Church Shopping

[Izdaari]

When I was looking for a good church in my neighborhood, not just to visit, but to potentially become a member of, I first made a list of all the ones that I thought had the Truth (as best I understood it, of course). There were no Catholic churches on the list, no Orthodox churches and a good many Protestant denominations got left out too. Then I methodically began to visit them. As it happened, the one I found wasn’t one that was on my list, and I think I found it because God led me to it, but that’s a long story…

 

[Izdaari]

Well said, but it’s very hard for a lost soul to KNOW what is true and where it is located. I think most church shoppers are lapsed Christians without a deep knowledge of God, or any family or community ties to their prior church. They are looking for a Church like a student searches for a good college

That sorta kinda describes me. I had been a lapsed Christian, but didn’t want to be one anymore. I had no family or community ties to any church. Over the years, I had attended churches of a number of different denominations, but formed no close affinity to any of them. I did have a pretty fair knowledge of theology, since that’s something I’ve studied informally for most of my life. And yeah, I was looking for a church like a student searches for a good college. But God interrupted that search, kinda like tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear, “hey, try this one”, one that hadn’t been on my list, and so I did. It’s worked out very well.

 

[Sufjon]

Incidentally, I am a bit perplexed by this concept of Church Shopping.

One ought to go where the Truth is, not where truth conforms to one’s own notions.

Otherwise, aren’t you creating a god in your own image? That is, I believe that god is
<list of qualities one finds reasonable in an omnipotent loving god>
so now let me find a church that has this god.

Rather! One ought to say “I will go where Truth is and conform my own beliefs to this Truth.”

In fact, I daresay that if you are in a denomination where everything that is taught you’re in 100% agreement with, then you’ve just created a religion in your own image. Reason ought to tell you that God must have revealed something that’s distasteful to you, something that makes you think, “Gee, I really don’t like that teaching, but I’m sure God has a good reason for it.” Reason demands that, yes?

Dear PRmerger: I understand your point. It makes sense to follow the truth once you find it, regardless of whether you like all of it or not. It follows, however, that it might be helpful to be able to discern just what the truth is. Now, the only truth I personally can share with you is that I would like to know the truth.

I have also heard the idea of creating God in your own image before. I’m mentioning it because you made reference to it. I think that’s a fascinating idea. I bet that when you say God, a different image comes up in just about everyone’s head, all of them with a little variation here or there. How does that concept manifest itself in your mind? I bet a very common image is of a muscular old white bearded man reaching across the Sistine Chapel vault. When I was a kid I used to see Him as a burning bush like in the movies. We are all creating images of God, because that’s what our minds do. Interestingly, if God exists, then He would have created the minds that are creating the images of Him. This is looking like a strange loop to me.

You brought up some interesting ideas. All I can say is that I would like to know which truth is true and who is creating who.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

When I was looking for a good church in my neighborhood, not just to visit, but to potentially become a member of, I first made a list of all the ones that I thought had the Truth (as best I understood it, of course). There were no Catholic churches on the list, no Orthodox churches and a good many Protestant denominations got left out too. Then I methodically began to visit them. As it happened, the one I found wasn’t one that was on my list, and I think I found it because God led me to it, but that’s a long story…

Jesus, who is God, founded a Church in A.D. 33 in Jerusalem. And you claim God led you to Pentecostalism, which was started by a mere man in 1901 in Kansas, which splintered into other denominations. The Assembly of God was founded by a group Pentecostal ministers from various Pentecostal organizations in 1914 it Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA. Hmmmm.

Jim Dandy

 

[Jim_Dandy]

I’m joking, of course. There IS no fellowship in any of the Catholic parishes in this valley. No coffee hour or anything else for fellowship. Typical.

The Catholic Church is not a social club. We go to Church to worship the Almighty God. Our focus is on God and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not on each other. If you were kneeling at Calvary, would you be back-slapping others and saying “Nice to see ya, how the heck are ya?”

There is plenty of fellowshipping among Catholics if that’s desired. You’ll find it in the social service organizations – the women’s or men’s groups, St. Vincent de Paul, the education classes, Bible studies, etc. My parish offers coffee and donuts during the winter months – sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

“Worship” to a lot of Protestants is a prayer, a song, and a looooooong sermon. (Edited)

I gave up a sermon and a song for True Worship.

