Catholics, and why we don't go to "other churches"

[ltwin]

I was in school, in the nurse’s office. When two nurses were talking. Religion came up. One nurse Protestant and the other was Catholic. I think the Catholic one said she had to drive to the nearest Catholic Church (not that far, but she made it seem like it) as opposed just walking up the street to nearest Baptist Church, just a block from my school.

The Protestant nurse said “I don’t understand why Catholic don’t just go to the Baptist Church”

I don’t even know how to respond. What’s everyone else’s take on this?

As a Protestant I sort of understand where the Protestant nurse is coming from. If the nearest Pentecostal church was like 2 hours away then I would probably just go to the closest church around, preferably an Evangelical non-denominational or Baptist church or Methodist church but Presbyterian, Anglican or Lutheran churches are fine to (preferably low church for my tastes ). The biggest requirement would be that they had to be a church that valued the authority of scripture and taught from that. I would put up with extremely high church as long as I was being taught the pure gospel as opposed to an ultra liberal/worldly parody of it.

Basically, the Protestant nurse represents a certain kind of Protestant that equates every church that adheres to a broad orthodoxy as essentially the same. Yes, there are differences but if you go to a church you will essentially get the same thing: the gospel preached and fellowship with other believers.

On the other hand, the Catholic nurse represents the Catholic view that in a Catholic church she is getting something that no other church can provide, therefore it is worth driving a long distance to get to it. The Baptist church down the street just doesn’t cut it.

 

[Nicea325]

As a Protestant I sort of understand where the Protestant nurse is coming from. If the nearest Pentecostal church was like 2 hours away then I would probably just go to the closest church around, preferably an Evangelical non-denominational or Baptist church or Methodist church but Presbyterian, Anglican or Lutheran churches are fine to (preferably low church for my tastes ). The biggest requirement would be that they had to be a church that valued the authority of scripture and taught from that. I would put up with extremely high church as long as I was being taught the pure gospel as opposed to an ultra liberal/worldly parody of it.

Basically, the Protestant nurse represents a certain kind of Protestant that equates every church that adheres to a broad orthodoxy as essentially the same. Yes, there are differences but if you go to a church you will essentially get the same thing: the gospel preached and fellowship with other believers.

On the other hand, the Catholic nurse represents the Catholic view that in a Catholic church she is getting something that no other church can provide, therefore it is worth driving a long distance to get to it. The Baptist church down the street just doesn’t cut it.

So it is common among many Protestants to church “hop” due to convenience?

 

[JonNC]

As a Protestant I sort of understand where the Protestant nurse is coming from. If the nearest Pentecostal church was like 2 hours away then I would probably just go to the closest church around, preferably an Evangelical non-denominational or Baptist church or Methodist church but Presbyterian, Anglican or Lutheran churches are fine to (preferably low church for my tastes ). The biggest requirement would be that they had to be a church that valued the authority of scripture and taught from that. I would put up with extremely high church as long as I was being taught the pure gospel as opposed to an ultra liberal/worldly parody of it.

**Basically, the Protestant nurse represents a certain kind of Protestant that equates every church that adheres to a broad orthodoxy as essentially the same. Yes, there are differences but if you go to a church you will essentially get the same thing: the gospel preached and fellowship with other believers. **

On the other hand, the Catholic nurse represents the Catholic view that in a Catholic church she is getting something that no other church can provide, therefore it is worth driving a long distance to get to it. The Baptist church down the street just doesn’t cut it.

At a Lutheran Church you get the Augsburg Confession. If you’re willing to receive that, then ok.
bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.php

Sorry. It isn’t essentially the same.

Jon

 

[Nicea325]

I simply asked a question, I was not intending twist his or her words.

 

[ltwin]

So it is common among many Protestants to church “hop” due to convenience?

First off, you have to have a correct definition of “church hopping.” In my mind, to church hop is to never settle down at one church. In the hypothetical example I gave, of going to a non-Pentecostal church if there was not a close Pentecostal church in my area, it would not be church hopping because I would find a congregation and attend that church regularly. The point is that as long as I can agree with a Baptist church or a Methodist church, etc. on the essentials of the gospel I can become apart of that congregation. I may not necessarily convert to the Baptist church or Methodism, but I can attend the church, be fed the word, and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am certainly not advocating church hopping, and no Protestant that I know of would either.

 

[Nicea325]

First off, you have to have a correct definition of “church hopping.” In my mind, to church hop is to never settle down at one church. In the hypothetical example I gave, of going to a non-Pentecostal church if there was not a close Pentecostal church in my area, it would not be church hopping because I would find a congregation and attend that church regularly. The point is that as long as I can agree with a Baptist church or a Methodist church, etc. on the essentials of the gospel I can become apart of that congregation. I may not necessarily convert to the Baptist church or Methodism, but I can attend the church, be fed the word, and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am certainly not advocating church hopping, and no Protestant that I know of would either.

