Why a Devout Protestant Author Converted to the Catholic Faith

[@JeffMillerCurtJester]

Quite the story. Especially enjoyed the point about not trying to make the church in your own image.That is also the temptation regarding worship that we tend to want it on our terms in regards to preferences. That was is suppose to be directed towards God, involves too much of ourselves in very tangential aspects.

[@CatholicReCon]

That’s a good point, Jeff. It’s so easy to go inward.

[@mrking695]

I loved that part, too!

[@KateKing217]

@@CatholicReCon Yes, it is easy to go inward, when we are anxious. Introverted people who are HSP (highly sensitive) do thus naturally. 20% of the population is HS, including the animal kingdom, 80% not. See the work of Dr Elaine Aron, who came to this understanding in 1991.

[@myronmercado]

We need to hear the wife's version. It must be just as powerful and inspiring.

[@CatholicReCon]

I’ll ask!

[@SalomonEspinosa70]

@@CatholicReConhere, here!

[@majafleur9646]

I'm a former Jehovah's Witness turned Protestant, gained a seminary degree and am being confirmed as a Catholic this November. Truth prevails for the honest hearted.

[@PaulaAlinsangan]

Wow, what a journey you had! Welcome to the Catholic Church.

[@lyn1006]

@majafleur9646 Hope we can hear your story… I have JW family and I pray for them everyday… maybe I can pick up a thing or two that I can say/do that will lead them to the one true church Jesus started 🙏🏽

[@kml111712]

That is wonderful! I had a friend growing up who was my best friend, her family were jehovahs witness, and then she married an atheist and she is now an atheist and do not teach their children ANYTHING of God, I pray for them everyday because I can't do anything else, thwy moved away and haven't seen them in years.

[@AlyssaMason-q3i]

Thank you and God be praised! Please pray for us at your Confirmation!

[@ccchristmyer]

Great video! Great Interview!

[@CatholicReCon]

Thanks, man!

[@JP-od1nr]

My children have listened to Adventures in Odyssey all their lives (as Baptists). It is so fitting that I came across Paul's conversion story today as our family is just now coming home to the Roman Catholic Church.

[@kelkabot]

How beautiful! I am a convert myself. God bless you.

[@barbararew5203]

Welcome home ❤

[@katrinasolien7553]

What a wonderful coincidence. Welcome home and God bless you all.🙏❤️

[@raphaelpetersamat9897]

God is never wrong in His timing..God bless you and your family..🙏

[@AS-qj3bh]

Welcome home brother 👍

[@jeffscully50613]

I have so much respect and deep admiration for former Protestants who made their living, or whose entire identity revolved around their Protestantism, who ultimately found Jesus' one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church and converted. They gave up their income, their security, their friends, and even family to become part of the body of Christ, in the Catholic Church. Realizing the truth is more important than material things or relationships with family and friends who may not have yet discovered it.

[@SuzB-tc8vz]

Amen!!

[@paulcapaccio9905]

We must pray for the one true Church 🙏. Never leave Peter

[@maryjordan4129]

There is a very real humility and surrender to being Catholic. It ultimately means surrendering to Christ’s authority. I’m so happy to say I completely surrender to Jesus’ beautiful, bountiful and majestic Church!

[@richability]

I grew weary of "the show" as well. Definitely ankle deep. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist brought me home to Rome.

[@dedragalyon6879]

The Eucharist is what brought my husband and I to the LCMS.

[@susanmiller6737]

Me too

[@MyJustOpinion]

When Mary said in Fatima to pray the Rosary, I don't try to analyze the Rosary, I just do it.

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Me too. Everyday

[@susanmiller6737]

I love the rosary

[@paulcapaccio9905]

@@susanmiller6737 it will help you get into heaven .

[@lindaakguest4ever50]

OHMYGOSH! I live in Bowie, MD, on the SAME STREET! Within walking distance!

[@CatholicReCon]

Wow!

[@charles.mccormick]

Another great video. Especially enjoyed the discussion about sola scriptura, 'reformers' and authority at the end. Maybe a topic for an in-depth video in the future as this is so central to history? Also, thanks Paul for sharing such an engaging and enlightening story with us.

[@CatholicReCon]

For sure! Thanks, Charles!

