditions that teach many similar doctrines but can differ with one another in significant ways. I already have a personal relationship with Christ – now I want the rest of the fullness of faith that comes with it and to be a solid Christian in every area of my life. I also believe in the healing nature of Catholic sacraments such as Confession, which is a major draw for me.

Most former Catholics I know who switched from Catholicism to an evangelical faith tradition don’t speak well of the Catholic Church in general afterwards for whatever reason. Some had bad personal experiences and others didn’t really want to talk about it much. Most former evangelicals who became Catholic do not disparage their former faith tradition and often thank those who raised them in the basics of the Christian faith. They consider their conversion to Catholicism to be more of an ‘upgrade’ than a renouncement of their former faith tradition, at least that has been my experience in talking with people where I live.
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[rcwitness]

My experience has been as follows:

Most former Catholics I know who became evangelicals did so because the Catholic faith – to them, anyway – was just a legalistic list of do’s and don’ts and not a faith in which they could have a personal relationship with the Savior and grow close to Him. Borrowing from the words of Catholic radio host Al Kresta, they were “catechized but not evangelized”.

I can believe this. For some, rules are an “in your face” issue, an “I don’t want to be told by men what is expected of God” kinda mentality. Or, “don’t tell me I can’t use Birth Control, God didn’t explicitly say this in the Bible!”

On the other hand, my interest in the Catholic Church is based on study, logic, and prayer and a belief that Jesus meant for there to be one united Church under the leadership of a Vicar and not a bunch of different Christian faith traditions that teach many similar doctrines but can differ with one another in significant ways. I already have a personal relationship with Christ – now I want the rest of the fullness of faith that comes with it and to be a solid Christian in every area of my life. I also believe in the healing nature of Catholic sacraments such as Confession, which is a major draw for me.

Well said.

Most former Catholics I know who switched from Catholicism to an evangelical faith tradition don’t speak well of the Catholic Church in general afterwards for whatever reason. Some had bad personal experiences and others didn’t really want to talk about it much. Most former evangelicals who became Catholic do not disparage their former faith tradition and often thank those who raised them in the basics of the Christian faith. They consider their conversion to Catholicism to be more of an ‘upgrade’ than a renouncement of their former faith tradition, at least that has been my experience in talking with people where I live.
.

Yes. I converted from being raised Evangelical Free. I appreciated the genuine message of Jesus, and Scripture focus/devotion. I might only say that I only have some resentment for being “kept in the dark” to the greater reality of Communion with the whole body of Jesus. And by that I mean His Teaching confirmed through the Magisterium and most profoundly shared through His Eucharist table.

 

[exnihilo]

In brief:

• We lose people who want looser moral guidelines.
• We gain people who want theological clarity and orthodoxy.

I definitely think some leave for looser morals. But I think many also leave out of indifferentism. That is they don’t see the Catholic Church as being the Church. And many leave out of a lack of faith. They may even join a Protestant church but not so much out of a strong faith but because they have kids and church is a good for kids.

 

[rcwitness]

I joined the Catholic Church for the great unity I saw in a bishop who had an office which is able to “stand up” like St Peter did in his day. And the unity that the Eucharist can accomplish, so long as I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me to Him, and do so in “a worthy manner”.

And that is a task that I can never do outside His grace!

 

[Richard_White]

I enjoy this news very much and pray that God will grant us, as Catholics, the grace to bring as many Protestants and other people outside of His Church into the beauties and Truth of His Holy Catholic Faith!

May God bless you all!

 

[susanlo]

The gay marriage fact isn’t too surprising though. In Latin America, generally you are Catholic by default, so those non-church going agnostics are included in the Catholic part of the survey. Most Latin American Protests, as I recall, are in fact converts. You don’t both to convert unless you really care!

I more fair comparison of whether Catholics support gay marriage more than Protestants would be surveys of the church going communities in each.

But, yes, I’m not at all surprised that loose morals have nothing to do with Latin Americans becoming Protestants.

