Have you explored other religions?

[gurneyhalleck1]

I went through CCD in 1984. I loved the 80!..except for CCD!! LOL

And things haven’t changed much at the church here in town. Now they still have the same wacko micro-managing witch lady that makes the kids memorize 70 prayers to “pass” and who keeps track of parents and kids going to Mass with a barcode on their offering envelopes. If parents miss more than one Mass without a very good excuse or a bulletin from out of town proving they attended Mass elsewhere out of town, they are booted from the program. It’s a bunch of memorization, going through motions, and they teach the kids too hard too young. Two-year torture fest.

Then there’s confirmation. High schoolers have to go THREE YEARS of agony and have like 30 hours of volunteer work and proof of going to Mass every week signed off, yada yada…lame.

I don’t know when you went through CCD, but that is one of the things I would personally like to work on changin once i finish my degree.

 

[CMatt25]

Yep. The Episcopal Church is somethin’ else. My rector sent me an article from the Modesto Bee, where the supposed “bishop” of San Joaquin (at least the Episcopal Church thinks he is) Jerry Lamb admitted to the Bee that Katharine Jefforts-Schiori has told all the bishops “if you win the lawsuits, take their property from them and then find you can’t afford to keep the property or don’t have enough parishoners to run it financially, then go ahead and sell BUT don’t under ANY circumstances sell the property back to the conservatives. Don’t let them get it back even if they buy it back. Sell it as retail property before you let that happen.”

Ah, Christian brotherhood at its best…sick bunch…I have no respect for TEC, none

Hmmm… Lawsuits involving TEC were not exactly the lawsuits I was referring to about which not to get me started on.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Well don’t just leave me hangin’ for goodness sakes man, give!.. Wait…are you referring to the Catholic scandal lawsuits?

Hmmm… Lawsuits involving TEC were not exactly the lawsuits I was referring to about which not to get me started on.

 

[CWBetts]

I went through CCD in 1984. I loved the 80!..except for CCD!! LOL

And things haven’t changed much at the church here in town. Now they still have the same wacko micro-managing witch lady that makes the kids memorize 70 prayers to “pass” and who keeps track of parents and kids going to Mass with a barcode on their offering envelopes. If parents miss more than one Mass without a very good excuse or a bulletin from out of town proving they attended Mass elsewhere out of town, they are booted from the program. It’s a bunch of memorization, going through motions, and they teach the kids too hard too young. Two-year torture fest.

Then there’s confirmation. High schoolers have to go THREE YEARS of agony and have like 30 hours of volunteer work and proof of going to Mass every week signed off, yada yada…lame.

I am on board with volunteer work (30 hours is really not that much). But the tracking of Mass attendance is out of line and memorization is not catechesis. I think a change has to be made from the “what” to the “why.” TO be a proper witness to the faith, it is not enough to know the prayers of the Rosary, but what the purpose of the Rosary is and why it’s valuable. Thank you for your post. It reminds me of why I am going to school and that there is much work yet to be done.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I’m actually not on board with the volunteer work despite how awful that sounds. The reason is not that I loathe good works or helping the poor, etc. I actually think 3 years for confirmation is insane. Secondly, confirmation is simply an acceptance and re-affirmation of our baptism, a churning up of the Holy Spirit and a deep desire to accept and laud that which one’s parents gifted us with as babies. It’s saying “yes!!” to Christ and opening our heart to a re-affirmation of baptism and fullness of Church life. Volunteer work has nothing with opening one’s heart to his/her baptism in a full way. It presupposes earning something. It’s like a Cub Scout/Boy Scout badge, a Weebelo kind of thing. If I do this and do that then I earn my confirmation. Cheesy IMO.

And I think it’s GREAT that you have a fervent desire to right the many wrongs of awful Catholic catechesis that’s gone on for so long. Best of luck to you, CW, in your efforts and love for teaching your faith…

I am on board with volunteer work (30 hours is really not that much). But the tracking of Mass attendance is out of line and memorization is not catechesis. I think a change has to be made from the “what” to the “why.” TO be a proper witness to the faith, it is not enough to know the prayers of the Rosary, but what the purpose of the Rosary is and why it’s valuable. Thank you for your post. It reminds me of why I am going to school and that there is much work yet to be done.

