Why does one 'convert' from Protestant to Catholic

[Mick89]

It is amazing how judgemental, and often uniformed, so many are to others of the Christian faith, particularly as the Catholic faith is under such attack. Many “Protestants” are remarkably similar to Catholics, notably other Liturgical churches like Lutherans and Episcopalians. Our own Pope recently celebrated mass and spoke of the commonality with Lutherans for example. Martin Luther was a Catholic monk who set out to reform the church (not break away from it) and in historical context there was admittedly horrific things like selling of indulgences going on during that time. We share and accept Baptistism and so much more vs, some radically different religion. In our community, there are even joint Catholic and Lutheran Taize worship services, and I admit to enjoying the very rich musical tradition of our neighboring Lutheran church. The service or mass (some call either) follow the same lessons, Gospel, order and more. There are Catholic priests who were raised in other liturgical churches and not a radical change or conversion.

 

[po18guy]

From Pope Saint John Paul II

Converts & Signs of Renewal

Certainly, every convert is a gift to the Church and represents a serious responsibility for her, not only because converts have to be prepared for Baptism through the catechumenate and then be guided by religious instruction, but also because—especially in the case of adults—such converts bring with them a kind of new energy, an enthusiasm for the faith, and a desire to see the Gospel lived out in the Church. They would be greatly disappointed if, having entered the ecclesial community, they were to find a life lacking fervor and without signs of renewal! We cannot preach conversion unless we ourselves are converted anew every day.

John Paul II. (1990). Redemptoris Missio. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana. #47