If you are a Christian, what is the real reason for you not being a Catholic?

[Jimmy_B]

If you are a Christian, what is the real reason for you not being a Catholic?

Are you ready for some truth; most people don’t like the truth so much?

The reason I asked this question is that I find many Christians somewhat disingenuous when it comes to the real reason or reasons that they are not Catholic or are no longer Catholic.

I feel that many of the Catholic dissenters here who love to quote Bible verses and argue against Catholicism have a personal reason for not being Catholic and not a biblical reason. That is why you can never get anywhere with these people. I have also found this to be true in my real-life contacts and conversations with Catholic dissenters.

For example, a vast majority of people I have met over the years who say that they left the Catholic Church, for this reason or that, it turns out, had no religion in their lives what so ever, for many years.

They didn’t leave the Catholic Church on Sunday to become a “Born-Again” on Monday. They left the Catholic Church on Sunday and became a “Born-Again” twenty or thirty years later.

They left their Faith, turned their back on God and did as they pleased, without guilt, what a life.

They where having “fun” living a promiscuous lifestyle and guess what the guilt finally catches up with them (sin has a way of doing that, don’t you know). They were just full of sin and at the point in which they felt it was time to “go back to church” they discovered that the Roman Catholic Church (actually that God) had a problem with their previous years of bad behavior and now their existed a hurdle or two to overcome and confession can be pretty humbling.

One thing leads to another and before you know it, these same people are now “former Catholics” and bible scholars, not to mention an authority on the Catholic religion, almost over-night. “It’s a miracle!”

It’s not a miracle, it’s disingenuous and hypocritical. Moreover, arguing now against Catholicism is a way for them to have God on their terms instead of His terms and to make them feel better about themselves. There isn’t’ anything wrong with experiencing guilt. We all sin and we all feel guilt, it is the human condition, welcome to life.

Here is some more reality; Many of these “on-fire” Christians who are bound and determined to save all us Catholics, it turns out, if the truth be known, would probably be Catholic today if it wasn’t for the three or four marriages, which occurred in the interim period, during their “non practicing, Christians years”, before they were on fire…

I also know of many other personal rather than biblical reasons why many are not Catholic, however there are too many to list here. Don’t get me wrong, I love all my Christian Brothers, but like an alcoholic, you have to admit you have a problem before you can seek a cure.

**Why aren’t you Catholic? Tell the truth. **

 

[Jimmy_B]

**Why aren’t you Catholic? Tell the truth. **

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I found that being a Roman Catholic, in many was is similar to being a Los Angeles Police Officer. It adds structure to your life. A lot of people, usually the bad ones, don’t like you. There are a lot of rules. It can be humbling at times, and it requires some personal sacrifice. You are absolutely expected to be honest and tell the truth. You have to place the care for others before yourself. There is a chain of command and you are held to a higher standard of conduct, in your personal and professional life (both on-duty and off). And a Los Angeles Police Officer is expected to avoid, even the *“appearance of evil”, *I’m not making this up…

I doesn’t sound easy does it? Then again neither is being a Roman Catholic and there is where the pride can be found.

It beats being a criminal, don’t you think?

 

[mschrank]

To be honest, I think that most people just are lied to about the Church. Most protestants, honesty believe that their form of worship is how Christianity has always been and that Catholics are a cult.

“Athanasius, pass the grape juice!”

No seriously, it’d be funny if it weren’t so sad, but it’s true.

Then you have the liberals, who hate us for more honest reasons. We’re in a cultural no-mans land, especially in America.

 

[fbl9]

fbl9 here. one reason i was given was us catholics worship the blessed mother. another is we believe we are the church and we are catholic because we do not belong to a denomination. many people also look on the sins of individauls in the church clergy and higher and claim the church is not holy because of the actions of individual persons. when i was younger and was asked what church i attended i was ashamed to say catholic. due to the way i was living my life. there was a time i thought one could recieve the euchrist in any church. the grace of God allowed me to know the truth and no one will ever convince me that thier group is the true church ever again. with the use of the media people are being conditioned to believe that if you do not run around yelling Jesus you are not really a christian. May God bless and help us. one final note the upcoming octave for christian unity is almost upon us in canada what are yous doing

 

[Jimmy_B]

fbl9 here. one reason i was given was us catholics worship the blessed mother. another is we believe we are the church and we are catholic because we do not belong to a denomination. many people also look on the sins of individauls in the church clergy and higher and claim the church is not holy because of the actions of individual persons. when i was younger and was asked what church i attended i was ashamed to say catholic. due to the way i was living my life. there was a time i thought one could recieve the euchrist in any church. the grace of God allowed me to know the truth and no one will ever convince me that thier group is the true church ever again. with the use of the media people are being conditioned to believe that if you do
not run around yelling Jesus you are not really a christian. May God bless and help us. one final note the upcoming octave for christian unity is almost upon us in canada what are yous doing

**

one final note the upcoming octave for christian unity is almost upon us in canada what are yous doing

**

Hello fbl9 and thamk you for your post.
I look is up (The Octave for Christian Unity) and I think this is whatt you are writting about. Is the it?

