Converting Religions

[belle&sebastiansmom]

Would anyone like to share your experiences converting religions?

Specifically, Catholic converting to another Christian religion?

What made you convert? What was it about the new religion that "spoke" to you? Biggest differences between the religions?


Thanks.

 

[pr surfer]

I was born to a Jewish mother and a Roman Catholic father... brought up in both faiths (I was baptized in the Catholic Faith AND had a Bar Mitzvah). In Puerto Rico, the Jewish community is extremely small (3 synagogues on the island, maybe 2,000 jews on the island), and the vast majority of the island is Roman Catholic.

I left the Catholic faith in middle school, and stopped going to temple in college.

I have found myself attracted to the religious society of friends (quakers), mainly it's more intellectual take on basic Judeo-Christian beliefs, and it's acceptance of all comers as they are. Namely, the learning from others as well as from god. I have not yet joined their church, and I have not yet decided to go in full plunge.

 

[c4a]

Would anyone like to share your experiences converting religions?

Specifically, Catholic converting to another Christian religion?

What made you convert? What was it about the new religion that "spoke" to you? Biggest differences between the religions?

I converted from Pentecostal to Catholic when I went to my parents. (Older adoptee)Was raised Catholic.
Converted as an adult back to Protestant. Although, when I study the bible I use the ASV with my KJV. I do word searches through Strong's with the ASV.
Why did I convert? There are several reasons. First and foremost...I wanted a relationship with the Lord & could find no one in the Catholic faith who could explain not only the concept but how to do so. I didn't want my prayers/actions to just be a series of ritual text and acts. I wanted it to be a true "from the heart" experience where I was completely open & honest with my Savior. Secondly, I had always had questions. Things didn't add up for me & the answers I received was "Cannon Law..." or something similar. Thirdly, I never understood why the Lord would appear through the Holy Spirit in the communion wafer and wine-as it being his body & blood...when the Lord says cannibalism is a sin. I also never understood the concept of the confessional. I am a child of the Lord. HE says HE hears my prayers & knows my inner most thoughts & feelings. So, why did I need to go speak with a priest to seek forgiveness? Was it self-forgiveness?
I went to A LOT of churches and spoke with A LOT of their ministers...drilled them. Prayed A LOT.
"Spoke to Me"-I visited there several times & during a call to the altar for those needing prayer...I knew. I didn't feel constricted by what I was supposed to say or do.
Biggest Differences: Theologically? We pray to the Lord as opposed to asking the Saints or Mother Mary for help. (Mother Mary? Geez-old habits die hard. No pun intended on the habits!) Communion time is a time for the Body of Christ (church members) to commune with one another and the Lord by eating the host and drinking the wine (yes, we use wine-instead of juice) in memory of the night that the apostles and Jesus did the same...we do not view it as Jesus is IN the bread and wine. There is a greater emphasis put on "relationship" than religion. (If that makes sense.) We believe that "going to church doesn't end when leaving the church"...I can't go to service, then go out and screw up, and then go ask someone not involved in my screw up-who it doesn't affect to absolve me. It's not that easy. I made the mistake so I have to try to make it right.
Sorry so long. All that said-and my family is still very devout Catholics. I respect their beliefs. I was just a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I converted from Catholic to Lutheran. My reason was pretty simple. I went to Catholic school and always had a ton of questions during our religion classes. The nuns would always brush me off when they didn't know how to answer my questions. I would have respected them more if they just admitted they weren't sure.

I started going to Lutheran church once I became an adult. The pastors at that church were amazing. They were accepting of all people and enjoyed discussing all religious beliefs during bible study. They never made comments about which religion was the best, or passed any judgements. They just seemed more welcoming to me. And it just seemed like they studied the bible a little more than the Catholic church I was raised in. It could be that I just went to a bad catholic church though.

The biggest difference between the two? Hmmm, We have Pastors and they can be married. They can also be gay, but I think most still do not approve. We do not confess our sins to a priest. We do not have to give up meat on Fridays during lent (but we still get ashes and acknowlege Lent).

