Why Catholics become Protestants

[Cosmic Charlie]

My favor quote in this article (for those who think a "smaller more faithful Chruch" is a good idea:

"... both as believers and as worshipers, Catholics who become Protestants are statistically better Christians than those who stay Catholic. We are losing the best, not the worst."

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants | National Catholic Reporter

 

[Wolseley]

The National Catholic Reporter.

Catholic equivalent of the New York Times. Ultra-liberal, anti-Magesterium, anti-hierachy, agenda-driven, and totally inaccurate as a gauge for Catholic teaching.

That's about all one needs to know, right there. The only thing the NCR is good for is house-training puppies.

 

[Tigg]

Extremely good article. So good I don't know where to start.

"First, those who are leaving the church for Protestant churches are more interested in spiritual nourishment than doctrinal issues."

An extremely sad point. But one well said. Compare your homily with a Protestant one. Big difference. Usually the Protestant one applies to something in daily life. My Father tends to drone on and on and does not conect anything with daily life.

Hopefully something can be done about all the points in the article. Thanks for posting the link.

 

[isshinwhat]

I think a lot of it has to do with people being afraid to be Catholic in thought, word, and deed. That, and most of the Masses I have been to have borderline terrible music, a dull Liturgy, and very little meat in the homily. It's no wonder people feel drawn away from the Mass. People have died in order to attend Mass throughout history, but it's said in such a way now that people are dying to leave! It's easy to stay away when it is difficult to feel the imminence of the transcendent God. It took me years to find a Mass that was like the ones I read about in books an online... Things are; however, being rebuilt brick by brick. We must each make sure we're doing our part.

 

[Rhamiel]

in my experiance, most of the people who leave the Church fall into two catagories

the first group was never really catichised, never leaned about the faith, as children they only went to mass a few times a year and Christianity was not a big part of their lives, then something happens and they can not deal with it, a friend gets them involved with an energetic Evangelical church and they become christians

the second group, ones who leave the Church for a mainstream Protestant denomination that will not judge them for their life style choices

 

[Romans 13:3]

I think a lot of it has to do with people being afraid to be Catholic in thought, word, and deed. That, and most of the Masses I have been to have borderline terrible music, a dull Liturgy, and very little meat in the homily. It's no wonder people feel drawn away from the Mass. People have died in order to attend Mass throughout history, but it's said in such a way now that people are dying to leave! It's easy to stay away when it is difficult to feel the imminence of the transcendent God. It took me years to find a Mass that was like the ones I read about in books an online... Things are; however, being rebuilt brick by brick. We must each make sure we're doing our part.

Sad to say, but I think you are spot on. If a person does not fully understand what the Church is, then there is no reason to stay with that church if you can go somewhere to be fed and entertained.

 

[ranpleasant]

Extremely good article. So good I don't know where to start.

"First, those who are leaving the church for Protestant churches are more interested in spiritual nourishment than doctrinal issues."

The missionary work of the majority of Protestant churches are targeted on Catholics rather than non-Christians. They justify this because they don't consider Catholics to be Christians. They are very good at going after the less educated Catholics, who really know very little about the Catholic faith. A little "real" Catholic education can go a long way in preventing such conversions.

Spiritual nourishment it is not! The so-called spiritual nourishment in most Protestant churches is little more than a quick emotional high from loud Christian rock music, sometimes with a little wild dancing, and fire and brimstone preaching that the rapture may happen any minute. In the end all the jumping, singing, and pounding preaching do little for their souls. The Holy Sacraments are true spiritual nourishment!

In my experience another reason Catholics convert to Protestantism is because protestantism is easy. You walk up to the front of the church, kneel down, accept Jesus as your personal personal savior, and you are SAAAAAAAVED. As a believer your salvation is assured. And since they are now following Faith Alone there no more need for Good Works, they just do whatever in the hell they like because they have been "Saved in the blood of Jesus!". In short, a lot of such conversions are rooted in Christian lazyness.

Ran

 

[Tigg]

The missionary work of the majority of Protestant churches are targeted on Catholics rather than non-Christians. They justify this because they don't consider Catholics to be Christians. They are very good at going after the less educated Catholics, who really know very little about the Catholic faith. A little "real" Catholic education can go a long way in preventing such conversions.

Spiritual nourishment it is not! The so-called spiritual nourishment in most Protestant churches is little more than a quick emotional high from loud Christian rock music, sometimes with a little wild dancing, and fire and brimstone preaching that the rapture may happen any minute. In the end all the jumping, singing, and pounding preaching do little for their souls. The Holy Sacraments are true spiritual nourishment!

In my experience another reason Catholics convert to Protestantism is because protestantism is easy. You walk up to the front of the church, kneel down, accept Jesus as your personal personal savior, and you are SAAAAAAAVED. As a believer your salvation is assured. And since they are now following Faith Alone there no more need for Good Works, they just do whatever in the hell they like because they have been "Saved in the blood of Jesus!". In short, a lot of such conversions are rooted in Christian lazyness.

Ran

Points well made.

"The Holy Sacraments are true spiritual nourishment!"

 

[princess_ballet]

I think it probably helps that things are, well...simple. You don't have to do mental gymnastics to figure it out. And, let's be honest, a lot of our discussion here just go to show how difficult it can be to figure out certain doctrines.

I completely understand why someone would be tempted to leave the complexity for a little bit of simplicity, especially with how crazy life today is.

 

[FriendlyJosh]

My big concern with Catholicism is the teaching that anyone who's not Catholic can't be saved. There are a lot of Christians out there who aren't Catholic and love The Lord, they really desire to know The Lord and try and do things in His name and follow His teachings in terms of love others, forgive, repent and that sort of thing. So to hear Catholics say they're all going to hell just because they're not Catholic is very hard to hear and it doesn't feel right. I'll continue to pray on this matter because I really want to know the truth.

