Hello all,

I've been reading many Catholic threads lately (I personally love the debate and discussion) and I have also seen/heard of many ex-Protestants/Evangelicals who have become Catholic/Orthodox/Mormon/JW.

This thread isn't as much of a debate thread as much as it is a explanation thread. I have personally noted a few reasons for converting, and I want to see if you all agree/disagree with my analysis of movements to and from Protestantism.

1. Marriage convert - converts because spouse is Catholic etc.

2. Ideological convert - The CC has recently organized a highly effective apologetics ministry and has began to exploit doctrinal areas that Protestants are not prepared to defend intellectually. Sadly I see lots of intellectual complacency in Evangelical circles.

3. Moralist convert - left a harsh, legalist church for a more "free flowing" spirituality or left exceptionally judgmental people for a more friendly environment (JWs got my grandfather's best friend this way :cry:).

4. Aesthetic convert - went to a modern/contemporary church like mine (just last Sunday we played a Bob Dylan song during the offering and Lee Greenwood's "Im proud to be an American" for the 4th of July :mad:) and prefers a more structured, liturgical form of worship.

Your thoughts comments?

All of the points have merit.



1. This happened to one of my wife's cousins. His wife is a devout catholic and the way I understand it, she pretty much told him he had a choice, so he gave in.

2.This one is very possible. They paint such a pretty picture which unfortunately doesn't hold the paint.

3.I guess this is possible if one see's repetition more "free flowing".

4.I think this would apply more so for older folks who are stuck in their ways and despise change

It would appear that you have identified a number of reasons offered but i have only one question. Where is Jesus in all these reasons?

For the cause of Christ
Roger

It would appear that you have identified a number of reasons offered but i have only one question. Where is Jesus in all these reasons?

For the cause of Christ
Roger
I think the OP is taking the line of "all things being equal", in this case the person changing churches/converting has a fundamental Christian understanding and acceptance of Jesus. Maybe decrumpit can confirm that.

As far as the OP, those seem very legitimate issues. I could identify strongly with #2. Even though the denomination I am a member is considered evangelical, it has a fairly strong liturgical style and a strong emphasis on education and has not shied from some of the harder issues, though these inevitably cause numerous disagreements.

I think the OP is taking the line of "all things being equal", in this case the person changing churches/converting has a fundamental Christian understanding and acceptance of Jesus. Maybe decrumpit can confirm that.
That raises a whole host of problems for me. Especially the jw or mormon convert. Would a believer shame his or her Lord by going into an assembly that is hostile to the gospel? Even denying Christ. wow.


As far as the OP, those seem very legitimate issues. I could identify strongly with #2. Even though the denomination I am a member is considered evangelical, it has a fairly strong liturgical style and a strong emphasis on education and has not shied from some of the harder issues, though these inevitably cause numerous disagreements.
I don't know that I would call them legitimate in fact I consider them all to be fallicious.
1. marriage-please do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
2.intellectual complacency It is the responsibility of the believer to study to show themselves approved rightly dividing the word of God.
3.moralist sounds self serving to me. I didn't like them guys cause they don't believe in playing cards on boys night out.
4.aesthetic This one wants no separation standards. Don't even try to be Christ like. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Let's make Christ to be like a good time cowboy.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

That raises a whole host of problems for me. Especially the jw or mormon convert. Would a believer shame his or her Lord by going into an assembly that is hostile to the gospel? Even denying Christ. wow.
Fair point. I was only considering Catholic converts and forgot that JW and Mormons were part of the OP.

It would appear that you have identified a number of reasons offered but i have only one question. Where is Jesus in all these reasons?


I think the OP is taking the line of "all things being equal", in this case the person changing churches/converting has a fundamental Christian understanding and acceptance of Jesus. Maybe decrumpit can confirm that.

Exactly. I don't think that converts convert for these reasons, nor do those that I read say that their former churches are non-Christian, mostly along the lines of "I was a Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, etc. but my church didn't fully understand God. The Catholic Church has such a greater understanding of Jesus, I feel so close to God at mass/I can't believe Jesus would leave us alone and struggling with only the Bible/why would God allow for so many divisions, etc."

These reasons are the commonly given ones.


Even though the denomination I am a member is considered evangelical, it has a fairly strong liturgical style and a strong emphasis on education and has not shied from some of the harder issues, though these inevitably cause numerous disagreements.

I'm glad that you shared this, and I'm glad your church has decided to take on these harder issues.

Many people are drawn away because of the intellectual movements among Catholics, who do present themselves more "logically" and appeal greatly to people who might be discouraged with individual Protestant churches. I'm shocked at the lack of biblical knowledge among people in the Protestant churches. I'm also shocked at the lack of the Spirit in the more "traditional" churches. We need a good balance of both!


That raises a whole host of problems for me. Especially the jw or mormon convert. Would a believer shame his or her Lord by going into an assembly that is hostile to the gospel? Even denying Christ. wow.

Catholics understand Christianity differently (albeit wrongly). JWs and Mormons are not Christian. This is my point of view.


Has anyone known any converts personally?