Changing Denominations

[PJM]

=ConstantineTG;7238026]**I found many lukewarm Catholics who become very devout Evangelicals. Sometimes the circumstances are just better for them. ** Most Evangelical circles are relatively more and thus they feel a better sense of belonging to the parish. Do they know better about the faith? Maybe not, but that fellowship can go a long way. Something many Catholics take for granted.

Case in point, when I went to visit a Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Catholic parish, I was warmly greeted by the subdeacon and other people who were there. Even the priest knows me now. It is such a great feeling. It has nothing to do with Catechisis or even the Liturgy, but as people it feels great that we feel people draw us in. Its part of the reason I fell in love more with going to Divine Liturgy. The Liturgy itself is wonderful, but having friendly people really helps the draw.

I have another good example. As a Filipino immigrant here in Canada, I notice a lot of Filipinos here are Protestants, namely Evangelicals, Pentecostals or non-Denominationals. Why? As new immigrants in a new land, you don’t have the usual support groups in your personal life. Few family if any, hardly any friends. The approach of these groups help draw people in. Many lukewarm Catholics are drawn to such fellowship because they don’t realize how important it is to keep the Catholic faith. Of course it also helps the cause of these Protestants that they say “its all the same” if not better.

THANK you for sharing.

However Chrsit intended and factually founded ONLY One New Church, One new Faith. ONLY ONE! Thre are in the NT inexcess of 100 references to this fact.

Therefore all salvation is through the CC, and all TRUTH on ALL matters of Faith and Morals can only b found in this One CC.

Take Up your Cross and Follow Me
**Phil.2: 8 **“And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross **Luke.9 :23 **And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. **Mark.8: 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 ** And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke.14: 7 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

One of the MAJOR misunderstandins today is the wrong idea that Worship is about US! It’s NOT! Friends it’s about God. While it is a blessing if we are happy with our parish; that has no direct effect on our salvation. Everything we do is to ne God centered, and the price we are asked to pay to accomplish this is simply part of our Cross.

Matt.16: [21 “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

**It is absolutey foolish and wrong to ssume we can participate in Christ Glory without first participating in His Suffering.

Rom.8: 17-18 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us".

The right and fruitfull practice of Christian Faith has nothing to do with what we like; what we want; what we prefer; AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT GOD DEMANDS!

 

[Janet1983]

I found many lukewarm Catholics who become very devout Evangelicals. Sometimes the circumstances are just better for them.

However Chrsit intended and factually founded ONLY One New Church, One new Faith. ONLY ONE! Thre are in the NT inexcess of 100 references to this fact.

Therefore all salvation is through the CC, and all TRUTH on ALL matters of Faith and Morals can only be found in this One CC.

PJM, I am trying to understand this right and that’s why I reposted the part of Constantine’s quote that you highlighted. Are you saying that those Catholics who purposely left the Catholic Church and became Evangelicals are risking their salvation. If so, why? Please tell me if I am wrong with this assessment. I do not mean to accuse you of anything. I am just trying to see whether you said what I think you said. I might be wrong, so please forgive me if I am.

One of the MAJOR misunderstandins today is the wrong idea that Worship is about US! It’s NOT! Friends it’s about God. While it is a blessing if we are happy with our parish; that has no direct effect on our salvation. Everything we do is to ne God centered, and the price we are asked to pay to accomplish this is simply part of our Cross.

You are right. It is not about us. It is all about Him. I wouldn’t even limit that to worship, but include the whole life. Everything we do should be to His glory and His glory alone.
As Christians we don’t live for ourselves. We live for Him.

The right and fruitfull practice of Christian Faith has nothing to do with what we like; what we want; what we prefer; AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT GOD DEMANDS!

That is true. God rightly demands that we serve Him alone and glorify Him.

 

[PJM]

PJM, I am trying to understand this right and that’s why I reposted the part of Constantine’s quote that you highlighted. Are you saying that those Catholics who purposely left the Catholic Church and became Evangelicals are risking their salvation. If so, why? Please tell me if I am wrong with this assessment. I do not mean to accuse you of anything. I am just trying to see whether you said what I think you said. I might be wrong, so please forgive me if I am

Yes, however I’m not Pontificating but parroting what the Bible itself teaches.

**Mt. 16: 15 ** He Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I [singular[/COLOR]] tell you, you are Peter, [singular] and on this rock [singular] I will build my singular] church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [singular] I [God singular] will give you [singular] the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you singular] bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Eph. 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the
Spirit."

