Should I convert to Catholicism if I don't necessarily agree with EVERYTHING?

Question

I've thought about converting for many years, but it was the whole "annulling my first marriage" thing that I had a problem with. Now, I have two kids with my second husband (a Catholic), and I think converting would be the best choice for our family, so I'm moving forward. There are ony a couple of minor things that I might not agree with, and may not incorporate into my worship, but I don't think that should change my decision to convert. Do you think it is wrong for me to convert if I don't agree with every part of the Catholic religion?

Haha! Some of these answers are making me laugh. Thank you, everyone, for responding!

Yes, I just started RCIA, and I think I need to learn more about the religion and whether the things I don't agree with are serious enough for me not to move forward.

Answer 1

If the "minor things" are indeed minor and not required of all faithful Catholics -- certain devotions like praying a rosary, for example -- then there shouldn't be a problem. You will probably be asked to attend an RCIA class (if you aren't already), and if in that process you come upon central teachings and doctrines that you can't accept, you'd be wise to defer the decision to convert. Indeed, you'll probably be counseled to do so.

Your children can be raised Catholic regardless of whether or when you convert. You can encourage and nurture their faith, and go to Mass with them (don't let the fact that you can't yet receive Holy Communion deter you; some Catholics do not or cannot for various reasons, either).

Answer 2

No, I'm Catholic and there are some things I don't necessarily agree with. But I love my faith and I love being Catholic. There are some instances where you have to listen to your own instincts because God would not lead you astray. And Catholicism is still led by men like all other religions. They're bound to make mistakes. But they're human just like you and me and I don't think you should let those few minor things get in the way of what you feel you need to do. Talk to a good priest and address your concerns. You'll probably feel a lot better about it. The only marriage that counts is the real one.

Answer 3

First, don't listen to CJ; he doesn't know a thing about Catholicism.

Second. I don't know if you could actually teach your children the catholic faith if you don't believe it. Maybe you should do some research.

As far as annulling your first marriage, I really can't see why you would not wish to do so. Without that, the church still sees you as married to your first husband; if your ceremony said something like "What God has joined, let no man separate", then a divorce didn't break that bond in the eyes of the church.

You might wish to talk to a priest about the things you think you disagree with. Maybe the problem is just a lack of understanding.

--Dee

Answer 4

You seem that you have already made up your mind to convert, but if you have reservations, then I would reconsider the pros and cons of your decision.
Remember though, in your Christian beliefs it was never said that you HAD to go to church and that your God can hear you where ever you are. Your first church is within yourself and your home and your family. The earth is Church, brick and mortar do not make a church. I would look into other Christian based faiths and how they practice their beliefs before you make your decisions permanent.
My husband is Catholic and doesn't follow all the rituals they do and we do not have an altar of Mary, Jesus, God and the saints in our home. He does observe the things that involves our children such as the 3 yr anniversary for our daughter, 1st Communion at 12 yrs for her and our son, and the quincienera or 15yr for her, but doesn't go unless their is a baptism or we are asked to be Godparents for someone (we are godparents for 4 kids at the moment). There are a lot of inconsistancies in the bible of the Catholics and the same for other Christian religions so I would make sure you are truely informed of what is expected of you and your family as well what the teachings are.
Enjoy your journey on your new path of peace.

Answer 5

I don't think you necessarily have to "agree" with everything, but you have to be able to accept those things as part of your religion. Just because your husband is Catholic doesn't mean that you should have to convert as well. I think when children are raised in homes with 2 different cultures, ethnicities, or religions it often leads to being inquisitive, empathy for others, and open minds.

Answer 6

Well, I am a Catholic who doesn't agree with every part of the religion and my initial answer was to say, no you shouldn't. I thought that because it doesn't make sense to become a part of something that you don't fully embrace. But, on second thought, I can't really say that just because I was born into this faith. If you can still see the beauty that the Church is and has to offer in spite of what you do not agree with, you should convert.

Answer 7

Jules, I'm Catholic and I don't agree with everything either. Then again, I'm not what any Catholic would call a "good Catholic". Go ahead Darling, adopt Catholicism if you like. It's a beautiful religion (as are they all) and if it suits you, you'll do well. If anyone gives you any crap about not being a good Catholic and them, where the nearest *Lutheran* church is. It worked for me- my family has been Catholic for a thousand years (REALLY). I'm the last in my family to have children, and to turn me and mine from the church after all this time? TRAGEDY! So they smile at me at mass even though they know I'm not a "good Catholic".

Answer 8

What is it you don't agree with?....
- the fondling of male children by priests? - the worship of Mary" the mother of Jesus"?
- the iconic "Rosary beads"?
- the chanting prayer procedure?
- the idea that the Pope is the intermediary between you and God?.
- that you are incapable of understanding
the Bible and that it best be left for
translation by the priests and the Pope?
- your worldly monetary alms be given to
the church rather than feed the hungry?

What are you? A protestant?

I am unclear to what you difficulty is. Various religions are nothing more than group worship in a particular manner believing a certain translation is prominent in the Bible and THAT is the one that SHOULD be followed.

Sheep will travel down many paths following the lead sheep.....and rarely does it go directly to its destination(but rather would follow well worn trails made in the past. Thinking is not necessary

Answer 9

I don't think there are ANY religions out there where everyone who is of that faith agrees with everything. Religions were made by man, to make man feel better about serving God. It wouldn't be wrong of you to convert, even if you don't agree with everything. I was born and raised Catholice and still don't agree with everything! :-) Good luck!

Answer 10

Think of it this way...

When God created the world, He did not create denominations. It was God, His creation, and His intentions for humanity (that they seek HIM, choose Him and keep Him company for eternity - if you ask me).

The Catholic church is one of the religions that relies on man to intervene between you and God - though the Bible is clear that if you want to rely on any man to reach the Heavenly Father, it should be Christ - He is the example of how we should live.

If you do not believe many of the things the Catholic church practices, you should consider *why* you don't believe it - because it is a man-made practice or mandate, or because you can't come to terms with whether you actually believe it or not (are these issues clarified in the Bible?).

In my opinion, you should not participate in labeling yourself any one religion. If you are a follower of Christ, you are a Christian. Labeling yourself anything else is relying on a man or group to dictate how you should believe, and this is not right.

Good luck. Grab a Bible and a quiet place, and you will see what I'm talking about. Study Christ, and follow Him...not a list of rules and rituals.