Why Catholics become Protestants

[christseeker45]

When we refer to Protestants we refer to them as a group. Yes there are differences among them and many don't like the label but non Catholics who are not Orthodox are Protestants even with all the variety. Just like there are many Catholic rites but we all group them under the moniker Catholic it is much easier in conversation

 

[benedictaoo]

I am not talking about an emotion at all, it has nothing to do with emotion. There is a joy, unspeakable joy in them that I have not seen in my Catholic friends and family. I never meant any Christian who thinks it is a cakewalk (only mischaracterizations here) and I not meant a Catholic with that kind of joy

I don't see where they have a peace that surpasses all understanding. Its a display of it, but is it authentic? I have no idea. I don't believe this is something we will prance around. I don't think its to be on display.

Not to stir up anymore controversy and we know how just stating what one thinks is dangerous around here... I don't think we should be envious of this "joy" they display. Based on the fact that most (not all) Protestants believe they are "saved," no matter what, can't lose it, of course that would make anyone happy or filled with joy. But this joy IMO is not... how can I put it... real, in a sense.

IMO, what I think based on many Protestants I know, I was raised around Protestants, my Dad was one, sister, step Mom, etc. These congregations tend to train them in, this is how you are to act. Is it real? Does it come from with in? That is the question. I'm sure they think so but just like as with us, is it built on sand or a strong structure? when the storms come, is it lasting?

I have seen joy filled Protestants give up just like Catholics do.

 

[Alonso_Castillo]

Ignorance

 

[crimsonleaf]

I post in fellowship:

Eighty-one percent of respondents say they joined their new church because they enjoy the religious service and style of worship of their new faith.

This quote from the article seems to suggest the Charismatic style church and not Protestant Churches.

The exuberant style, more upbeat nature and liberty of worship=Charismatic IMO.

God Bless

Not necessarily. In days gone by I was on the verge of entering the Catholic Church and attended many services. I'm now a Reformed Baptist, where the style of service is quiet, contemplative, simple and almost Puritan. Distinctly non-charismatic, but I prefer the style of service for many reasons.

 

[WarriorAngel]

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

AND then some return.... because the whole Burger King mentality doesnt satisfy.

For one thing Christ did not once promise His terms would be easy or agreeable and in today's world that's what really rules.
HOW do I feel about how i worship - rather than - how does God feel about how we worship Him.
The Our Father was thrown out long ago. HIS will being done - is only if it is agreeable and with certain terms and conditions subject to void if applicable.

Everything must be faster, better, bigger [smaller depending on the tech]
AND it must be OUR way.

So - hate to say this - i can only pray for them walking towards error - but there is nothing we can do - besides it is not as though Christ didnt already know this would happen.

HE did say - when He returns will there be any faith left [of the faith He deposited]...or in Him as well i am sure. [Same difference actually]

Fer real fer real. If we were honest - we would all be in the Church not looking for something that suits US.

Peace.

 

[christseeker45]

I don't see where they have a peace that surpasses all understanding. Its a display of it, but is it authentic? I have no idea. I don't believe this is something we will prance around. I don't think its to be on display.

I have no idea what you are talking about. You keep talking about displays and emotions, believe you me that is the furthest thing from the truth. My Dad was in dire straits when he was dying and I can tell you when he gave his heart to Christ there was a change and as he was dying there was a peace and joy there that was authentic. I meant many Protestants who had this same kind of joy and peace and I really have no idea where you get it's just a display. As I said I not seen this from my Catholic friends and family. It's more like we are Catholic and that's that, there's no heart change and no peace or joy which I can get from them.

Not to stir up anymore controversy and we know how just stating what one thinks is dangerous around here... I don't think we should be envious of this "joy" they display. Based on the fact that most (not all) Protestants believe they are "saved," no matter what, can't lose it, of course that would make anyone happy or filled with joy. But this joy IMO is not... how can I put it... real, in a sense.

I am not envious. I do want that kind of joy again after I converted I lost it. The joy they have is much more real than anything I know and the ones who believe in Eternal Security are a small subset of Protestants. Most believe you can lose your Salvation. The biggest difference I see is that they understand that Christ did it all on the Cross and there is nothing we can do to earn it. Catholics have to do more to make sure they can even stand a chance to get to Heaven, it reminds me of old religions where you have to everything yourself.

IMO, what I think based on many Protestants I know, I was raised around Protestants, my Dad was one, sister, step Mom, etc. These congregations tend to train them in, this is how you are to act. Is it real? Does it come from with in? That is the question. I'm sure they think so but just like as with us, is it built on sand or a strong structure? when the storms come, is it lasting?

I have seen joy filled Protestants give up just like Catholics do.

I declare sometimes I think you have a hatred for Protestants. What I experienced have been changed hearts and minds, joy and peace unspeakable in Protestants and I shared in that one time. It wasn't just a “show”. I have never seen that from Catholics I know

 

[Fran75]

I haven't read all the post but I do agree with a part of each the ones I have read. My husband is Born Again, just last Sunday, we, he, I and the baby attended liturgy at my Church and then services at his Church, we do not do this all the time but it is not unusual for us to do so. The styles are different and well as some of the dogma of course the there is so much beauty and genuine love for Christ to be found in each, I love the members of each congregation they are like family. I plan to remain Catholic as feel it is the religion closest to the truth but there are some other positive things I get from attending Church with my husband besides the fact that we are together as a family. God loves us all and all us Christians love him even if our understanding of him is not perfect.

