Have you explored other religions?

[FaithG]

I was born a Baptist, but my family stopped attending church when I was three or so, so I don’t even remember it. Although my family remained Christian, my parents felt that the churches didn’t have enough room for them to grow, when they got deeper into the Greek and Hebrew studies. Since then, I have read a lot about several religions, and my belief is that many of them are worthwhile and very spiritual. I view it as different perspectives of the same greater Truth.
In attending a Catholic college math class recently, my teacher posted a quote on the definition of mathematics, by Pope Benedict: math, he said, was an invention of the human mind, yet it mirrored and sprang from the same original Source as our own creation. I believe the same can be said of religion. Every religion, even Catholicism, is a divinely inspired institution comprehended and operated by humans. Because the human mind can never comprehend the vastness of God, no single religion can contain all knowledge or understanding of him. God encompasses all creation, or as the Bible puts it, is in all, and above all. So I believe that many, not one, God-worshipping religions share an understanding of the Truth.
With this extremely ecumenical perspective, I got a job at a Catholic organization, and I have met a Catholic man, whom I love. Here’s the thing: I respect Catholicism greatly, but I’m not accustomed to all the rigid regulations. My family practiced a form of communion, once a year: we broke bread and wine, just like Catholics do in mass, in remembrance of the Last Supper… so I appreciate the value of Communion to a Catholic, and why they may feel the lack thereof. It is the communion which I have heard repeatedly and repeatedly stressed as the component that keeps Catholics in their faith. But as I have read the Catechism, it becomes plain to me that the communion, meaning “to be in like mind” has a twofold meaning. First, acceptance of Jesus’ teachings into your heart and soul; but also, and perhaps more so, to be “in like mind” with the institution of the Church.
Someone already inside the Church will not recognize that these may not be entirely equivalent meanings to all people. Only those who believe the Church hierarchy are indisputable authorities requiring obedience can feel that to adhere to the teachings of the Church equals in all ways to adhere to the teachings of Jesus. I am not a passive person. I like to read materials and decide for myself how it fits with my perception of my faith, whether the source is Christian or Buddhist or Native American. So although I feel thet Catholicism is in fact a better fit for me than Baptist, I don’t consider myself entirely Baptist anymore either, and I’m having trouble figuring out about whether I am comfortable raising my children Catholic, and how far I will compromise.
Any thoughts?

 

[CMatt25]

I was born a Baptist, but my family stopped attending church when I was three or so, so I don’t even remember it. Although my family remained Christian, my parents felt that the churches didn’t have enough room for them to grow, when they got deeper into the Greek and Hebrew studies. Since then, I have read a lot about several religions, and my belief is that many of them are worthwhile and very spiritual. I view it as different perspectives of the same greater Truth.
In attending a Catholic college math class recently, my teacher posted a quote on the definition of mathematics, by Pope Benedict: math, he said, was an invention of the human mind, yet it mirrored and sprang from the same original Source as our own creation. I believe the same can be said of religion. Every religion, even Catholicism, is a divinely inspired institution comprehended and operated by humans. Because the human mind can never comprehend the vastness of God, no single religion can contain all knowledge or understanding of him. God encompasses all creation, or as the Bible puts it, is in all, and above all. So I believe that many, not one, God-worshipping religions share an understanding of the Truth.
With this extremely ecumenical perspective, I got a job at a Catholic organization, and I have met a Catholic man, whom I love. Here’s the thing: I respect Catholicism greatly, but I’m not accustomed to all the rigid regulations. My family practiced a form of communion, once a year: we broke bread and wine, just like Catholics do in mass, in remembrance of the Last Supper… so I appreciate the value of Communion to a Catholic, and why they may feel the lack thereof. It is the communion which I have heard repeatedly and repeatedly stressed as the component that keeps Catholics in their faith. But as I have read the Catechism, it becomes plain to me that the communion, meaning “to be in like mind” has a twofold meaning. First, acceptance of Jesus’ teachings into your heart and soul; but also, and perhaps more so, to be “in like mind” with the institution of the Church.
Someone already inside the Church will not recognize that these may not be entirely equivalent meanings to all people. Only those who believe the Church hierarchy are indisputable authorities requiring obedience can feel that to adhere to the teachings of the Church equals in all ways to adhere to the teachings of Jesus. I am not a passive person. I like to read materials and decide for myself how it fits with my perception of my faith, whether the source is Christian or Buddhist or Native American. So although I feel thet Catholicism is in fact a better fit for me than Baptist, I don’t consider myself entirely Baptist anymore either, and I’m having trouble figuring out about whether I am comfortable raising my children Catholic, and how far I will compromise.
Any thoughts?