From the previously linked survey report:

Even though the Catholic Church opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, Catholics in Latin America tend to be less conservative than Protestants on these kinds of social issues. On average, Catholics are less morally opposed to abortion, homosexuality, artificial means of birth control, sex outside of marriage, divorce and drinking alcohol than are Protestants.

The differences between Catholics and Protestants on most of these issues hold true even when accounting for levels of religious observance. For example, Protestants who participate in religious services at least once a week are somewhat more likely to oppose abortion and divorce – and considerably more likely to oppose homosexuality, sex outside of marriage and drinking alcohol – than are Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly.2 These differing views on social issues may help explain why many former Catholics who have become Protestants say they were looking for a church that “places greater importance on living a moral life” (a median of 60%).

I think the fact that for the most part Protestantism = Pentecostalism for this survey, the results reflect the conservative social-issue Pentecostal church.

I found this survey report of Christians in the US that shows that on the issues of abortion and homosexuality/same-sex marriage, mainline protestants are slightly more liberal than Catholics, while evangelicals are much more conservative than all others. I believe Pentecostals would also fall into this conservative-evangelical group. pewforum.org/2014/09/22/section-3-social-political-issues/

 

[rcwitness]

I found this survey report of Christians in the US that shows that on the issues of abortion and homosexuality/same-sex marriage, mainline protestants are slightly more liberal than Catholics, while evangelicals are much more conservative than all others. I believe Pentecostals would also fall into this conservative-evangelical group. pewforum.org/2014/09/22/section-3-social-political-issues/

To tell you the truth, if I decided not to remain a Catholic Christian, I would likely not join a “high” church which “resembles” the Catholic traditions over the non-denominations. I think, if there is not a valid (ministerial) priesthood in communion with one Bishop, then it might as well be congregationalism. And as you see in a survey, they do well conforming to many moral issues that the Catholic Faith Teaches.

But, thanks be to God, I am Catholic and am unable to choose a greater church to serve.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

This survey (pewforum.org/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/) shared earlier does agree with your anecdotal evidence that looser morals are not driving people to go from Catholicism to Protestantism in Latin America.
The top 3 reasons people give for leaving Catholicism for Protestantism is: Seeking a personal connection with God (81%), Enjoy style of worship at new church (69%), Wanted a greater emphasis on morality (60%). Obviously people could check off multiple answers, but these were the reasons that people gave for leaving Catholicism.

Also interesting is a survey that shows in all 20 countries surveyed (including US Hispanics), Catholics were much more likely to favor gay marriage as compared to Protestants.

But it’s the protestant “Churches” that ordain women and open homosexuals, and perform gay “Marriages”.

I would say those protestants are unregenerate baby Christians, or maybe not even Christians at all. Likewise, those disappointing Catholics pushing for gay marriage are usually un-catechized, cultural Catholics.

And I was part of the Anglican Church and many of the folks who were there were former Catholics who were divorced and wanted communion. The annulment process(I know from experience) is painful and once you go through it you understand why someone might just walk across the street to a protestant church and save yourself a lot of costly hassle.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

To tell you the truth, if I decided not to remain a Catholic Christian, I would likely not join a “high” church which “resembles” the Catholic traditions over the non-denominations. I think, if there is not a valid (ministerial) priesthood in communion with one Bishop, then it might as well be congregationalism. And as you see in a survey, they do well conforming to many moral issues that the Catholic Faith Teaches.

But, thanks be to God, I am Catholic and am unable to choose a greater church to serve.

If i were not Catholic, I’d be Eastern Orthodox.

Some of the nicest and warmest Christians I’ve ever met reside there.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

My experience has been as follows:

Most former Catholics I know who became evangelicals did so because the Catholic faith – to them, anyway – was just a legalistic list of do’s and don’ts and not a faith in which they could have a personal relationship with the Savior and grow close to Him. Borrowing from the words of Catholic radio host Al Kresta, they were “catechized but not evangelized”.