 

[Rhamiel]

Not necessarily. In days gone by I was on the verge of entering the Catholic Church and attended many services. I'm now a Reformed Baptist, where the style of service is quiet, contemplative, simple and almost Puritan. Distinctly non-charismatic, but I prefer the style of service for many reasons.

I am sorry if some members of OBOB have tried to over simplify such a complex issue or have been insulting in any way
thank you for sharring your story with us

I was thinking about something kind of like this the other day
there are little over 1 billion Catholics
but God wants all people to be part of His Church
just imagine the diversity if all 7 billion people on earth were members of the Catholic Church, this is kinda off topic
but also kind of sticking to the topic, because a lot of people change because of service style, but as long as it follows the order of the mass and teaches the orthodox faith, we can, and do have many many differant styles of preaching, differant schools of thought, imagine how much more diversity and unity the Church would have if everyone was a member?

I know this will never be the case here on earth, well not untill Christ comes agian
but it was just a thought

 

[benedictaoo]

I declare sometimes I think you have a hatred for Protestants. What I experienced have been changed hearts and minds, joy and peace unspeakable in Protestants and I shared in that one time. It wasn't just a “show”. I have never seen that from Catholics I know

Actually no. I am more tolerant and less critical of them then I use to be. Protestants are the last thing that bothers me these days, but for real, I just can't win for losing around here. Either I'm a faithless liberal who is a moral relativist, cuz in another thread this week that's what I was called for saying all men have the hope of salvation but you declare now I hate Protestants... oh well. Perception is what it is I guess.

But we are speaking past each other and you just aren't getting what I am explaining and its my fault since I'm not articulating it they way it needs to be articulated.

You can check out the last few post here where a poster said something to the effect that Charismatic worship style trumps it all and we have some regular Catholic members here who brag about how they are so filled with joy they are giddy with it and they just love everybody but in reality, they are miserable people who have issue.

We both have in both camps people who are just fooling themselves, and then we have in both camps some genuine people who are filled with joy.

Y'all jumping on me but yet, I'm not the one saying Catholics don't have joy or the joy the Protestants have. I find that highly insulting to my Catholic faith. Who says Catholics don't have true joy? Of curse they do. The Saints all had joy but they suffered, of course Catholics have joy.

The truth is, it depends on the person and how genuine they are in their relationship with Christ. It has little to do with Protestants have more or Catholics have less.

 

[benedictaoo]

I haven't read all the post but I do agree with a part of each the ones I have read. My husband is Born Again, just last Sunday, we, he, I and the baby attended liturgy at my Church and then services at his Church, we do not do this all the time but it is not unusual for us to do so. The styles are different and well as some of the dogma of course the there is so much beauty and genuine love for Christ to be found in each, I love the members of each congregation they are like family. I plan to remain Catholic as feel it is the religion closest to the truth but there are some other positive things I get from attending Church with my husband besides the fact that we are together as a family. God loves us all and all us Christians love him even if our understanding of him is not perfect.

Because we have two entirely different understandings how we approach worship. For Catholics, its totally not about what Protestants get together and make it about... but hey, i'm bad because I know that we offer Mass for the salvation of the world and our worship is Carvery and Christ comes to bind Himself to us. If people miss that reality, that, that is what Mass is and why we do not have the song and praise and family style get together then they do not understand what we are there at Mass for. and how sad that Christ is not the same to them as fellowshipping.

and I am sorry but how ever nice Protestant worship services are and how much missed is the fellowship with joy filled people sharing their joy, it can not be compared to Holy Mass. Catholics do have joy because, look at what we do have. We literally have so much more and that should fill a person with joy and its no one's fault but the individual if they think they or "us" are lacking in it.

 

[benedictaoo]

AND then some return.... because the whole Burger King mentality doesnt satisfy.

For one thing Christ did not once promise His terms would be easy or agreeable and in today's world that's what really rules.
HOW do I feel about how i worship - rather than - how does God feel about how we worship Him.
The Our Father was thrown out long ago. HIS will being done - is only if it is agreeable and with certain terms and conditions subject to void if applicable.

Everything must be faster, better, bigger [smaller depending on the tech]
AND it must be OUR way.

So - hate to say this - i can only pray for them walking towards error - but there is nothing we can do - besides it is not as though Christ didnt already know this would happen.

HE did say - when He returns will there be any faith left [of the faith He deposited]...or in Him as well i am sure. [Same difference actually]

Fer real fer real. If we were honest - we would all be in the Church not looking for something that suits US.

Peace.

and I'm the one who allegedly hate Protestants. Ya'll want to jump on me and let Fast Food comparisons slide.

 

[steve_bakr]

In my view, we should not be condescending about Protestants, but should acknowledge what they DO have. I love my Deacon's attitude; he sees what is good about Protestant worship and doesn't let people put them down. The Reformation is in the past.

