“Beyond Christianity”? For the sake of Christ, and for your own sake, have another look. It is not a “box”, it is freedom from darkness and sin-they are the box. He is the “alpha and the omega”. He existed before time and will exist when it ceases.
You listen to One voice. I understand their fear, but you need to go where you think you are being led by God. Let God take care of the rest. You can better help your family if you are where God wants you to be, His agenda is sometimes far different and far better than those around us who care, but not perfectly.
I don’t know why so much pressure is put on me religiously, by my mom especially. I think there are alot of control issues there that have not made it to the surface. I can only follow the Holy Spirit, which seems to be leading me to the Catholic church. I know the spiritual rewards will be much stronger if I am obedient. I think I am going to sit down and have a serious talk with the lady.
It is interesting that they look to you to lead the family spiritually.
You must do what you believe God is asking of you. Pray for guidance–continue to trust him. He loves you. We don’t always understand everything that goes on around us or just what is best. Though you do have a Christian obligation to be a living witness to your family and all those around you, you cannot be responsible for their decisions. They, like you, have free will. And who is to say that you becoming a strong Catholic Christian will not provide an even better witness to lead the rest of your family to heaven? Does these that discourage you claim to know the future?
What is your mom’s own spiritual life like? Is she close to Christ, or does she at least believe that she is? Does she practice her faith?
No, you are definitely not alone… I have lost several friends I once thought would be ever loyal. And though my parents accept my decision and even came to the Easter Vigil, my dad has serious problems with Catholic theology (and in some cases his misconceptions about Catholic theology). He is constantly doing and saying things he knows will sting or start an argument or pressuring us to go to some Protestant church instead… He got really angry with us when we refused to skip Mass on Christmas when the whole extended family was gathered (even though we never missed a Sunday when I was a child).I will pray for you, for the courage and strength to get through this hard time. Many of us have had similar experiences in coming home to the Church. Know that you are not alone.
JohnnyReb,
I don’t see how, as there are plenty of life-guards!Just wondering if anyone starting the process of converting to Catholicism, but then, half-way through, decided not to go through with it because Catholicism was more than one thought it was.
:hug3:
Love that analogy!
“Doubt your doubts”
It’s just a good thing we are spread out all over. If we attended the same parish, we’d all be bickering about something! But, that’s good, because the disciples practiced it regularly
The big difference between mass and Protestant church “services” is that mass is the sacrifice of Christ made present to us. It is not a re-creation, or a re-sacrifice. It is the one sacrifice of all time, to which time does not apply, that is being made present to us. This fact leads to many disagreements over the music, clapping, etc. at some masses. Many, such as myself, believe that it should be reverent most of all. Bless you on your journey. Check back with us, as we are praying for you.
Ironic thing was, my niece was the only one who asked why we couldn’t go forward to receive the Eucharist. I told her you had to be a member of the church to do that. She said that I was able to have it at my old church, so why not here? I told her I was thinking about changing churches, that this church was more fulfilling to me. My sister asked what was with the metal book and the “Jesus stick” that they brought in during the Mass.