My thoughts are you said many beautiful things in your post. Ecumenically you’re preaching to the choir when it comes to me. You echo many of the things I have been trying to express here on this forum. But nowadays there’s less compromising when it comes to Catholicism if you want to be considered a Catholic by some who consider themselves more faithful.

 

[Cashue]

No, never. The Glitz and glamour … that’s well put, that is what has kept me in the Church.

 

[Julia1996]

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.

I did expect that people would recommend the Catholic Church. On the other hand, since this was a thread asking people if they had tried other religions out before, I thought that they might have some other suggestions as well.

 

[CMatt25]

I did expect that people would recommend the Catholic Church. On the other hand, since this was a thread asking people if they had tried other religions out before, I thought that they might have some other suggestions as well.

Many Christian religions of various stripes base their beliefs on the Bible. But many of the rather more conservative ones sometimes might strive to limit free thought, freedom of conscience, reasoning, openness and diversity of beliefs within to a somewhat greater degree. And it appears this is what you are looking for. Some may have more of the rules and regulations you are looking for.

Catholic is one of them. The CC certainly bases itself on its interpretation of the Bible.

SDA is another if you like the idea for instance of being told you shouldn’t eat pork or shellfish which they base on their interpretation of the Bible, and if you want to observe the Saturday Sabbath.

The Southern Baptist Convention has a reputation of being one of the more conservative denominations.

LCMS and WELS are Lutherans more conservative than ELCA.

There are Anglicans more conservative than TEC.

Church of Christ is known for being more conservative than the United Church of Christ.

I’d certainly stay away from Unitarian Universalists and probably stay away from UCC, DoC, TEC, and perhaps away from PCUSA, ELCA, and UMC if I were you and were looking for more rules to follow and less freedom. Those may not be rigid enough for what you want.

God bless you on your journey and walk of faith. Peace.

 

[The_Iambic_Pen]

I never actually became a Muslim, but I did find Islam attractive at one point. I still do, at times. I was in Iraq, and I remember seeing the beautiful mosques, and hearing the call to prayer. Plus, when I would get particularly disgusted with a Catholic/Orthodox *filioque *debate, it was rather refreshing to explore a belief system that did not have to deal with that nonsense.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

No, never. The Glitz and glamour … that’s well put, that is what has kept me in the Church.

There is only one reason for becoming or remaining Catholic, and that is because it’s the Truth and Nothing But the Truth. Judaism and Catholicism, which grew out of Judaism, are the only God-made religions. (The Orthodox were part of the undivided Catholic Church, and are now in schism – not heresy.) All other “churches” are man-made.

Peace, Jim Dandy

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Catholic is one of them. The CC certainly bases itself on its interpretation of the Bible.

Um, uh, not exactly. The Church is the author of the New Testament. The Church did not read the NT and then decide what to teach. Rather, the NT is a mirror reflection of the teachings of the Church. That’s why Protestant (and non-Christian LDS and JW) claims that the Church’s teachings are “unbiblical” are so ludicrous. It’s their interpretation that’s wrong.

One of the four tests the Church used in deciding whether a writing should be included in the NT canon was whether it reflected the Church’s teaching and the ‘books’ already accepted. If it did not meet this test, the writing was rejected.

The Bible is a Catholic book, purloined by non-Catholics.

Peace. Jim Dandy

 

[Dylpickleh8]

I’m a Cradle Catholic. But I have investigated the LDS church and Judaism.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

The Iambic Pen’s signature:
“Sometimes the cultivation of awe and love towards what is great, high and unseen, has led a man to the abandonment of his sect for some more Catholic form of doctrine.” - John Henry Cardinal Newman

“And this one thing at least is certain . . . the Christianity of history is not Protestantism” ~ John Henry Cardinal Newman (Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine).

