Shifting Religious Affiliation

[Hashiki]

I was brought up a Roman Catholic by my parents and they are very devout to our religion. However, I encountered several protestant friends that brought me to their church and kind of liked it better with more relevant messages, songs and dances of praise. How do I break it to them that I want to change my religious affiliation?

[Jina]

I do not think their is anything wrong with that. If I was your Mom, I would be happy to see that you discovered where you would be most happy. We are worshipping the same God anyway and there is just some difference with interpretations with some of God's teachings.

[Joe]

I come from a family where my parents are staunch members of Seventh Day Adventist. But I have seen my sister get married to a Catholic family or Protestants family. I have also seen my brother convert to Catholic, but my parents respect their choices and decision as much as they don't ascend to it.

You know as we get older and get exposed to different experiences and choices, there comes that moment and time in life that we have to stand up to our own convictions and make decisions based on what which we belief in and stop doing what other think is right for us.

Start making decision based on what you think is right for you, of course you might make a couple of mistakes but how else will you ever succeed and be happy unless you first try to?

[laughnlaughter]

I don't think u should change your religion just for having fun. It is your sacred duty to maintain your religious rules otherwise you will suffer in the long run

[calvindale]

My parents are both Anglican and I also tried going to several protestant gatherings were you will dance, sing and praise I do enjoy it but didn't made my mind to change/shift my religion. It's your own decision to make.
Good luck and God Bless!

[Kiara]

I totally agree with you Hashiki. I was also brought up as a catholic and when I grew up and was on my own, my friends brought me to a born again church. The difference between the services is very stark.

With the catholic church, I have memorized most of what will happen next. It is like an assembly line and very monotonous. With my born again church, the services are more lively and I can feel the minister is talking to me and my daily problems. I can relate more with this church and I felt that my faith was saved in this church. Changing religions is better than being a pagan, right?

[checker]

I guess that telling the reasons for your desire to shift your affiliation from the Catholic religion to another group is the first step...Since they are devout Catholics, it is likely that your decision will hurt them so be careful in criticizing their religion. Just explain that the Protestant ways of expressing faith seems to work better for you. They may not understand you at first, but if they can see that you're happy with your newfound religious affiliation, they may be eventually convinced of your decision.

[Faerie]

I think it's better to start mentioning the new church casually, so your family can get used to the idea. If it's an established religion I think they will become used to the idea.

[Dog Lover]

Changing religions is something you should do because you have a change in what you believe about God or religious practices, not because you have more friends of one faith than another. If you follow your soul, you'll have no problems telling anyone because your passion for your belief will give you strength.

[outright]

When you change religions, it just goes to show that your beliefs were not rooted firmly. There might also be some things that you are uncomfortable about. For me, I was born a Catholic and at a young age started to question my parents' teachings and beliefs. What it did for me was to make my belief stronger. I don't think I'd be switching religions any time soon, or perhaps I'd die a Catholic.