My parents are Baptist, and I was raised as a Baptist. However, since I got to college 4 months ago, I have been exploring my own faith, and have decided to begin the RCIA process to become Catholic. Mom and Dad didn't take well to hearing that I had gone to mass in the first place...and I'm not sure how to break it to them that I'm leaving the Protestant church for the Catholic one.
I'm not going to let their protests stop me, but I don't want them to worry for me...they think that Catholics aren't Christians, and have all these deeply ingrained misconceptions about Catholic beliefs. How can I convince them that they don't need to be concerned for my mortal soul, and that Catholics are Christians too?
Please note: I would like answers from Catholics, or at least people who are well-informed about the Catholic faith. I know what a lot of Protestants mistakenly assume about Catholics, and I know it's not true. Thank you.
2007-01-07 16:12:45 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's funny how many explicity anti-Catholic answers I get after specifically saying I didn't want them. Please, people...let's be civil and answer my question...you're not going to change my mind about my religion with a single Yahoo Answers post.
2007-01-07 16:35:41 · update #1
Start out by explaining to them that the Catholic practice of infant baptism makes the strongest statement for salvation without works, of any Christian faith.
The infant does absolutely nothing.
The Catholic Church freely provides everything ... even the water and the faith ... and the infant becomes an adopted child of God, a temple of the Holy Spirit, a co-heir with Jesus Christ, and a member of the church, simply because God desires all to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of his truth.
Once they realize that Catholics really don't attempt to work their way to heaven, they may be willing to rethink the whole concept, and just leave you alone.
2007-01-07 21:00:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What you might want to do is explain that the faiths have very many similarities and point out those to your parents.
When you get down to brass tacks, since the Vatican 2 (V2) encyclical (rules change) there are really only two or three serious liturgical differences between Catholics and most Protestant demononations.
Mostly these are more strict interpretations of some common liturgical points and the Catholic faith generally has a much more involved code regarding the concept of confession regarding the overall structure of the church and the role of the church in the life of the parishoner (Confession of Sins, Celebration of the Mass and many of the other sacraments are in variations different.
However since the adoption of native language masses I am constantly struck by how similar Christian mass ceremonies are to one another.
It's an excellent opportunity to brush up on some of what those differences are. For instance what attracted you to the faith in the first place?
What are some of the differences that will matter TO YOU!, I could list dozens of differences but there wouldn't be as much relevance until we hit upon the one or two that are significant for you and your parents.
What are some points your parents hold dear to that you think they are mis-informed about? Investigate some of those points and inform yourself and them.
It's an excellent time to get to know your new faith and also learn about your old one as well.
2007-01-07 16:29:47 · answer #2 · answered by Mark T 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Honest protestant answer rather than anti-catholic one.
Tell your parents you still accept Jesus as your lord and savior but you are going to a catholic church. Mention that Billy Graham has accepted that catholics are in the fold and tell them to read his biography!!! Baptists like Billy Graham and respect him.
How to tell them? Tough, tell them in passing when you see them i guess. They will have problems accepting it but well, you did not die.
(The main issues that some protestants have with the catholic faith involve Mary and the Saints. Most of the dogma the churches have is the same. Very minor differences. All follow the creed, I believe in the ...)
Good luck
2007-01-07 16:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by rostov 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, my best friend is Catholic, and they're not a bad bunch. Of course, he's an atheist Catholic, so maybe that's a little different.
You might test the waters first. Be like, "you know, those Catholics make a lot of good schools, like Notre Dame and the University of Chicago" (which is true...). Maybe drop some subtle hints to get them ready...
2007-01-07 16:18:40 · answer #4 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Tell them that your moving on up'....... As most parents they want their children to better themselves so tell them that's what your doing and then thank them for being superior parents.
Also there is a book called :
What Catholics Really Believe, written by Karl Keating, it should ease any concerns they might have. My husband was raised Baptist and this book helped us.
2007-01-07 16:27:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Catholicism was THE Christian church until Martin Luther nailed a piece of paper to a door. (I'm not making light, just making a point guys, don't attack)
So, it's just as much about Jesus, there's just some differences in ceremony.
Do a little research, try to put it into words what appeals to you about Catholicism, and just tell them. They'll accept it eventually.
2007-01-07 16:23:50 · answer #6 · answered by Emmy 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the Barque of Peter! I am also a convert. Of course, I was 32 at the time, and my parents could not have cared less, so not exactly your situation, eh? The links will take you to sites I think will be helpful to share with your parents. Also, go to Amazon and search for books by "Karl Keating", "Scott Hahn", and "Patrick Madrid". Good luck and God bless!
2007-01-07 16:46:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could teach them the history of where Baptists come from. The whole Catolic and Protestant split and tell them you went home.
2007-01-07 16:35:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-17 00:14:00 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you say will not be good enough even if you brought your priest just be honest and firm without getting into doctrine as that is a no win for any of you
2007-01-07 16:17:18 · answer #10 · answered by devora k 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