Jim Dandy

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Wow, that was a dandy post alright. Ok, let’s address these interesting notions…

First of all, nobody said Catholicism was a social club nor would anyone with any sense say Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox, or the rest are “social clubs” either. So that was a waste of time. Secondly, your premise is that Catholics cannot walk and chew gum. They can’t worship the Almight Lord AND have some nice fellowship AFTERWARD! The key is AFTERWARD!! So your Calvary “how the heck are ya” sarcasm doesn’t apply does it? Who in their right mind would have coffee hour DURING MASS while taking Communion? I think the problem is that you don’t know what fellowship is so you’re trying to cook up weird scenarios with no basis in reality. One can worship the awe and mystery and glory of Christ and THEN LATER go to the parish hall and have fellowship without being a “back-slapping” dipstick. That’s like a teacher saying he can only teach and not foster self-esteem or just teach and not counsel, just teach and not make learning fun, just teach and not have good communication with parents.

Your premise is a one-trick pony approach. Worship, leave. If you have fellowship somehow you think that’ll diminish the worship? I don’t follow the logic. I think the Church can walk and chew gum. Is it a bad thing for parishoners to know each other’s names? Or is that ‘too Protestant!’ Is it a bad thing to get to know one another? Bad to meet in homes and pray or study Scripture with a deacon or priest or catechists present? Is it bad to have refreshments? Is that somehow against the rubrics?

Why is it so threatening to improve the climate and get people to know one another, interact, and share their faith in conversations? Is it threatening if I know where the guy sitting next to me in the pew is employed? Will it hurt my piety if I get to know another couple with little kids like my wife and I? I wasn’t aware of the early Church being this way.

Your Anglicans are imitation Catholics is a totally inappropriate, uncharitable, demeaning, and ignorant remark. I would be just as disgusted if an Anglican called you a Mary-worshipper, an idolator, a cannibal for the Eucharist, a “papist” or any of the other anti-Catholic rhetoric. Keep to your opinions and points without uncharitable, ignorant insults toward people different than yourself. It’s ridiculous and shows the weakness of one’s arguments.

The Catholic Church is not a social club. We go to Church to worship the Almighty God. Our focus is on God and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, not on each other. If you were kneeling at Calvary, would you be back-slapping others and saying “Nice to see ya, how the heck are ya?”

There is plenty of fellowshipping among Catholics if that’s desired. You’ll find it in the social service organizations – the women’s or men’s groups, St. Vincent de Paul, the education classes, Bible studies, etc. My parish offers coffee and donuts during the winter months – sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

“Worship” to a lot of Protestants is a prayer, a song, and a looooooong sermon. Anglicans are genuine imitation Catholics.

I gave up a sermon and a song for True Worship.

Jim Dandy

 

[PRmerger]

Dear PRmerger: I understand your point. It makes sense to follow the truth once you find it, regardless of whether you like all of it or not. It follows, however, that it might be helpful to be able to discern just what the truth is. Now, the only truth I personally can share with you is that I would like to know the truth.

I have also heard the idea of creating God in your own image before. I’m mentioning it because you made reference to it. I think that’s a fascinating idea. I bet that when you say God, a different image comes up in just about everyone’s head, all of them with a little variation here or there. How does that concept manifest itself in your mind? I bet a very common image is of a muscular old white bearded man reaching across the Sistine Chapel vault. When I was a kid I used to see Him as a burning bush like in the movies. We are all creating images of God, because that’s what our minds do. Interestingly, if God exists, then He would have created the minds that are creating the images of Him. This is looking like a strange loop to me.

You brought up some interesting ideas. All I can say is that I would like to know which truth is true and who is creating who.

Seek and you shall find, dear Sufjon!

I am not sure where you’re going with the comment about everyone having a different image of God. Are you arguing that because of this difference, all are correct?

 

[PRmerger]

I gave up a sermon and a song for True Worship.

Jim Dandy

Indeed.

And I’m guessing you gave up a friendship with Jesus–no matter how close and dear, for a consummated, ONE FLESH Union with the Beloved.

