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Hope1960
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Thats not very comforting.
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Hope1960
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No, I’m worried that if I stay, the Church will eventually become obsolete and then what?..
I was also talking about the possibility of converting to non denom and how many Catholics are going that route. But like I posted upthread, after reading one of the pastor’s email about more of their beliefs regarding the Bible, I’ll pass.
I was also talking about the possibility of converting to non denom and how many Catholics are going that route. But like I posted upthread, after reading one of the pastor’s email about more of their beliefs regarding the Bible, I’ll pass.
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Roseeurekacross
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You are worried that if you stay and the Catholic Church becomes obsolete , what do you mean then what? does that mean you are worried you will become obsolete or you backed the wrong religion, or its not the true religion, or ? I am just guessing here.
EMHC, Choir, etc.
EMHC, Choir, etc.
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DisorientingSneeze
Guest
I can give you a very local statistic. My husband was one of 50 converts at our parish baptized at the Easter vigil (so that doesn’t even count the already baptized who entered the church that day). The numbers coming in have held pretty strong in the years since. Great things are happening!Le_Cracquere:
Does anyone have any stats on this? I thought we were losing members faster than gaining converts. Anyone?
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Peeps
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Have you visited non-denominational churches??
I find your comments inaccurate and condescending.
PLENTY of people in the U.S. attend non-denominational fellowships. Think about what you are saying/implying–that these people are ignorant and shallow because they attend these churches instead of the Catholic Church.
Right now in history, an awful lot of Catholics, as well as non-Catholic Christians, are having a very difficult time reconciling what the Catholic Church teaches with what the Catholic Church seems to be actually doing. Yes, the Catholic Church does a lot of charitable works, and yes, they offer Jesus Christ, Truly Present, in the Eucharist–but they also appear to have sheltered and protected supposedly-celibate priests who have gotten away with sexual acts that would be considered criminal!
Personally, I think it’s very logical and even sensible that people would have doubts about the Catholic Church and try to check out some alternatives. I wish they wouldn’t do that–I wish they would stick with the True Church and work from within to bring about changes–but realistically, you must admit that it’s difficult for regular American lay-people to get the Catholic Church to make any changes! Most of us can’t even get our music directors to add a few “traditional” hymns or a few “modern” hymns to the parish Masses! No wonder people take off and try something different.
Finally, please don’t be a food snob. There are many of us who prefer the bargain burger because we don’t have time or money or heart health to indulge in the sirloin, and because we actually like burgers better than steaks. What you consider delicious might make other people say, “Yuck!” and vice versa. I get this all the time because I LOVE to eat marshmallow Peeps, and many people find them absolutely disgusting!
I find your comments inaccurate and condescending.
PLENTY of people in the U.S. attend non-denominational fellowships. Think about what you are saying/implying–that these people are ignorant and shallow because they attend these churches instead of the Catholic Church.
Right now in history, an awful lot of Catholics, as well as non-Catholic Christians, are having a very difficult time reconciling what the Catholic Church teaches with what the Catholic Church seems to be actually doing. Yes, the Catholic Church does a lot of charitable works, and yes, they offer Jesus Christ, Truly Present, in the Eucharist–but they also appear to have sheltered and protected supposedly-celibate priests who have gotten away with sexual acts that would be considered criminal!
Personally, I think it’s very logical and even sensible that people would have doubts about the Catholic Church and try to check out some alternatives. I wish they wouldn’t do that–I wish they would stick with the True Church and work from within to bring about changes–but realistically, you must admit that it’s difficult for regular American lay-people to get the Catholic Church to make any changes! Most of us can’t even get our music directors to add a few “traditional” hymns or a few “modern” hymns to the parish Masses! No wonder people take off and try something different.
Finally, please don’t be a food snob. There are many of us who prefer the bargain burger because we don’t have time or money or heart health to indulge in the sirloin, and because we actually like burgers better than steaks. What you consider delicious might make other people say, “Yuck!” and vice versa. I get this all the time because I LOVE to eat marshmallow Peeps, and many people find them absolutely disgusting!
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0Scarlett_nidiyilii
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It’s best to assume your friend has good intentions, but got it wrong.
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0Scarlett_nidiyilii
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I think this is a common concern.
I don’t share this concern, but people do worry about backing the wrong causes.
We’re going through a rough time in our church, not to mention a lot of current social movements and even the politics in some countries. Some people take a lot of crap for the things they believe and it can be really scary.
I’ve done a lot of studying about religion and I’m confident in my decision to remain Catholic, but I’ve also had my season of doubt and fear and can understand where a seeker is coming from.
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DisorientingSneeze
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I think THIS is what this thread is really about. I’m sorry you are going through this. I wonder if some of our other posters who struggle with OCD have had a similar experience. It sounds to me like this isn’t so much a struggle to shop for the church with the most pros and cons or the church that is most true so much as it is a struggle to find peace. God bless you and I sincerely hope you are able to find peace.
