Should I become catholic even though I do not agree with their social views?

Question

My mom really wants me to convert to catholicism. She has converted.
I am prochoice, support gay marriage, and think that the entire world should have access to birthcontrol.
Those are just a few examples of my beliefs that don't exactly jive with catholisim.
Please answer fast because I have to make my decision before the easter vigil.
Should a very liberal ("socialist") jew convert to catholicism because her mother wants her too?

Answer 1

No. Religion is a part of who you are.

Do it for yourself or don't do it at all.

Answer 2

Emily, Religion is matter most deep in the heart. Your beliefs & idea's directly contradict many of the Catholic Church's most strongest social positions. Your mother should have absolutely NO control over such an important decision in your life. You have your own mind & own beliefs, let them be your own. You do not NEED to be a member of any Faith, so long as you just HAVE Faith. :D Be happy w/ who you are. God knows how you feel.
PS: and just on a completely personal aside, W/ such a liberal mentality, you might do well with us Pagans, if you still feel a need to convert to something that fits you.
Best of luck!

Answer 3

You should never convert to a specific religion out of pressure in a specific forced time frame. This is something you need to give a lot of thought to, and it needs to be YOUR choice.

But at the same time, I believe that a religion is more what deity you believe in, and how you believe in that deity.

I support gay marriage, am pro choice (even though i would chose to keep any child i had) and if there was no birth control, i'd have at least a couple kids by now, and i'm NOT ready for that yet..... but.... i am very strong in my religious views (I'm a Christian)... true, my parents, and others at my church may not agree with some of my views and choices I've made, but we believe in the same God, and we believe in the same RELIGIOUS concepts.

Religion does have an impact on my morals and stuff like that, but at the same time, I'm only human. Not an excuse, but what can I say?

Good luck, I'll be praying for you.

Answer 4

I'd suggest that you take an honest look at why the Church believes this way on social issues if you haven't already done so. In this day, it's quite hard to look at these things, and possibly even harder to accept Her teachings if you already don't support them, but I believe that once you do see why She teaches the way She does, you'll see a freedom of spirit you've never seen before. There is wholeness and beauty in the Church that could heal the whole world, because that healing comes from Jesus.

God bless.

Answer 5

No, I don't believe in religion in the first place, I don't like any of it. But changing your views to suit a religion? Or pick and choosing which parts of a religion you will a won't agree with. I think both are wrong, remain a Jew.... Catholicism is the biggest hypocrisy on earth.

Answer 6

I have never ever subscribed to the idea of conversion to any religion just for the sake of pleasing someone. Religion is, first of all to me, something very personal and serious. It is not something you toy with por play around with. If you want to convert, make sure you first believe and accept what the religion teaches, otherwise forget the whole idea. We have too many people already in this world claiming to be Christians, Muslims, Catholics, etc. but never ever living life according to what their professed religion teaches. They become stumbling blocks to others who are seriously seeking for God because of their examples.

Conversion is a personal thing between you and God - do so if you believe, otherwise it is better to stay as you are. Don't become a hypocrite! just to please mom.

Answer 7

Catholicism like most other religions is not a 'political' party. You refer to yourself as a "socialist". Your problems are not with the religion it is with your belief structure. You also refer to yourself as a "Jew". Obviously you mean race and not religion(Judaism). Again you have politics and religion confused. You CANNOT be religious and support you views at the same time. You need to pick one or the other.

Answer 8

Bless your heart--not a fun situation to be in. My mom used to put a lot of pressure on me when I was younger.

Catholicism isn't like shopping for a prom dress; it's not something you put on for the sake of the label. Within the Catholic Faith, it touches every single part of life.

I will tell you that because of your opinions on social issues, that you would not be in full communion with the Church and therefore should not partake of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol, nor is it just a meal that Catholics share. The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity (as He exhorts in chapter 6 of John's Gospel...Christ was a bit emphatic about it). Many Catholics themselves don't know this, but receiving the Eucharist is not a statement of "I love you Jesus"--everyone would be welcome at the Eucharistic table if that were the case. However, when one receives Holy Communion in the Church, they are stating emphatically "I believe in Jesus Christ and His (Catholic) Church". In fact, St. Paul even says that it is a sacrilege to receive the Eucharist unworthily (ie, not in a state of grace), it then becomes the bread of death and not the Bread of Life as Jesus instituted.

If God is calling you home to His Church--you will know. He will not yell at you, He will never pressure you, and He'll keep asking. He'll put that telltale whisper in your heart and He'll always leave the choice up to you.

I can tell you, however, after having been a liberal Catholic, that I have never been so free, so liberated as I have been as a faithfully practicing Catholic. The constitution isn't the yardstick for Salvation; why do we live as though it's the highest, most noble authority?

As far why your mom would be pressuring you. If she herself is coming into the Church, then she is probably just getting a glimpse of the realization of the fullness of the truth that is within the Catholic Church. Because she loves you (even though she may be driving you bonkers)...she's still your mom and wants the best for you; that's just part of the job description. ; ) Now, if you have questions about the Church, go and ask a good and faithful priest. NOT because anyone's trying to convert you, but because if you had a toothache you wouldn't go to a plumber for it, right? Same thing. A priest is best able to handle the most complex of questions where Joe Average Catholic may not be (because of the poor, awful, horrible religious instruction of the 70's-90's). Go ask the expert. A priest won't be pressuring you to convert, either; they understand that everything is in God's time and that we have to respond to it if that's His will for us.

Take a deep breath and know that everything will be fine. And then let yourself be happy for your mom that she is growing closer to God the best way she knows how--and that's something that we can all agree is a good thing.

Good luck...I know that moms can be tough...I'll offer up a prayer for your strength and to know God's will for you.

Answer 9

You should become a Catholic because you want to become a Catholic.

You should not be forced or blackmailed into conversion.

You can decide not join the Church this Easter and still stay in RCIA until you have made up your mind one way or the other.

With love and prayers in Christ.

Answer 10

Religion is a very personal thing and even though you mum has converted, it still is YOUR choice to do the same or not.
If the catholic ideologies are not your own...it's going to rub you the wrong way constantly! (you can always change your religion again!)
Religion is about control, if you're pro choice....then should you be religious?

Answer 11

Definitely not. Don't do it if your heart is not in it.
If you dwelve into Catholicism, you will find many who disagree with the Church's teachings on birth control, abortion, matters concerning gays, the clergy and other issues on which countless Catholics reserve the right to decide for themselves.