 

[u202594]

I think that the people that miss the fellowship in a Catholic Church are the people who leave after receiving communion instead of waiting for the actual end of mass… I think there is an obvious problem with “coffee hour” prior to mass… how can you fast an hour before communion then? I have been to a number of Catholic churches around the country and they almost always have some luncheon, dinner, meeting, soft ball game, or something going on after. I can’t deny that the first time I went to a Pentecostal church I was more warmly welcomed… it was quite appealing to me in my teenage years and did cause me to stray for many years from the Catholic Church. But that was before I realized that it was more about the good time I was having worshiping G-d on my terms instead of his… before anyone accuses me of being judgmental here I am only speaking of my experience, and not implying that anyone else at any other type of church is there just to get the warm feeling from uplifting music and friendly people. I also agree there is no reason that you can’t or shouldn’t enjoy worshiping our Lord. Honestly, looking back it was more about me then G-d.

 

[u202594]

I also heard Scott Hahn one time refer to the end of the liturgy of the Eucharist being quite abrupt but rightly abrupt by commissioning us to “go and love and serve the Lord”…thinking about it that way maybe us Catholics should save fellowship for another time and use the freshness of the liturgy of the Word and go utilize it immediately.

 

[waxwing]

Wow, that was a dandy post alright. Ok, let’s address these interesting notions…

First of all, nobody said Catholicism was a social club nor would anyone with any sense say Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox, or the rest are “social clubs” either. So that was a waste of time. Secondly, your premise is that Catholics cannot walk and chew gum. They can’t worship the Almight Lord AND have some nice fellowship AFTERWARD! The key is AFTERWARD!! So your Calvary “how the heck are ya” sarcasm doesn’t apply does it? Who in their right mind would have coffee hour DURING MASS while taking Communion? I think the problem is that you don’t know what fellowship is so you’re trying to cook up weird scenarios with no basis in reality. One can worship the awe and mystery and glory of Christ and THEN LATER go to the parish hall and have fellowship without being a “back-slapping” dipstick. That’s like a teacher saying he can only teach and not foster self-esteem or just teach and not counsel, just teach and not make learning fun, just teach and not have good communication with parents.

Your premise is a one-trick pony approach. Worship, leave. If you have fellowship somehow you think that’ll diminish the worship? I don’t follow the logic. I think the Church can walk and chew gum. Is it a bad thing for parishoners to know each other’s names? Or is that ‘too Protestant!’ Is it a bad thing to get to know one another? Bad to meet in homes and pray or study Scripture with a deacon or priest or catechists present? Is it bad to have refreshments? Is that somehow against the rubrics?

Why is it so threatening to improve the climate and get people to know one another, interact, and share their faith in conversations? Is it threatening if I know where the guy sitting next to me in the pew is employed? Will it hurt my piety if I get to know another couple with little kids like my wife and I? I wasn’t aware of the early Church being this way.

Your Anglicans are imitation Catholics is a totally inappropriate, uncharitable, demeaning, and ignorant remark. I would be just as disgusted if an Anglican called you a Mary-worshipper, an idolator, a cannibal for the Eucharist, a “papist” or any of the other anti-Catholic rhetoric. Keep to your opinions and points without uncharitable, ignorant insults toward people different than yourself. It’s ridiculous and shows the weakness of one’s arguments.

Bravo , I tend to read the forums more than post but when I see your comments I usually stop and read because of your thought provoking and sometimes humorous posts. I had to give you a thumbs up on that fiery response.

 

[Bluegoat]

The problem with no one welcoming newcomers or disdaining fellowship or even friendliness is that those people may not know what the Mass is supposed to be about, they may be confused by the service, or intimidated by the unfamiliar surroundings. If no one reaches out to them at all, what is there to make them want to return?

And to say that the reverence or focus of the Mass somehow precludes reaching out to guests as an individual is absurd. What does the liturgy tell us to do? We always pray for missions, we are told to love our neighbour, we are told in the Anglican service to “worthily magnify” God’s Holy Name. The response we should have after such an intimate encounter with God is to reach out to our neighbour, and to fulfill the great commission. Who can talk about sending missions to far away lands when you can’t welcome a guest in your own parish? And that includes at the beginning of the service, making sure that they have the books they need, and know where to look for direction.

Now, I know not all Catholic parishes are like this, (and many Anglican ones are also terrible with newcomers) but frankly I am shocked to hear this defense that has been put forth by some people. Perhaps people don’t realize how very unfamiliar with any Christian ideas a person may be?