Eph. 4: 4 -8“There is one body One Church] and one Spirit, One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, One God] one faith, One set of doctrine and dogma] one baptism, By water in the Trinity] one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift."

Heb.6 Verses 4 to 10: For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened,Baptized into the CC] who have tasted the heavenly gift, Christ Himself in Catholic Holy Communion] and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, Confirmed in the CC] and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,[Have had th Word of God’s TRUTH taught to thm…[**Rom. 10:17, Eph. 1:13, and Acts 10:44] if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.

The CC teaches that while all salvation by necessity flows through Her; salvation is possible [but much more difficult outside her emabrace.] For fallen away Catholics however thre salvtion is forever fixed and alligned with the CC becauseof the many extra GRACES available only within the CC. So yes; there salvation is at best highly suspect and doubtful unless they repent and return to he SOURCE of Salvation, Christ and His CC. These TWO are inseperatable.

Thanks for asking,

Love nd prayers,
Pat

 

[Zooey]

I’d prefer not to use the term “church shopping” which is a bit pejorative. I am in no position to judge another’s spiritual journey.

I agree with the previous poster about the relative ease of moving between churches.

Or perhaps nothing spiritual at all. Maybe the church has a better Sunday school, or a nicer sanctuary, or any of a dozen other things.

But it is a journey for some.

Really, this is true…“Church shopping” is a term that is regarded as something done by 2 groups of folks:
!. There are those who basically just think that going to church is just what “respectable people” do on Sunday mornings. Not those who actually believe in Christianity.
2. Those who have no particular theology & base everything on their “feelings”. (One case has had a family travel from Baptist to Catholic to Methodist to Foursquare Gospel to Assemblies of God to Calvary Chapel to an independent pentecostal church with a rep for emotional display & no particular theology other than what “feels good”).

As far as changing denominations, however it is also true that this is fairly common. For us non-Catholic Christians (the ones who actually DO believe in Christ, I mean), the procedure is much as Publisher described. If I were to move to another church (whether Methodist or other), I would ask for my “letter”. And I would be given a paper that said that I am a member in good standing of the UMC at [my town], and that I was recommended as a Christian in good standing. Then I could give this to another UMC, or to a church of another denomination, & be “received in full membership”.
Soemtimes, you move to an area w/no churches of your denom. Or you come to have a very different theology. Or other reasons. (Which can vary widely).

Now, many of the fundamentalist churches would not recognize this. They also don’t give a letter. If you want to leave them, you have to just go, because otherwise (unless you are moving to another state or something) the assumption is that you have backslidden, or become involved with false doctrines, or both. They usually “receive” members by baptizing you. (Yes, again. Never miond that you were all ready baptized, thats how they receive members).
I have 2 sets of friends who have gone from one denomination to an indie fundamentalist Baptist church. One set are not members after more than 2 decades, because they refuse to be “re-baptized”. The other set, both were baptized Christians (one Methodist, one Catholic), but they joined their church through baptism. (I have never commented on how bizarre I find this…and don’t plan to. Indeed, I pray to nevr be asked for an honest opinion. I HATE lying to my friends but OY!!).

All this said, I have no plans of going anyplace. For all my youthful rebellion against “anything associated w/ the name 'Wesley”, I find myslef in close harmony with the same.

HTH

 

[Esdra]

Hi guys,

I have a protestant room mate and sometimes we discuss the differences that we know of between being catholic and being protestant. The other day, somehow we got to talking about members leaving one denomination for another.

I told her that as far as I knew, unless someone disagrees with the teachings of the catholic church, people don’t leave the church for a protestant denomination.

She said that it is generally acceptable for protestants to change denominations, as long as they are going to a christian church.

I was wondering if this is true and what others opinions are on this.

Thanks!

Hi,

these posts are intersting to read for me, as I am not from the US (where moving and changing homes is normal), but from Central Europe, to be more accurate, Austria.
Because when you move you really have to look for another Church (especially when you, let’s say move from New York to, I don’t know, Kansas City).
Putting aside the fact that Austria is dominantly Catholic, I also know of cases where people left our Baptist denomination, but since there are not so many Baptist Churches here in Austria they just go and don’t go to Church anymore (neither Catholic, nor Baptist nor any other denomination).