On the other hand, my interest in the Catholic Church is based on study, logic, and prayer and a belief that Jesus meant for there to be one united Church under the leadership of a Vicar and not a bunch of different Christian faith traditions that teach many similar doctrines but can differ with one another in significant ways. I already have a personal relationship with Christ – now I want the rest of the fullness of faith that comes with it and to be a solid Christian in every area of my life. I also believe in the healing nature of Catholic sacraments such as Confession, which is a major draw for me.

Most former Catholics I know who switched from Catholicism to an evangelical faith tradition don’t speak well of the Catholic Church in general afterwards for whatever reason. Some had bad personal experiences and others didn’t really want to talk about it much. Most former evangelicals who became Catholic do not disparage their former faith tradition and often thank those who raised them in the basics of the Christian faith. They consider their conversion to Catholicism to be more of an ‘upgrade’ than a renouncement of their former faith tradition, at least that has been my experience in talking with people where I live.
.

Many went through Catholic school which used to be almost militarized. They have flashbacks of nuns who float around the room with a big ruler in their hand waitng for someone to make a mistake, lol.

There is a saying that if you want your kid to lose faith in God, send him/her away to Catholic school. You will probably get them squared away morally, (at least initially) but then lose them entirely down the line.

I think about half of Catholicism doesn’t know what they have here. True Christianity through the sacraments given to us by the Lord. Once you have relationship and sacraments you have it all. Protestants have the relationship part down pat, tbh. So they are doing well, but could be doing better.

Confession is a incredible experience. As someone who always confessed directly to God, I did not think it was anything special nor did i see the need for it. But i was wrong.

 

[Tommy999]

Many went through Catholic school which used to be almost militarized. They have flashbacks of nuns who float around the room with a big ruler in their hand waitng for someone to make a mistake, lol.

There is a saying that if you want your kid to lose faith in God, send him/her away to Catholic school. You will probably get them squared away morally, (at least initially) but then lose them entirely down the line.

I think about half of Catholicism doesn’t know what they have here. True Christianity through the sacraments given to us by the Lord. Once you have relationship and sacraments you have it all. Protestants have the relationship part down pat, tbh. So they are doing well, but could be doing better.

Confession is a incredible experience. As someone who always confessed directly to God, I did not think it was anything special nor did i see the need for it. But i was wrong.

I have no experience with Catholic schools but I will trust you on that, L A.

I sense you are right about Confession, even though I haven’t done it before. When I confess my sins to God, I believe in my heart that He forgives me but I get a feeling like something is left “undone” if you will – that I can’t quite put my finger on.

I sometimes wonder if I would’ve sinned less often in my youth and young adult years if I had had the accountability that I feel must exist with the sacrament of Confession.
In other words, how many people might think twice before sinning if they knew that had to “spill the beans” to their pastor or another human who represented Christ in this world and not just go to God on their own?

Looking back on it, I probably would have sinned less often although I can’t be totally sure. What I am trying to say is that I think Confession might have a ‘deterrent’ effect as well as a “coaching” effect, but then I might be wrong. Just curious what your thoughts are on that.

 

[jtpearson]

I converted to Catholocism from a free church Protestant background due to:

1. Developing a sense of deep appreciation for the wealth of historical Christian theology,mspecifically the Church Fathers.
2. Delving deeply into the assumptions present in a “Bible-only” approach to ecclesial life and Christian morality. The very ecclesial structures derided by the tradition of my youth are the same ones that a) popularized the writings now included in the New Testament based upon the popularity of those writings within the formal worship/liturgy of the early Church and b) formalized and approved these writings as canonical in the fourth century.

Once you’re comfortable with the decisions of the 4th century Church a “Bible only” approach to Chrisitanity in the way I grew up just doesn’t make a ton of sense. Extracting the canon from the Church and deriding everything else seems like lazy thinking.

1. I married a Catholic. Had this not happened I may have become Orthodox or I may have stayed put and tried to bring my thinking to bear within my original ecclesial community. We’ll never know.

