The fact that on a practical level the Latin Church will probably take 50 + years to revert back to a model of liturgical and theological tradition superficially comparable to the average Eastern (or even Western) Orthodox Church (the "heaven on earth" type sensation) is a reason that makes the decision to switch over rather easy for some. Assuming it hell does not prevail against it.
This is the kind of thing that makes Roman Catholic polemics vis-a-vis Protestantism, and even Orthodoxy so hollow. Much is made of the diverseness of Protestant denominations in supposed contrast to Rome’s dogged adherence throughout the ages to the Faith once given to the saints. And the number of Roman priests who say that Orthodoxy is a no good "state communist church" without integrity is a ridiculous statement too. I've heard that one a million times.
Now family is very powerful and a good reason to make decisions, thats really the only sympathy I have for people making otherwise seemingly less rational decisions. The Church itself is like a big family. In that sense I sympathize with brother trevor's plight. Many people stay in churches because of family attachments, this is perhaps a holy intention i cant argue against personally. Only in my instance, my grandmothers intentional cremation being promoted by the latin church and attending that funeral in the most liberal iconoclastic superficial building i've ever been in with a "pseudo-hippy priest" and buddhist style censer was enough to make me desire to have nothing to do with Rome at all. Not going to a funeral with a body at it is the worst thing in the world. It's like your relative was in a natural disaster or war, a very hollow experience psychologically. It is intrigueing the opposite experiences people have.
In fact, if, say, I were an Orthodox person who was going to convert to Rome, I would have to accept what seems to me an enormously latitudinarian denomination of a Church, something that accommodates almost everything — from the conservative Roman Catholic homeschoolers who impress me so much, to prelates and professors very liberal about doctrine and practice; and finally it’s all good, all are welcome at the altar.
It seems to me that Roman Catholics who see themselves as the faithful remnant are basically in the position of choosing which faction they will identify with, which books they will read, and where they will go to church, very much as the orthodox remnant in Anglicanism does. Unless one has an Eastern catholic, anglican use, traditional latin parish around them, theres not much one can do to avoid the negative qualities of the average "mainstream novus ordo/spirit of vatican II". The feeling you have when you know a portion of your tithing is going into some united nations "human development" campaign that the USCCB bought into and doesnt publicize and helps dissident aithets (Michael Voris covered this on youtube a while back). When the older generation is gone things may change faster than we think..but Ill believe it when I see it.
Thirty years or so ago the claims of Rome really did give me pause. But that was then. Many couldn’t adjust to the protestant qualities now. All one has to do is read the biography of Donald Wuerls tenure as bishop of Pittsburg in the late 80's. He advocated and held conferences calling for protestants and catholics to have open communion together..these days the man is a Cardinal. It almost reminds me of the videos of the dog walking into the middle of the mass on youtube. Maybe the dog will be cardinal next. Yeah, I'm joking, but the way things have been..it almost seems like an idea someone will come up with. After women's ordination..pet ordination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6FqGGVJjPA
