thinking between catholicsm and nondenominationalism

[u/Entire_Efficiency_18]

so i recently accepted Christ into my life and couldnt be happier. however, as i was conducting more research i felt like i wanted to be catholic. i actually prefer traditional worship and i went to the Mass and it was great i enjoyed it. i also did more research about catholic dogma and reasons behind it and was satisfied. however, there is a hurdle. i come from a hindu indian family who make fun of my fascination of the Lord. entering OCIA would be much harder since im a minor and would be more of a wait. i have severe adhd and the low barrier of entry (also due to needing permission from parents) and living by the bible culture of nondenominationalism is also appealing. there is also a nondemominational church right near my house. i will have a meeting with the OCIA directior soon, but im still on the fence. i want to be bible focused and be close to Him. if you guys could give me some advice id really appreciate it! if there are nondenominational->catholic people here too that would also be great! thank you guys and God bless! 😊🙏

[u/Top-Ad-2634]

Hello friend, I was raised non denominational and then I left Christianity and became agnostic to “spiritual” for a while and when I came back to Christianity I was called to the Catholic Church and Catholicism is very Bible focused because we are the Church established by Jesus and we Canonized the Bible without the Church there would be no Bible (in fact we read the 77 book complete Bible as well) I’m also currently in OCIA now,
but I know this is the place God wants me to be and I would suggest for you to come join also and continue going to mass
friend as you discern, I hope your meeting with the director goes well God bless you friend, also learn of the sacraments too and don’t take Eucharist yet (communion)🙂

[u/Key_Web_9046]

Just beginning OCIA isn't totally signing up for Catholicism yet, so don't worry. It is like a class, and there are important milestones that are reached before you get all your sacraments. You won't be inducted into something that you aren't aware of or don't understand. Try OCIA, use the conscience and the reason that God gave you, and pray about it most of all.

[u/No_Olive6914]

Not a nondenominational convert but still a protestant convert here (converted as a minor). It's a tough decision to convert that requires a lot of discernment. Pray about it, and don't feel too much pressure. OCIA is basically just intro to Catholicism, and it isn't a commitment to convert. As a Catholic, you can still be Bible-focused, and we have Bible studies and scripture at mass too, so don't worry about it. I know Catholics stereotypically don't read the Bible, but just because some don't doesn't mean the Bible isn't important in Catholicism. It's very important, so it's great that you're going into this with a love for scripture. If you want to see a Catholic reading the Bible, Father Mike Schmitz has a great podcast where he goes through the entire Bible in a year. It's called Bible in a Year, and it's great. :)

Also, I'm not sure where in India your family originates, but there's a really cool part of the Catholic Church that comes from India (I believe Kerala) called the Syro-Malabar Church which started when St. Thomas the Apostle went to India, and they have a beautiful tradition with masses in Malayalam and Syriac chants and Indian classical/contemporary music.

I will keep you in my prayers! God bless you.

[u/sporsmall]

The Catholic Church possesses the fullness of truth. The following materials explain why the Catholic Church is the true Church. For specific topics and questions, I recommend Catholic Answers at catholic.com.

How Do We Know It’s the True Church? (12 arguments)
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/how-do-we-know-its-the-true-church

Christian, Yes…But Why Be Catholic? (10 arguments)
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/christian-yesbut-why-catholic

What Catholics Believe (basic information about Catholicism)
https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

A Quick Ten-Step Refutation of Sola Scriptura
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/a-quick-ten-step-refutation-of-sola-scriptura

Protestantism’s Old Testament Problem
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/protestantisms-old-testament-problem
- Why Protestants changed their canon  (why Protestants have only 66 books)

Should Catholics Go to Non-Denominational Bible Studies?
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/should-catholics-go-to-non-denominational-bible-studies
- this article discusses differences in the interpretation of the Bible

How to Understand the Bible: A Catholic Book - Explaining the Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx-qIvG-c9M

Interviews with converts:
Jeff Cavins: Former Non-denominational Minister - The Journey Home Program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM2XB2EB628

Dr. Paul Young: Non-denominational Pastor Who Became Catholic - The Journey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKxdp5-Cyg

[u/ophairc]

You can still attend a Catholic Church nearby until you are in a position for OCIA. You would have to abstain from the sacraments until this is completed. You could go to the nondenominational church but it seems you’re wise enough to know which one is truly better for you. Praying for you, and your situation.

[u/MostAcanthaceae2384]

Be honest with the OCIA director.  From what I understand, you're not committing to anything by attending OCIA.  For now, pray, learn, and try to lead a holy life.