All this said I can see some valid concerns that could make people move in the opposite direction. Here’s the main one:

I’m better friends with people I went to church with decades ago as a Protestant child than I am with a lot of the people I go to Church with now as a Catholic. Many of these reasons are accidental to my specific situation but it’s just my experience that Catholic Churches in America often lack the intentional approach to community often found in many Evangelical congregations. Doctrinal clarity aside, people like to be around other people with whom they relate and have developed real, substantial friendships.

As Catholics we can do a better job here and in a lot of situations I think we already are.

 

[MaryT777]

It may be true that more Catholics become Evangelicals than the other way around, but the interesting thing is that it is poorly catechized (i.e., ignorant) Catholics that leave the Church and it is very educated Evangelical seminarians and pastors that are becoming Catholic. That certainly speaks volumes.

Excellent point.

 

[MaryT777]

But it’s the protestant “Churches” that ordain women and open homosexuals, and perform gay “Marriages”.

I would say those protestants are unregenerate baby Christians, or maybe not even Christians at all. Likewise, those disappointing Catholics pushing for gay marriage are usually un-catechized, cultural Catholics.

And I was part of the Anglican Church and many of the folks who were there were former Catholics who were divorced and wanted communion. The annulment process(I know from experience) is painful and once you go through it you understand why someone might just walk across the street to a protestant church and save yourself a lot of costly hassle.

I’m a cradle Catholic and couldn’t agree more about the annulment process. To me it was a costly hassle indeed and hassle it was. I had major issues with this and for two years I attended a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Catholic Church (of course I never communed in the LCMS) The Lutheran Pastor there told me that he had converted four couples to the LCMS who were there simply in his opinion because they disagreed with the process of obtaining an annulment. Their disagreement had led them down the path that the Church does not have the authority to impose such obligations thus opening their hearts to another faith.

That’s a small sample but that was his experience too. I do believe many leave for this reason. I have no stats.

 

[Porknpie]

It’s true … I know a some, who have left the Church for moral reasons, most notably: contraception, abortion, divorce and same sex lifestyle. These folks leave, searching for the Church of self.

Yet more often, it’s my observation that Catholic’s leaving the Church (often) reflects a multi-generational problem with poor catechesis instruction in the '70’s and 80’s. This children of this era are now raising their own children and while those in the 70’s and 80’s were sacramentalized, their catechetical instruction was poor. This led to fewer having a deep personal relationship with Christ as we are called to do. So many of their children are suffering as a result as their in-home instruction is weakened. Parents aren’t teaching their children the faith as they ought, and in-home prayer life can be minimal or absent.

Yet, the beauty of the Catholic faith is that it is true. Notably, we receive Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist at every Mass (a very personal relationship with Christ). If one doesn’t understand and believe this, then it’s pretty easy in my judgment to leave, or stay out.

Interesting that ALL Christians believed in the Real Presence prior to the Reformation (not just the Eucharist, all Christians professed belief in the 7 sacraments). Which of course prompts the questions of :

• what did Christ mean when he said that he would lead His Church to ALL Truth and would be with it until the end of time, that the gates of hell would not prevail.?
• if one believes fallible men made infallible decisions on the canon of NT scripture (guided by the Holy Spirit as Christ promised), does one believe that these same men error’d on their belief in the Eucharist?
• if the latter question is yes, when did this error in teaching occur?

In part, walking through, researching and answering these questions above has brought many converts to the Church, Evangelicals included.

 

[Dorothy]

I have no experience with Catholic schools but I will trust you on that, L A.

I sense you are right about Confession, even though I haven’t done it before. When I confess my sins to God, I believe in my heart that He forgives me but I get a feeling like something is left “undone” if you will – that I can’t quite put my finger on.

I sometimes wonder if I would’ve sinned less often in my youth and young adult years if I had had the accountability that I feel must exist with the sacrament of Confession.
In other words, how many people might think twice before sinning if they knew that had to “spill the beans” to their pastor or another human who represented Christ in this world and not just go to God on their own?