[@dianefitzwilliam]

Paul McCusker's story reminded me of two moments from my own lengthy journey from the Presbyterian faith of my more recent ancestors to full communion with Rome. My conversion came to a peak while I was an Episcopalian studying at a Methodist seminary, with the intention of following that with a short course that would allow me to work as a counselor. I had two courses (one in Anglican history and theology and one in the history of the early church to about 1500) that worked together to build to a logical conclusion. Either you have the Apostolic Succession, or you do not. The question, then, for the worshiper is: Does it matter to you, whether the church you are part of has this direct line to those who literally walked with Jesus? If it does, then there is one option for you that is not clouded by historical debate or argument over definitions. The other item had to do with the place of Mary in Catholicism. I had struggled with the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, and for that reason chose it as the topic of a major research paper I had to write for one of my theology classes. This would force me to read things I had avoided reading and give serious thought to topics that I had found difficult to sort through. I found my best resource to be John Duns Scotus (d. 1308), who was working in the field of quantum mechanics centuries before any physicist was. One night I was visiting with my Father, and we were discussing the topic, and my Dad, the Presbyterian, said, "The thing people don't understand is that, when you call Mary the Mother of God, you're saying more about Jesus than you are about her." I was so shocked that he had said that, and of course, he had put the entire concept into such a succinct statement. My Dad the Presbyterian handed me at least half of the answer to the issues I had been wrestling with. Duns Scotus did the rest. I was confirmed shortly after that. My Father was there, and he was very proud of me, because he was quite an enthusiastic believer in people walking their talk. My mother was not present, largely because she had died some time before. I can guess at her reaction to my choice, but I obviously don't know with certainty. Thank you for sharing this.

[@inna7803]

He had already understood but couldn't find the courage to step ahead

[@marydantu1102]

‘I will embrace all of it and accept what I find hard to embrace’ - I love this in its beautiful truth. Thank you! I pray all those people who are dabbling with schism in the Church would understand and this, please God🙏🏾 ‘I won’t become Catholic to make it in my own image’.

[@limoncellosmith7594]

"Faith seeking Understanding."

[@marymargarette4289]

Only Jesus Christ build only one church through His Apostle Peter only, not even to His 11 Apostles and the popes are the successors right from His Apostle Peter. Only Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and life and He is the only door, He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He is an Emmanuel which means GOD WITH US, He is presence in the HOLY BLESSED SACRAMENT waiting for us to repent and to believe in HIS words by receiving Him with our humble hearts in the form of bread and wine. John 6:51 - Jesus said "I am the living bread which came down from heaven, if any one eats of this bread he will live forever and the bread which I shall give forvthe life of the world IS MY FLESH". John 6:47 - Jesus said "truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life". John 6:64-65 - Jesus said "but there are some of you that do not believe. For Jesus knew from the first who those were that not believe and who it was betray Him. And He said "this is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the FATHER". John 10:9-10-11- Jesus said "I am the door, if any one enters by Me, he will be saved and he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep". John 10:25-26 - Jesus answered "I told you and you do not believe. The works that I do in My FATHER'S name, they bear witness to Me; BUT YOU DO NOT BE LIEVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT BELONG TO MY SHEEP". Mark 4:11-12 - Jesus said to His Apostles "to you has been given the secret of the Kingdom of God but for those outside everything is in parables; so thatbthey may indeed see but not perceive and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn again and be forgiven". Luke 13:5-6 - Jesus warned us "take heed that no one leads you astray. Many will come in My name saying, I am he and they will leads many astray". Mark 13:13 - Jesus said to us "and you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved". Mark 13:22-23 - Jesus warned us "false christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray if possible, the elect. But take heed, I have told you all things beforehand". Mathew 12:35-36-37 - Jesus said "the good man out of his good treasure bring forth good and the evil man out of his evil treasure bring forth evil, I tell you, on the day of judgement, men will render account for every careless word they utter, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned".

[@katrinagiovanni891]

Wonderful interview. @1:03:00 he talked about lack of strong youth groups within the Catholic Church - thankfully , my 17yo son has been part of one and is in a group of peer leaders. It has been so impactful in his journey of faith , evangelization , and socialization with other Catholic youth. I pray more parishes realize the importance . 🙏🏽

[@CatholicReCon]

That is amazing to hear! God bless you.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

​@@CatholicReConThere are many youth group educational programs now to help guide children through the uncomfortable awkwardness of the pre-teen and teen years. Parental viewers can check with your local dioceses. Usually, parents must advocate for these programs, but they do exist.

[@suew4609]

This is something our Catholic Churches lack. We had a pretty good one for a while, while my kids were involved, but it sadly fell apart sometime after my kids were too old for it. So, that leads me to the next thing we lack, and that’s Young Adult Groups. We lose so many young Catholics as there is no instruction in most churches after high school. This could be something that the Protestants do well, and we need them to help us with!

[@yanayoriginals8498]

@@suew4609 In the Philippines we have the Couples for Christ, the Singles for Christ, the Youth for Christ , the Children for Christ and even Handmaid or Servants for Christ. But, yes, it is not present in all parishes, only where the CFC is active.

[@suew4609]

@@yanayoriginals8498 That is wonderful! I wish we had that everywhere!

[@paulcapaccio9905]

It is very difficult for a Protestant to convert to Catholicism. Too many self imposed pressures . But they must come home 🙏

[@johnbrowne2170]

Actually they need to avoid the Catholic Church like the plague.

[@bobtosi9346]

Not really when the Holy Ghost opens our eyes.