 

[bicker]

What made you convert? What was it about the new religion that "spoke" to you? Biggest differences between the religions?

I was born Jewish, and am now a Pantheist*, joining the Unitarian Universalist* faith one week from Sunday.

Part of the introductory religious education the UU church provided was an exercise to consider our own spiritual journeys, and the context within which that has brought us to this place, i.e., where we were considering (and in my case, deciding to join the) UU faith. My biggest concerns about Judaism was that it didn't make rational sense to me, there wasn't sufficient evidence to support the contentions of the faith. By comparison, UU acknowledges such limitations, and accepts the unknowability that is the reality of our universe. Also, Judaism, at least in the manner I was introduced, indoctrinated and shepherded through it, seemed overly-concerned about Jews, being Jewish, and to some extent, Israel. I didn't believe that a loving God, as Judaism asserts exists, would actually show anything but love, equally, to all His (that gender being their casting of God, not mine) creations.

All of what I've seen of life, people, and the universe overall has convinced me that God isn't a conscious, deliberate personage, but rather is the collective totality of reality, fully evident and accessible by reason to the extent knowable, and the rest safely and with concern or need for remediation, unknownable. UU supports these beliefs.

___________
* The UU faith welcomes members with shared values, from a number of different, but compatible, religious belief systems.

 

[esdras]

I converted from Pentecostal to Catholic when I went to my parents. (Older adoptee)Was raised Catholic.
Converted as an adult back to Protestant. Although, when I study the bible I use the ASV with my KJV. I do word searches through Strong's with the ASV.
Why did I convert? There are several reasons. First and foremost...I wanted a relationship with the Lord & could find no one in the Catholic faith who could explain not only the concept but how to do so. I didn't want my prayers/actions to just be a series of ritual text and acts. I wanted it to be a true "from the heart" experience where I was completely open & honest with my Savior. Secondly, I had always had questions. Things didn't add up for me & the answers I received was "Cannon Law..." or something similar. Thirdly, I never understood why the Lord would appear through the Holy Spirit in the communion wafer and wine-as it being his body & blood...when the Lord says cannibalism is a sin. I also never understood the concept of the confessional. I am a child of the Lord. HE says HE hears my prayers & knows my inner most thoughts & feelings. So, why did I need to go speak with a priest to seek forgiveness? Was it self-forgiveness?
I went to A LOT of churches and spoke with A LOT of their ministers...drilled them. Prayed A LOT.
"Spoke to Me"-I visited there several times & during a call to the altar for those needing prayer...I knew. I didn't feel constricted by what I was supposed to say or do.
Biggest Differences: Theologically? We pray to the Lord as opposed to asking the Saints or Mother Mary for help. (Mother Mary? Geez-old habits die hard. No pun intended on the habits!) Communion time is a time for the Body of Christ (church members) to commune with one another and the Lord by eating the host and drinking the wine (yes, we use wine-instead of juice) in memory of the night that the apostles and Jesus did the same...we do not view it as Jesus is IN the bread and wine. There is a greater emphasis put on "relationship" than religion. (If that makes sense.) We believe that "going to church doesn't end when leaving the church"...I can't go to service, then go out and screw up, and then go ask someone not involved in my screw up-who it doesn't affect to absolve me. It's not that easy. I made the mistake so I have to try to make it right.
Sorry so long. All that said-and my family is still very devout Catholics. I respect their beliefs. I was just a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

I just wanted to reply to your post. As a Catholic myself, it always saddens me when someone leaves Catholicism for some of the reasons you have outlined - because a number of them are misconceptions or outright inaccuracies. On the other hand, you also said you weren't feeling spiritually nourished in the Catholic Church. While that saddens me too, it's for the fact that you couldn't find a community that encouraged your spiritual growth. Leaving for a church where you could grow spiritually is absolutely the right thing to do - I have no problems with that at all.