I think this speaks to what is difficult in liturgical churches. And I am not for a moment suggesting the liturgy should be removed or watered down (in fact I think the Catholic Church has gone too far in this, as have many Anglican groups.) But we need to understand that many people have never had any exposure to Christianity, and many Christians have never had any exposure to liturgy. On a first, or a third, visit, the liturgy can be almost totally inaccessible to those people.

So the question to my mind is how to help them so that they can begin, even on the first visit, to get something out of it? So they can begin to hear the teachings that are contained within it? And a place to follow up with that is also important. Because without some other form of teaching, it is very difficult to get everything out of the liturgy, especially the newer forms. The best answer I have seen is individual contact, a person who helps the newcomer get situated, guides him if he wishes, and can be a point of contact later. Such a person needs to be sensitive and well chosen. But I think this is a really important ministry.

Also, as far as fellowship diluting the message - the most clearly Christ centered service I have ever attended was followed by a pot-luck lunch, where many people introduced themselves and welcomed me. I cannot see the two things as opposed - in fact I think one was the result of the other. Such joy and awe in receiving the Body and Blood translated into great joy in having someone new attend, not just in an abstract internal way, but concretely and externally.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Hi Waxwing,

I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I’ve been taking my lumps and bruises lately for speaking my mind about things that I feel passionate about. I get a lot of “either/or” arguments against me. It’s fascinating how Catholics (rightly!!) argue that one can be a worshipper of Jesus Christ AND have a devotion to His Mother Mary. Why can’t we do both? It’s not an either/or? Then why can’t we have devout and pious worship AND great fellowship, too? Another either/or kinda thing.

Blessings to you and thanks again!

Bravo , I tend to read the forums more than post but when I see your comments I usually stop and read because of your thought provoking and sometimes humorous posts. I had to give you a thumbs up on that fiery response.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Agreed, Blue. And I also hear the argument A LOT that “you shouldn’t join or leave a church because people are nice to you or treat you a certain way! You go where the truth is!”

Problem is, we’re fallen people, sinners. Sometimes when we’re in a fragile state and seeking, a kind word, a smile, fellowship, friendship, a welcoming and heart-felt attitude is just the shot in the arm we really need!!!

I think people DO need to see the fruits of Christ in the flock. If a Protestant walks into a Catholic parish, let’s say, and sees people who don’t sing, look drained and bored and lacking in joy, nobody greets them or cares, the sermon is banal and bland and lacking in fire or passion or hope, and someone is unfriendly or nasty, etc. it WILL provide a poor witness. Catholicism stresses more than the other Christian denominations the importance of WORKS. Our behavior, our works, our actions are supposed to be part of the salvific formula, right? We’re supposed to live the faith. So how does it look for a group who stresses works to be unfriendly, even rude to a visitor?

Now it’s easy to say, “it’s not about YOU! It’s not about feelings or treatment or kindness or smiles or warmth or fellowship or anything in the world except the Eucharist!” I don’t think Christ came here just to give us the Eucharist. He came here to give us the Word, expect us to live it, to forgive our sins, to have us preach His Gospel, to live as joyful people thankful for our salvation, to provide testimony and witness. The liturgy should reflect that joy, that sense of mission, excitement, and organic vibrance. When it doesn’t it looks to the visitor that the sacraments aren’t really working in these folks’ lives, etc.

People should take the Eucharist AND treat people exactly as if they just encountered the Risen Lord in the Sacrament, joyful, happy, kind, and charitable.

I don’t see why that high standard can’t be met and why some folks are so happy with such low expectations and impersonality.

The problem with no one welcoming newcomers or disdaining fellowship or even friendliness is that those people may not know what the Mass is supposed to be about, they may be confused by the service, or intimidated by the unfamiliar surroundings. If no one reaches out to them at all, what is there to make them want to return?

And to say that the reverence or focus of the Mass somehow precludes reaching out to guests as an individual is absurd. What does the liturgy tell us to do? We always pray for missions, we are told to love our neighbour, we are told in the Anglican service to “worthily magnify” God’s Holy Name. The response we should have after such an intimate encounter with God is to reach out to our neighbour, and to fulfill the great commission. Who can talk about sending missions to far away lands when you can’t welcome a guest in your own parish? And that includes at the beginning of the service, making sure that they have the books they need, and know where to look for direction.

Now, I know not all Catholic parishes are like this, (and many Anglican ones are also terrible with newcomers) but frankly I am shocked to hear this defense that has been put forth by some people. Perhaps people don’t realize how very unfamiliar with any Christian ideas a person may be?

