Conflict with RCIA and the Protestant Church

[fbl9]

Originally Posted by awantz

Baptism is a symbolic washing of a spiritual change by which a believer is placed into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit as the agent or means (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Baptism is a symbolic reference to suffering (Mark 10:38).

Baptism symbolizes spiritual cleansing, or rescue from divine judgement (1 Peter 3:20-21). Many view immersion specifically as a symbol of identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, based on Romans 6:3-5.

This was the purpose of the baptism of St. John the Baptist.The Baptism of Christ in what we now recieve.And with it one's spirit is made alive.
St.Peter speaks of not refusing baptism to a group of people in whom the Spirit was manifest.

[Apologista]

For Catholics Baptism is both Biblical and a sacrament. To really have a context for what that means, one needs to find out what a sacrament is. Even if you aren't of a religion that has the same understanding of sacraments, you can study it like you would study another culture if you don't agree with it.

[57Bill]

Originally Posted by tscott

What I get from the Protestant Church I don't want to give up:

Incrediable praise and worship before and after the sermon. I really sense the presence of the Holy Spirit during this time.

The sermons challenge and convect me when I need it. They also equip me for evangilism and service to others.

My viewpoint may change when I learn more about the Catholic faith thru RCIA, but that's where I am at now.

If you are asking why am I converting...?? I can't explain it other than it is what I know I am suppose to do deep in my heart. I love my parish, and I guess I am getting the best of both worlds.

Hopefully and prayerfully you will gradually see the light of your calling and be fully integrated spiritually and faithfully into the CC and then take your challenges and convictions, service and evangelism and funnel them thru the CC. I sense that you've expanded your comfort zone in evangelism and service via your protestant faith nothing wrong with taking that and embracing your calling.

There will be a time that you should abandon your protestant church, not the fellowship. Some may not like you for it, so be it. Being "stiff-necked" is universal.

IMHO do not believe that your protestant faith will make you a "better" Catholic, (the best of both worlds) but the experience will in my opinion have it's benefits. There are different ways to worship the same Christ and His true message of salvation.