Question for catholics about Pentecostals, Evangelicals and other Christian groups - Serious answers.?

Question

I am going through the process of moving from these groups to the Catholic Church. I have found that when I really started to question the plain fact is that the bible interpretation in these groups is so plain wrong.

However I was involved with them for so many years and have so many sincere friends who love God and Christ and are good examples of how to live the life.

I now feel conflicted because I feel like all the time I spent in these groups was just a waste of time. If what they teach isisnt true then what was the point.

I also feel pretty bad that they manipulated me so much (not abusive but more mental) and made me feel like such a faiure.

Talk about Catholic Guilt - Protestant Guilt is a million times heavier. They talk about love but the get you in and slam you to your knees.

How do I deal with that, any evangelicals who converted found a similar thing

Answer 1

Im sorry, Im of no help :( but i shall hug you instead *HUG*

Answer 2

Well, I hope that you find what you are looking for. There are so many points to make about the different doctrines and how they are interpreted. In the end, I look at the miracles within. Although the Evangelical churches may have been more into the personal side of the relationship with God, this is not a bad thing, and we can all learn from one another. There are great miracles happening even now within the Catholic church, and the events are always, always a call for repentance, self-examination and a return to the sacraments. Within these sacraments are where we meet. As brothers and sisters, and as entire world communities.

I hope that you do not lose your friends, but find more, plus be united to all your friends on a whole different level. Having respect for one another is the beginning. To pray for one another is the next thing. To find truth is sometimes a lonely occupation.

Answer 3

Do not abandon your friends, especially the ones who are good examples of how to live a life centered on Christ. They are still good examples even if they do not have the full truth as the Catholic Church has.

The time you spent in these groups was not a waste of time. It was a preparation for you coming to the Catholic Church. Looking back on your time in other faiths, you will be able to appreciate the Catholic Church all the more. Ypou have the perspective of both sides of the table.

Forgive anyone of any harm that they may have done to you. They may not realize that they have done any harm or never intended to harm you.

Answer 4

Not only do many thousands of people like yourself have to deal with this situation every year, but hundreds of former Protestant clergy also discover the truth of Catholicism every year. There is an organization aimed at helping such folks to make the transition. Read some of the personal conversion testimonies here. I think they will help you.

http://www.chnetwork.org/

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Answer 5

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Do not feel that any of your faith journey was wasted time. Each step has brought you closer to your destination.

You might even have a calling to use your experiences for the benefit of others going through the same thing.

Welcome home and God bless.

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

If you think what "they" teach isn't true, then your time has not been a waste at all!

I grew up Catholic and am now considered "Evangelical". I have never experienced what you have gone through, just love and acceptance. It sounds like you need to do a little more searching. One thing I know is that it should never be about guilt.

Answer 7

For Christmas a couple years ago, my oldest boy asked me to write out the Lords Prayer in Ukrainian - actually, in the English language approximation of Ukrainian sounds, but you get the idea.. He needn't have bothered because God speaks both languages, and He's already heard that prayer before. But the little bubba did that to honor his Grandmother, my Mom. She also didn't technically need the translation since she's a polyglot, and has heard it before as well.. The whole point of him making that tape was to honor her, the same way I try to honor members of the eternal Church when I pray in Latin. In the same way, you would honor memories of your father by doing those prayers in Latin. Language matters, even if these dim-bulbs here are too dumb to figure it out.