[@paulcapaccio9905]

@@bobtosi9346 let’s hope you’re right but it is still difficult for them. And if they refuse to convert after being shown the truth then that’s another problem

[@TJMM864]

@@bobtosi9346

[@TJMM864]

Protestant convert here .. when the Holy Spirit shows the way .. very doable . Protestant all my life .. entered Church at 65 in 2022 .

[@sueseelie]

I loved hearing Paul’s story. I’m looking at his children’s books right now, for my grandchildren. Thank you for featuring Paul

[@belindaventer8474]

Brilliant - millions of reasons but 1 catalyst to becoming RC 👌 but the phrase that clinched the way I feel about the P. Church at the moment is "an experience that is a mile wide & an inch deep" 🙈👏

[@sandraelder1101]

Sometimes, when people find out I used to be Baptist, they say what a big leap it must’ve been. To me, it seems quite logical. Like most Baptists, I was convinced we were “Book of Acts Christians.” Once I saw overwhelming evidence that the early church was really the Catholic Church in structure and beliefs, I pretty much had to convert or deny what I’d seen. I did also have a short list of must-accept doctrines to work through before I could take the plunge.

[@bobtosi9346]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@katrinasolien7553]

Welcome home 🙏❤

[@sandraelder1101]

@@katrinasolien7553 Thanks. Best 24 years of my life so far!

[@marydantu1102]

@@sandraelder1101 welcome home sister 🙏🏾✝️❤️

[@jhamberg8968]

That's awesome! If I may ask: What was the last objection and how did you overcome it? What convinced you that the Catholic Church was the one Jesus established?

[@denisewells2992]

Paul, thank you so much for your work on the audio dramas with the Augustine Institute! My son and I listened to St. Patrick on the Amen app last summer. It is exquisite. May God continue to bless your work!

[@Meraikie]

Thank you... your journey the True Church with your wife, is truly beautiful... thank you fir sharing Paul. God bless yiu in abundance🕯🕯🕯➕

[@dinaandrade5415]

As an author, this gentleman is also very eloquent. It has been a thorough pleasure to listen to his conversion story. Thank you to you both.

[@suew4609]

To me it seems to follow that if you’re good with words on the page, you’ll be good in conversation. But, I don’t know any authors personally, just the ones I’ve watched on TV.

[@fiat19981]

I grew up Protestant and LOVED Adventures in Odyssey. This makes me so happy to hear!

[@ljront3126]

As a community and faithful people, you are very strong, supportive and caring. I am a Jew and I have experienced this among you.

[@carakerr4081]

I have a Protestant friend who is considering Catholicism and I am going to share this testimony with her. Thank you Eddie for this wonderful ministry the Holy Spirit is working through your ministry! 🙏🙏

[@lindaakguest4ever50]

GREAT STORY!!!

[@tristenwilliams1943]

Long live our Lord’s Holy Church! Praise the Lord for leading me to conversion. What a great testimony. The question of interpretive authority was the catalyst for my own journey as well. The first time I went to Mass, I knew I was home.

[@paulag8575]

Loved this, such a genuine search for truth. Like just stumbling upon the 'pearl of great price' and immediately recognizing its worth. Thanks for sharing!😊

[@gatometeotologico1229]

I'm very happy for our brothers coming to catholic church and I:m praying for them and their families🙏

[@hildapascua191]

So interesting and enlightenment.

[@stacystevens1763]

Loved this testimony!!

[@YYG023]

Amazing story Paul. God bless you with your family abundantly.

[@caterinemasak2193]

Great Conversation! Wonderful Homecoming to the Catholic Church founded by the Lord ,Jesus Christ!

[@bethluther3950]

As a convert later in life, I was brought up in a very loving Protestant church - not bashing Catholics. When my kids were small, I found Adventures in Odyssey Always loved Paul M.’s work. Made the points in stories that weren’t preachy . A lot like C.S. Lewis!

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

One thing for sure, anyone who is looking for the truth will alwsys himself in the catholic church. That is what happened to me as a lukewarm catholic who.was always in all kind of protestants denominations that i didn't even know what they believed in. Intil 2021 i did my research and now a very solid catholic and on fire for the Lord

[@teresasnamesake4784]

Thank you Paul for sharing your story! I am so excited that you are in the Catholic Church. As a Mom I was very grateful for the virtuous content for kids in the Adventures in Oddessy. I am happy to call you a brother in the Body of Christ.