**

Ecumenism in Canada

**
calling the churches to visible unity in one faith, one baptism, and one eucharistic fellowship**

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“In order to unite with one another, we must love one another;** in order to love one another, we must know one another; in order to know one another, we must go and meet one another.”**

If so, it sounds pretty good. Is this a Roamn Catholic activity? **

 

[Jimmy_B]

Hello fbl9 and thamk you for your post.
I look is up (The Octave for Christian Unity) and I think this is whatt you are writting about. Is the it?

**If so, it sounds pretty good. Is this a Roamn Catholic activity? **

Wow, sorry about all of the typo’s, I was in a hurry. I am the “Typo King”…

Here is what I meant to write.

**

Hello fbl9 and thank you for your post.

I looked it up (The Octave for Christian Unity) and I think this is what you are writting about, Is this it?
**

 

[fbl9]

hi jimmy b. yes this is a catholic activity. our parish was informed of this by our parish priest last sunday. we have not done anything on this topic before at our church. i was kinda looking for some ideas.our parish priest looks after 5 other parishes besides our own so he does not have much time on his hands.thanks for asking. may God bless and help us.

 

[HannahLisa]

Well, for years I wasn’t Catholic because my parents weren’t, and I went to church with them. Then I went to church with a friend of mine.

I’m currently going to a Catholic college – and I would like to major in theology, because I find the subject very interesting. I’m also doing what could be termed a “Truth search”.

Right now, I’m not Catholic because:
*I have yet to be convinced that everything the Church says is true (and I refuse to convert otherwise, as that would be false witness).
*I think the Church is, in some cases, much too legalistic.
*I see a LOT of God’s goodness/blessings/Holy Spirit outside the Catholic church.

 

[O.S.Luke]

The real reason I cannot be Catholic is because of a closed Eucharist to baptized Christians. I do know all of the reasons - and I’ve never been able to reconcile them theologically, particularly with those who embrace the Real Presence.

O+

 

[fbl9]

Well, for years I wasn’t Catholic because my parents weren’t, and I went to church with them. Then I went to church with a friend of mine.

I’m currently going to a Catholic college – and I would like to major in theology, because I find the subject very interesting. I’m also doing what could be termed a “Truth search”.

Right now, I’m not Catholic because:
*I have yet to be convinced that everything the Church says is true (and I refuse to convert otherwise, as that would be false witness).
*I think the Church is, in some cases, much too legalistic.
*I see a LOT of God’s goodness/blessings/Holy Spirit outside the Catholic church.

hi hannahlisa fromfbl9 the world would be a very dark place without God’s goodness outside the church indeedthat you do not yet desire to convert without full conviction shows the true spirirt is working in you please pray for the desire for wisdom seek and ye shall find. i do have some first hand knowledge of the legalism you may be speaking of but do consider the reasoning behind the laws.may God bless and help us amen.

 

[Harpazo]

The real reason I cannot be Catholic is because of a closed Eucharist to baptized Christians. I do know all of the reasons - and I’ve never been able to reconcile them theologically, particularly with those who embrace the Real Presence.

O+

What is the official Methodist stance on it and how has it changed? I know methods are attempting to return to the sacramental nature of Communion.

What a Methodist believes about the Eucharist and a Baptist or Disciple of Christ, AoG or others is vastly different. I for the life of me, cannot understand the Methodist position on Communion. If you believe that the Eucharist is what Christ says it is, why would you give it to someone who believes contrary?

To Catholics, the Eucharist is a treasure and St. Paul tells us that those who partake unworthily are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Would you want to be guilty?

Pace e Bene
Andrew

 

[jblake]

Harpazo;:

If you believe that the Eucharist is what Christ says it is, why would you give it to someone who believes contrary?

Whilst a major oversimplification, chalk it up to Methodists being willing to admit that whilst their understanding might not be correct, through the Grace of God, they have the assurance that they will be in Heaven.

St. Paul tells us that those who partake unworthily are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Would you want to be guilty?

That admonishment is made at Methodist Communion services.

xan

jonathon

 

[Harpazo]

Whilst a major oversimplification, chalk it up to Methodists being willing to admit that whilst their understanding might not be correct, through the Grace of God, they have the assurance that they will be in Heaven.

That admonishment is made at Methodist Communion services.

xan

jonathon

Methodists clergymen/clergywomen state that as long as you accept Christ, than you can receive Communion. I’ve been to enough to have gotten the gist. While it sounds nice and accepting, how far will it go to where nothing at all is sacred anymore?

The idea of “Open Communion” sound good on the surface, but deeper down, in my opinion, it’s an extremely liberal view and not very compatible with orthodox Christianity at all.