I understand,but I still disagree. Would you attend a Catholic Church?

 

[ltwin]

I understand,but I still disagree.

What exactly do you disagree with? That I could make a Baptist church my home church if there were no Pentecostal churches within a reasonable driving distance? There is really not that much difference between Pentecostals and Southern Baptists. In fact, I’m quite at home doctinally within any of the evangelical churches. Or is it that if I am Pentecostal that I have to go to a Pentecostal church or else I’m church hopping?

Would you attend a Catholic Church?

I would have no problem visiting a Catholic mass. I plan to visit the historical cathedrals of both the Catholic and Episcopal dioceses in Charleston, SC when I move there in a few months. As of now, however, I’ve only ever been to a Catholic wedding before.

Hypothetically, if the Catholic church were the only church in town I would have no problem attending their every Sunday and participating in parish life to the extent that I as a non-Catholic would be able to. However, I could not in good conscience convert.

I understand that the difference between Pentecostals and Catholics are a lot wider than those between Pentecostals and Baptists. That is why I understand why a Catholic could not simply go to the Baptist church down the street. However, I do understand in a way what the Protestant nurse the OP mentioned was thinking.

 

[Rockie01]

I don’t think I would add any comment, it sounds as though it was a conversation between the two nurses; and just leave it at that. It doesn’t sound as though it as an opportune moment to enlighten an adult Catholic on why going to a Baptist Church would not fulfill a Catholic’s obligation. Further, I would not use someone’s work environment a place to educate someone of another faith on the why’s and why nots. Some people are just fishing and some days I won’t take the bait.

 

[Nicea325]

What exactly do you disagree with? That I could make a Baptist church my home church if there were no Pentecostal churches within a reasonable driving distance? There is really not that much difference between Pentecostals and Southern Baptists. In fact, I’m quite at home doctinally within any of the evangelical churches. Or is it that if I am Pentecostal that I have to go to a Pentecostal church or else I’m church hopping?

I would have no problem visiting a Catholic mass. I plan to visit the historical cathedrals of both the Catholic and Episcopal dioceses in Charleston, SC when I move there in a few months. As of now, however, I’ve only ever been to a Catholic wedding before.

Hypothetically, if the Catholic church were the only church in town I would have no problem attending their every Sunday and participating in parish life to the extent that I as a non-Catholic would be able to. However, I could not in good conscience convert.

I understand that the difference between Pentecostals and Catholics are a lot wider than those between Pentecostals and Baptists. That is why I understand why a Catholic could not simply go to the Baptist church down the street. However, I do understand in a way what the Protestant nurse the OP mentioned was thinking.

I understand your position now and it is more clear.

 

[AthenaC]

You guys are all so charitable and intellectual.

The first answer to pop into my head for why Catholics don’t go to “other churches” is:

Because “other churches” are lame.

 

[Izdaari]

I think everyone prefers a church that’s closer to what they personally believe. If you’re a Catholic, you’ll want to go to a Catholic church, and if you’re Baptist you’ll prefer a Baptist church, and there’s nothing wrong with that. My first choice is Anglican.

OTOH, a Christian church is a Christian church, and if I’m far from home seeking Christian worship and fellowship, I’ll go to whatever Christian church is available… assuming it’s not some heretical cult. I.e., I would settle for Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic or Eastern Orthodox… but not LDS or Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

[rfournier103]

Don’t know what to say? There is nothing TO say. 99.9999% of all Catholics KNOW that the Catholic Church was started by Christ Himself, there is REAL Presence in the Euchrist, and many other “perks” you just won’t find anywhere else. Would you get your wife a genuine Coach bag, or a $5.00 knockoff? A diamond, or cubic zirconia?

There’s no debate. No argument. No problem. Moot point. Nothing to see here. Go about your business…

All cheekiness aside, we must do our best to evangelize those who don’t know. It’s hard to spread the truth in a secular world that holds religion and Catholicism in such contempt. A simple, “I’m sure it’s a lovely church, but I need to go to a Catholic church to recieve the Real Presence of Christ” should at least get the Protestant woman thinking a little bit. Humans HATE to feel like they’re missing out on something.

 

[loko]

Personally, I think if I went to a Church which is not in communion with Rome apart from EO I would feel like I indirectly ‘support that church and it’s doctrines’.

For me worship is all about the Eucharist and my belief in transubstantiation. Apart from that I would look at the doctrines of that Church. Having said that I have not come across a Protestant Church whose ENTIRE doctrines align with Rome, that alone is enough for me not to worship in a Protestant church.

I also do not believe we are all the same. Some Protestants believe in the Trinity, some don’t, some believe Jesus was God others don’t. Some Prot. churches have openly gay preachers and others have female priests. Some believe abortion is okay, others don’t.

The view that we hold the same beliefs is skin deep.

 

[vera_dicere]

I had this exact same conversation last year after the stupid quakes here damaged a lot of roads and churches. It took me an hour to get to the nearest operating Catholic Church, when there was a Baptist one just a ten minute walk away.

