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Converting from Catholic to Protestant
- Thread starter finchuck
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Hello all! Wow, there is certainly some bitterness in this thread. I've only found a few posts that actually address the thread starter's question. So, finchuck, I offer you my personal take on your question(s), for what it is worth.
Most protestant denominations do not have a "confirmation process". Some do, and they are very similar to Catholic process; however some just require that you profess your faith in our Trinitarian God and be baptized. Some require that you take membership classes; others don't. There are many protestant faiths, and there are just as many membership or confirmation processes; you'll just have to ask the priest or pastor of your church.
Now I would like to (as brief as possible) explain to you perspective on your quest for a different faith:
I grew up in the Assemblies of God (AoG) church, from young childhood until just a few years ago. In that time, I attended four different congregations, from very large to very small. My father was even a deacon (in the AoG a deacon is not ordained, but rather an elected lay leader) at one time. I left the AoG because I was never comfortable in the church. I know that seems odd to say since I grew up in the AoG, however I never really "clicked" with their services or doctrine. For me their faith was based more on shame than love and redemption, as I felt "they" were too focused on a certain set of rules to follow versus focusing what brings us a congregation together, and that is our love, service, and worship for the Trinitarian God.
After leaving the AoG, I started attending a local Roman Catholic Church (most of my friends are RC), and did so for about a year. However, I found myself not feeling "at home" their either for much of the same reasons as stated above.
Finally, my quest for a church home came to an end with the Episcopal Church (ECUSA), which was surprisingly somewhere in the middle of my previous two denomination experiences. I loved the liturgical and traditional worship style of the RCC, along with the weekly service of the Eucharist. However, I still held a firm belief in the general protestant "doctrine". The ECUSA works well for me; I have truly never felt a stronger relationship with, or felt the presence of God as prevalant and real as I have with my current church. Now to my point...
Do I believe that because the AoG or the RCC didn't work for me that they are "less Godly" than my current church? No. Do I believe that faithful, god-fearing, heaven-bound Christians can come from all the churches I mentioned above? Absolutely. As matter of fact, I have genuine Christian friends from all of the above faiths, and I would not trade any of my previous church experiences for anything. I know that the ECUSA is the home for me, and I am so blessed to have found such a wonderful church, with a great priest. However, I am naive enough to believe that it will be the best church home for everyone.
We, as Christians, need to get past denominational stereotypes and bickering, and focus on what matters most... our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is a church home out there for everone, and I truly hope that you find a congregation within which you can grow and be strong in Christ.
Peace!
Most protestant denominations do not have a "confirmation process". Some do, and they are very similar to Catholic process; however some just require that you profess your faith in our Trinitarian God and be baptized. Some require that you take membership classes; others don't. There are many protestant faiths, and there are just as many membership or confirmation processes; you'll just have to ask the priest or pastor of your church.
Now I would like to (as brief as possible) explain to you perspective on your quest for a different faith:
I grew up in the Assemblies of God (AoG) church, from young childhood until just a few years ago. In that time, I attended four different congregations, from very large to very small. My father was even a deacon (in the AoG a deacon is not ordained, but rather an elected lay leader) at one time. I left the AoG because I was never comfortable in the church. I know that seems odd to say since I grew up in the AoG, however I never really "clicked" with their services or doctrine. For me their faith was based more on shame than love and redemption, as I felt "they" were too focused on a certain set of rules to follow versus focusing what brings us a congregation together, and that is our love, service, and worship for the Trinitarian God.
After leaving the AoG, I started attending a local Roman Catholic Church (most of my friends are RC), and did so for about a year. However, I found myself not feeling "at home" their either for much of the same reasons as stated above.
Finally, my quest for a church home came to an end with the Episcopal Church (ECUSA), which was surprisingly somewhere in the middle of my previous two denomination experiences. I loved the liturgical and traditional worship style of the RCC, along with the weekly service of the Eucharist. However, I still held a firm belief in the general protestant "doctrine". The ECUSA works well for me; I have truly never felt a stronger relationship with, or felt the presence of God as prevalant and real as I have with my current church. Now to my point...
Do I believe that because the AoG or the RCC didn't work for me that they are "less Godly" than my current church? No. Do I believe that faithful, god-fearing, heaven-bound Christians can come from all the churches I mentioned above? Absolutely. As matter of fact, I have genuine Christian friends from all of the above faiths, and I would not trade any of my previous church experiences for anything. I know that the ECUSA is the home for me, and I am so blessed to have found such a wonderful church, with a great priest. However, I am naive enough to believe that it will be the best church home for everyone.
We, as Christians, need to get past denominational stereotypes and bickering, and focus on what matters most... our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is a church home out there for everone, and I truly hope that you find a congregation within which you can grow and be strong in Christ.
Peace!
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Lanakila
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*Mod Hat On* In case folks haven't noticed this is the Protestant/Reformed/Evangelical room. Not IDD. It is also not the place to air all our bad feelings and past/present hurts that the Catholic church has done to you. Arguing about blessings and many things happened in this thread while I was away cooking and eating my dinner. This is a sad commentary on what this room had turned into. Frankly I am sick of it. Take the Catholic/Protestant debate to IDD, and stay within the rules of that forum. This mod has had it. In case you hadn't noticed I started a bunch of threads on topics having nothing whatsoever to do with the Catholic church. Please feel free to post in those. This thread is closed. *Mod Hat Off
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