I am thinking of becoming a Baptist..

[Cluny]

I went to a Baptist church on Sunday and had a great time with my husband and kids.

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Well, going to church and having a good time with welcoming people is ok as long as YOU feel good.

After all, making YOU feel good is what church is supposed to be about, right?

If you think this, you obviously didn’t learn much in your spiritual formation.

 

[Angels_Unaware]

I went to a Baptist church on Sunday and had a great time with my husband and kids.

---

Well, going to church and having a good time with welcoming people is ok as long as YOU feel good.

After all, making YOU feel good is what church is supposed to be about, right?

If you think this, you obviously didn’t learn much in your spiritual formation.

Thank you, Cluny.

It is my personal opinion that Baptists represent some of the worst thinkers in Christianity. Additionally, in my opinion, they offer one of the most dry spiritualities in the entire range of Christendom, with very little room for spiritual growth.

That is just my opinion. If you are a simple and narrow-minded person with very little need for spiritual depth or critical thinking then it might be a good choice.

It also might be a good choice if you rely entirely on emotional reasoning to make decisions, and your only reason for going to church is to fit into some kind of social club.

 

[mark_a]

I went to a Baptist church on Sunday and had a great time with my husband and kids. They wewre all so welcoming and I had the best time ever! I loved bible study. the singing. and just everything. We are thinking of going there from now on. Is that a sin?? As long as we stilllove God and make Jesus a central figure in our life…I can’t imagine going to churhc on sundays, bible studys once a week, and living to serve others and still going to Hell…any resposes??
thx!

Before jumping out of the Catholic Church, may I suggest you compare the moral teachings of whichever church you are considering to the Catholic teaching. There are some pretty serious differences and failure to follow these teaching will allow sin to creep into your life.

 

[broski234]

Thank you, Cluny.

It is my personal opinion that Baptists represent some of the worst thinkers in Christianity. Additionally, in my opinion, they offer one of the most dry spiritualities in the entire range of Christendom, with very little room for spiritual growth.

That is just my opinion. If you are a simple and narrow-minded person with very little need for spiritual depth or critical thinking then it might be a good choice.

It also might be a good choice if you rely entirely on emotional reasoning to make decisions, and your only reason for going to church is to fit into some kind of social club.

You know Angel, I hate to admit it, but I tend to agree with this assessment. It has been my experience that they have been narrow-minded and shallow when it comes to the bible and deep thought. I have found that their church “services” are based around one of two things: 1)entertainment; 2)listening to a pastor giving a simple sermon for 45 min on 1 or 2 scripture verses.

 

[MariaG]

I went to a Baptist church on Sunday and had a great time with my husband and kids. They wewre all so welcoming and I had the best time ever! I loved bible study. the singing. and just everything. We are thinking of going there from now on. Is that a sin?? As long as we stilllove God and make Jesus a central figure in our life…I can’t imagine going to churhc on sundays, bible studys once a week, and living to serve others and still going to Hell…any resposes??
thx!

You do realize you will not be recieving Christ in communion, don’t you? That they believe communion is only symbolic? Can you really do that and not be tormented each time?

And that when your kids come “of age” they will have to be “rebaptized” because infant baptism is invalid? You too if you were baptized as an infant? Do you really believe that Baptism is only symbolic and that God did not wash you clean of all sin when you were baptized, that you were NOT born again into the body of Christ through that baptism? If you do believe all of your baptisms were valid, are you really willing to slap God in the face by “rebaptizing” everyone so you can feel good each Sunday?

As for going to hell, that is God’s decision not ours, but in the baptist church you will learn there, just as in the Catholic Church, that people CAN in fact go to hell going to church every Sunday, bible studys and doing for others.

We can’t earn our way to heaven through bible study, church attendence or good works, so as a matter of fact, yes, I do believe that there will be people who will “do” all the right things and still go to hell. Will you be one:shrug: ?

You show from your initial post that your souls truly knows the seriousness of this. The torment you felt may be eased initially by all the good feelings the people and music at the baptist church but do you really think that can ease forever the torment of not recieving communion ever again rather than suffering for a short 1 or 2years?

The servant is never greater than the master. Instead of seeking to ease your torment by attending elsewhere, unite your suffering with Christ knowing that what you feel is just a small taste of what Christ felt and will feel if you walk away from Him in the Eucharist.

