How can I effectively clear up myths that my parents (Protestants) have about the Catholic Church?

Question

My girlfriend is Catholic, and since we began a serious relationship, I have visted several Catholic churches (even when she is not with me). My parents have made it well known that none of "their grandchildren are going to be raised Catholic". I understand their apprehension, but I believe they are letting their prejudices control them.

I am entertaining the idea of converting (sometime in the distant future...maybe), so I need help in getting them to overcome their distrust.

To the select few who are under the impression that I am thinking about converting because I want to please my girlfriend...
This choice that I am *considering* making is my own. I am praying about it, researching it, and I am attempting to come to an independent conclusion, without bias from my parents or my girlfriend.

Answer 1

If you'd like to hang out a a great group of friendly people and get your questions answered one at a time try the Catholic Spitfire Grill in Yahoo Groups.

A good book to read that is written from the perspective of a former Baptist is Crossing the Tiber by Steven Ray.

If you'd rather do your own research, try these websites:

http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/ (free audio downloads)

http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/index2.htm

http://www.chnetwork.org/

http://www.ewtn.com/

http://www.scripturecatholic.com/

Good luck! Blessings.

Answer 2

Now b4 other posters judge me, remember we are Christian and don't judge others, ok good. I am Catholic and remain Catholic bc I feel we have a closer version of the Bible to what was originally written. Several edits were made to the Bible during the reformation. I have nothing against Protestants as I believe all Christians should stick together as one. But the fact remains that my church has stayed together while Protestant churches have continued to splinter over various issues throughout the ages. This to me calls into question how loyal to the original word of God they are if they are willing to change ie accept ministers who are openly gay and in a gay union. That to me is wrong. That is why I'm Catholic. I'm not judging anyone as a person, I think Protestants for the most part are great people, but their churches have flaws I can't overlook. I don't feel any basis of judgement like those posted above about Catholics hold any validity bc they came from a Bible (KJV) that has been edited throughout the years, so I just write those critiques off trusting they came from man, not God.

Answer 3

Well, I would go up to them and ask "what is it that you don't like about Catholics?" They might give you an answer, however, it is best not focus too much on negativity around them. Maybe tell them about all the similiarities between Catholicism and Protestantism. Try to focus on positive things about the Catholic Church rather than negative issues surrounding the Protestant Church. I know that it must be pretty hard for you to talk to them about it but believe me, it is the same with lots of people. I am a Catholic and I go to church every week with my parents (I am 15). However, I dont want to go anymore and it gets in the way of other things in my life. I know how sensitive a subject it can be so don't just tell them it all in the one go. Take a few weeks to introduce the idea and it will make it easier for them to accept. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I am a Protestant and am thinking about converting as well. Both my sisters have and my parents say whatever brings us closer to Christ is fine. They wouldn't be ok with cults like LDS or Jehovahs Witnesses but I suggest you just show them that early Christians were mostly Catholic and the similarities between the faiths. Marian devotion and saintly intercession are hard for Protestants to understand but if you show them evidence that they are not being worshipped but only revered. The pope is another problem for Protestants but just show them the verse where Jesus tells Peter the Church will be built on him. Then prove that yes he was the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. IF this doesn't work just go ahead as planned and know your heavenly father still loves you.

Answer 5

I was once a Presbyterian Protestant before I converted to Catholicism so I think I can relate to your question.

If you convert, expect a lot of opposition and rejection from your family and Protestant friends. Just say you love your wife and you don't want to have a family divided by religious issues. You can also say that you have studied Catholicism very carefully and you see nothing wrong with its doctrines. You should be prepared to answer questions about Catholics; why we pray to images, confess to a priest, etc.

In time, they will understand and accept you back. I hope this helps.

Peace and every blessing!

Answer 6

Learn all that you can about the Catholic Church, so when the time comes, you can make an informed decision, based on the whole truth.

It's always best to have the truth on your side when you're forced to defend what you believe.

Send me your address and I'll send you a free copy of my Catholic Resource CD.

Answer 7

What they have about the Catholic church isn't myths or misunderstanding; the Catholics do have statues in their churches, and they do bow down in front of those statues, and the Bible plainly tells us not to do that in the ten commandments. Catholics believe they are the true church because they trace the Roman bishops back to St. Peter, but that really proves nothing; it is what Peter preached that is important.
You didn't say which type of Protestants your parents are, but read Acts chapters 2, 8, 10, and 19 (read it all, but note especially those chapters) and look for a church that believes we can experience what is described in those chapters.

Answer 8

You do know that you can't change peoples minds right? No matter how many quotes you show them, when a person is mired in their own prejudice, there's nothing you can do.

Honestly, even when a person is shown direct evidence that goes against their beliefs, they still cling to them, especially when it comes to religion.

Look at what goes on here. All the times that Christians get shown they're wrong by Atheists and they STILL dismiss it by saying things like "You're taking it out of context" and the like.

Your parents will change their minds, or they won't. There's NOTHING you can do about it.

Answer 9

That's weird. I spent 4 years at catholic school, and they told us that catholicism and christianity were the same thing, pretty much. And they are, pretty much. I didn't even make a distinction until I moved south a few years ago.

To anyone outside the religion, you all believe the same thing.

Answer 10

Pray for them and fast. I would get a really good Apologetic book too. Scott Hahn's Rome Sweet Rome is excellent. He was a Protestant minister who set out to prove just how corrupt the Church was and ended up converting and bringing a ton of other people into the Church. Many people think they know what the Church teaches but, they do not really know. They have heard all kinds of horror stories that just aren't true.