However, I keep it with my Pastor: He once said to a young woman who asked him which is the “correct Church”: “It is not important to which Church you belong to, as long as you have accepted Jesus as your saviour and have a relationship with him. Because through this fact you are already united in the community of all believers.”
And: "There is no “perfect, correct Church.”

Esdra

 

[Bluegoat]

I find it interesting that there is so much condemnation of “church shopping”. IN my experience Catholics do it as much as Protestants, but within the Catholic Church.

Properly speaking, in almost all cases people are supposed to go to their own, local church. THe Church is divided up geographically (there are exceptions, but this is the rule of thumb and it’s only recently that it has been widely ignored.) How many Catholics automatically do that? Who goes to another parish because they like the music better, or the children’s programs, or they want the EF, or they don’t like the priest, or feel “spiritually fed” or they think a parish is too lax, or too strict?

If these are valid reasons to switch parishes in a Catholic setting, then it may be perfectly reasonable for a Protestant to switch to a different denomination for similar ones.

 

[Pregustator]

Very often I came across Protestants who do not want to be labelled ‘Protestants’. What are these?

Confused. These “non-Protestant” Protestants are Evangelicals, self-styled “Non-denominational Christians” or “Bible Christians” who presumptuously insist that they are just plain “Christians” belonging to Jesus Christ’s very own Church, and not to any of the others. Implicit in their refusal to be labelled anything but “Christian” is the notion that every other sort of Christian experience or Church is invalid, and that their materialistic, Americanistic, televangelistic, Tammy Faye Bakker version of Protestantism represents the authentic Christian experience. Y’all are “Protestants” and y’all are “Lutherans” and y’all are “Episcopalians”…but we all’re just plain old “Christians” (giggle-giggle).

These are the ones who have a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” and who are going to make your life a living nightmare if you ever manage to get seated next to one of them on a train or an airplane.

 

[DebChris]

I find it interesting that there is so much condemnation of “church shopping”. IN my experience Catholics do it as much as Protestants, but within the Catholic Church.

Properly speaking, in almost all cases people are supposed to go to their own, local church. THe Church is divided up geographically (there are exceptions, but this is the rule of thumb and it’s only recently that it has been widely ignored.) How many Catholics automatically do that? Who goes to another parish because they like the music better, or the children’s programs, or they want the EF, or they don’t like the priest, or feel “spiritually fed” or they think a parish is too lax, or too strict?

If these are valid reasons to switch parishes in a Catholic setting, then it may be perfectly reasonable for a Protestant to switch to a different denomination for similar ones.

Of course a person can live in an area where there is only one Catholic church in the city, county, or even country.
A Catholic may belong to one parish and still attend services at nearby parishes that are not offered in his/her home parish. A person may for different reasons choose to go to a different parish for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, including finding a confessor with whom he/she feels particularly comfortable, who helps him/her grow in his/her spiritual life. Yes, I did meet a man who was willing to drive 50 miles for the homilies my hometown pastor delivered during Mass.
When asked which church I attend, I encountered individuals surprised that as a Catholic I may attend Mass at any nearby Catholic church. I am not bound to my home parish. To them, belonging to a church means belonging to Ebeneezer Baptist Church, the downtown AME church, or some other individual church community. They do not necessarily see themselves as part of a larger church community that may involve many churches and/or parishes.
As long as I first attend Mass, I am also free to join in worship services with my non-Catholic brothers and sisters.

 

[Cat]

Confused. These “non-Protestant” Protestants are Evangelicals, self-styled “Non-denominational Christians” or “Bible Christians” who presumptuously insist that they are just plain “Christians” belonging to Jesus Christ’s very own Church, and not to any of the others. Implicit in their refusal to be labelled anything but “Christian” is the notion that every other sort of Christian experience or Church is invalid, and that their materialistic, Americanistic, televangelistic, Tammy Faye Bakker version of Protestantism represents the authentic Christian experience. Y’all are “Protestants” and y’all are “Lutherans” and y’all are “Episcopalians”…but we all’re just plain old “Christians” (giggle-giggle).

These are the ones who have a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” and who are going to make your life a living nightmare if you ever manage to get seated next to one of them on a train or an airplane.

This is rather unkind. This kind of statement erects an unfriendly barrier between Catholics and Protestants in violation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that we need to try to maintain dialogue with non-Catholic Christians.

It’s also somewhat insulting to Southerners who use the term “y’all” as Northerners use the term “you guys.” Neither expression is made out of ignorance; it’s simply a traditional way of speaking. There is no need to denigrate this.