 

[CMatt25]

Um, uh, not exactly. The Church is the author of the New Testament. The Church did not read the NT and then decide what to teach. Rather, the NT is a mirror reflection of the teachings of the Church. That’s why Protestant (and non-Christian LDS and JW) claims that the Church’s teachings are “unbiblical” are so ludicrous. It’s their interpretation that’s wrong.

One of the four tests the Church used in deciding whether a writing should be included in the NT canon was whether it reflected the Church’s teaching and the ‘books’ already accepted. If it did not meet this test, the writing was rejected.

The Bible is a Catholic book, purloined by non-Catholics.

Peace. Jim Dandy

Sorry. I thought God was the author. But nevertheless it is what the Church did with it through history that eventually brought out the need for reform in the eyes of other Christians. God bless!

 

[RebeccaJ]

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.

Raised LDS (mormon), studied yoga and associated Hindu beliefs for a few years. Mainly centered on the Sutras of Patanjali. Dabbled in the occult (tarot mainly). Hung out with the Universalist Unitarians for a year or so. Mainly, atheist for a couple of decades, with curious forays into different belief systems. Just cuz and out of curiosity. One of these forays led me to Catholicism.

 

[Caelius]

Of course! Theology isn’t only related to Catholicism, and it’s also interesting to see how other cultures interpret God and their own religion.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Sorry. I thought God was the author. But nevertheless it is what the Church did with it through history that eventually brought out the need for reform in the eyes of other Christians. God bless!

Ah, yes, God is the primary author of the entire Bible, but how do we know that? But the problem is, which Bible, whose canon?

What do you imagine the Church did with the Bible that caused the Deformation? Prolly need a thread if we’re going to discuss it.

The Catholic Bible has remained unchanged since the Church first defined it. The first Protestant, the “reformer” Martin Luther, removed eleven books from the canon of the Bible in his German translation.

There have been many “History of the Bible” threads at Catholic Answers. For sale at CA is a little book, “Where We Got The Bible” that is highly recommended.

Jim Dandy
Ex-Southern Baptist, ex-agnostic, ex-atheist, ecstatic to be Catholic!

 

[Sonny1954]

Yes, I am reading Hindu philosophy. Hinduism is the world’s oldest existing religion, pre-dating Judaism by at least 2,000 years. I believes that God is one, though with countless aspects. I find the chanting of mantras has a noticeable calming effect on my mind and body.

Most of all, I can know that I am important to God because the human soul is an extension of God, rather than something the God created inside of us, and from which he will flee if you do certain naughty things. The soul is the real self. The body is like the clothing one discards when it becomes torn and tattered. The soul is ever-young and seeking knowledge of God.

I doubt I will ever actually “join” Hinduism; it discourages conversions because it teaches that all sincere religious practices lead one to God. There is a high reverence for Lord Jesus and Mother Mary among many Hindus. It is a very spiritual faith.

 

[MormonHero]

Yes, I am reading Hindu philosophy. Hinduism is the world’s oldest existing religion, pre-dating Judaism by at least 2,000 years. I believes that God is one, though with countless aspects. I find the chanting of mantras has a noticeable calming effect on my mind and body.

Most of all, I can know that I am important to God because the human soul is an extension of God, rather than something the God created inside of us, and from which he will flee if you do certain naughty things. The soul is the real self. The body is like the clothing one discards when it becomes torn and tattered. The soul is ever-young and seeking knowledge of God.

I doubt I will ever actually “join” Hinduism; it discourages conversions because it teaches that all sincere religious practices lead one to God. There is a high reverence for Lord Jesus and Mother Mary among many Hindus. It is a very spiritual faith.

Check out this.

 

[mflorence]

Yes, I am reading Hindu philosophy. Hinduism is the world’s oldest existing religion, pre-dating Judaism by at least 2,000 years. I believes that God is one, though with countless aspects. I find the chanting of mantras has a noticeable calming effect on my mind and body.