Now, I don't want to insult anyone, but asking some of these big theological questions of Catholic clergy or nuns isn't necessarily going to get you good answers. The clergy have (usually) a Master's of Divinity Degree - which trains them to be ministers and gives then a foundation in Church teachings (though not necessarily the reasoning behind some of them).

Personally, I have a BA Specializing in Catholic Studies (minors in Politics and - almost done - History). I've also nearly completed my thesis that will give me an MA in Theology. In other words, I have academic training in Christianity as opposed to ministerial training - and I can tell you that a number of things you mentioned aren't accurate. If any Catholic clergy told you those things, you can tell them that they are wrong.

1. The real presense of Christ in the Eucharist is somewhat complex - it relies on Aristotelian Logic and the concept of Substance and Accidents. However, that wasn't one of my major concerns with what you had been told.
2. Confession (usually called Reconcilliation now) - the Priest technically confirms rather than grants forgiveness - but I'll agree that it should be worded like they do in Eastern Rite Catholic Churches where they say "You are absolved in the name..." rather than "I absolve you in the name..." It has also changed a lot - I haven't been given "Penance" in years - instead, I have spoken with a priest about some of my struggles (let's say anger, for example), and he has suggested some books that could help and other things to move me beyond my sins. I think of it now like free Christian counselling. On the other hand, I disagree that it must be mandatory - I like the Anglican (Episcopalian) view of Reconcilliation - All may, some should, none must.
3. Praying to the Saints for help - if ANYONE told you that the saints can help you directly, they are 100% wrong. A saint can only pray with or for you - to "intercede" on your behalf with God. No different than if you asked me to pray with or for you. God then acts, NOT the saint. Anyone who tells you differently is wrong. Period. If you can't tell, this is one of my biggest pet peeves in terms of Catholic misconceptions.

Anyway, those were some of the main things you mentioned. While I don't expect you to return to Catholicism (and if you don't find yourself growing spiritually there, you really shouldn't) - I just wanted to clear up some of the misinformation you have been given.

I'm really not trying to sound egotistical here - but with my academic training, I actually know far more about Catholicism and Christianity on a theological standpoint than the vast majority of the priests I know.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I just wanted to reply to your post. As a Catholic myself, it always saddens me when someone leaves Catholicism for some of the reasons you have outlined - because a number of them are misconceptions or outright inaccuracies. On the other hand, you also said you weren't feeling spiritually nourished in the Catholic Church. While that saddens me too, it's for the fact that you couldn't find a community that encouraged your spiritual growth. Leaving for a church where you could grow spiritually is absolutely the right thing to do - I have no problems with that at all.

Now, I don't want to insult anyone, but asking some of these big theological questions of Catholic clergy or nuns isn't necessarily going to get you good answers. The clergy have (usually) a Master's of Divinity Degree - which trains them to be ministers and gives then a foundation in Church teachings (though not necessarily the reasoning behind some of them).

Personally, I have a BA Specializing in Catholic Studies (minors in Politics and - almost done - History). I've also nearly completed my thesis that will give me an MA in Theology. In other words, I have academic training in Christianity as opposed to ministerial training - and I can tell you that a number of things you mentioned aren't accurate. If any Catholic clergy told you those things, you can tell them that they are wrong.

1. The real presense of Christ in the Eucharist is somewhat complex - it relies on Aristotelian Logic and the concept of Substance and Accidents. However, that wasn't one of my major concerns with what you had been told.
2. Confession (usually called Reconcilliation now) - the Priest technically confirms rather than grants forgiveness - but I'll agree that it should be worded like they do in Eastern Rite Catholic Churches where they say "You are absolved in the name..." rather than "I absolve you in the name..." It has also changed a lot - I haven't been given "Penance" in years - instead, I have spoken with a priest about some of my struggles (let's say anger, for example), and he has suggested some books that could help and other things to move me beyond my sins. I think of it now like free Christian counselling. On the other hand, I disagree that it must be mandatory - I like the Anglican (Episcopalian) view of Reconcilliation - All may, some should, none must.
3. Praying to the Saints for help - if ANYONE told you that the saints can help you directly, they are 100% wrong. A saint can only pray with or for you - to "intercede" on your behalf with God. No different than if you asked me to pray with or for you. God then acts, NOT the saint. Anyone who tells you differently is wrong. Period. If you can't tell, this is one of my biggest pet peeves in terms of Catholic misconceptions.