In recent years, many intelligent, reasonable, well-spoken, and good-hearted Protestants have come out against the use of the name “Protestant” for the simple reason that they don’t consider themselves in the act of protesting anything. Most Protestants know very little about church history. Many Protestants are not part of the Lutheran or Calvinistic traditions, and they know nothing of the founders of these branches of Christianity. They have no knowledge of a “rebellion” that split the Christian Church. They are very happy to co-exist with Catholic Christians, especially when they see Catholics steadfastly maintain the fight against abortion and in favor of traditional marriage. Indeed, many Protestants are willing to follow the lead of Catholic Christians and join them in their fight for traditional Christian morality.

Oh, and one more thing. Many of these Christians will be the first to help you when you are in need–I’ve known a lot of Christians who “have a personal relationship with Jesus,” and they are the salt of the earth, the sweetest people you will ever meet. How dare you insult them and claim that they will make your life a living nightmare! Do your honestly label a debate with someone who disagrees with you as a “living nightmare?” Your nightmares have apparently been rather benign.

I know that these Christians would turn the other cheek and remain humble and loving even in the face of such unjust ridicule. Until your goodness exceeds theirs, I suggest remaining quiet.

 

[DebChris]

This is rather unkind. This kind of statement erects an unfriendly barrier between Catholics and Protestants in violation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states that we need to try to maintain dialogue with non-Catholic Christians.

It’s also somewhat insulting to Southerners who use the term “y’all” as Northerners use the term “you guys.” Neither expression is made out of ignorance; it’s simply a traditional way of speaking. There is no need to denigrate this.

In recent years, many intelligent, reasonable, well-spoken, and good-hearted Protestants have come out against the use of the name “Protestant” for the simple reason that they don’t consider themselves in the act of protesting anything. Most Protestants know very little about church history. Many Protestants are not part of the Lutheran or Calvinistic traditions, and they know nothing of the founders of these branches of Christianity. They have no knowledge of a “rebellion” that split the Christian Church. They are very happy to co-exist with Catholic Christians, especially when they see Catholics steadfastly maintain the fight against abortion and in favor of traditional marriage. Indeed, many Protestants are willing to follow the lead of Catholic Christians and join them in their fight for traditional Christian morality.

Living in the Bible Belt, the most common farewell is not, “Have a nice day.” Rather it is “Have a blessed day.” In the Vatican documents, you will not find the word Protestant. Instead you will find the term “separated brothers and sisters.” Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, our goal is the same intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ that the Saints enjoyed. Pope Benedict XVI defines dialogue as “communication across differences.” As we come to know one another, we are able to dispel the myths that keep us apart. Christians of all denominations mourned the passing of Pope John Paul II.

I have known Catholics who have left the Church for other denominations, even other religions. More often than not they express a misunderstanding of Catholic teaching. For whatever reason, they do not realize that they need not leave the Church to find what they seek.

 

[Janet1983]

Yes, however I’m not Pontificating but parroting what the Bible itself teaches.

You are actually interpreting by putting those little inserts in.

The CC teaches that while all salvation by necessity flows through Her; salvation is possible [but much more difficult outside her emabrace.] For fallen away Catholics however thre salvtion is forever fixed and alligned with the CC becauseof the many extra GRACES available only within the CC. So yes; there salvation is at best highly suspect and doubtful unless they repent and return to he SOURCE of Salvation, Christ and His CC. These TWO are inseperatable.

Why would their salvation be doubtful? They profess Jesus Christ and strive to serve Him.
They are bound by virtue of their baptism and any other sacrament they have received, but that does not mean that their refusal to remain within the Catholic Church is rendering them lost. They continue to follow Jesus Christ.
Among the people whose salvation you are seriously doubting are John Calvin, Huub Oosterhuis, Katharina Luther, Martin Luther, Princess Marie of Denmark and other not quite as notable characters including me.

 

[Izdaari]

Hi guys,

I have a protestant room mate and sometimes we discuss the differences that we know of between being catholic and being protestant. The other day, somehow we got to talking about members leaving one denomination for another.

I told her that as far as I knew, unless someone disagrees with the teachings of the catholic church, people don’t leave the church for a protestant denomination.

She said that it is generally acceptable for protestants to change denominations, as long as they are going to a christian church.

I was wondering if this is true and what others opinions are on this.

Thanks!