 

[CMatt25]

Well don’t just leave me hangin’ for goodness sakes man, give!.. Wait…are you referring to the Catholic scandal lawsuits?

Gurney, I’m not even goin there right now. Other than you mentioned you don’t respect TEC. And in relation to the topic I’ll just venture a guess there might be some exploring other religions because they lost respect for some non-TEC priests and bishops as well.

 

[CWBetts]

I’m actually not on board with the volunteer work despite how awful that sounds. The reason is not that I loathe good works or helping the poor, etc. I actually think 3 years for confirmation is insane. Secondly, confirmation is simply an acceptance and re-affirmation of our baptism, a churning up of the Holy Spirit and a deep desire to accept and laud that which one’s parents gifted us with as babies. It’s saying “yes!!” to Christ and opening our heart to a re-affirmation of baptism and fullness of Church life. Volunteer work has nothing with opening one’s heart to his/her baptism in a full way. It presupposes earning something. It’s like a Cub Scout/Boy Scout badge, a Weebelo kind of thing. If I do this and do that then I earn my confirmation. Cheesy IMO.

And I think it’s GREAT that you have a fervent desire to right the many wrongs of awful Catholic catechesis that’s gone on for so long. Best of luck to you, CW, in your efforts and love for teaching your faith…

Confirmation goes much deeper than that. Confirmation gives us a character-an indelible mark on our soul-which is precisely why it can never be repeated. Confirmation also gives us the grace to have the courage to be a witness for our faith. I am not saying tht it is not a reaffirmation of our baptism, but it goes so much deeper than that.

 

[CMatt25]

3 yrs seemed a stretch to me too when I read your posts. Then I got to thinking I was baptized and made a permanent Catholic according to the Church at 1 month. Received First Communion at age 7 and confirmed at age 10. So that’s 3 yrs between Communion and Confirmation. Not sure kids that young even understand it all. But that’s how the Church did it back in my day.

I’m actually not on board with the volunteer work despite how awful that sounds. The reason is not that I loathe good works or helping the poor, etc. I actually think 3 years for confirmation is insane. Secondly, confirmation is simply an acceptance and re-affirmation of our baptism, a churning up of the Holy Spirit and a deep desire to accept and laud that which one’s parents gifted us with as babies. It’s saying “yes!!” to Christ and opening our heart to a re-affirmation of baptism and fullness of Church life. Volunteer work has nothing with opening one’s heart to his/her baptism in a full way. It presupposes earning something. It’s like a Cub Scout/Boy Scout badge, a Weebelo kind of thing. If I do this and do that then I earn my confirmation. Cheesy IMO.

And I think it’s GREAT that you have a fervent desire to right the many wrongs of awful Catholic catechesis that’s gone on for so long. Best of luck to you, CW, in your efforts and love for teaching your faith…

 

[SalesianSDB]

I studied Buddhism for a while and read a book by HH the Dali Lama, it was very interesting. And I have a book called Buddha in my Backpack which is for teens researching Buddhism, it is very helpful in explaining the theology, or rather, philosophy that is Buddhism.

Last year for English I did a research paper on the religious life of my favorite musician, George Harrison, who was a Hindu. And because of that I had to study some of that faith and listen to his songs for references to his faith and God.

After recently watching an episode of South Park called “All About Mormons” in which the history of the LDS church was explained highlighting the more unbelievable stuff, I went onto mormon.org and chatted with a missionary to learn more about it. I still go on their a lot because I find it a very interesting religion and one that I’d want to know more about than just, “Oh, their polygamists.” And I could say that I know a fair amount of LDS teachings, and love it! It’s my favorite non-Catholic religion.

Although I am Catholic, I love studying and learning other faiths. Religion is an interesting thing, most (if not all) cultures have one so there is something there in the human heart that searches for God, and in learning about other people’s faiths I grow deeper in mine and it strengthens my relationship with God.

 

[Go_Utes]

I was raised LDS. I started looking for the truth when I was 17. Went to born again christian church for awhile and then found RCIA. I am very happy to be a Catholic. I think its great for people to look into other faiths to find what they are looking for.

 

[lax16]

I was raised LDS. I started looking for the truth when I was 17. Went to born again christian church for awhile and then found RCIA. I am very happy to be a Catholic. I think its great for people to look into other faiths to find what they are looking for.

From one Utahn to another - Welcome! and Go Utes!

