Catholics Converting to Non Denominational

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What is it about Catholicism that is not working for you atm. What is it about your personal experience with the Church that is repelling you
 
All anecdotal. Four separate churches growing up, one split off from another. My brother and his family have left 3 different churches, my sister’s has switched twice.
In my experience each church had one or two families who pretty much controlled how the church functioned; who was elected as elders or deacons, which preacher was hired, how money was spent, etc. Eventually, if a disagreement came along, a few families would leave and start a new church.
Find out where the church you attended came from. More than likely it’s a splinter from another church. That being said, most off the people who attend non-denominational churches truly love Jesus. I owe them my faith in Christ. But the fullness of faith is only found in the Catholic Church.
 
I don’t think that is true.
Some priests will say that Catholics should not pray to Mary, but only with Mary or through Mary. Other priests will tell you to pray the rosary, which involves prayer to Mary.
In the Eastern Catholic churches it is said that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. In the western Catholic churches it is said that the holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and from the Son.
Some priests will say that capital punishment may be justified, even today. Others will say that a good Catholic Christian cannot be in favor of the death penalty.
Nuclear weapons is also a point of disagreement between Catholics.
A few priests still say that the Blood was shed for all. It was said so in the past, even by a Catholic pope at mass. At least it was reported to be so. Now almost all priests say that the Blood was shed for many.
 
Hope1960 said:
Cons:
  1. They don’t have Jesus in the Eucharist (although they do take Communion weekly).
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Yes. That’s the one. The deal breaker.

For me, everything else is either “icing on the cake” if it soothes my personal sensibilities, or “just rolls off my back (like water off a duck)” if it’s not to my personal preference.

Mostly I just praise God that He gave me life into a Catholic family and showed me His love through His gift of faith.

I wish you all the very best of God’s grace.
 
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Hope1960 said:
They focus on the Bible.
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So do we. Do you have access to Formed? There are some really amazing resources on Lectio Divina that could be so transformative to your spirituality if you are feeling there isn’t enough of a bible focus.
 
Hope1960 said:
As many of you know, I’ve been interested in learning more about a non denominational church nearby. From what I read so far during my research into these types of churches, they are the fastest growing Christian churches in the USA.
Also, I read that Catholic Churches are quickly losing members, who very often convert to non denominational churches.

Why? I read a list of reasons, but after my experience this past Saturday, after going to a non denominational church for the first time, comparing the service in a Catholic Church to the non denom church is sort of like comparing an 8 Track tape to a CD.

If people really are rapidly leaving the CC as much of what I read indicates, what’s going to happen to the Catholic Church? Will it’s members age, pass away and make the Church obsolete?
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It’ll just get smaller and better, leaner and, er, kinder.
 
All priests should say that we shouldn’t and don’t pray to Mary. “Pray to” is just lingo for asking for Intercession. The Hail Mary is comprised of several Bible verses followed by asking her to pray for us.
 
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Hope1960 said:
I haven’t yet decided if I’m leaving or staying. It might come down to eventually learning more about their beliefs, then making a decision.
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Also, my OCD is really, really bad and I’ve tried many psychologists, psychiatrists, therapies, meds and was hopeful the Catholic Church could help me. It didn’t. I hoped talking with my pastor could help me. He didn’t.
So I hoped that a church that is more Bible oriented and has sermons that are more relatable might help me.
 
Hope it sounds like you are looking for an active form of worship?
 
The Catholic Mass, up until the part of the Mass when Father goes to the altar to transubstantiate the Eucharist, can barely hold my attention.

Plus, look at post #84.
 
ok, is it too quiet? No music? too much music? in English, spanish, latin, is it kids making noise,

why doesn’t it hold your attention.
 
Could you check out the other Catholic masses in your area, I was amazed in the states to find Spanish language vibrant masses, Gospel singing masses, all very active.
 
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Roseeurekacross said:
ok, is it too quiet? No music? too much music? in English, spanish, latin, is it kids making noise,

why doesn’t it hold your attention.
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It’s not lively, (I often get bored), very routine and the noisy kids really interfere with my ability to worship, too. Then there are the noisy older folks who arrive early, as I often do in order to pray my rosary. They talk so loud…and the cantor along with the piano/organist practicing before Mass. I can’t concentrate.
 
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those masses are so very different from the Australian experience, they are very lively.

Are you involved in any ministry
 
I’ve been to pretty many Catholic Churches around here and as far as interesting, lively and upbeat, none can compare to this other church.
 
<<<>>>>“Yes, we believe that the Bible is the literal, inerrant Word of God. And it is also historical, because it is a literal recording of history. “>>>>>>>!

This is the pastors response (above) to my question I asked him, whether they believe that the Bible is literal and inerrant in everything including history, science, math etc. This is probably the dealbreaker, I guess, unless at some point I agree with them.

As I’ve learned from many (most) posters here, not all of the Bible is literal (literalistic?).
 
I used to help out in the Adult Resource Center office in my parish; when we had a Catholic sister running things there I cleaned her office a few times; I’ve worked on sending out our mailers; I’ve helped out in our parish library (except I’m not sure we still have one); and currently I’m involved in our parish prayer line.
 
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Hope1960 said:
I’ve been to pretty many Catholic Churches around here and as far as interesting, lively and upbeat, none can compare to this other church.
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You can always go to a music concert, a comedic performance, an amusement park or a museum for “interesting, lively and upbeat.”

What you won’t get anywhere else is eternal life.

So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." (John 6:53)
 
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