why i’m converting to Catholicism

Why Madison Is Converting to Catholicism

Madison grew up atheist, became Christian about a year ago, and attended Protestant churches, including non-denominational and Seventh-day Adventist congregations. She explains that she is converting to Catholicism for several reasons:

• Connection to early Christianity: She interprets Matthew 16:18–19 as Jesus establishing his Church through Peter, whom she identifies as the first pope.
• Church structure and unity: She values Catholicism’s hierarchy, including the pope and cardinals, and believes it offers clearer leadership and greater consistency than churches where pastors interpret and teach independently.
• The Bible’s books: After researching the Protestant Reformation, she says she was troubled that Protestant Bibles omit seven books included in Catholic Bibles.
• The Mass and sacredness: She finds the Catholic Mass and church architecture beautiful and fitting for worship. She also appreciates traditional hymns and formal services.
• Reverence and accountability: She feels that formal standards of dress and worship express respect for Jesus. She also values the communal confession of sin at Mass, which she says encourages accountability.
• Mary and the saints: She says Catholics honor Mary and the saints rather than worship them. She describes asking saints to pray as similar to asking family or friends for prayers.
• Seeking truth: She believes Catholicism offers a fuller expression of Christianity, while recognizing that she has seen Jesus work in the lives of her Protestant friends and family. She says she is still learning and plans to share more about her conversion journey.

Notable References and Places

Matthew 16:18–19; Peter; Catholic churches and Mass; Protestant non-denominational churches; a Seventh-day Adventist church; the pope; cardinals; Mary; and the saints.

Speaker: Madison