 

[Go_Utes]

From one Utahn to another - Welcome! and Go Utes!

Thanks hoping for a great season.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

And I could say that I know a fair amount of LDS teachings, and love it! It’s my favorite non-Catholic religion.

Be careful. Mormons use the same words but mean something entirely different.

Example: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are three separate Gods, but are united in purpose; this is the Mormon “Trinity.”

Read Isaiah Bennett’s Inside Mormonism, available from Catholic Answers. Bennett was a Catholic priest who became a Mormon, came to his senses, and returned to the Church. He tells about Mormonism – straight up. If you wish, I’ll send you the book – pm or email me.

Peace be with you, Jim Dandy

 

[Julia1996]

I have explored other religions. In fact that is what I am doing right now.

My family is Christian but undecided as to which denomination. We have been to many different churches but my parents didn’t like most of them.

I don’t like the idea of moving from church to church. I would like to settle down and stay with one religious denomination for the rest of my life. I joined this forum at the suggestion of my Catholic friends.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a religion for me? I would like to stick with the teachings of the Bible. I would like a church that has structure and rules.

 

[Monica4316]

Hi all! I am just curious if anyone here were from a different religious background than Catholic, or have explored other faiths. Just…well, I am always the curious cat, aren’t I?

I have to admit, I was raised Catholic then moved away from it. I was a Lutheran for awhile but I missed the “glitz and glamor” as my dad calls it, of the Catholic Church. I tried to get into Wiccan but realised it was too complicated and expensive. So now I am drifting, and I supposeI wonder what other people have experienced.

I was raised non religious, then was baptized Eastern Orthodox… But my faith wasn’t really strong, and in high school I was sort of a relativist/agnostic. I also looked into religions similar to wicca prior to my baptism. In university I found faith in Christ and began going to a Protestant non denominational church… I became Catholic 2 years ago, after a long search.

 

[dontknow]

I’ve thought about it personally but have not.

Wife & I were born & raised Catholic - are practicing today and raising daughter as such.

I truly feel that many of the other Christian Based religions (the limited ones I am familiar with) are just as valid as Catholicism.

Far be it from me to predict how anyone (including myself) will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

I find it hard to believe that anyone other than Catholics will be offered a space within the pearly gates and be sent to hell. I just don’t believe that -sorry.

Now let the flamers flame me.

 

[CMatt25]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a religion for me? I would like to stick with the teachings of the Bible. I would like a church that has structure and rules.

Since you are asking this on a Catholic forum with conservative/traditionalist leanings where many seem to need structure and rules and believe the Catholic Church is the one and only true Church from the Bible, I’d think you would know ahead of time the recomendation you’re going to get.

 

[CMatt25]

I truly feel that many of the other Christian Based religions (the limited ones I am familiar with) are just as valid as Catholicism.

Far be it from me to predict how anyone (including myself) will be dealt with on Judgement Day.

I find it hard to believe that anyone other than Catholics will be offered a space within the pearly gates and be sent to hell. I just don’t believe that -sorry.

Now let the flamers flame me.

:clapping: No flame from me. In fairness though Catholics don’t say someone not Catholic could not be saved. The only ones who many say could not be saved are folks who know the Church is the one true and do not enter. Who would know that though and not enter is beyond me however. And those who at one time believed it but had a change in belief and do not remain or return. Those are the folks who could not be saved/will be fried according to many.

 

[fhansen]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a religion for me? I would like to stick with the teachings of the Bible. I would like a church that has structure and rules.

Uh, Catholic? Seriously, I think you’ll find that as other Christian faiths change their rules and become more permissive/conformed to societal values, the CC will not, in spite of internal controversies and imperfections of her members in general, laity and clergy alike.

 

[CMatt25]

Uh, Catholic? Seriously, I think you’ll find that as other Christian faiths change their rules and become more permissive/conformed to societal values, the CC will not, in spite of internal controversies and imperfections of her members in general, laity and clergy alike.

Whether the CC changes something depends on how its classified. There’s canon, dogma, doctrine, catechism, teachings, disciplines, all sorts of categories. For example once upon a time no meat any Fri of the yr. Now only not on Fridays of Lent. And if you live in Canada, Holy Day Feast days have been transfered to Sunday. What you must obey sometimes depends on the bishop where you live.