I don’t even consider myself to belong to any particular denomination. Yes, I’m a member of my local church, and it has a denominational affiliation… but it was a particular congregation I joined, not the denomination. And there’s no particular religious significance to membership, just that I get to vote at the business meetings. Being a member of the Universal Church, the Bride of Christ, is of course much more important. That relates solely to one’s standing with God, and has nothing to do with any particular 501c3 corporation.

 

[Bluegoat]

Of course a person can live in an area where there is only one Catholic church in the city, county, or even country.
A Catholic may belong to one parish and still attend services at nearby parishes that are not offered in his/her home parish. A person may for different reasons choose to go to a different parish for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, including finding a confessor with whom he/she feels particularly comfortable, who helps him/her grow in his/her spiritual life. Yes, I did meet a man who was willing to drive 50 miles for the homilies my hometown pastor delivered during Mass.
When asked which church I attend, I encountered individuals surprised that as a Catholic I may attend Mass at any nearby Catholic church. I am not bound to my home parish. To them, belonging to a church means belonging to Ebeneezer Baptist Church, the downtown AME church, or some other individual church community. They do not necessarily see themselves as part of a larger church community that may involve many churches and/or parishes.
As long as I first attend Mass, I am also free to join in worship services with my non-Catholic brothers and sisters.

First of all, Catholics are supposed to belong to their most local parish in most cases. As I understand it, this isn’t really followed that much these days, but it points to the philosophy of the church in such things - we are meant to exist locally. I find it interesting that many Catholics don’t even realize that a few generations ago one just did not switch parishes at will. The way people switch around at a whim is very similar in origin I think to the way Protestants church-shop.

Secondly, you totally missed my point, which was that in most cases, Protestant church-shopping is very similar to Catholic church-shopping.

I’m not commenting on whether this is good or bad - I think there are mixed reasons really - but I think it is unfair to label this activity as Protestant.

 

[DebChris]

First of all, Catholics are supposed to belong to their most local parish in most cases. As I understand it, this isn’t really followed that much these days, but it points to the philosophy of the church in such things - we are meant to exist locally. I find it interesting that many Catholics don’t even realize that a few generations ago one just did not switch parishes at will. The way people switch around at a whim is very similar in origin I think to the way Protestants church-shop.

Secondly, you totally missed my point, which was that in most cases, Protestant church-shopping is very similar to Catholic church-shopping.

I’m not commenting on whether this is good or bad - I think there are mixed reasons really - but I think it is unfair to label this activity as Protestant.

While I belong to my local parish, I still enjoy services provided by other parishes. This has never been contrary to what is acceptable. When I have switched parishes, it is because I have moved. I work overseas and am registered with the only Catholic Church in this country. I also have a home parish stateside. That does not keep me from attending novenas or other events offered by the various parishes in my hometown. All are connected within the same diocese. When I offer my services, I offer them to the parish in which I am registered. Except for my current hometown, I have mostly lived in cities, or on military posts with a single parish or chapel.

There is a difference between registering with a parish within a person’s diocese, and completely changing denominations because of differences of opinion or convenience. There is no doctrinal change involved.

 

[4Squarebaby]

I don’t even consider myself to belong to any particular denomination. Yes, I’m a member of my local church, and it has a denominational affiliation… but it was a particular congregation I joined, not the denomination. And there’s no particular religious significance to membership, just that I get to vote at the business meetings. Being a member of the Universal Church, the Bride of Christ, is of course much more important. That relates solely to one’s standing with God, and has nothing to do with any particular 501c3 corporation.

That’s how Pastor Jack Hayford described his home church, The Church on The Way (Sherman Oaks? Foursquare) before he was elected Foursquare’s president. In association or afflliation with the ICFG.

 

[Publisher]

I don’t even consider myself to belong to any particular denomination. Yes, I’m a member of my local church, and it has a denominational affiliation… but it was a particular congregation I joined, not the denomination. And there’s no particular religious significance to membership, just that I get to vote at the business meetings. Being a member of the Universal Church, the Bride of Christ, is of course much more important. That relates solely to one’s standing with God, and has nothing to do with any particular 501c3 corporation.

While I do consider myself a Friend, your words speak to my assesment of how I view my particular monthly meeting I attend.

I have attended other faith traditions…and embrace them as members of Christ’s Body. Being a member of the Body of Christ through the One Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which makes us one in Him, is far more important than being a member of the Society of Friends…the belief and practice of the Society of Friends “speaks to my condition” as no other faith tradtiion has.