[@kimfleury]

"I will embrace all of it, and accept what I find hard to embrace." < This! I'm a revert, and although I didn't embrace Protestantism, I was led away from the Church because of the myths about her. Yet at some level, I could never criticize her for any of it, and as I grew older, any time someone made some claim that didn't sit right with me, I delved into it, and always found the best reasoning in Church teaching than in any criticism from any direction. Eventually I just came to terms with the fact that if I don't understand the logic of the teaching, I only have to study the issue, and it'll all make sense. And if something is beyond my intellectual capacity, well, that certainly doesn't make the Church wrong. I mean, I was told old wives tales about putting powder on baby's feet to draw out colic, and that's definitely not logical. But just because people believe things like that doesn't mean they can't comprehend all they need to know for their salvation, and God doesn't require anyone to know more than they're capable of knowing. At the same time, I wouldn't follow someone like that when they start talking about their own thought up beliefs about the Gospel. I accept that there are people who know less than I do, and there are those who know more than I do, and especially know how to reason better than I do. If I can trust their ability to reason, and see that it's not manipulative to the best of my ability to detect dishonesty, then I have to trust that the concept is based in reason and logic, and logic comes from the Word. God isn't inconsistent. So whatever I don't understand, I accept with the trust that with study and thought, I will either come to understand it, or will at least see how the conclusion was properly reached.

[@katrinagiovanni891]

Amen ! Thank you for your thoughtful , charitable response .

[@marydantu1102]

@@kimfleury welcome home dear sister. By God’s grace, we humbly continue on our pilgrim journey with our Lord, as He continues to lead and guide his Church through her trials and triumphs🙏🏾❤️

[@kimfleury]

@@marydantu1102 Amen!

[@kimfleury]

@@katrinagiovanni891 You're very kind. May God and Our Lady keep you 🙏🏻

[@gamesplayerDJ]

I think there is a great humility lesson to be learned from this man from he reasoning on looking for the head and not worry about other things or try to change the church into his image. That has been the fall of many. Grant us humility Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! 🙏🏾

[@jandrew553]

The best one yet! Thank you!

[@marissabuyao2092]

Great interview ❤

[@saturncastillon8775]

Very enlightening and inspiring conversion story. Thank you for this!

[@timfinneran5047]

I’d be interested to hear more from Mr McCusker about his view of the sacraments and grace within the Catholic Church vs the Protestant Churches

[@bobtosi9346]

Well from my personal experience being a born and baptized catholic then Protestant now seeking to return to the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church does not have the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I came to believe that from the Holy Ghost enlightenment. And lots of scripture studies with a new pair of eyes. Everything in the Catholic church doctrine and belief is in the Bible from OT through the NT. I never knew or saw it because my vision of the truth was blinded by my own ego and desire to view God and Christ on my terms. I had to understand if we’re to approach Christ we must do so on Gods terms.

[@sandraelder1101]

I ❤️ FOF Radio Theater and Odyssey! The Narnia radio adaptations were amazing! So well written, acted, and produced. Welcome to the Catholic Church, from a fellow convert & former Baptist. Totally agree with you about the good things of our Baptist upbringing.

[@CatholicReCon]

Thanks very much for sharing!

[@MeridaElma1]

This is why they said converts make a good catholic as their foundation was already good especially being well-knowledge on the bible. Converts become better when they become catholic.

[@sandraelder1101]

@@MeridaElma1 Well, sometimes. I personally know several rock solid “cradle” Catholics. My experience, even of generic practicing Catholics (stress “practicing”), with no theological or Biblical training, is that they pray more and even read the Bible more than many practicing Protestants - even just counting the Scripture read at their different liturgies. I found that quite shocking actually because the stereotype is literally the opposite. Likewise, I’ve also known converts who’ve walked away or stagnated after becoming Catholic. A lot depends on what kind of ground that seed falls on.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

​@@MeridaElma1The Catholic interpretation of the Bible is vastly different from the myriad protestor versions.

[@gamesplayerDJ]

This is a great testimony. This man explains things in a way that even Luther will probably have to agree with his reasoning and conclusions.

[@traditionalgirl3943]

Good stuff! ✝️❤️Augustine Institute is a treasure; Tim Gray is brilliant. The biographies of St. Francis and St. Patrick were awesome; the writing acting and scenery were tremendous! 👏👏👏

[@CatholicReCon]

@@traditionalgirl3943 glad to hear it! God bless!

[@KateKing217]

Thank you for this story 🙏🏾 First time I am in your channel, I subscribed 🙂

[@poetmaggie1]

My husband had similar problems, raised Catholic mother, raised Protestant Baptist father, both sets of grandparents adamant, he got secretly baptized twice once for each belief. Lots of hostility between grandparents and the parents towards their parents, and a lot of other drama and trama. He tried Catholic for me but the problems growing in the Church seem to have made him quit trying within two years. He never came back but at the same time I was also confused so only in the last 30 years or so have I sorted out how the bad shepherds messed me up.

[@BensWorkshop]

Very good! Many thanks.

[@josefinaponciano-albis4706]

Thank you for sharing.

[@collielove]

Excellent interview. Thank you so much.

[@wendytravis6427]

I’m from California and was a Southern Baptist. I’m baffled that he couldn’t find a Southern Baptist church in California. I’m a little older than him and even way back in the 80s there were at least a couple thousand in CA. They are like that… small, but numerous.

[@airplanebuilder8685]

The traditional Latin Mass; the reverence during service would be transformational for someone like me who has only seen the Novus Ordo.

