can I convert catholic?

Question

okay I'm 14 and I have the option of being catholic because i go to a catholic school I love the idea I am a christian though and I have NEVER been baptized I secretly kind of think the catholic religion is slightly more right but I don't know I guess this is a poll....kinda can I convert to being catholic and should I, meaning what are your thoughts on christianity verses catholic in both bibles it says u shall have no other gods before me but for those of you who don't know we don't treat mary like a god and we call ourselves catholic christians where I'm from....

oh and I supose I forgott to mention that I actually come from a aeithestal home (parents don't believe there is a god)

Answer 1

You are just 14 and you are by God's grace on THE right track. Catholics do not consider Mary as God. We love Her and honor Her for She is the Mother of God. You can begin a great spiritual life by beginning to say the Holy Rosary everyday which will be a great source of grace to you and ward off the attacks of the Evil One who will try his level best to stop you from what you desire to do.
The Roman Catholic church is the original church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ in the year 33. All other churches are man-made and thus cannot assure you salvation. Hang on, stay firm and persevere to the end with your choice if you wish to be Catholic.
Here is a compelling sermon by Fr. Arnold Damen which will help you realise the difference between the Catholic church and other man-made churches.
http://home.inreach.com/bstanley/damenchu.htm

Here are other interesting articles:
http://www.olrl.org/doctrine/eens2.shtml

Answer 2

You can convert. Do you believe everything they teach? I had an aunt that was Catholic, but I didn't believe many of the things she did. Catholics are a form of Christianity. Generally the other is Protestant, which I am.
1. You need to pray to God in Jesus' name, and not to someone else, for one thing.
2. You can ask forgiveness of God yourself.
3. Purgatory?

The above three things I see as problems with at least some of the Catholic Churches compared to Protestants. I have a few more. If you want to E mail me, I will go into more detail.
But study it out and make a wise decision.

Answer 3

Catholics ARE Christians. The word would be Protestant.

You could convert, I suppose. I'm not a Christian, but I do know a bit about the religions. For instance the Catholic religion has a specific set of prayers and rituals which aren't modified for personal use. Also, according to the Catholic religion if you don't have a priest read the last rites over you before you die, you don't go to Heaven. They have purgatory, which is traditionally similer to Hell, but everyone goes there before going to Heaven or Hell, regardless of wheather they're a good or bad person.

If you selct a religion, I feel you should be an expert in it first. Never go with just the religion which seems cooler, as they all have alot of intricasies which may not seem to nice once you reasearch them a bit. Whatever your desicion, make it the one which makes you happy, not just content.

Answer 4

If your parents allow it, then yes I see no reason why you cannot convert. Be aware however that the Catholic Church is VERY strict and you will have to undergo alot of ceremonies to become Catholic. You will need to be baptized (and will need to find "Godparents" that the church approves of, they will actually need a signed letter from their priest or at the very least baptism and confirmation certificates), you will need to go to your first "confession", "First Communion" and "Confirmation". I was never comfortable or believed in the bible or God, but if you do, then you should do what you want. Just be prepared because the Catholic Church can be pretty harsh and intolerant. I know, I was a Catholic for over 25 years before I converted to Buddhism.

Answer 5

You can convert to Catholicism if you want. Only you can make that decision.

You should probably have a couple of serious discussions with a priest or youth minister.

+ Similarities +

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much.

A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor.

+ With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 6

If I were you I would wait a little while to make a decision on that. You are very young and it is likely that your veiws will change. The Catholic Church is very traditional and conservative. You should learn about their teachings and the teachings of other branches of Christianity before you make the choice. But, remember religion is not binding.

There are steps to becoming Catholic. Talk to your local parish priest. There are classes that you have to take. And have to sort of "catch up" on your sacraments. Sounds like you've missed the first 4. Baptism, 1st Confession, 1st Communion, and Confirmation. Good luck!

Answer 7

Catholicism is Christianity, they were the first ones. You should talk to a priest about the teachings of the church. But know this, the church believes in tradition and the bible while other churches believe in Sola Scripture. We have the sacraments while other Protestant churches only have two. There are feasts of saints and Lent where you give something up or fast. However, the belief in Christ is the same and we both have the bible.

Answer 8

God bless you and welcome home!

Talk to your priest and tell him what you're wanting to do and ask him for help. Tell him you've never been baptized and you're wanting to become Catholic but you don't know how. He'll point you in the right direction.

God bless.

If you have questions about the Catholic Church, check this out:

www.catholic.com
www.catholic.org

Answer 9

Could I respectfully ask why you would want to convert to one religion over another, or just to a religion to begin with, when you could have a personal one to one relationship with Almighty God.

Remember religion cannot save you, religion did not die for you, Jesus can and Jesus did.

You can begin this relationship by simply coming before God in prayer admitting that you are a sinner, telling God that you repent of your sins (repent means a turning from, a change of direction if you like) asking God to forgive you and asking Jesus to become your Lord and Saviour, this is God's way and for many it seems too simple, sadly many people stumble at the simplicity of this great salvation that God gives to those who ask.

If you would like to know more or ask any questions then please feel free to e-mail me.

God Bless

JB

Answer 10

Sure you can if you choose , I would first try and develope a relationship with christ with out limits set by a organized religion . I was raised catholic , and later in life realized it wasn't for me . Know that there are flaws , as with any religion , but they are mans flaws not Gods .