Anyway, those were some of the main things you mentioned. While I don't expect you to return to Catholicism (and if you don't find yourself growing spiritually there, you really shouldn't) - I just wanted to clear up some of the misinformation you have been given.

I'm really not trying to sound egotistical here - but with my academic training, I actually know far more about Catholicism and Christianity on a theological standpoint than the vast majority of the priests I know.

Great explanation of Catholicism. Thanks for clearing some things up. I just think that the particulary Catholic church that I was raised in, wasn't a very good one. Like I said, there were never any bible studies offered. I do miss the traditional feel of a Catholic mass though.

 

[NY Disney fan]

God isn't a conscious, deliberate personage, but rather is the collective totality of reality, fully evident and accessible by reason to the extent knowable, and the rest safely and with concern or need for remediation, unknownable.

Say what? Can you re-phrase this another way because I am highly interested. thanks. Or maybe PMing is better.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Say what? Can you re-phrase this another way because I am highly interested. thanks. Or maybe PMing is better.

If you don't mind, Bicker, please post on here about the above? Id' love to hear an explanation. I really enjoy learning about other religions.

 

[bicker]

I'll try to re-phrase...

Pantheism holds that "God" is (literally) everything, i.e., the totality of reality. That's not to say that God is everywhere or that God is in everything... those are two different concepts, not necessarily consistent with Pantheism. Pantheism is based on Reason; Pantheists honor reality, and keep our minds open to the evidence of the senses and of science's unending quest for deeper understanding. Also, Pantheism holds that all humans are equal centers of awareness of the Universe and nature, and all deserve a life of equal dignity and mutual respect.

More information: http://www.pantheism.net

 

[rabx5]

Both myself and DH switched from Catholic to Methodist when we got married.

My church that I was baptised, first communion, confirmation attended my entire life and went to cathecism (sp?) class weekly, would not marry us unless I dished out $300 because I no longer lived in the district I checked with the catholic church in my district and they wanted $500 because I was not a member Even if I joined-I would still have to pay

We went to the library and looked into other religions and started attending diiferent worships and decided we like the methodist church the best. We attended classes and joined that church. My first son was even baptised there.

I have moved out of state, so our other 2 children were baptised down here in the United Methodist Church.

I currently have HUGE issues with their pastor and I refuse to attend until she leaves- so we are churchless at the time.

Jodi

I still get angered thinking about it as to me it seems the catholic church only wanted my $$$$$ and didn't care about anything else.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

A little OT, but I'm not converting, but my daughter is going to be baptised as a Protestant in 2 weeks. I'm catholic. My DH is protestant. I don't agree with alot of the catholic church. Why do u have to confess your sins to a priest?? I hated doing that when I was younger. I felt like the priest was looking at me funny if I didn't tell him my usual "I fight with my sister" I'm mean to my parents" etc etc... I told him this every Christmas and Easter like a good little catholic girl. I felt it was all BS. Then I have to say 3 hail mary's and my sins are gone?? hmmm Doesn't sound right.

 

[Stacerita]

Would anyone like to share your experiences converting religions?

Specifically, Catholic converting to another Christian religion?

What made you convert? What was it about the new religion that "spoke" to you? Biggest differences between the religions?


Thanks.

I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school growing up. My father worked for the church and I saw a lot of what went on "behind the scenes" so to speak. Even as a child I was appalled at the hipocracy and waste that went on. I also didn't buy into a lot of what was taught. When I was in high school I attended friend's church as a guest. It was a non denominational Christian church. Immediately I felt at home. The sermon was told in a way that related to everyone. Plus we were told to read the bible. Growing up we never did that in Catholic school. We were told what the bible said, but never asked to read it for ourselves. I kept going back to the church and got very involved in it. When I was 18 I changed to that church and was eventually baptized there. Been there ever since.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I'll try to re-phrase...