[@annpeters5102]

Search the internet for a Traditional Latin Mass near you. You will be amazed!

[@euengelion]

I’ll pray for the soul of Paul’s dad. Poor guy.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

Yes, for sure.

[@glorialabella6361]

God has a plan for each one of us to find His Truth in the Catholic Church, which Christ founded. 🎚🙏🎚

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Perfectly stated. Thank you. So many Protestants don’t get it

[@Charity-vm4bt]

​@@paulcapaccio9905They do not have Sacramental grace which opens up the spiritual dimension. Their "religion" tends to be carnal or secular, "man-made."

[@barbararew5203]

Loved this video!

[@benjmahoney]

Fulton Osler (wrong spelling probably), Greatest Story ever told is an amazing book. I love it too.

[@daphnegreyling9706]

Thank you! Sincerely

[@josefinaponciano-albis4706]

Prauing for non catholics to return to the one, holy, catholic apostolic church

[@albertoascari2542]

Very good, been listening recently

[@CristianaCatólica]

ALL GLORY TO GOD !!! 🥰🥰🥰✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏

[@oldterry9356]

Also see “The Myth of Religious Neutrality” by Roy A Clouser 😊

[@shellbackbeau7021]

I remember the adventures in odyssey! Old man Mr Whitaker!

[@lindaakguest4ever50]

He is God, and I'm not! We all need to remember that more and more!

[@marydolan6953]

So so true

[@nanagaga2001]

I love the Adventures in Odyssey series even though it's geared to a younger audience. I had no idea there was a similar series for Catholics! Where can I hear it?

[@henrytimpson8880]

My 2 best friends in Scotland 70 years ago were called McCusker and were very good Catholics . Both now gone to their heavenly reward Deo Gratias. However, protestants from the Anglosphere should read their history. Their religion was stolen from them by the avaricious Aristocrats who followed that megalomaniac Henry V111. He murdered thousands of common people when he broke from Rome and they refused to accept his schismatic creation the Church of England. He took all of the lands and properties of the Roman church and sold it off to those Aristocrats who supported him. They persecuted the ordinary people who wanted to remain with old faith for the next 200 years. The ordinary people had no say in these matters po and thus England became protestant. Cut off since that time with any connection to the 😊apostolic succession which Our Lord had founded. It wasn't only Henry,s changing wives but as much the corrupt aristos . For their reasons think " follow the money" A lot of them Increased their wealth substantially through this reformation but probably lost their souls.

[@grandmahanustime]

Love the testimony, but why are there so many ads?

[@suew4609]

Really? I think I only had one, maybe two🤷🏻‍♀️

[@genemyersmyers6710]

Yes a lot of protestants like St.Augustin.

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Yes Protestants like to force St. Paul into their Protestant mindset

[@suew4609]

They probably haven’t read him, or maybe haven’t understood how Catholic he is!

[@susanmiller6737]

A convert myself...and yes, the Eucharist

[@kragar4]

I love Adventures in Odyssey!!

[@teresasnamesake4784]

Bowie Maryland is not far from where I live, I'm northwest of Baltimore.

[@deborahrodriguez-castinado9536]

He needs to read “Jesus’ Biological Father was Joseph: According to the New Testament” by DS WAGGONER. It makes Protestants say “So long, Sola Scriptura”!

[@luuhoang9917]

I believe when any Christian ask God to show the true Church that Jesus Christ built 2000 years ago, he/she will find that true Church as Jesus Christ promises anyone search for the truth, will find it.

[@dan_m7774]

Because it's true

[@dolphjan6267]

not on topic but i have to say, are you brother of soccer player of nederland robben van persie ?

[@SMaamri78]

Reading the comments is a hoot… Catholics - “God is on OUR side” Baptists - “No! God is on OUR side” Pentecostals - “No! God is on OUR side” Mormons - “No! God is on OUR side” Everyone thinks God is on their side.

[@JesusOurGoel]

I question your term, “convert.” I think he switched denominations. Unless you mean that Catholics aren’t Christians?

[@genemyersmyers6710]

St. Paul is the pope for the protestants.

[@voxangeli9205]

On the contrary, it was Pope Peter's second enclyclical letter that says and confirm Paul's Epistles to be Word of God.

[@eddardgreybeard]

​@@voxangeli9205 It was 2 Peter 3:16, but it said other things, too: 2 pet. 3:16 - As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.

[@voxangeli9205]

@@eddardgreybeard , oh, yeah, and that is most applicable with Martin Luther.

[@bridgefin]

@@eddardgreybeard So, of course Protestants build their theology on their misinterpretation of Paul and lead many to their destruction. Talk about demonic. "But Jesus I followed faith alone!" "I know you did but you were supposed to get out of your recliner and love others."

[@hailholyqueen]

Really though, the teachings about sexuality from a judeo-christian perspective are approx 3800 years old, dating back to Abraham's time.