I think this speaks to what is difficult in liturgical churches. And I am not for a moment suggesting the liturgy should be removed or watered down (in fact I think the Catholic Church has gone too far in this, as have many Anglican groups.) But we need to understand that many people have never had any exposure to Christianity, and many Christians have never had any exposure to liturgy. On a first, or a third, visit, the liturgy can be almost totally inaccessible to those people.

So the question to my mind is how to help them so that they can begin, even on the first visit, to get something out of it? So they can begin to hear the teachings that are contained within it? And a place to follow up with that is also important. Because without some other form of teaching, it is very difficult to get everything out of the liturgy, especially the newer forms. The best answer I have seen is individual contact, a person who helps the newcomer get situated, guides him if he wishes, and can be a point of contact later. Such a person needs to be sensitive and well chosen. But I think this is a really important ministry.

Also, as far as fellowship diluting the message - the most clearly Christ centered service I have ever attended was followed by a pot-luck lunch, where many people introduced themselves and welcomed me. I cannot see the two things as opposed - in fact I think one was the result of the other. Such joy and awe in receiving the Body and Blood translated into great joy in having someone new attend, not just in an abstract internal way, but concretely and externally.

 

[JDZwiers19]

I’m joking, of course. There IS no fellowship in any of the Catholic parishes in this valley. No coffee hour or anything else for fellowship. Typical.

Certainly not typical of my parish. Pancake breakfast first Sunday of every month, annual barbecues etc. Hosted by the Knights of course.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I’m glad to hear it, JDZ! My parents visited a Catholic parish in Monterey, California, about two months ago. My parents are accustomed to the drab, lackluster, bland diocese we’re in that has zip for fellowship. My parents were blown away at the Monterey Catholics. They had greeters when they went in who were so friendly, people sang at the top of their lungs, the sermon according to my dad was just first-rate and knocked his socks off, the liturgy was pious, and afterward they had coffee hour in the parish hall and it was warm, friendly, and awesome. My parents said it was heavenly.

Our parish has nothing. The Anglican parish here is very welcoming this way and has coffee hour, Wednesday nights Eucharist with dinner for everyone, child care, bible study, parish picnics and bbq’s, parish family week up at Camp in the foothills, swim parties, you name it AND they have great liturgy.

Some people in here have mocked greeters as phony salesmen. I disagree. The greeters I’ve met genuinely ENJOY greeting people and don’t make sales pitches. They’re just nice folks with a smile who want to show their joy for Jesus to those coming in as they hand them a missal and bulletin. Why can’t we have coffee hour after Mass just once per month I say? Our Catholic parish has $$$ coming out its ears. The Anglicans are broke from being sued and so small yet they muster it. I think it’s the culture in this area and some other Catholic areas.

The occasional pancake supper is typical, I’d like to see more. Getting to know one another and enjoying the company of other Catholics is not a bad thing?

Certainly not typical of my parish. Pancake breakfast first Sunday of every month, annual barbecues etc. Hosted by the Knights of course.

 

[Izdaari]

Jesus, who is God, founded a Church in A.D. 33 in Jerusalem. And you claim God led you to Pentecostalism, which was started by a mere man in 1901 in Kansas, which splintered into other denominations. The Assembly of God was founded by a group Pentecostal ministers from various Pentecostal organizations in 1914 it Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA. Hmmmm.

Jim Dandy

Not quite. I don’t claim God led me to a faith group or a denomination, but that He led me to a particular congregation, under a particular pastor. In a different community, it wouldn’t greatly surprise me if the church He led me to were of a different denomination. It wouldn’t even astonish me if it were Catholic or Orthodox. There are good (and not so good) Christian faith communities in most any denomination.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Wow, that was a dandy post alright. Ok, let’s address these interesting notions…

First of all, nobody said Catholicism was a social club nor would anyone with any sense say Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox, or the rest are “social clubs” either. So that was a waste of time. Secondly, your premise is that Catholics cannot walk and chew gum. They can’t worship the Almight Lord AND have some nice fellowship AFTERWARD! The key is AFTERWARD!! So your Calvary “how the heck are ya” sarcasm doesn’t apply does it? Who in their right mind would have coffee hour DURING MASS while taking Communion? I think the problem is that you don’t know what fellowship is so you’re trying to cook up weird scenarios with no basis in reality. One can worship the awe and mystery and glory of Christ and THEN LATER go to the parish hall and have fellowship without being a “back-slapping” dipstick. That’s like a teacher saying he can only teach and not foster self-esteem or just teach and not counsel, just teach and not make learning fun, just teach and not have good communication with parents.

