Should I Convert to Catholicism?

Question

I have been struggling with this for a long time. I was raised Baptist and I feel that it is time for me to make my own religious choices. Now I have given my life to Christ and I am a very spiritual person. However, I have recently gotten into a relationship with a Catholic boy. This is what gave me that extra push to consider converting. I really care about him and if things would work out like marraige, I don't want there to be any issues with religion. And I am willing to convert. I just don't know if I should? I told my mom tonight, and she wasn't very happy about the decision. I don't know what I should do. This is something I feel really strongly about. Any suggestions?

I have also felt "out of place" at my current church. Something in my heart seems to be telling me to consider becoming Catholic. I have yet to go to a mass, which I want to go to. Just to observe what it's like. I just don't know... I'm so confused.

Answer 1

The issue concerning any church and its practices should be “Is this Biblical?” If a teaching is Biblical (taken in context), it should be embraced. If it is not, it should be rejected. God is more interested in whether a church is doing His will and obeying His Word than whether it can trace a line of succession back to Jesus’ apostles. Jesus was very concerned about abandoning the Word of God to follow the traditions of men (Mark 7:7). Traditions are not inherently invalid…there are some good and valuable traditions. Again, the issue must be whether a doctrine, practice, or tradition is Biblical. How then does the Roman Catholic Church compare with the teachings of the Word of God?



Salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation is by baptismal regeneration and is maintained through the Catholic sacraments unless a willful act of sin is committed that breaks the state of sanctifying grace. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace which is received through simple faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that good works are the result of a change of the heart wrought in salvation (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and the fruit of that new life in Christ (John 15).



Assurance of salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation cannot be guaranteed or assured. 1 John 5:13 states that the letter of 1 John was written for the purpose of assuring believers of the CERTAINTY of their salvation.



Good Works: The Roman Catholic Church states that Christians are saved by meritorious works (beginning with baptism) and that salvation is maintained by good works (receiving the sacraments, confession of sin to a priest, etc.) The Bible states that Christians are saved by grace through faith, totally apart from works (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:10-11; Romans 3:19-24).



Baptism: In the New Testament baptism is ALWAYS practiced AFTER saving faith in Christ. Baptism is not the means of salvation; it is faith in the Gospel that saves (1 Corinthians 1:14-18; Romans 10:13-17). The Roman Catholic Church teaches baptismal regeneration of infants, a practice never found in Scripture. The only possible hint of infant baptism in the Bible that the Roman Catholic Church can point to is that the whole household of the Philippian jailer was baptized in Acts 16:33. However, the context nowhere mentions infants. Acts 16:31 declares that salvation is by faith. Paul spoke to all of the household in verse 32, and the whole household believed (verse 34). This passage only supports the baptism of those who have already believed, not of infants.



Prayer: The Roman Catholic Church teaches Catholics to not only pray to God, but also to petition Mary and the saints for their prayers. Contrary to this, we are taught in Scripture to only pray to God (Matthew 6:9; Luke 18:1-7).



Priesthood: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is a distinction between the clergy and the “lay people,” whereas the New Testament teaches the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).



Sacraments: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that a believer is infused with grace upon reception of the sacraments. Such teaching is nowhere found in Scripture.



Confession: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that unless a believer is hindered, the only way to receive the forgiveness of sins is by confessing them to a priest. Contrary to this, Scripture teaches that confession of sins is to be made to God (1 John 1:9).



Mary: The Roman Catholic Church teaches, among other things, that Mary is the Queen of Heaven, a perpetual virgin, and the co-redemptress who ascended into heaven. In Scripture, she is portrayed as an obedient, believing servant of God, who became the mother of Jesus. None of the other attributes mentioned by the Roman Catholic Church have any basis in the Bible. The idea of Mary being the co-redemptress and another mediator between God and man is not only extra-biblical (found only outside of Scripture), but is also unbiblical (contrary to Scripture). Acts 4:12 declares that Jesus is the only redeemer. 1 Timothy 2:5 proclaims that Jesus is the only mediator between God and men.



Many other examples could be given. These issues alone clearly identify the Catholic Church as being unbiblical. Every Christian denomination has traditions and practices that are not explicitly based on Scripture. That is why Scripture must be the standard of Christian faith and practice. The Word of God is always true and reliable. The same cannot be said of church tradition. Our guideline is to be: “What does Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3; Galatians 4:30; Acts 17:10). 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Answer 2

It seems to me the only reason to formally convert is to be able to participate in personal rituals of the faith (confirmation, holy communion, confession, marriage, etc.). Once you are an adult you can make a better, more informed decision - and your willingness to convert will be just what you need if you choose to marry a Catholic.

That's a long way off for you, I have a feeling. By that time we are beyond being interested in boys or guys - we are looking for a man to spend our lives with. It sounds like you have plenty of time to consider this issue and to change your mind about it over and over again, even.

In the meantime there really isn't any good reason to upset your parents about this. Your relationship with God is your own personal business and the powers that be know your heart, no matter what church your folks take you to.

Peace!

Answer 3

As a Baptist, I don't think you should convert to Catholicism for a guy. Our doctrines are so different, unless you truly believe the Catholic doctrine, you will be miserable and unhappy.

On the other hand, Catholics are Christian, so if you feel that you need to change denominations, pray about it and ask for counsel first. Try going to mass a few times before you make any life altering choices. Ask yourself do you want to change churches because God is leading you or for a guy?

IF you and this guy do marry, you will need to both be on the same page religion wise or it will cause major problems in your marriage and child rearing. Good luck and God Bless

Answer 4

Parents are seldom very happy about their children changing faiths. Married life is simpler when both partners are of the same denomination. But really, it has to be your decision. Learn about Catholicism, THEN decide.