Pantheism holds that "God" is (literally) everything, i.e., the totality of reality. That's not to say that God is everywhere or that God is in everything... those are two different concepts, not necessarily consistent with Pantheism. Pantheism is based on Reason; Pantheists honor reality, and keep our minds open to the evidence of the senses and of science's unending quest for deeper understanding. Also, Pantheism holds that all humans are equal centers of awareness of the Universe and nature, and all deserve a life of equal dignity and mutual respect.

More information: http://www.pantheism.net

Thank you, bicker. I understand now.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

Thanks for the responses. As as Catholic with serious doubts about the religion, it's nice to know that there are others who have questioned their faith.

My family has been attending a Methodist service for the past few weeks. It is like night and day compared to our old church. We have felt completely welcomed there. Many biblical questions have be answered for us, that were never answered in the Catholic Church. My DH and I are amazed that we feel so much more spiritually fulfilled than we have over 30 years of being Catholic.

Of course, the Catholic in me feels guilty for attending other religious services and getting so much out of them. During the Catholic mass, I always felt like I was simply going through the motions. At the Methodist services, I feel involved. And this specific church offers many programs for families and children, which is important to me, and is not something our Catholic Church had an abundance of.

 

[Nik's Mom]

belle&sebastiansmom,

I'm curious how the methodist service differs from a catholic mass? Are there readings and a gospel from the bible? Did you feel comfortable with the flow of the service? I've never been to a methodist service, but I've been curious about it.

 

[macaronigal]

I was raised in the United Church and am now agnostic. DH was raised in the Catholic Church and is also agnostic.
Personally have no use for organized religion and would prefer to concentrate my efforts on just being a good person.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I was raised in the United Church and am now agnostic. DH was raised in the Catholic Church and is also agnostic.
Personally have no use for organized religion and would prefer to concentrate my efforts on just being a good person.

I feel this way a lot, especially when I can't find a church that I feel comfortable in. I do go to a bible study though.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

belle&sebastiansmom,

I'm curious how the methodist service differs from a catholic mass? Are there readings and a gospel from the bible? Did you feel comfortable with the flow of the service? I've never been to a methodist service, but I've been curious about it.

The church we've gone to has one contemporary service and one traditional service.

We've really enjoyed the contemporary service. There is a full band that plays, I guess what you could call Pop Christian music. My dd enjoys listening to the drums, electric guitars, even electric violins. At the contemporary services they read only one bible passage and the pastor then discusses it with the congregation. We've been to 4 of these services and each one has been organized differently. The message seems to be very accessible. One service was completely organized by the youth. They selected the passage, the music, they even did an interpretive dance. I'd never seen this in a Catholic church.

The Methodists only do Communion on occasion (for what reason, I haven't asked yet) but they had it this past Sunday for All Saints Day. Everyone is considered the "body" of Christ's following and was invited to take it, even the young children, even those of us who are not Methodist.

We are going to try the traditional service this Sunday. I've been told that it is more ritual and there is a choir that sings the traditional hymns. This particular church is starting a childrens church during the traditional service time, where they will usher the very young kids out and have a service accessible to them, on their level. As I mom, I appreciate that they take such an interest in the kids.

This Methodist church also offers Sunday School classes for kids ages 3 and up, and offers a choice of 10 different classes for adults. Right now my husband and I are in a class particularly geared towards learning about Methodism, but there are classes for marriage, family, raising children, strict bible study, singles, plenty to choose from.

All I can say is that one month in this Methodist Church has been more spiritually satisfying than 30 years as a Catholic.

 

[KCmike]

My wife converted to being a Catholic many years ago...but wonders about these two things maybe you can help.

1. The bread and wine being turned into the body and blood of Christ. She says that Jesus talked in symbolism and parables and the Church is misunderstanding it.

2. The ascension of Mary into heaven. It never speaks of it in the bible and it is sinful to add to the bible.