Your premise is a one-trick pony approach. Worship, leave. If you have fellowship somehow you think that’ll diminish the worship? I don’t follow the logic. I think the Church can walk and chew gum. Is it a bad thing for parishoners to know each other’s names? Or is that ‘too Protestant!’ Is it a bad thing to get to know one another? Bad to meet in homes and pray or study Scripture with a deacon or priest or catechists present? Is it bad to have refreshments? Is that somehow against the rubrics?

Why is it so threatening to improve the climate and get people to know one another, interact, and share their faith in conversations? Is it threatening if I know where the guy sitting next to me in the pew is employed? Will it hurt my piety if I get to know another couple with little kids like my wife and I? I wasn’t aware of the early Church being this way.

Your Anglicans are imitation Catholics is a totally inappropriate, uncharitable, demeaning, and ignorant remark. I would be just as disgusted if an Anglican called you a Mary-worshipper, an idolator, a cannibal for the Eucharist, a “papist” or any of the other anti-Catholic rhetoric. Keep to your opinions and points without uncharitable, ignorant insults toward people different than yourself. It’s ridiculous and shows the weakness of one’s arguments.

You say that I don’t know what “fellowshipping” is – I spent many unfortunate years as a Southern Baptist, where fellowshipping is de rigeur. A sermon, a song, and puhlenty of “fellowshipping” is the Protestant definition of “worship” – at least in non-liturgical ecclesial communities.

I said Catholics “fellowship” in the service organizations. They do not “fellowship” in Church. Many Catholic parishes are huge – 2,000 families or more – and there is a choice of the Masses one can attend. There is no way to tell a visitor from a member of the parish.

I’m not opposed to social events after Mass – except it leads to a parking problem for those coming to the following Mass. If I’m there at 7:30 and another Mass starts at 9, the parking lot needs to empty after the earlier Mass – otherwise, there is no place to park so that WORSHIP may occur. On Sunday mornings, Mass is non-stop at large parishes. 7:30, 9, 10:30, 12, 1:30, 5:30 in my parish. No way to accommodate socials after Mass. And no way to tell visitors from parishioners.

In most Catholic Churches, fellowshipping is done in small-group settings – and if it’s fellowshipping you want, you’ll find plenty of it.

And if you want to be responsible for a parish get-together some time that would not interfere with the schedule of Masses, the priest would have no objections. He’d put the announcement in the bulletin. But don’t expect him to be in charge – he’s a busy guy. My parish has breakfast once a month during the winter months (summer is too hot), cooked and served by the Dad’s Club. The breakfast raises funds for the school.

The Latin Mass community has potluck once a month – organized by the congregtion themselves – but they are a small group with one Mass on Sundays, so they all know each other, which is impossible in many large parishes.

My comment about Anglicans does not apply to “low church” (evangelical) or “broad church” (liberal) Anglicans, but to those who style themselves “Anglo-Catholics.” Sorry I didn’t clarify that.

Socializing is nice, but IT’S THE MASS THAT MATTERS.

Jim Dandy

 

[Mrs_V]

My impression is that people come to the RCC by marriage or they were baptised and return to thier roots, so to speak.
I would be curous how many come to the church without a family connection?

I come from a family of very strong Southern Baptists on both sides. (I actually had to wait until I had finished college and moved out of my parents home before starting RCIA because I knew what an uproar there would be.)

I read myself into the Church and knew I would convert for years before it was able to happen. It was a very bittersweet time period.

 

[Sufjon]

Seek and you shall find, dear Sufjon!

I am not sure where you’re going with the comment about everyone having a different image of God. Are you arguing that because of this difference, all are correct?

Hi PRmerger: I wasn’t saying that everyone is correct, although I hold it as a possibility. I was more interested in the idea of creating God in ones own image. I think everyone does that to some extent, because everyone probably has a somewhat different image that pops up in their heads when they think of God, even if they share the exact same theologies. Since anything we can conjure up in our heads is a product of His handiwork in some way, it would be hard for me to say that any of them are wrong.