 

[Izdaari]

That’s how Pastor Jack Hayford described his home church, The Church on The Way (Sherman Oaks? Foursquare) before he was elected Foursquare’s president. In association or afflliation with the ICFG.

Interesting. My church happens to be Assemblies of God, which is quite similar in beliefs and practices to Hayford’s Foursquare.

While I do consider myself a Friend, your words speak to my assesment of how I view my particular monthly meeting I attend.

I have attended other faith traditions…and embrace them as members of Christ’s Body. Being a member of the Body of Christ through the One Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which makes us one in Him, is far more important than being a member of the Society of Friends…the belief and practice of the Society of Friends “speaks to my condition” as no other faith tradtiion has.

Society of Friends is one I haven’t yet visited, though there’s much about it I find attractive. Technically, I’m Pentecostal, but by doctrine and sympathy, I’m just as much Anglican and Lutheran, with maybe 10% Catholic and Orthodox theology mixed in.

 

[Bluegoat]

While I belong to my local parish, I still enjoy services provided by other parishes. This has never been contrary to what is acceptable. When I have switched parishes, it is because I have moved. I work overseas and am registered with the only Catholic Church in this country. I also have a home parish stateside. That does not keep me from attending novenas or other events offered by the various parishes in my hometown. All are connected within the same diocese. When I offer my services, I offer them to the parish in which I am registered. Except for my current hometown, I have mostly lived in cities, or on military posts with a single parish or chapel.

There is a difference between registering with a parish within a person’s diocese, and completely changing denominations because of differences of opinion or convenience. There is no doctrinal change involved.

I never said that it was a problem to be involved in some way with other parishes. Also, while you may always go to your local parish, that is not by any means universal.

And because of the nature of much Protestant theology, changing to another denomination is not the same as a Catholic going to, say, a Lutheran church. It is much more like a Latin Catholic switching to a EF parish or an Eastern Catholic parish.

 

[Ads]

Hi guys,

I have a protestant room mate and sometimes we discuss the differences that we know of between being catholic and being protestant. The other day, somehow we got to talking about members leaving one denomination for another.

I told her that as far as I knew, unless someone disagrees with the teachings of the catholic church, people don’t leave the church for a protestant denomination.

She said that it is generally acceptable for protestants to change denominations, as long as they are going to a christian church.

I was wondering if this is true and what others opinions are on this.

Thanks!

I’m a Seventh day Adventist and the only reason i would change Churchs was if i thought the word of God was being taught closer to the Bible somewhere else other than where i am now. I dont think that is the case so i stay, but if people of any denomination dont feel like they are drawing closer to God after a good period of being in what ever denomination it might be, (Protestant or Catholic) then i think they should look else where for sure.
I’m not saying just for a change for no reason or because they play better music or have a better social group. People should go where they are getting/hearing the undiluted truth of God and being able to grow in their relationship with him.

 

[Blessed_Beggar]

Living in the Bible Belt, the most common farewell is not, “Have a nice day.” Rather it is “Have a blessed day.” In the Vatican documents, you will not find the word Protestant. Instead you will find the term “separated brothers and sisters.” Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, our goal is the same intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ that the Saints enjoyed. Pope Benedict XVI defines dialogue as “communication across differences.” As we come to know one another, we are able to dispel the myths that keep us apart. Christians of all denominations mourned the passing of Pope John Paul II.

I have known Catholics who have left the Church for other denominations, even other religions. More often than not they express a misunderstanding of Catholic teaching. For whatever reason, they do not realize that they need not leave the Church to find what they seek.

I have to go along with this poster. I am here in the south, and am beginning the journey from a pentecostal denomination( that shall remain nameless in this thread), and becoming Catholic. Having been raised Southern Baptist prior to church hopping among the pentecostal crowd, I can tell you this…moving from one denomination to another is no big deal to others if its among mainline protestants. However, the line between them and pentecostalism is a jump that will raise eye-brows. Now that my family and I are coming to the True Church…it’s not just eye-brows raising, but jaws-dropping. I have been a lay evangelist and teacher within my ex-church for more than 3 years, and to leave it for “the Catholics” has been a bitter parting in some cases. We feel and know that the Lord has led us here, though, and accept it all with humility and gladness.

So to the OP, yes it is an easier experience in the Protestant world to switch, but there are still some hurdles…considering even among churches carrying the SAME NAME may have opposing views. Praise God for a unified Church…as Christ prayed for. One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!