Expert: Rick Jackson - 3/1/2008

Question
I have been attending a nondenominational church for several years, "accepted Christ" and been "born again." I should say I live in a an Orthodox European country, where the Evangelical church is very small and weak. ( Meaning, perhaps somewhere else I might have a found  a church home I felt was right). I have been reading about Catholicism online and thinking of converting. But I wonder if my reasons are the right ones. I went once to the Anglican church here and immediately felt it was so much better because it was more focused on God, there was more Scripture reading, the music was beautiful. I got a Book of Common prayer and have been using that. However, I know I could never be Anglican because of their having women and homosexual priests, which is against every possible interpretation of the Bible. The other things that have impressed me about the Catholic Church is they seem to be the only ones really standing up and speaking truth in the public forum about a lot of topics. Other influences have been the Lifesite.net site and (don't laugh) reading The Lord of the Rings. So I would like your ideas on what I've said. In the end, do we all have to put up with churches that have problems? If I become Catholic, would I be disappointed? Are there other issues that I'm not aware of?  The other thing that is attracting me is that I am disgusted with all the little separate "churches" here; nobody can get along, the constant reforming of the reformation. What should I do to be sure that Catholicism is the right way? Thanks, Grace

Answer
Hi Grace.  So much of what you have spoken about is why I myself now profess the Catholic Christian faith.  I have been a sincere Christian since childhood, but until about age 30 was in an evangelical church.

It's why, too, I put up a website about the faith: www.catholictruths.com.

I too was frustrated with seeing so many different teachings and wondering which one or ones were right.

For me it came down to: Which group best represents what the Christ, the Apostles and the early Church taught?  Which group best represents the Historic Christian Faith?

It is the Catholic Church.

I do not recommend a hasty decision.  Get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (or read online here: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc/index.htm) and go to Mass at different Catholic Churches in your area if there are multiple.

I'm not sure how it is over there, but here in America the "style" of worship in them varies from very conservative and traditional to very charismatic.

I also strongly recommend attending an RCIA class, preferrably by Dominicans if you have Dominicans in your area.  There you will get an excellent summary of the faith.

I pray for Peace and Blessings for you and your journey, Grace.

Rick.
www.catholictruths.com