Telling family about becoming a Christian?

Question

I was raised Roman Catholic, even went to Catholic school...now I am at college and have discovered a true relationship with Jesus. I want to explain to my parents that I think Catholicism isn't enough, that there's more to the Bible and to Jesus with us than I'd been taught, but I'm really afraid of how they might take it--a rejection of their beliefs, an attack on their faith, etc...anyone been through anything like this, or have any suggestions? For what it's worth, I feel like I'm closest to Baptist, but would more just call myself a Biblical Christian...thanks!

Answer 1

There is a huge difference between Catholicism and Christianity where you accepted Jesus into your heart as your personal savior. First and foremost pray over your dilemma for the words to say...God will provide as He does with prayer when we pray over someone. If their hearts aren't right then they won't see the light.but don't get discouraged. Also, pray for their salvation as well. So many of us get caught up in what we are taught as children that we just believe and accept what our parents teach us. Personally, I wasn't introduced to the Lord until I was 16 years old.

When speaking to your parents just speak from your heart and let the Lord guide you in your words. Stand firm to what you believe is true to your heart and to God. You could begin, 'While I respect your religious preferences I have accepted something different, allow me to explain.' If they are loving parents they should love you and respect your beliefs even if theirs' do not equal to yours. If they attack you consider it the devil trying to get to you through them. Our parents love us but as I stated what they believe and were brought up with sometimes proceed the truth. I know many folks who have remained strong in something I disagree with then to turn around and get saved.

I will keep you in my prayers for the wisdom, words to say and the strength to remain strong for your upcoming discussion.

Answer 2

I can kind of see why you want to leave. There isn't much of a community in the catholic church that supports young adults. Try finding an active Newman Center at a local university, or a FOCUS group. Do a little study on church history, you will find that protestants want to pretend it doesn't exist. Remember the bible didn't fall out of the sky and hit Paul on the head, it was put together by a church. Most of the information (encyclopedias, historians, etc.) points to the Roman Catholic Church as being that one church. Other groups are christian but they are not in full communion with the one church established by Christ.

Answer 3

You may tell them in the most appropriate or inoffensive way as possible. Don't allow truth to be perceived by them as transgressing. Just show first by your actions that you are a brand new person. Gradually unfold to them that your transformation is a result of your new-found belief, without necessarily denigrating your old belief and practice. THat's what Matthew 5:16 is all about, that you have to show your good deeds with the end in mind that they will glorify your Father in heaven.

I heard one preacher before who says: "Belief is like a hospital that treats an individual's aches and pains and illnesses. Then, later on, you heard a better hospital that gives a better and sound inside out treatment. Now, won't you not transfer to said hospital? Or putting it in lesser angle, won't you at least try the said hospital whether it is at par with what it claims or pronounces to be?"

Also, my dear, please point out that it has nothing to do with allegiance to another religion but to a new-found paradigm, belief, relationship. I John 1:3.

Whatever happens, just stuck it out and be persevering with your goal, as well as be consistent with what you believe. Romans 8:35 and 37.

Answer 4

If you've discovered something that you think is important to you, especially if you're as religious as you say then it really shouldn't matter how your parents take it. They've raised you with a strong base for your beliefs, and now you've added something to that and made your beliefs stronger. You should just come out and tell them what you've discovered and how you came to finding it. As long as you're respectful of their beliefs, then they shouldn't feel as if you're attacking them. Reglion and faith is a point of view, yours has just changed slightly from how you were raised. If nothing else your parents should be glad that you've decided to stay with religion and have that faith that they instilled in you.

Answer 5

Bring it up casually. Get started on the topic of church and tell them that you found a non-denominational christian church, or baptist, or whatever denomination and tell them that you like going there. They shouldn't have a problem, they're your family. Just don't bring it up in a way that says "Your church is wrong, so I changed churches, because I love Jesus and you don't!"

Answer 6

Wow, thats awesome!
I have never been in a similar situation, but all I can say is just be as honest as possible. If you tell them exactly what your reasons are, Im sure things will go OK. And pray before you break it to them. I'l pray for you too if you want. Good luck!

Answer 7

Since you don't live with your folks, nothing you do is really any of their business and the sooner you get through to them to mind your own business the better off you will be. Not just in regards to religion, but in regards to anything. If they get nosy, hang up on them. If they drop in, you wee just leaving. Once they get clear that it is YOUR life and not theirs to lead, then you can practice religion your own way and not even need to ask this question. Blessings on your Journey!

Answer 8

just research things like-confession, communion, infant baptism, confession to a priest, praying to dead people, holding mary so high, etc. and share with them what the Bible says in contradiction to the way catholics believe. catholisism has a lot of cultish aspects. Praise God you've figured it out, most do not! In our Baptist church we have a few that have though! so there's still hope!

Answer 9

it is refreshing to find such a person... really, thank you.

as for you confronting your family, Jesus said whoever isn't willing to put me before mother, father, husband, wife, is not worthy of me.

that is why when that man said allow me first to go and bury my father, and Jesus replied, let the dead bury their dead, as for you come to salvation by following me.

this isn't to say you shouldn't approach this situation with love and sensitivity. but you shouldn't be afraid, God didn't give us a spirit of fear. you know the infinite benifit of the personal walk with the Lord, and you should extend what has been given to you, to your family if they don't truly have it.

i hope it works out, God bless

Answer 10

Catholics are Christians. In fact, Catholicism was the first Christian church. What you're doing is converting to another denomination of Christianity.