The Catholic initiation program actually gives you a lot of time to think about it, on the order of six months to a year. You start as an inquirer, asking whatever questions you have. If you're satisfied, you can enroll in the RCIA program, where you and other candidates can study the readings of the week and learn about Catholic doctrine and practice. You'll have a volunteer sponsor, possibly your boyfriend, to compare notes with. Only if you, the team leader and maybe the pastor agree that you're ready will you be confirmed as a full member. So don't feel that you have to make a final choice now. It has to be right for you.

Answer 5

Catholicism is a big step away from Baptist.

Why isn't he here talking about converting? If you both love each other and want to jointly worship god in a church I would suggest that a middle of the road church like the Episcopal church would be a good compromise.

The Episcopal church would recognize both of you without any additional rites being required. The service would be similar to the service he is familiar with and will not have some of the oddities that might trip you up (I never got over the catholic priest interrupting the lord's prayer). Besides, the theology is better than that of either of your churches and, given that you are considering converting, probably closer to your own.

I'm speaking as an Atheist married to a catholic. At the time we were married I was still a christian. I never asked her if she would convert to a church closer to the Presbyterian church I was raised in. I should have. Knowing what I know now, I would not have gone through with it if she refused to compromise.

Answer 6

Baptists generally have a pretty good grip on theological matters, except when it comes to understanding and appreciating the God-ordained mission of the Catholic church, so you're not really too far from the whole truth.

If you've truly given your life to Christ, then it's time for you to meet him in the flesh, invite him to your wedding, and make him a regular part of your marriage, your family, and your household.

It's also time for you to take on the responsibility of effectively uniting your life with the one time, once for all, sacrifice of Christ, in order to help save the world from evil.

All these things are some of the primary purposes of the Catholic Mass, and the authentic Holy Eucharist, which cannot be found in any of the protestant denominations.

Send me a mailing address and I'll send you a free copy of my Catholic Resource CD, which should help to answer all your questions.

Answer 7

I suggest you consider these two things. First, what do you think about the Catholic Eucharist? find out about it and decide if it is something you want to learn more about, and eventually participate in. And second, would you want to become Catholic even if you and the Catholic boy broke up.

I am a Catholic, but I think it would be better if you became a more devout Baptist rather than a Catholic for the wrong reason. good luck!

Answer 8

Only convert if you want to. There is no obligation to convert if you're marrying somebody who is Catholic. Take time and think about your decision. Do you agree with what the Church teaches on Bible doctrine and rituals? Do you think infant baptism is okay? Do you agree with confessing to a priest? That the communion is the actual body of Christ? This is what we Catholics have and we have Lent and confirmation which is one of the 7 sacraments. We don't believe the bible is the only authority but traditions too. We have saints and the Virgin Mary holds a very important part. You need to learn about this and if you believe in it.

Answer 9

Hello;

I was a Catholic for more than 40 years. Personally, convertion to this church would be a mistake. Basically you will lose your decision making process. The RC (Roman Catholic) church will tell you what to believe. Most all of the beliefs of the RC, are non-biblical. As a matter of fact, they do not recommend that their people read the Bible at all. If you have a question, they say go to the priest for answers.

You would have to give allegiance to two heads. That alone should tell you something is wrong. The Pope and Jesus Christ in that order. Something Jesus said in the Bible that you should hear. " No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." Matthew 6:24.

Secondly, to have your sins cleansed, you must confess them to a priest, a human being, who is as much a sinner as you or I , maybe more. All the private details will be required. Friend, ONLY GOD can forgive sin. After you confess your sins to a priest, he then gives absolution saying; " by the authority vested in me, I give you pardon and absolution."

He is the one pardoning you, not God. Jesus told us to pray directly to God in His name. Read John 14:13,14.

You will then be told about Mary, Mother of God as they say. That is WRONG! Mary gave Jesus His body via the natural course of birth, she DID NOT give Him His Divinity. He ALWAYS had that and ALWAYS will. To be the Mother of God, she would have to been in existence before God!
THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE!

The RC, has placed Mary on a level equal or above that of Jesus. Again WRONG. You will be taught to pray the rosary. Which if you do not already know, is a string of 59 beads plus a crucifix. 53 of these beads direct a prayer to Mary. We do not pray to the creature, ONLY to the Creator! Listen to what Jesus had to say about this. " But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matthew 6:7,8. Your prayers in regard to the rosary are in vain.

There are so many more things, I could write for months and only begin to start. One very important issue, is that the RC believes vehemently that the Body and Blood of Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This is done by the so called miracle called "transubstantiation." Where during the Mass, the priest says some words, and the magic happens! You cannot see it, but it happened. A bell is usually rung during this time. Do you remember the experiment conducted by a Russian physiologist named Pavlov? Read up on this, and you will see the parallel.

This is horrible! Jesus and His disciples were rational men. Jesus lived and died under the Mosaic law. Which forbids the drinking of blood or eating meat with blood in it! Jesus did not cut one of His veins during the Last Supper, let it drip into a cup and give it to His followers. Neither did He cut pieces of His flesh off and serve it! Sorry, this may be unpleasant, but it proves my point.

If I can provide you with any further information, please write me. I would hate to see you become a slave to the RC.

Jesus said this in closing. " And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ' John 8:32.

I would be grateful for a reply. Trust in Jesus, read the Bible!

Donald

Answer 10

I can't tell you whether or not you should convert, but I can tell you the reasons WHY you should make your decision:

Choose to convert only if it is something that YOU want. Don't do it for a guy, don't do it for a relationship, do it for you. Those can be factors, but religious expression is a very personal thing. Pray it over. Then pray some more.

If you are interested, the process isn't a short one. Go to a Catholic church that has an Inquiry group. This will give you an open, relaxed environment to explore what it means to be Catholic. If you then think this is what you want, you can join the RCIA process.