God Bless,
Maria

 

[nbtb1348]

Let me ask you, what makes you think Luther was saved and went to Heaven? How do you know? He is responsible for dividing the Body of Christ. He is responsible for the 33 thousand plus divisions in the Body of Christ. I can’t say either way. Only God can know for sure. Are you aware of some of the beliefs that Luther held in regards to morality? I would venture to say you don’t! And you sound like you could use some careful study on what sin is. I’m not sure you really understand sin. Lastly, you need to realize that Catholics gave the bible to the world. Luther admitted this much. Will you? There is nothing in the bible that is contrary to the Catholic Faith and there is nothing in the Catholic Faith that is contrary to the bible. It is a Catholic book!

Just quoting from his biograpy by Roland Bainton, Here I Stand

If you don’t struggle with what Luther struggled with and don’t think any other Catholics do, let me know.

 

[broski234]

Just quoting from his biograpy by Roland Bainton, Here I Stand

If you don’t struggle with what Luther struggled with and don’t think any other Catholics do, let me know.

I’m sorry, but you didn’t quote anything in your post that I replied to. In your reply to me, what is your point? It doesn’t make any sense as a reply to what I said. Which reminds me. Did you really think that your feable attempt to put words in reply that I would not notice that you didn’t answer any of my questions? Nice! Again, answer me these questions:

1)How do you know that Luther was saved?
2)How can you explain or justify the 33K+ denominations within protestantism?
3)Do you know what Luther’s views were on morality? Are you familiar with some of his outrageous quotes?
4)Do you realize that the bible is a Catholic book, given to the world by the Catholic Church? Luther admitted to as much. Will you?

 

[PasionCatechist]

I have to admit that I am uncomfortable with the many sacastic remarks and very condescending tones of dialogue within this forum in response to this thread question.
Personally I probably would continue to be apart of a baptisit chruch with some of the many sacastic remarks from some of the catholics in this forum. (This is only my persoanl view)

However, there are many interesting questions posted in repsonse to this thread that you should reflect upon as you struggle to remain in the Catholic Church.

It is my belief that there are many wonders of christianity that can be fully experienced within the catholic church as well.

If possible I would recommend that you research in depth and meditate fully on all the beautiful sacerments in order to gain a deeper understanding of catholic church teachings concerning the blessed sacerments. Unfortunatly, many of the beautiful sacerments are not fully excpeted, discussed, or practiced in the baptist church.

Also having bible study is not forbidden within the catholic church. One can freely read the holy scriptures for study and meditation.

As your family grows or ages you can use the vocation of your marriage and the gift of motherhood to teach and train your childern in the way that they should go. The catholic church has much history of teachings about marriage and parenthood as well as passages from holy scriptures to aide you as a wife and parent.

It is wonderful that you took your whole family to a baptist church and enjoyed yourself. However,I think persoanlly you can gain a deeper understanding of your christian faith within the catholic church.I would recommend spending time reflecting on the positive aspects of church tradition.You may discover through faithful study the catholic church provides a true valuble source of christain teaching and instruction.

Visiting a protestant church is not sinful or wrong in my opinion.It is true there can be some faithful loving body of believers in many protestant churchs. However the differences are clear. One church was founded by man and often maintained or sheperated by one man alone(a pastor). The other the catholic church is the universal church started by christ himself Matthew 16:18. The catholic church Historicaly has stood the test of time and heretics.

There is only One Church. Sadly this “One Church” as been divided by man. However we should seek to be unified as One as Christians.

ROME, JAN. 25, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Pope Benedict XVI says that St. Paul’s conversion is a model for Christians on the road to full unity.

The Pope affirmed this today in a celebration of vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The event marked the close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

“Unity in fact requires a conversion,” the Holy Father said, “from division to communion, from broken unity to healed and full unity. This conversion is the gift of the Risen Christ, as it was for St. Paul. …] The same Lord, who called Saul on the road to Damascus, addresses himself to the members of the Church – which is one and holy – and calling each by name asks: Why have you divided me? Why have you wounded the unity of my body?”

Hence, as christians we are apart of the body of chirst. The Church is not a buliding or denomination of opinion but rather christ’s body living and active on the earth and in heaven. We are called not to be baptist or this or that but we are called to be christians. Followers of Christ Jesus.

I would encourage you to research the the history of the catholic church and its current teachings. Doing so may deeply enrich your faith walk. Even if you exam the book of Acts in scripture you will see a reflection of traditions mentioned in scripture within the catholic church. Spending some time alone in prayer and meditation may also help. God Bless you on your journey.

 

[BobCatholic]

Each bapist parish is indepedent of each other, and each minister can have their own doctrines (all based on an interpretation of the Bible)

What happens when your minister creates a doctrine you do not like? Time for a new baptist church?

