Need advice for someone interested in converting

nicragland · #1 Jul 4, '11, 1:48 pm

Hello,

My father shows interest in converting to Catholicism but does not want because:
A) he does not want to convert without my mother
B) he does not want to leave the friends and community of his old church
C) he does not find the same "energizing singing" that exists in his old church

Please offer any advice or recommended readings.

Also, please pray for him and my mother.

God bless

GloriousOrder · #2 Jul 4, '11, 2:58 pm

Wow, these are really lame reasons not to convert. Please excuse me, but jeez.

1. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that we will have to abandon family members who refuse to convert. It is about saving our souls primarily, not pleasing others or being 'unified'. He said Himself that He had come to bring a sword, presumably to cut whole families in half between those who will accept Him and those who will reject Him. There is no consideration here but human respect.

2. Tough! We are called to so radical a relationship with God that every single second of our day is meant to be spent in prayer. Refusing to convert merely because there's a lack of "community" is a great shame! A man should convert specifically because there's less unity in a place, because it's a greater struggle to see Christ everywhere. The more difficult route is always advisable, so you can grow in faith and holiness. Life isn't about community, but God... we'll have plenty of community gathers if we get to Heaven, but if we focus on community here to the exclusion of personal growth, we won't even get to Heaven.

3. Singing is not required - and this is coming from someone who would die without music. In my experience, "energetic singing" is just a cover for a less-than-energetic soul or zeal. Ignore the choir... focus on Christ!

Jim Dandy · #3 Jul 4, '11, 3:13 pm

Seems to me that if your father knew the truth about the Eucharist, nothing would keep him away.

Recommended reading: When Only One Converts by Lynn Nordhagan.

InternetWoman · #4 Jul 4, '11, 3:15 pm

I agree with the first response. What matters is following Jesus. If Jesus established ONE particular church - would not a follower want to be a member of that Church? Perhaps ask your father to consider making those responses to Jesus (under the assumption the Catholic Church is THE CHURCH he established).

You might also recommend some books to read. Is he the type that would read books? There are several excellent ones by converts:

Rome Sweet Rome - by Scott Hahn

Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic - by David B Currie

By What Authority? An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition - by mark P Shea

Big Dummy · #5 Jul 4, '11, 3:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloriousOrder

Wow, these are really lame reasons not to convert. Please excuse me, but jeez.

1. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that we will have to abandon family members who refuse to convert. It is about saving our souls primarily, not pleasing others or being 'unified'. He said Himself that He had come to bring a sword, presumably to cut whole families in half between those who will accept Him and those who will reject Him. There is no consideration here but human respect.

2. Tough! We are called to so radical a relationship with God that every single second of our day is meant to be spent in prayer. Refusing to convert merely because there's a lack of "community" is a great shame! A man should convert specifically because there's less unity in a place, because it's a greater struggle to see Christ everywhere. The more difficult route is always advisable, so you can grow in faith and holiness. Life isn't about community, but God... we'll have plenty of community gathers if we get to Heaven, but if we focus on community here to the exclusion of personal growth, we won't even get to Heaven.

3. Singing is not required - and this is coming from someone who would die without music. In my experience, "energetic singing" is just a cover for a less-than-energetic soul or zeal. Ignore the choir... focus on Christ!

Do you believe his parents are not "saved"? If they are saved in your opinion, then the verses you are quoting simply do not apply.

TrueLight · #6 Jul 4, '11, 4:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloriousOrder

Wow, these are really lame reasons not to convert. Please excuse me, but jeez.

1. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that we will have to abandon family members who refuse to convert. It is about saving our souls primarily, not pleasing others or being 'unified'. He said Himself that He had come to bring a sword, presumably to cut whole families in half between those who will accept Him and those who will reject Him. There is no consideration here but human respect.

2. Tough! We are called to so radical a relationship with God that every single second of our day is meant to be spent in prayer. Refusing to convert merely because there's a lack of "community" is a great shame! A man should convert specifically because there's less unity in a place, because it's a greater struggle to see Christ everywhere. The more difficult route is always advisable, so you can grow in faith and holiness. Life isn't about community, but God... we'll have plenty of community gathers if we get to Heaven, but if we focus on community here to the exclusion of personal growth, we won't even get to Heaven.

3. Singing is not required - and this is coming from someone who would die without music. In my experience, "energetic singing" is just a cover for a less-than-energetic soul or zeal. Ignore the choir... focus on Christ!

The only reason that is close to being lame is number 3.

1 and 2 are actually things a lot of married converts struggle with. All you need to do is watch The Journey Home or listen to Catholic Answers and you'll find the same objections.

Who would not ideally want to attend the same church with his spouse? Changing religions in the middle of a marriage can drive a wedge within a couple in a marriage.

As for number two, community is also very important. We are not solitary people. God didn't create human beings that way.

Having said all this God knows his situation and will guide him in the path he should take. He is the one that put the desire in your father's heart.

Tell your father that he needs to trust in God and love him with all his heart and soul. It may not be easy, but in the end, he won't regret it.

nicragland · #7 Jul 4, '11, 10:07 pm

Thanks everyone for the kind responses.

Please excuse the brevity of my original post. I was under a time constraint, but needed some encouragement sooner than later

. Allow me to provide some more details.

My parents have undergone a major spiritual transformation in the last two years. My mother had been battling breast cancer (and is now cancer free!!!). As you can imagine, it was an emotional and spiritual roller coaster. Along the way, they found support in a nearby nondenominational church that they have grown very attached to.

Over the last year, I have been helping them grow in their knowledge of Christianity and Catholicism. Finally, my dad mentioned that he was thinking about becoming Catholic. At first he was pretty motivated and kind of diving right in (even without knowing exactly what the Eucharist is). What he is now experiencing is what many Catholic converts have gone through. That is, encountering a life changing event.

The church they attend is very close to their home. They are thoroughly involved in the community there. Since they joined this church, they have been invigorated. It truly has done great things for them.

What I meant to ask for in my original post is advice or reading material for facing this challenge that I am sure many Catholic converts have conquered. He has read Rome Sweet Home and I just gave him Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic today.

I will check out the other recommendations.

Thank you and God bless!

tlimon · #8 Jul 4, '11, 10:18 pm

The kindest thing your Father could do is to be an example for your Mother.

I, too, was a protestant for a time while I made up my mind about what kind of Christian I was to be. In short, I had to leave a community of people. It was sad but my soul could have it no other way. The gospel does warn that our conversion will come at a cost - sometimes a heavy cost.

As for the singing, well, one quakes in front of God. I wonder whether jubulant singing is ever proper for the liturgy - it certainly is not how our early Church celebrated mass. For proof, have your Father read the "Didache" (a very old Church document) very closely. Also, if your Father wants to, there are groups that meet outside of the Sunday or mass service that engage in that sort of worship of God. There is a place for "exciting" singing/music but it's not at the mass.

Take care and God bless