Christian Motorcyclist Association

[Dewman]

I belong to a motorcycle group Christian Motorcyclist Association who’s mission is to save lost souls within the motorcycle community by evangelizing at rallies and doing good works at secular motorcycle events as well as to fund raise to send Bibles to missionaries in 3rd world countries. CMA is a non-denominational organization with many past Catholics and Mormons in the Utah chapter. At one meeting I had a member who was a past Mormon remark that once you leave the Mormon or Catholic church you never go back as he is now a basic Christian and that was more important than belonging to an organized church. I get the feeling that the majority of the members believe in this and at the CMA meetings they have alter calls and various gospel singing groups performing. Is this getting too far away from the Catholic beliefs by belonging to an organization like CMA? I am very troubled whether to belong to this group or not to. Those in the chapter are good people with very good intent to save souls, but I have to wonder if saving for the sake of saving is the right thing since they do not push or acknowledge the one true church Catholic. Or would this really be a good opportunity through this organization to evangelize the Catholic faith at the rallies? I am looking for advice from my Catholic brothers and sisters. Additionally if anyone would like to know more about this organization they do have a web site.
Dewman

 

[Joseph_Bilodeau]

Dewman:

…At one meeting I had a member who was a past Mormon remark that once you leave the Mormon or Catholic church you never go back…

If you ever hear a remark like this again, you might simply and courteously tell the speaker (and any other listeners) that this just isn’t true. Like the father of the prodigal son, the Church is always ready to welcome back anyone who wants to come home. It might be just the thing some of your fellow riders need to hear.

 

[Genesis315]

CMA is a non-denominational organization

“Non-denominational” groups have a certain theology that is usually unCatholic at best and anti-Catholic at worst. Some don’t believe Catholics are Christians or that they have been “saved.” I’d watch out if I were you.

If you are evangelizing, it is your duty to present the Catholic position, so you can’t be telling people they “are saved” simply from answering the altar call. You’ll need to tell them about the necessity of the sacraments and in general the fullness of the Truth that subsists only in the Catholic Church. This may be incompatible with CMA’s mission.

 

[MikeB]

Dewman, I know where you are coming from. I have a friend (non-Catholic) who asked me to join him for the local CMA meetings. I contacted my parish priest, who just happens to have a motorcycle, and asked him about the group. He said for the most part that they are truly Protestant in their dealings but that he has never had a problem with them and has been to several of their meetings. But I question if he might be deal with different than someone else since they are dealing with a Priest and not a lay person. I haven’t decided yet to go to one of the meetings yet but if I do then I will have to hold true to my faith. As to the comment from the member tell him that this email is from someone who left the Catholic Church and wandered around lost for almost 30 years before returning 3 years ago more on fire with love of God than ever before.

 

[DanB]

As a Harley rider, and a Catholic one at that, thanks for the heads up on the CMA. I’d been thinking of joining them on an occasion never had. Regardless of any organization you belong to, you’ll mostly likely run into someone that slams the idea of being Catholic. So goes life! Anyway, you’re on the right site to be catechized and reading some of the great books they have in the library will help too! Faith requires knowlege, trust and vision. Buff up your history, pray deligently, go to mass regularly…don’t worry what to say, the Spirt of the Lord will give you words when you need them.

 

[Dewman]

Thanks for the replys. I need to rephrase my definition of CMA; it is a non-denominational organization that is open to any Christian denomination. After reading the replys I have a renewed commitment to work with CMA to spread the word of Jesus to the biker community. I also agree with the comments that I should always defend my Catholic faith and that the holy spirit will give me the words to do so, but to continue my deeper education about the Catholic faith so that I can be a better teacher to others.
Planting the seeds of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Dewman

 

[Gypsy_Rider]

I am Catholic and a member of CMA [an officer in my chapter]. Yes, they are very strong about the non-denominational concept. And I have encountered some people who had anti-Catholic views…this lead to some good discussions. Pick any organization and you will always find some who like Catholics and some who don’t. I feel it is my responsibility to help clear up these misconceptions. CMA has a very valuable place in the biker community, where too many bikers know nothing about God and/or have been turned away by the larger denominational churches. If interaction with a CMA member gets someone thinking, gets the door open to talk about God, then it’s a good start.
I would say to anyone considering joining CMA…do it, but be strong in your own faith also. Be willing and ready for discussion.

Ride safe…

 

[Cathdefender]

I am a female who also rides a Harley. I would like to know if there are any “Catholic” Christian groups out there.

 

[jugo]

I bought a motorcycle, then I started searching for a group to ride with that had a purpose and I came across the CMA. To see the conviction and the dedication to service in the members, is a refreshing feeling.

CMA is not Anti Catholic. For me it has been a way for me to exercise my faith through service and Ministry.

I encourage any Christian to join the CMA and become yet another voice for the Message of Christ.

 

[ralphinal]

It is not 100% germain, but there is a Christian Martial Arts association that I looked into joining. It proclaims itself as non-denominational, but in order to join you must make a statement of faith that Catholics, EO, Anglicans, Lutherins and others would have trouble with. I tried to point that out and was told by a local member that the group was “Christain” and open to “Christians.”

Oh well.