[@suew4609]

Fix is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It would really bother me if the church changed its position with the whims of a heathen society.

[@suew4609]

It would really bother me if the church changed its teachings on a whim because of secular society’s opinion!

[@reignbowlite]

Ex Catholic here. Never found the Truth there. Went on a journey to find it: a couple years in the New Age. Then my eyes were miraculously opened; I now knew with my head the truth that Jesus and the Bible was the truth. Took ten years more as I kept seeking before the Lord graciously caused the Holy Spirit to experientially give me his new birth after being tested with a temptation of continuing to go my own way or follow him. I chose Him. Immediately felt the Spirit enter in like a breath. I had years of spiritual warfare, because of the demons I picked up from my New Age contacts and doctrines. My salvation was very dramatic and my sense of the new life was very incredibly real. With accompanying joy, peace love, etc. The fruits of the Holy Spirit. To me, the Catholic Church is dead religion with an insufficient gospel. I was never taught you must be born again. ... I understand the search for a church. All the seeker friendly stuff and the now tainted worship music from the Bethel influences. We are now in the falling away Laodicean church Age. You can see with all the chaos and upheaval of the earth and society that we are very near the Lords return. As for me, I finally found a Baptist church with a very gifted teaching pastor. As lovely and reverent as the cathedrals and Mass can be, they cannot bring you to salvation , unless perchance some reading of scripture by the Holy Spirit opens your eyes and brings conviction of sin with no way out except simple faith in what Jesus has done for us. The way is narrow and few there are who find it..... Homesexuality is an obvious sin plainly stated in the Word. No Pope or minister can rightly sanctify it.

[@johnyang1420]

Jesus started the Catholic church. All the truth is there. Have an open heart and take RCIA! Will pray for you!

[@reignbowlite]

You did not pay attention to what I shared. Read it again. There is no salvation in any church, especially Catholic. They do not teach you must be born again. Only thru simple faith, repentance, and the Holy Spirit can that be found thru His Word. I could no way go back to the Catholic church than I could be unborn. The Catholic church had its beginnings with Constantine and his allowing in of pagan practices and beliefs. I pray the Lord will open your blind eyes.

[@gissie391]

Neitjer is right.

[@henryjosephfontaine]

Universal Divining Serpent has the world deceived, IT IS WRITTEN

[@Smilesunshinelove]

Too many ads....

[@kitstr]

Protestant: ppl should not drink alcohol nor smoke. Catholic: we have smoke at Mass.

[@suew4609]

It’s called incense. In liturgy, incense is used to symbolize the act of purification and sanctification. We incense people and things that we want to make and keep holy by our prayers. The smoke, as the psalmist reminds us, is a sign of the prayer rising up so the blessings can come down. We are a very old Church, and still have many beautiful and meaningful customs and rites.

[@kitstr]

I have swung a thurible or two.

[@ardbegthequestion]

Some interesting overlaps with this story, most importantly being on staff at the church Paul mentioned being the "seeker friendly" inventor. After leaving staff, I became Anglican (ACNA), but for me this was where I then started to pull away from Christianity, to which I eventually dropped and have lived as an unbeliever since 2016.

[@TrackTruth]

People of all age groups are seeking approval. Approval from the Church, family, friends, and the world. Sadly folks will go from one extreme to the next trying to accomplish the mission. This gentleman experienced just that. The Bible warns all peoples of false prophets. Call no man your father; Matthew 23:9 states, “Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. The pope is a false prophet, an illegal usurper, overseeing the Catholic church which has been the longest standing false religion more than any other man made religion. The only secrets are the those that have enslaved billions of followers down through the ages. In world war 2 the Vatican and catholic church was instrumental spiriting out NAZI generals by masking them as Priest, namely the Jesuits. The only safe thing for a person stuck in the church is to FLEE as fast as you can. It is the epitome of a cult. Jeremiah 23:16 (NKJV): “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the Lord.’” Matthew 7:15 (NKJV): “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

[@henryjosephfontaine]

The World Wonders after The Beast, can't say its not written, can't say that.

[@jacquesvincent3897]

BECAUSE HE IS A LOST RELIGIOUS PERSON !! John 4:22 “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”....NOT THE ROMANS!!! REV 17:5-6........And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.......DO THIS SOUND LIKE THE CATHOLIC INQUISITION???

[@Jopie350]

interesting interview, and I see some paralells in my own tought world. However I miss some substation. How can apostolic authority be the reason to accept all teachings of the Roman church? There have been so many (big) issues in the roman church. Especially today which the scandals etc. Luther went agains the sales of indulgences, and translated the Bible to German. For which the pope declared him to be murderend (the ban). So how can you say everything can be discussed? (58:20). Furthermore, the (traditional) protestants always confess to be part of the catholic church (not the roman catholic), with indeed Thomas a Kempis, Thomas van Aquino, Augustine and more. We don't need to agree on everything with them. They did not even do themselves, but there is red line in all of their beliefs: saved by grace. I would like to have reconciliation between protestants and roman catholic church. Maybe even with (a less authoritartian version of ) a pope. But there are just to many unbiblical teachings, and apostolic authority does not solve that.

