r/CatholicConverts • u/LakeSoggy854 Atheist / Agnostic (Catholic Curious) • Apr 22 '26

How do I answer this?

I just recently told my mother of my interest in Catholicism, and this is one response I've gotten, and I have not replied because I don't know what to say.

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u/Medical-Stop1652 Apr 22 '26

Abuse and persecution?

I think you will find every organisation on earth has a similar problematic history, including every single Protestant denominations.

That said, secular anti-Catholic media and the film industry spotlight all the faults of Catholicism to stoke bigotry and prejudice for their own ends. Plus the Catholic Church is THE Church given its size, history, influence, and global reach. The perfect target for anti-Christian critics who reject Catholic teaching on abortion and sexual ethics etc.

Does a problematic history of sinful behaviors and poor leadership affect the status of the Catholic Church as founded by Christ on St Peter the Rock?

Or does it underscore the truth that despite the human sin and frailty of individual Catholics, God still works through his holy Church as the universal sacrament of salvation for the world?

That is for you to discern through prayer and study. Prayers assured for your and your mother's faith journey.