Is there one truth? Or (insert # of baptist churches) number of truths?

Would Jesus want you to believe in his gospel? Or the gospel of a guy of 17th century Geneva?

Is the purpose of church to entertain us or to worship God?

Hard questions. No easy answers.

 

[Tasha]

Excellent, Bob.

 

[George_C]

Let me ask you, what makes you think Luther was saved and went to Heaven? How do you know? He is responsible for dividing the Body of Christ. He is responsible for the 33 thousand plus divisions in the Body of Christ.

This is one of several reasons I am becoming Catholic.

Nicole, I think you are leaving what I am convinced is the historic One True Church and the one Jesus spoke of when He said “on this rock I will build My Church.” The Catholicity of the first millennium-plus of Christianity is overwhelming.

Protestantism has been around 500 years compared to the 1,500 the Catholic Church has. For your soul’s sake do the math.

Think about this: Sola Scriptura. Protestants are fond of saying “just believe in God and Jesus and that’s enough.” Well, if that’s the case, why does Romans 3:28 say just the opposite? It says “For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” Luther rewrote it to say that works are irrelevant. He also removed books, edited others, and disputed books such as James, II Peter, and II and III John.

I pray you make a good decision.

 

[nosadl]

hey nIcole,

Expedience followed by rationalization is never a substitute for truth.

The fullness of faith, the faith of reason, the reason for faith, is in the Catholic Church. Read the writings of the pope. Start with Dominus Iesus. Before leaving the Church, discover for yourself comprehensively what richness you will be abandoning in favor of transcient uplifts.

The pope once said, “God writes straight but in crooked lines”. But it is not for us to connect or straighten the lines.Just as sin may lead to grace, sin in itself is not a positive. Hence the divisions within the Christian faithful, whilst they may have been allowed by God, is not a positive in itself.

Pray for the gift of perseverance…

God bless you

 

[mdstanzel]

Been there, done that…for 17 year. Came back home. We refer to those wonderful people as our separated brothers and sisters. It was very intertaining, coffee and donute shop, bookstore, gift store, etc. Praise worship and bible classes. My 11 year old son said, “They don’t believe in anything” when we toyed around with switching from Church of Christ to non-denom baptist. They believe in the 1000 year reign/rature trap. The bread and grape juice is just what it is. Throw out the sacraments. Throw out much of the truth evidence in the ancient writings of the early Church Christians/Martyrs. Remember those people we call “martyrs”? The lost their life by promoting the truth about Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist and even use the term KATHOLIKOS [Ignatius of Antioch]. Read Ignatius of Antioch’s “Letter to the Smyrnians”. You will find the authority of the bishop, real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the Church called Catholic.

Better do some digging before you commit. Authentic worship is not a way to make us feel good, but to truly worship God by continuing to be faithful to the method Christ left us with. Eucharist is the center of our worship and the eternal word of God. That group seems so committed to “Blessings Theology” and ancient heresy that promotes the belief that if we are successful we must be pleasing God. Further it also promotes that if we are true sons and daughters of God we will be blessed materialistically. Our former preachers/ministers live within a couple of blocks form us. We still receive their emails for all the youth and congregation activities. We still love them, but found truth resonating fromthe pews of the Catholic Church. The spirituality of our priests are untouchable by any Protestant minister I’ve ever known. And believe me, we know many elders, deacons and preachers. We have many in our own families. They would not reject contraception or abortion in the case of rape and incest at the least. Many of our Methodist friends believe that same sex couples and abortion is fine. For every church/congregation out there you will find that they do not reflect the believes of the other. It’s absolute chaos.

I was on my way to becoming a minister as well and when I discovered the facts I kicked and screemed trying not to submit to truth but rather tried to promote the other faiths that sort of resembled the Catholic Church until I finally realized that I was promoting my own will and not God’s.

Seem God’s truth, not the truth of man in those man made churches. Seek Him in Christ’s Church, the Church of Christ, the Catholic Church. Ultimately it’s your choice. We either choose Christ or reject Him - even if we reject part of Him but especially when we reject the fulness of truth that reveals the sacraments.

Peace. Or at least try.

 

[NicoleCook]

Welcome to the forums, Nicole Cook!

I just have one question for you: what role does the Eucharist play in your spiritual life?

God bless,

Love is Patient

well, honestly none…i am a divorced and re-married women (before my annulment is through ) and so do not recieve the eucharist.