Having said that, there are some militant Protestants here in CF who feel the need to attack the Catholic faith. Not cool.

 

[lismore]

In my view, we should not be condescending about Protestants, but should acknowledge what they DO have. I love my Deacon's attitude; he sees what is good about Protestant worship and doesn't let people put them down.

All who revere the name of the Lord have him in common.

 

[OpenDoor]

LLOJ has said before that he does not think that the Catholic Church is the Babylon of Revelations
I think he is just trying to stir stuff up
to be honest, I do not understand most of his posts but he seems like an ok guy

Tommy Boy "Hmm, he seems like a nice guy" - YouTube

 

[christseeker45]

Actually no. I am more tolerant and less critical of them then I use to be. Protestants are the last thing that bothers me these days, but for real, I just can't win for losing around here. Either I'm a faithless liberal who is a moral relativist, cuz in another thread this week that's what I was called for saying all men have the hope of salvation but you declare now I hate Protestants... oh well. Perception is what it is I guess.

But we are speaking past each other and you just aren't getting what I am explaining and its my fault since I'm not articulating it they way it needs to be articulated.

No, your stuck on emotions for some reason

You can check out the last few post here where a poster said something to the effect that Charismatic worship style trumps it all and we have some regular Catholic members here who brag about how they are so filled with joy they are giddy with it and they just love everybody but in reality, they are miserable people who have issue.

How do you know, aren't you judging their heart. You seem stuck on an emotion and that is not what I a talking about.

We both have in both camps people who are just fooling themselves, and then we have in both camps some genuine people who are filled with joy.

Y'all jumping on me but yet, I'm not the one saying Catholics don't have joy or the joy the Protestants have. I find that highly insulting to my Catholic faith. Who says Catholics don't have true joy? Of curse they do. The Saints all had joy but they suffered, of course Catholics have joy.

I did, I said I have never ever seen it in a Catholic

 

[steve_bakr]

No, your stuck on emotions for some reason

How do you know, aren't you judging their heart. You seem stuck on an emotion and that is not what I a talking about.

I did, I said I have never ever seen it in a Catholic

When you say "joy," what do you mean by that? Something that you see in terms of behavior?

 

[christseeker45]

When you say "joy," what do you mean by that? Something that you see in terms of behavior?

Maybe yes, something that you can sense in the person. It's like people who go through big disasters and still they are not fazed, there is something about them that goes beyond understanding.

 

[benedictaoo]

Maybe yes, something that you can sense in the person. It's like people who go through big disasters and still they are not fazed, there is something about them that goes beyond understanding.

and Catholics can be the same way as well. Look, if you haven't any idea what we are even talking about then its not very nice of you to insult me, declaring I hate Protestants. Its okay, you don't have to say, "I was wrong about you..." nor do you have to apologize and Rhamiel sure as heck doesn't have to make any apologies on your behalf to me either for you insulting me. Its okay that its only a one way street with him.

I get the charitable cherry picking that goes on around here and this is kinda my point. We all try to act in a certain way that we are told is what good Christians do, what emulate the Lord but we will always fall short. A lot of people will do and say what they think they are supposed to and it really does not come from with in.

We (Cats and Prots) are just different because we were taught differently and we as people are all individuals. None of us (Cats or Prots) should be painting any of us with such a broad brush. We are supposed to have the fullness of truth and we are taught that Prots embrace error and the truth they do embrace, its our truth, its what of the Catholic faith they did not deny. That is where I get frustrated, when I read where Prots claim we aren't even Christian... because if we aren't, then they sure as heck aren't because their roots come from this one and only Church which is Christ's Church. Its His gig that He set up. All salvation comes through this Church and they are connected to this Church but they deny they are and so you know what that means? The joy they have comes from this Catholic faith so I don't understand what point you are even making.

They have joy that comes from loving the Lord... okay... its not exclusive to just them. The catholic faith is why they even know the Lord. But Catholics don't wear it on their sleeve, its just not our culture to do that and if any one person is going to leave the Catholic faith because of cultural differences, then, that's sad.

I will stick by what I said, Protestants, not all but most born again types and less structured liturgical congregations do teach to wear this joy outwardly and that's not an insult... its a good way to evangelize. Its a fruit. We do not teach to go around wearing it in the same way they do. We are just different. Not better or worse but different.

 

[benedictaoo]

I did, I said I have never ever seen it in a Catholic

Then you need to get out more.

 

[BobRyan]

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.

interesting quote from that article

The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life has put hard numbers on the anecdotal evidence: One out of every 10 Americans is an ex-Catholic. If they were a separate denomination, they would be the third-largest denomination in the United States, after Catholics and Baptists. One of three people who were raised Catholic no longer identifies as Catholic.


Any other institution that lost one-third of its members would want to know why. But the U.S. bishops have never devoted any time at their national meetings to discussing the exodus. Nor have they spent a dime trying to find out why it is happening.

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants | National Catholic Reporter

Apparently "don't look at it - then it will go away" is their solution to the problem.

in Christ,

Bob