People were perplexed why I couldn’t just go to the Baptist one, ebcause if Catholics are Christians and Baptists are Christians then we’re all Christians and its all the same, right?

Wrong.

The Baptists don’t have the Holy Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. They have singing and clapping and a nice servmon that makes you feel good about yourself. But I can get the same sensation from going to a concert. God commanded us to eat his body in the Holy Eucharist. If he wanted to say “this is a symbol” he woudl have. Eating and drinking blood was considered incredibly disgusting to the ancietn Jews, when they expressed their horror at Jesus’ words he could have clarified to something less stunnign, but he didn’t.

Refusing to go to Catholic Mass is refusing to be in the presence of Christ. Why would a Catholic, with a full understanding of what Mass is and the Eucharist, refuse that and go to a happy clappy service at a Baptist Church?

 

[JonNC]

=loko;9307233] Personally, I think if I went to a Church which is not in communion with Rome apart from EO I would feel like I indirectly ‘support that church and it’s doctrines’.

You’re aware that Pope Benedict worshipped in a Lutheran church a couple of years ago. It was not Mass, obviously, but he even gave a homily.

For me worship is all about the Eucharist and my belief in transubstantiation. Apart from that I would look at the doctrines of that Church. Having said that I have not come across a Protestant Church whose ENTIRE doctrines align with Rome, that alone is enough for me not to worship in a Protestant church.

Then I would encourage you not to.

I also do not believe we are all the same.

We are all the same, but we don’t worship or believe exactly the same.

Some Protestants believe in the Trinity, some don’t, some believe Jesus was God others don’t.

This is factual error. The very nature of Christianity, the very central belief is that of the Trinity. By definition, as protestants are Christian, those who do not profess the Trinity are not Christian. They may have a belief in Jesus, and claim Him as savior, but they, by definition are not Christian.

Some Prot. churches have openly gay preachers and others have female priests. Some believe abortion is okay, others don’t.

And some Catholics believe these things, too. Recently, Rome has had to take steps to correct these errors, particularly with the promotion of female clergy. The LCMS stands with Rome on these issues. Why? because these beliefs are heterodox.

The view that we hold the same beliefs is skin deep

I would contend that our common profession of faith, using the 3 ancient creeds, is far far more than skin deep.

Jon

 

[RileyG]

I live by a protestant church that is very close to my house (the minister and his family are my neighbors), down the street is another Lutheran church, my home parish is about two blocks away from me. My response would be: I believe that christ is present in the Eucharist, and therefore I would only go to a Catholic Church.

 

[RileyG]

BTW I hope nonCatholics who go to Catholic Mass (which they can) don’t receive communion, considering that sacrilege. I know someone who is a Catholic (more or less), goes to a Pentecostal church and is babbling about thier rapture theory, this person also admits to receving protestant communion, which in her case, would be a mortal sin.

 

[JonNC]

I live by a protestant church that is very close to my house (the minister and his family are my neighbors), down the street is another Lutheran church, my home parish is about two blocks away from me. My response would be: I believe that christ is present in the Eucharist, and therefore I would only go to a Catholic Church.

Well, that Lutheran Church down the street believes that Christ is in the Eucharist, not that I’m encouraging you to go to the Lutheran Church. There are other Catholic beliefs that ought to encourage you to go to the Catholic Church, just like the are Lutheran beliefs that encourage me to go to the Lutheran Church.
Pray that the Spirit dispells our differences, and leads us to the unity He calls us to.

Jon

 

[RileyG]

Well, that Lutheran Church down the street believes that Christ is in the Eucharist, not that I’m encouraging you to go to the Lutheran Church. There are other Catholic beliefs that ought to encourage you to go to the Catholic Church, just like the are Lutheran beliefs that encourage me to go to the Lutheran Church.
Pray that the Spirit dispells our differences, and leads us to the unity He calls us to.

Jon

Will do. (Although the Lutheran Church down the street btw is not LCMS but ELCA, however, as a Catholic I do believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist and that’s why I go to mass, I’d also feel out of place going to a protestant service considering i’ve never been to a protestant service in my life (other than funerals/weddings).).

 

[Lochias]

You’re aware that Pope Benedict worshipped in a Lutheran church a couple of years ago. It was not Mass, obviously, but he even gave a homily.

I would submit here that Pope Benedict, while encouraging closer ties with other Christian faiths (Amen!) and taking steps to demonstrate that encouragement, has more leeway to do so in terms of not causing others to think he might actually be considering becoming Lutheran, due to his status and many public statements, ect.

It is much more likely that the average Joe Catholic coming in to regularly worship at a Lutheran church would raise a few eyebrows in some form or fashion, at least among other Catholics.

If we believe, as Catholics, that the Catholic Church has the full deposit of Christian faith and the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, then we really have no business attending other churches on a regular basis anyway.