[@suew4609]

First of all, we’re not the “Roman” Church, we are the Catholic Church that uses the Latin Rite for our Liturgy, so really just the Catholic Church. There are several other rites in the Catholic Church. Here’s a few: the Maronite, the Ethiopian, the Byzantine, and the Coptic. We each have our own liturgies which are a little different, but the same in so many ways, and we are all in union with the Pope, as the head of the Church. The Protestants used “Roman” for a derogatory term back when Martin Luther split the Church up. It seems that you don’t understand Papal authority. How could Jesus have left us without a principal authority, someone whose decision would be accepted by the Church so it wouldn’t split up at every argument, like a Protestant church? I’m a cradle Catholic, so maybe it was easier for me to accept authority, but I strayed for a while. I came back with a thirst for knowledge and the “why’s” of what we believe. I devoured book after book for years. One thing I never questioned was the Pope, but then I became an adult during the time of Pope St. John Paul II, who was easy to love, as to me he exuded holiness! I urge you to read a book or two on the Catholic Faith and maybe even one on the Pope. Ignatius Press is a good publisher of Catholic books, and Catholic Answers produces quite a few explaining the faith. In 1 Tim 3:15 it says, “But, if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” There it is! The Pillar and Foundation of Truth is in the Church of God. He didn’t say the Bible. Of course, how could he, because it would’t finished until the end of the century, and the canon wouldn’t be decided until the late 4th century! He says and meant the Church! What church was it he was speaking of? The only Christian Church there was from the Apostles to the Protestant revolt. We have writings from the earliest Church Fathers that call the Church Catholic. So, for 1500 years the Christian Church was Catholic. Then look what’s happened ever since; Protestant Christians build new churches and have disagreements constantly, then go out and build another one, teaching something slightly different, until we have tens of thousands of different Christian denominations, many of which Jesus wouldn’t recognize as His Church. It’s terribly sad to me. Remember in the Garden at Gethsemane, Jesus prayed we would all be One. This is not what he wanted. This is what Jesus wanted: He said to Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will never prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) This is Christ’s promise to us that he’d never leave us and allow Satan to enter and change the Church. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) The one who held Keys in Roman times was very important. These Keys were to the gate of the city, and protected its members inside. Only one person could hold the keys. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18) This is Jesus’s promise to back the Church on whatever it decides. The Church can’t go wrong with Peter (the Pope) at the helm, only because Jesus is there with him and because he gave his Holy Spirit to the Apostles to guide the Church into all truth. Protestants seem to have a problem with a normal human being at the head, but don’t consider that every Protestant that reads the Bible and decides for himself what it means, has already made little Popes of themselves. Where do they get their authority? They don’t have any. Jesus only backs the One, True, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. He’s promised us so we can believe what the Church teaches without worrying that we’ve got it wrong. This made me feel so secure! It took me a while to understand some of our teachings, but I was so excited to find and understand them all! (To be completely truthful, I can’t actually say I understand every last teaching, but I try.) Christ’s Church and its teachings are so beautiful that I sometimes cry, like right now, at the beauty and awesomeness of it all. It all makes perfect logical sense, too! I don’t disagree with any of it. If I did, I’d be disagreeing with Christ himself, and I never want to separate myself from Him! I could say a lot more, but this is getting long. I realize I didn’t answer some of your questions. I’ll try to remember to come back and do that. I hope and pray you will come to the full truth of Christ’s teachings and His Church. God bless you🙏🏻❤🙏🏻

[@phild3936]

@@suew4609 "The Protestants used “Roman” for a derogatory term back when Martin Luther split the Church up." Well, they did and no doubt still do. Still the Catholic Church calls itself the Roman Catholic Church at times. See the formula to announce a new Pope: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; habemus Papam: Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum [first name] Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem [surname] qui sibi nomen imposuit [papal name]." (source text: wiki) Perhaps the formula would change if a new pope from a non-Latin rite should be chosen but the term itself isn't a problem.

[@bridgefin]

Jopie You asked: How can apostolic authority be the reason to accept all teachings of the Roman church? Me: Because of Jesus who promised to the apostles in John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. So if the spirit of truth would be with the apostles forever it must include there successors. And if they are protected IN TRUTH, not in their private lives but in their teaching of faith and morals, then we can have confidence that the church teaches truth.

[@Jopie350]

@@bridgefin are you aware this is a circle redenation? Jesus did not mean to say what you think. John 14:16 is about the Holy Spirit, which is clearly stated in the following verse (14:17)

[@bridgefin]

@@Jopie350 Ah so Scripture is deficient? And Jesus was either confused, drunk, or lying. OR we can trust him and believe his promises. Jesus spoke quite directly and clearly. We pick our sides in this life and live out the consequences of our decisions in the next.

