Making the decision to convert to another faith is never easy

Choonie mentioned about the difficulties in converting to another religion. It is understandable that it is very hard to turn to another faith because we feel we betrayed our loved ones and/or even our deceased ancestors. We are also afraid if we may end up alone at ‘the other side’.

However, we have to remember that it is our rights to profess whatever faith we want (unless, you are a Muslim and you are to born and die a Muslim in Malaysia. So this post is not for Muslims, ok?). To me, whatever that gives us a peaceful heart and mind is good.

Having said that, as parents, we also have to be aware of our children’s decision because at an impressionable age, they may be misled to ‘join the coolest gang’. So, that’s why I always prefer parents to give their small baby and children a faith and work on it. If they should wish to leave the faith when they are older, we have nothing to say. But by not giving them any guides at all, we have failed to lead them.

I have a few teens who wrote to me privately about wanting to be Christians. I do not encourage them to do it openly if they know that their parents are totally against the idea. Without knowing what ‘Christians’ they are talking about, I am worried they may fall into those cultish, heaven or hell, zombie like faith. I have relative who practically kicked their children out of their home because the children were too crazy over Christianity. Yet, from their description, it appears more to me like a cult or following because the children are totally changed persons who are anti-non-Christians and cussing them to hell for praying to statues.

Normally, I advise them to take it slowly. If they love Jesus Christ and wish to know the faith, by all means, read, mix around and just live their regular routines without causing their parents undue worries. One can be a follower of Christ without all the mumbo-jumbo, chest thumping, adorned with the holy cross to say that one is a Christian.

To be a Catholic, one has to go through a year of RCIA. RCIA is usually a weekend, 2 hours session where one searches the soul and mind to see if they really can endure the simplicity of being a Catholic. Yes, compare to the Chinese traditional faith practice, Christianity is very simple. So, all the adults, surely you can spare the time to find out about Catholicsm? Certainly, you are not obliged to please the parents and spouses over this?

You are not expected to make known that you are a Catholic. Just contact your nearest Catholic church, ask to talk to the priest and tell him you want to join the RCIA. It is only July now and most churches still admit new people into their RCIA. You are not obligated to attend if you dislike and even on the eve or on the day of your baptism, i.e. in Easter 2009 (around March/April), you can still choose not to be baptised.

What matters is you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that by accepting Him, you are given eternal life upon your death. By believing in Jesus Christ, He will be your best personal buddy. Things will fall into place when you have that conversation in your mind with Him. Trust me, people will be there to guide you.

Incidentally today, my priest asked me this question, “Does he mind when you and your children converted?” I told my priest in laughter, “Hahaha, no. Because it doesn’t make life difficult for him.” Him = my husband. See? We are still the same, whether we are Christians or otherwise.

So, Choonie, go enquire about RCIA from the nearest Catholic church and try joining the rest of the people who are searching for the meaning of life. “What is the meaning of life” is one of the topic in RCIA. May the Lord bless and guide you. Peace to you!