 

[Bill_Pick]

You know Angel, I hate to admit it, but I tend to agree with this assessment. It has been my experience that they have been narrow-minded and shallow when it comes to the bible and deep thought. I have found that their church “services” are based around one of two things: 1)entertainment; 2)listening to a pastor giving a simple sermon for 45 min on 1 or 2 scripture verses.

boy you hit the nail on the head my daughter is baptist and i agree,its all about entertainment

 

[NicoleCook]

Are you REALLY a Catholic?Please excuse my skepticism but this is an oft used ploy by non-Catholics used to raise doubt.

yes I a catholic. I was actually a very devout Catholic at one time. My “husband” beat me though and my 2nd son was conceived in marrital rape. now i am divorced and can’t remarry or except thr eucharist because I married the man that saved me from my X husbands abuse. so i am just confused. actually lost i think is a better term. i don’t even know which way is up or down anymore. :imsorry: :imsorry:

 

[NicoleCook]

Why do you want to leave the Church? I’m curious!

I have always loved my religion. I was a devout prayer of St Philomena, St Theresa of the child Jesus, and St. Paul. I was forced into a m,arriage by my controlling father because he was afraid i would commit pre-marital sex…I was getting more serious with my boyfriend. I was only 18 and didnt know my bf that well. he was in the navy and I had only seen him 6 times before we married!! my X husband used my religion and bible to beat me. he would abuse me then say he could becaus eit was God’s will that I submit mysekf to him etc. then he raped me and i got preg w my 2nd son. I divorced him and filed for an annulment. i am still waiting foir my annulment and wanted to desperatly marry the man that picked me up off the floor and saved me but after 2 years am still waiting. so we married on the 15 of this month because i just couldnt take it anymore. i love him like i have never loved another. but now my priest said hes happy we are married ( for stubility of my other 2 sons ) but that he we cant have sex or we cant receiev the eucharist anymore…my husband and i are avid church goers and rosary prayers…talk about a slap to the face. I guess i am just lost and confused and very angry all at the same time.

 

[mdstanzel]

Nicole,
My wife and I were chaste during our preparation for our convalidation. If you have sex with your new husband you just have to wait to receive the Eucharist. Judging by your story, it is obviously that neither you or your husband were open to marriage. This seems like a slam dunk annulment. Be patient and kind to yourself. I know what it is like to be married to a rape victim. It matters not whether it was a spouse, the effects are the same.

I’m praying for you. I know what it is like in a Baptist church since I basically had dual membership growing up. It’s a very shallow life. I love them but they don’t have the depth of spirituality that the Catholic Church provides.

I just want to reach out and hug you. I’m so sorry for your pain.

Peace and Love in Christ.

I have always loved my religion. I was a devout prayer of St Philomena, St Theresa of the child Jesus, and St. Paul. I was forced into a m,arriage by my controlling father because he was afraid i would commit pre-marital sex…I was getting more serious with my boyfriend. I was only 18 and didnt know my bf that well. he was in the navy and I had only seen him 6 times before we married!! my X husband used my religion and bible to beat me. he would abuse me then say he could becaus eit was God’s will that I submit mysekf to him etc. then he raped me and i got preg w my 2nd son. I divorced him and filed for an annulment. i am still waiting foir my annulment and wanted to desperatly marry the man that picked me up off the floor and saved me but after 2 years am still waiting. so we married on the 15 of this month because i just couldnt take it anymore. i love him like i have never loved another. but now my priest said hes happy we are married ( for stubility of my other 2 sons ) but that he we cant have sex or we cant receiev the eucharist anymore…my husband and i are avid church goers and rosary prayers…talk about a slap to the face. I guess i am just lost and confused and very angry all at the same time.

 

[NicoleCook]

QUOTE=PasionCatechist;4731012]I have to admit that I am uncomfortable with the many sacastic remarks and very condescending tones of dialogue within this forum in response to this thread question.
Personally I probably would continue to be apart of a baptisit chruch with some of the many sacastic remarks from some of the catholics in this forum. (This is only my persoanl view)

Thank u sooo much for ur thoughtful response. I was EXACTLY what I was thinking…I was aying tomyself mayne i don’t want to be like thses people they just seem almost “holier then thou” with their responses. and then I read urs. it moved me to tears. I will research more and meditete more. and I just want u to know your response has made me want to try a Catholic mass this weekend again. Thank you so much!
God Bless!

 

[NicoleCook]

Just last week you were “tormented day and night” about not being able to receive Communion. If you leave the Catholic church, and attend a Baptist church, you will never again receive Communion.

This is something to really pray about. Do you really want to leave the Church that was founded by Christ himself?

the pater told me i could receive holy communion once a month…??