 

[ivebeenshown]

My big concern with Catholicism is the teaching that anyone who's not Catholic can't be saved. There are a lot of Christians out there who aren't Catholic and love The Lord, they really desire to know The Lord and try and do things in His name and follow His teachings in terms of love others, forgive, repent and that sort of thing. So to hear Catholics say they're all going to hell just because they're not Catholic is very hard to hear and it doesn't feel right. I'll continue to pray on this matter because I really want to know the truth.

Someone who is not Catholic right now may very well find that they are Catholic in the next life.

 

[ebia]

My favor quote in this article (for those who think a "smaller more faithful Chruch" is a good idea:

"... both as believers and as worshipers, Catholics who become Protestants are statistically better Christians than those who stay Catholic. We are losing the best, not the worst."

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants | National Catholic Reporter

Interesting

 

[Ave Maria]

It is very sad that so many Catholics leave the Church. I often wonder if maybe they would stay if they had been better catechized. I really don't know for sure why so many Catholics leave the Church. Perhaps they are seeking an easier religion to live out. Perhaps they just don't care that much about the Truth. I really have no idea and I am making no accusations against anyone. If any ex-Catholic reads this post and is offended by what I say then I sincerely apologize. It is not my intention to offend. I am just thinking out loud basically.

 

[MKJ]

My favor quote in this article (for those who think a "smaller more faithful Chruch" is a good idea:

"... both as believers and as worshipers, Catholics who become Protestants are statistically better Christians than those who stay Catholic. We are losing the best, not the worst."

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants | National Catholic Reporter

I don't think this should be a surprise - if someone leaves Catholicism, or any religion, for another particular religion, it is going to be because there is something about it that is really important to them. Maybe it is just a spouse, but often it will be because they are really looking for something that delivers.

You don't normally become a Catholic from a Protestant or vice versa because you are lukewarm - in that case you probably become a lukewarm member of your own group.

 

[ranpleasant]

... both as believers and as worshipers, Catholics who become Protestants are statistically better Christians than those who stay Catholic. We are losing the best, not the worst.

Got to call this nothing more than total BS!

Just how does one measured statistically who is a better Christian? Did someone follow these ex-Catholics around record how many sins they committed? How much grace these ex-Catholics are receiving as Protestants? The only thing that provides statistically measurable data is how often they are receiving the Holy Sacraments. That that is an absolute zero! Given that these ex-Catholics are now following the "Faith Alone" heresy I have a hard time believing they are now engaging in a lot more "good works".

The art of statistics starts with collecting valid data. With valid data statistics can be very powerful. Without valid data statistics can produce nothing but lies. Throwing around the word "statistics" in an article without any real numbers is just plain dishonest writing - but I have to remember that this was an article in the National Catholic Reporter.

Ran

 

[ebia]

Just how does one measured statistically who is a better Christian?

In this case they did choose a statistically measurable indicator - weekly church attendance.

 

[christseeker45]

My favor quote in this article (for those who think a "smaller more faithful Chruch" is a good idea:

"... both as believers and as worshipers, Catholics who become Protestants are statistically better Christians than those who stay Catholic. We are losing the best, not the worst."

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants | National Catholic Reporter

I have to agree I know a couple people who converted from being Catholic and both are more Christian now. One guy was a cradle and he was not the nicest guy around, his world was falling apart. He accepts Christ in his life and he is a changed man and his marriage is wonderful now. My friend radiates Christ now

 

[Michie]

I have to agree I know a couple people who converted from being Catholic and both are more Christian now. One guy was a cradle and he was not the nicest guy around, his world was falling apart. He accepts Christ in his life and he is a changed man and his marriage is wonderful now. My friend radiates Christ now

By their fruits you shall know them.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

I think a lot of it has to do with people being afraid to be Catholic in thought, word, and deed. That, and most of the Masses I have been to have borderline terrible music, a dull Liturgy, and very little meat in the homily. It's no wonder people feel drawn away from the Mass. People have died in order to attend Mass throughout history, but it's said in such a way now that people are dying to leave! It's easy to stay away when it is difficult to feel the imminence of the transcendent God. It took me years to find a Mass that was like the ones I read about in books an online... Things are; however, being rebuilt brick by brick. We must each make sure we're doing our part.

Some very good points. For me the homily is important. It was only from certain Charismatic Priest that I heard homilies that almost made me weep. They were deep and spiritual.

I found many of the Charismatics and former Catholics who attended the Catholic Charismatic services to be some of the most spiritually hungry people I have met.

When I attended regular Sunday services, it was like going to the movies. Everyone say for 45 minutes ignoring each other than bolted for the doors, many left early. There was no community, no flock, no brotherhood, no sisterhood. I often felt that most were fulfilling an obligation.

But to the OP, yes many have left the Church and in my experience, the ones I knew were seeking the Holy Spirit more abundantly.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

in my experiance, most of the people who leave the Church fall into two catagories

the first group was never really catichised, never leaned about the faith, as children they only went to mass a few times a year and Christianity was not a big part of their lives, then something happens and they can not deal with it, a friend gets them involved with an energetic Evangelical church and they become christians

the second group, ones who leave the Church for a mainstream Protestant denomination that will not judge them for their life style choices

I disagree with both points. I think the oft stated "Catholics not properly catichised" is a cop out. It s an excuse to dismiss those who have left and to not face up to the problems in the church.

On your second point that many leave because of "lifestyle choices" I also find in my experience as being misguided. Most that I have known who have left, is because they are hungry for the Spirit, they are hungry for Christ. When I hear a bad homily, I almost want to call the Priest aside and ask him if he knows Jesus.