What would you do or think if your kid became a Protestant?

[ButterflyBlood]

Hey all. Just inquiring about this before I head to my Protestant church this morning. A little background: I was raised Catholic, but it's a mixed-marriage. My father was a Lutheran. Apparently this was uncontroversial on his side, but some older and now all dead relatives of my mother did not approve. Despite this growing up I never felt any type of cultural or spiritual connection to Catholicism, I went to a Catholic school but only two years and this was first and second grade. After that I went to a public school and the standard confirmation class stuff for the Catholic side, wasn't all that immersed in the culture, it was just something on Sundays. Plus on Christmas and holidays (the rare days my dad would actually go to church), we'd be more likely to go to a Lutheran one. It wasn't an exclusively Catholic upbringing.

Before I was confirmed I didn't really care and only wanted to be confirmed as "graduation from Sunday school" and to get all the money as gifts I did, and shortly later I said that I identified more as Lutheran and wouldn't call myself Catholic or ever mark off "Catholic" as religious affiliation on any type of form of survey. My mom was actually mostly OK with this, though she wanted me to actually become more of a Lutheran and churchgoer rather than just identify as such. It was also because I was disgusted with the politics of the church and the hierarchy. In high school my family started going to the closest Lutheran church more often, primarily out of convenience (it was just a few blocks away, walking distance)

A couple years ago I really did have an experience with God and became to actually see myself as a serious Christian. So I do go to church now, but I go to a charismatic evangelical church (and also liberal-leaning and mostly young people around my age. Yes such a thing exists.) A year ago I got baptized. My mom was overjoyed and wanted to attend but lives pretty far away. No one in my family expressed discontent or was upset.

But when I read things like Catholic Answers Forum and Yahoo Answers I see not everyone is as tolerant in cases like this. Some of the stuff I've read there from parents with kids getting married outside the church is disgusting and horrifying. I'm kind of wondering how people here would feel. Now I know no one here is the type who'd disown their children or refuse to attend their wedding, of course. But would you be upset or a little unhappy or disappointed? Or apathetic or more of just happy they found whatever works for them?

[goldent]

1. I wouldn't be upset

Most people like to see their children grow up with the same values as themselves. The values occur in many dimensions, including religion, politics, etc. If my son saw himself as a serious Christian, but wanted to attend a non-Catholic church I would be ok. Given a choice, I'd like to see him choose (freely) the Catholic church, but would be happy with how things were. And of course, one day he might change his mind, and that would be ok too.

[No Vested Interest]

2. Haven't we been down this road more than a few times? nt

[beemer27]

3. I would be happy for you.

I would also be happy that you are thoughtful and intelligent enough to compare different religions, and pick the one that is right for you. Most of the main stream religions that preach the Word of Jesus and peace are worth looking into. If they believe in the Golden Rule, and tolerance, they will probably be helpful to you on your journey. Many of us are searching for that perfect church. Perhaps one does exist, but to date I have not found it. I go to the ones that are close to what my heart tells me the Lord would approve of, and learn from them all.
I pray that your path leads you to a good relationship with the Lord, and that you find the Peace that we are all looking for.

[rug]

4. I'd have a long conversation.

Protestant churches are historically rooted and usually stem from a few doctrinal points. I'd ask them about it and what exactly they thought they were leaving and entering.

One reason I make a point of bringing my children to Mass is that I want them to understand what it's all about before they leave or stay. Religion is so easily misunderstood and misused that a solid understanding of it is critical. Then they can do whatever the hell they want. I'd just hate them to choose a religion because the priest was bad or the other church has better coffee.

[demosincebirth]

5. I would be very upset. But eventually I would have to accept it, just as long as it's

not one of those anti Catholic fundamentalist churches, aka Assembly of God. I went to a couple of services because this friend (now and ex friend) of mine, actually kept badgering me to attend. I went and (I don't know if its like this all the time) the preaching was very insinuating anti Catholic. I heard that most fundie churches don't consider Catholics, Christian.

Mainline Protestant Churches are, I've been told, the complete opposite. I know a Lutheran Pastor who, 10 years ago, joined the Catholic Church, and now he runs a parish as a Catholic Priest in the next town.

[IrishAyes]

6. For me it would depend

mostly on the individual situation. You realize that the Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans have gradually been growing closer together. If a child or young relative of mine got caught up in fundamentalism, I'd be far more worried because I've seen and heard too many of those people preach exclusivity - that anyone outside their particular fold is doomed to hell everlasting. Was a time when most churches seemed to hold that belief, but the times they are a'changin'; or should be at least. Some of their 'prosperity pastors' aren't fit to tie Pope Francis' shoes, but plenty of them will continue to call him the Anti-Christ just as they have all previous Popes. Apparently the hard-shells believe in multiple Anti-Christs since they love to fling that charge at anyone to the left of Lyndon Larouche.

As to the church you've found to your liking, congratulations. I hope they're a good safe place that doesn't teach any of that foolishness.

Partly because I grew up in a frequently changing, multicultural setting (army brat, later career officer's wife for many years), I enjoy new settings and ways more than some people do. As for Catholicism, I love everything from the old Latin Mass to the charismatic congregations, which can really rock your socks off.