Why I Am a Catholic Convert

Happy, but for so happy ill secured.
Milton

       My curiosity of Christian doctrine and apologetics sparked when I attended ¹Liberty University. I experienced joie de vivre—the joy of life—walking to class with a cup of tea in hand while braving Virginia’s unpredictable autumnal chill. Studying the complexities of theology initiated several questions challenging my perspective while simultaneously prompting me to realize I inherited my faith. The doctrines I inherited weren’t bad they were good; however, I had accepted doctrines blindly without question developing a superficial faith. My unfamiliarity of the Catholic Church produced ominous feelings toward towering Gothic Cathedrals and the seemingly ritual nature of Tradition. Regardless of my ignorance, I could not deny that most of my questions led to Catholic answers; which was awkward because I believed Catholics were not Christians. My limited view of the Catholic Church evolved throughout my Church History class where I was introduced to St. Augustine of Hippo. If St. Augustine was Catholic I had to be missing something.

After graduation I had another concern: the problem of evil and pain—how could a benevolent God allow it? A kind blog reader mailed their copy of The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis to me. They wrapped the book in the prettiest parchment paper—it looked like it came from a shop in Diagon Alley. The Problem of Pain catapulted my doubts about God’s benevolence and answered my question; this was my introduction to C.S. Lewis. Despite the undercurrent of truth found in Catholic doctrine, instead inspired by C.S. Lewis I explored Anglicanism. However, I couldn’t reconcile myself to a Church that vacillates on social and moral issues clearly defined in the Bible (with or without the Deuterocanonical books).

 G.K. Chesterton said, “The difficulty explaining why I am Catholic is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true.” There are several reasons why I am a Catholic convert, which I’m looking forward to discussing in this column, but for now, I will be brief: Unlike most other religions, Christianity is regrettably multifaceted. We began with one body and over linear time, since our Lord’s ascension, have continually split creating inconsistencies on moral, and social issues. The rising Christian generation is frequently offended by orthodoxy; they feel the Christian religion has too many moral responsibilities and perpetually acts as a restraint. Instead, they maximize false happiness dependent on momentary pleasures—the greatest hold on man’s affections. With considerable effort, they try to shape Christianity to fit into their vision of society, rather than forming their vision of society around Christianity. The Catholic Church is a beacon—that bright light in the midst of a storm at sea. Steady, and unmoving despite decades of generations continually adjusting to fit the impulse of human nature. Nail what you will to the Cathedral doors, you may still enter, although it will be at the cost of what you think is right. This was my coup de grâce—the final blow to my reluctance to conversion. The Catholic Church is right where I am wrong, and I could not deny or ignore it any longer, so I went home. 

¹My conversion to the Catholic Church was a product of my own study and personal conviction. I enjoyed attending Liberty University and recommend my Alma Mater.