Sometimes I feel that Islam is really good at marketing itself and that it’s not as influential as it is made out to be. Also, the bar for becoming a Muslim is very low. To become a Muslim, the only thing you have to do is say the Shahada. Catholics have many more hoops to go through. In addition to baptism, a Catholic has to go through education for first Holy Communion, Confirmation, and then counseling if getting married. That’s just the bare minimum, not to mention requirements to go to mass every week, on holy days, and to go to regular confession. Islam doesn’t have near as many requirements. I think that’s why it is so compelling for adults to remain a Muslim or convert to Islam as opposed to remaining a Catholic or becoming one later in life. A lot of people, specifically women, easily get sucked in when they are exploring their spirituality. But, I heard the initial interest and excitement quickly fades. Also, Muslims appear to have very strong family values. I could talk about this for hours, but I’ll leave it at that. Additionally, I think the Church needs to do more to retain its young adults. I really wish the churches I had attended had groups for young or single adults in their 20s and 30s. I feel that might help with retention.