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ConstantLearner
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I have read that, too, and most converts only remain for a few years. I don’t have a source, though. I just remember reading it in more than one place.
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Angel_Gabriel
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Honestly what Hope is describing sounds more like issues with ADHD. I have OCD and, like everyone,can be distracted but OCD isn’t usually distinguished by attention problems. (I’m not trying to diagnosis or doubt her experiences either…it’s possible she may have some ADHD…it’s pretty common and a comorbid diagnosis isn’t unheard of.)
Either way, Hope, perhaps seek out an Eastern Catholic church? The Divine Liturgy is often more involved and could help hold your attention better. You’re in my prayers…I know what it’s like to want a good spiritual home.
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ConstantLearner
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No, Catholic churches aren’t very helpful in that regard. They also lack a sense of real community, at least to me.
Everyone has to find his or her own path to a relationship with G-d. If the non-denominational church fills your needs, attend. Make the most of it. Maybe G-d wants you there and that is why he’s offering you this opportunity. You would not be harming the Catholic church or faith by going to a non-denominational church.
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DisorientingSneeze
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I agree. I just thought there might be some unspoken layer pertaining to the OCD.
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Angel_Gabriel
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Distraction could be caused by obsessing about some perceived imperfection in one’s surroundings. Sometimes OCD individuals are preoccupied with orderliness or symmetry and are unable to focus until the “problem” is “corrected”. So I agree, there could be this aspect of OCD that is causing her focus problems at Mass.
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DisorientingSneeze
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Or certain kinds of religious scruples that cause one to despair. Less likely to sink their teeth in at a service that is just a concert, but given time the OCD would find a way.
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Angel_Gabriel
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Most certainly! It never seems to disappear entirely…it ebbs and flows. It can be managed but never cured…it’s a cross to bear I suppose
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Vico
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VeryBlessed
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I loved the non-denom churches I was part of. Same pluses many have mentioned - exhilarating worship, meaty practical sermons. But it began to feel oh so entertaining and not deep enough. And I felt more a spectator than a participant. At mass I know I am an essential and vital part of the offering to God that it is. Each response I give, I say from the heart as if Jesus were standing right in front of me (and of course, he IS). And the Achilles heel for me was the randomness of theology that would creep in around the edges thanks to the practical outworking of sola scriptura. In the finer points I found the theology sloppy and man-driven, and the SS-driven disunity so disheartening. The issue of true divine authority drew me back. Good luck in your search. Maybe attend both for a while?
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lanman87
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As someone who attends an evangelical church I would suggest not joining anytime soon. Most churches have a discover class of some sort where you can go into a small class and ask questions and learn the churches vision of equipping the saints to live out the Gospel, vision of reaching the community with the Gospel message, and vision of helping the community in acts of services and love. If they have this type of class then attend. If not, ask an Pastor, Elder, or Deacon to meet with you so they can explain the vision of the church leadership.
I would also attend Sunday School or Home Group Bible study. This is where you get to know people and are often great places of prayer and support for one another. Keep in mind that you can attend most any activity and Bible study without having to be a “member” of the church.
I would do all of those things for a few months before seriously considering joining the church. From my experiences, each Evangelical church has it’s own distinct style and personality, which is not a bad thing. God uses all kinds of things to bring His people to himself and grow them in faith and love.
Oh, in this process don’t be offended if anyone ask you if you “if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” or something similar. Most evangelical churches will ask everyone inquiring about their church that question. It is not an insult, it is a genuine concern for your immortal soul.
Changing churches is always a heart wrenching decision and process. I pray that no matter what you ultimately decide that God will give you peace in your heart and you will know you are worshiping and serving where God wants you to be.
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Asonglaw
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I think its a good thing that you don’t find it difficult believing in the authenticity of the Sacraments but maybe find an issue rather in the manner of celebration as well as some distracting members and noisy children. Maybe you should consider the choice of bringing to the attention of the priest, or maybe church comity, these difficulties/distractions. You may have helped another(s) facing the same challenges by so doing. Evangelizing may not always require us to 'leave" situations, but to be help bring about change and be “touch bearers” of Christ even in matters such as these.
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Elkcreek
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No kidding??? our Parishes are gaining new members every year. You have no faith in what our founder said about his church (THE Church by the way). So if you have none then I can only feel sad for you. Many will be called and few will make it. As he said. Since he is GOD and I am not sure who the folks are that wrote what you are reading I’ll pass on your error. I know several Catholics who have left for those so called churches. From what I have seen they don’t always stick or continue to shop around so to speak. Noe of those so called churches including denominational have holy tradition all the sacraments, ecumenical guidance, and the Catholic Church put their scriptures together as well. Pretty shallow organizations.
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