Can I attend a Protestant Bible study?

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Rachel_J

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I am currently enrolled in an RCIA course at my local parish. In response my family has asked me to attend a multi-denominational bible study.

Despite all attempts, it is definitely protestant. The vast majority of attendees give protestant understanding of scripture, 3 hymns are sung and last week (I have attended twice so far) one did involve statements which are considered wrong by the Church. There is also a lecture at the end which, where knowledge permits, will comment on Catholic interpretation but is definitely protestant.

Whilst I am not yet Catholic, I do not want to do anything that the Church generally does not find permissible. She (thankfully) does know better than I.

Is my attendance acceptable if I do not sing (perhaps I can not stand either) for those songs which contain false truths? Or if I skip the lecture after the group session?

I do not want to pull out because I believe it will cause my family to become more hostile to my conversion. They seem happy for the time being to assume that if I just read the bible more I will change my direction. I won’t, but whatever makes life easier (so long as it is permissible). I am ensuring I read up on what the Church teaches about the topic – last week was Matthew 25 and I did find reading Catholic opinion on this beneficial if not the actual bible study itself.
 
Hi,

I never encourage even a seasoned Catholic to attend non-Catholic bible studies for the reasons you mention. One’s faith is the most valuable thing we possess. Giving in to your family just to make peace is not a good enough reason to risk confusion when you are just beginning to understand what Catholicism teaches. I encourage you to drop the bible study pronto. You are going to have to face their disapproval when you do become a Catholic anyway. Buying yourself time this way is dangerous and not worth it.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O. P.
 
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