Looking back on it, I probably would have sinned less often although I can’t be totally sure. What I am trying to say is that I think Confession might have a ‘deterrent’ effect as well as a “coaching” effect, but then I might be wrong. Just curious what your thoughts are on that.

Tommy,

And, best of all, the priest in the confessional is “in persona Christi” …he is there in the place of Christ.
So, when one hears the words of absolution, they are from our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Randy_Carson]

This is empirically not true. If you look at the surveys, see this article for example, in the US, people who leave Catholicism roughly divide between 1/2 who become Nones and 1/2 who become Protestants.

Why do they become “none”? Are they still interested in God? Or just drifting away? I don’t believe that they are leaving over doctrinal disputes. I think they are leaving because the Church has high moral standards.

Of the ones who become Protestants, 2/3 join Evangelical churches as opposed to 1/3 who join mainstream Protestant denominations. Of this half who are becoming Protestants, their main reasons for leaving revolve around wanting more from their religion, not less. They are not (unlike perhaps the nones) being driven by disagreements over particular doctrines.

They want “more” but what does that mean? More coffee bars in the lobby? More modern music? More “fellowship” with other church members?

Or is it simpler?

More acceptance of contraception.
More acceptance of divorce and remarriage.
More acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage.

People don’t tend to leave Catholicism because they are deeply troubled by questions about the filioque or transubstantiation or infallibility.

There is little offered by Protestantism that cannot be found in Catholicism, but there is much in Catholicism that is lacking in Protestantism.

 

[susanlo]

Interesting that ALL Christians believed in the Real Presence prior to the Reformation (not just the Eucharist, all Christians professed belief in the 7 sacraments). Which of course prompts the questions of :

• what did Christ mean when he said that he would lead His Church to ALL Truth and would be with it until the end of time, that the gates of hell would not prevail.?
• if one believes fallible men made infallible decisions on the canon of NT scripture (guided by the Holy Spirit as Christ promised), does one believe that these same men error’d on their belief in the Eucharist?
• if the latter question is yes, when did this error in teaching occur?

In part, walking through, researching and answering these questions above has brought many converts to the Church, Evangelicals included.

I agree that most all Christians believed in transubstantiation or the real presence for a period of time before the Reformation. A few like John Wycliffe (1330-1384), and Berengarius of Tours (999-1088) did disagree, though. They had 7 Sacraments throughout Christianity at this time. However, for the first 500-1000 years of Christianity there were not 7 Sacraments and not everyone believed in transubstantiation and/or the real presence. There were a variety of explanations and understandings of the Eucharist in the early centuries. The Doctrine of Transubstantiation was created in the 9th century and did win favor. It is important to be aware of the early history and the understandings of those like Tertullian and Augustine as well.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide the Apostles as they started communities of believers, and the promise of the Holy Spirit was seen in the Apostles’ inspired teachings and inspired Scriptures. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all who love Him and obey his teaching. Christ has not abandoned his believers on Earth. That doesn’t mean exactly the same thing as the church can not err.

 

[Wannano]

I agree that most all Christians believed in transubstantiation or the real presence for a period of time before the Reformation. A few like John Wycliffe (1330-1384), and Berengarius of Tours (999-1088) did disagree, though. They had 7 Sacraments throughout Christianity at this time. However, for the first 500-1000 years of Christianity there were not 7 Sacraments and not everyone believed in transubstantiation and/or the real presence. There were a variety of explanations and understandings of the Eucharist in the early centuries. The Doctrine of Transubstantiation was created in the 9th century and did win favor. It is important to be aware of the early history and the understandings of those like Tertullian and Augustine as well.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide the Apostles as they started communities of believers, and the promise of the Holy Spirit was seen in the Apostles’ inspired teachings and inspired Scriptures. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all who love Him and obey his teaching. Christ has not abandoned his believers on Earth. That doesn’t mean exactly the same thing as the church can not err.

You have described this very well. Thank you for your efforts to present factual history and reality.