[@Apriluser]

Sorry. The Anglican Tradition did NOT begin 500 years ago. The Church in England was present as early as the second century. Important to know Church history.

[@bridgefin]

But the English Church began 500 years ago with new theology and leadership.

[@FleefromROME]

He was lost as a Protestant, and now, he is really lost after believing in the lies of the Catholic Church. Water Baptism "delivers no one."(Catechism 978) A little more from 978: "Yet the grace of Baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of nature" - i.e. sin. This man, and all Catholics, received "holy Baptism," a Baptism that "delivers no one" from their sins. He was baptized as a Protestant, so he doesn't have to be baptized again according to Catholic teaching. However, did he believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation when he was younger? I say this with confidence that he didn't receive Jesus. He didn't believe. He was the typical church goer, starting young, who thought that just attending church was enough. Then he started investigating and somehow he saw truth in the Catholic Church and "apostolic succession." Folks, the Holy Spirit would not lead anyone to Rome. Back to Baptism. The Catholic Church claims that water Baptism is "necessary for salvation."(980) No, it's not "necessary for salvation." Moreover, Penance to a sinner is not "necessary for salvation." Water Baptism is a cheap, man-made "grace" and you cannot be "reborn" by it.(978&980)

[@bridgefin]

They call that lying by omission: You: Water Baptism "delivers no one."(Catechism 978) The Truth: 978 "When we made our first profession of faith while receiving the holy Baptism that cleansed us, the forgiveness we received then was so full and complete that there remained in us absolutely nothing left to efface, neither original sin nor offenses committed by our own will, nor was there left any penalty to suffer in order to expiate them. . . . Yet the grace of Baptism delivers no one from all the weakness of nature. On the contrary, we must still combat the movements of concupiscence that never cease leading us into evil " The main feature of Protestantism is attacking Jesus' only church by lying about it. You: The Catholic Church claims that water Baptism is "necessary for salvation."(980) Me: 1 Peter 3:21 “Baptism … now saves you …” Acts 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (cf. 9:17-18) Romans 6:3-4 “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit…” See what mean!

[@FleefromROME]

@bridgefin "Then Peter ["Cornelius...called together his relatives and close friends" to hear Peter - v.24] opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality...." - Acts 10:34

[@FleefromROME]

@bridgefin Peter speaking to Cornelius: "He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins" - Acts 10:42-43

[@FleefromROME]

@bridgefin Peter preached Jesus to Cornelius (and to his relatives and friends), and they received the Holy Spirit before water baptism: "Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God" - Acts 10:44-46

[@bridgefin]

@@FleefromROME Why are you quoting Catholic writings to a Catholic about baptism. Why don't you confront the Scriptures I showed you which trash your position? Or maybe you see you can't. They must be ignored or repurposed into something new.

[@arthurrock4979]

Cause he didn't have problems. If he would, the Catholic church would very, very soon and effectively cure him of any hope for getting any help there.

[@bobcarabbio4880]

Apparently the "Author" was a "Protestant", but never an actual CHRISTIAN. Catholicism isn't a "FAITH" - it's just another Theological systematic.

[@frederickanderson1860]

Catholic means universal. Roman Catholic is not truly universal and the comparison with the apostles of jesus is a joke!!!

[@bridgefin]

There is no more universal church in the world that the Catholic Church whether you use the Roman title or not.

[@frederickanderson1860]

@@bridgefin it's Roman ,a distinction between the Greek or other orthodox churches. The Catholic church used a forgery of the donation of Constantine as their justification for their authority of their pope's.

[@cdmcintyre1854]

There are many religious beliefs they all can’t be right. Study and show thyself approved. Be wary of false Doctrine. The Sabbath Commandment does not confirm the 1st Day “sabbath”.

[@margaretschwartzentruber3154]

So far, your prize convert seems to be a bit loosy-goosy.

[@jonatasmachado7217]

Great story, excellent content!

[@CatholicReCon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@td1503]

Why did he convert to the catholic church... He was never a TRUE BELIEVER in THE CHRIST....YAHUSHA HaMASHIACH the ONLY BEGOTTEN BELOVED SON OF THE LIVING YAHWEH in the 'first' place... The catholic church is NOT CHRIST LIKE...but it is 'pagan'...so this guy is just uncloaking himself and doing what he wanted to do in the first place.... this public 'epiphany' declaration by him is not a climax...but rather...him getting side lined...because he NEVER really had a TRUE personal relationship with YAHUSHA HaMASHIACH as a protestant in the first place !! NOW...he definitely doesn't have a 'personal' relationship with THE CHRIST !!!

[@MaryAnneArkwright]

You are so wrong! Ask Jesus, the Messiah to show you the truth. God love you.

[@td1503]

@@MaryAnneArkwright NOPE ...mary anne arkwright...I am NOT WRONG...but YOU are ill informed !!!! You need to fact check about the roman catholic church...then you'll realize I told the TRUTH !!