Most of all, I can know that I am important to God because the human soul is an extension of God, rather than something the God created inside of us, and from which he will flee if you do certain naughty things. The soul is the real self. The body is like the clothing one discards when it becomes torn and tattered. The soul is ever-young and seeking knowledge of God.

I doubt I will ever actually “join” Hinduism; it discourages conversions because it teaches that all sincere religious practices lead one to God. There is a high reverence for Lord Jesus and Mother Mary among many Hindus. It is a very spiritual faith.

Nice post Sonny1954: You mentioned that you’ll probably never join the Hindu faith, and you have accurately expressed why that is not necessary. They don’t look for converts as you have said, because they feel they are unnecessary. It is the same reason that very few Hindus ever formally convert to Christianity. A Hindu can fit Christianity right into their Hindu beliefs and practices with plenty of room to spare. On the other hand, they have no formal hierarchy or initiation requirements, so you may call yourself a Hindu if you like without anyone’s approval. Most any Hindu you meet would gladly welcome you and help you. You can also chose not to be a Hindu without disapproval from any Hindu.
Anyway, I really liked your post.

 

[Tide210]

Jame, have no fear, we were all young and stupid at one point. God, man, I was into Buddhism in high school. I went to China and Thailand and was so INTO that stuff. I still have a huge library of it. I went deep into it. You have no idea…I remember interviewing a Buddhist monk for a paper in high school in my honors English class. Boy was I a crazy kid…

As a “tween” I was really into that occult stuff. I never worshipped Satan or anything dramatic but I was a huge Iron Maiden fan and metal fan and boy I was intrigued by anything diabolical or spooky and black. I wasn’t a goth or a cutter idiot but was just intrigued by it all. I have to admit I’m still a huge fan of horror movies, guilty! LOL

What’s so crazy about Buddhism and why does your interest in Buddhism in High School make you stupid? That’s something you say if you were on drugs or skipped class.

My wife has recently become interested in Buddhism and it has made her happy. If my child got into Buddhism and traveled to China and interviewed a monk, I would be proud of him, even if my wife were not a Buddhist.

 

[CMatt25]

What do you imagine the Church did with the Bible that caused the Deformation? Prolly need a thread if we’re going to discuss it.

No we don’t. We only need to open our hearts and minds to others. You were S Baptist so you should know some of the reasons why they believe the CC needed reformed. I’ve never been anything other than Catholic so you might even know more than me. You might not believe now whatever but others do. That’s why we call it faith and belief. God bless you on your walk of faith and peace.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

No we don’t [need to open another thread to discuss this]. We only need to open our hearts and minds to others. You were S Baptist so you should know some of the reasons why they believe the CC needed reformed. I’ve never been anything other than Catholic so you might even know more than me. You might not believe now whatever but others do. That’s why we call it faith and belief. God bless you on your walk of faith and peace.

CMatt, I asked you a couple of questions based on what you wrote, but you didn’t answer either of them. That’s okay, but I’m wondering, then, what was your point in writing?

Originally Posted by CMatt25
Sorry. I thought God was the author. But nevertheless it is what the Church did with it through history that eventually brought out the need for reform in the eyes of other Christians. God bless!

I asked you how we (Christians)know “God was the author” of the Bible (which Bible? whose canon? There are several collections of “Scripture” called “Bible” by various groups of Christians).

And, what do you imagine the Church did with the Bible that caused the Deformation?

You reply that “we” (from the context, the ‘we’ in this case is you and me) need to open our minds and hearts to others. Hmmm. And you know my mind and heart (or anyone else’s) are closed because . . .?

The implication of your words is that the Church was wrong, and the Deformers were right. But look at the history. They didn’t reform the Church, which needed reforming – they split it into thousands of conflicting and competing denominations, all based on the same incomplete Bible cut by Martin Luther, but no two agree about what the Bible means, and all claim to teach the absolute truth.

Yes, I was born Southern Baptist and for many years learned contempt for all things Catholic from relentless, slanderous attacks upon the Church in Sunday School and from the pulpit. O Lord, deliver us.

Peace be with you.

Jim Dandy
Ex-Southern Baptist, ex-agnostic, ex-atheist, ecstatic to be Catholic!