Pace e Bene
Andrew

 

[O.S.Luke]

I for the life of me, cannot understand the Methodist position on Communion. If you believe that the Eucharist is what Christ says it is, why would you give it to someone who believes contrary?

And for the life of me, I’m not sure where you’re coming from.

All quotes are from This Holy Mystery, the official statement on the Eucharist in United Methodism.

Background:
The Invitation to Holy Communion in “A Service of Word and Table I” and “A Service of Word and Table II” proclaims, “Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another” (UMH; pages 7, 12). The more traditional wording in “A Service of Word and Table IV” invites, “Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith . . .” (UM Hymnal; page 26)

Principle:
All who respond in faith to the invitation are to be welcomed. Holy Baptism normally precedes partaking of Holy Communion. Holy Communion is a meal of the community who are in covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As circumcision was the sign of the covenant between God and the Hebrew people, baptism is the sign of the new covenant (Genesis 17:9-14; Exodus 24:1- 12; Jeremiah 31:31; Romans 6:1-11; Hebrews 9:15).

Principle:
The Lord’s Supper in a United Methodist congregation is open to members of other United Methodist congregations and to Christians from other traditions.

Background:
“A member of any local United Methodist church is a member of the denomination and the catholic (universal) church” (BOD; ¶ 215). The United Methodist Church recognizes that it is only one of the bodies that constitute the community of Christians. Despite our differences, all Christians are welcome at the Table of the Lord.

Practice:
As a part of the directions before the invitation, it is customary to announce that all Christians are welcome to participate in the sacrament in United Methodist congregations. Response to the invitation is always voluntary, and care needs to be taken to ensure that no one feels pressured to participate or conspicuous for not doing so.

To Catholics, the Eucharist is a treasure

It is to United Methodists, too.

Holy Communion is Eucharist, an act of thanksgiving. The early Christians “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:46-47a). As we commune, we express joyful thanks for God’s mighty acts throughout history—for creation, covenant, redemption, sanctification. The Great Thanksgiving (“A Service of Word and Table I,” UMH; pages 9–10) is a recitation of this salvation history, culminating in the work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. It conveys our gratitude for the goodness of God and God’s unconditional love for us…

Holy Communion is a type of sacrifice. It is a re-presentation, not a repetition, of the sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 9:26 makes clear that “he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Christ’s atoning life, death, and resurrection make divine grace available to us. We also present ourselves as sacrifice in union with Christ (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5) to be used by God in the work of redemption, reconciliation, and justice. In the Great Thanksgiving, the church prays: “We offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us . . .” (UMH; page 10)…

Jesus Christ, who “is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being” (Hebrews 1:3), is truly present in Holy Communion. Through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, God meets us at the Table. God, who has given the sacraments to the church, acts in and through Holy Communion. Christ is present through the community gathered in Jesus’ name
(Matthew 18:20), through the Word proclaimed and enacted, and through the elements of bread and wine shared (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The divine presence is a living reality and can be experienced by participants; it is not a remembrance of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion only.

 

[O.S.Luke]

and St. Paul tells us that those who partake unworthily are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Would you want to be guilty?

No.

THE ISSUE OF “UNWORTHINESS”
Principle:
Any person who answers in faith the invitation “Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another” (UMH; page 7) is worthy through Christ to partake of Holy Communion. Christians come to the Lord’s Table in gratitude for Christ’s mercy toward sinners. We do not share in Communion because of our worthiness; no one is truly worthy. We come to the Eucharist out of our hunger to receive God’s gracious love, to receive forgiveness and healing…

…unworthiness does not apply to the people who are to commune, but to the manner in which the consecrated elements are consumed. First Corinthians 11:29 is a word of judgment against “all who eat and drink without discerning the body.”… Paul is speaking against those who fail to recognize the church—the body of Christ—as a community of faith within which Christians relate to each other in love.

It’s not “open Communion.” It’s open to those who live in the covenant of Christ.

 

[CalmDownWisWins]

Right now, I’m not Catholic because:

*I have yet to be convinced that everything the Church says is true (and I refuse to convert otherwise, as that would be false witness).

What does the Church say that you find NOT true? Since the Church has said many MANY things over it’s 2000 year history, and even though only a very little of that “saying” is claimed to be “infallibly true”, you could spend several decades, if not centuries, coming to a decisive decision about that.

My path was to read the Compendium of the Catechism, then the actual (tome which is the) Catechism, then read a few of the documents of Vatican II, at which point I was convinced this is where I needed to be.

*I think the Church is, in some cases, much too legalistic.

What does “legalistic” mean to you? There is a reason that intricate complex machinery, such as God’s marvelous workings of nature, for example DNA, is intricate and complex.

The amazing thing is that it all holds together, when it’s obvious that if any one tiny piece of it were “wrong” when it is definitively claimed to be “right” the entire thing would fly apart and collapse of it’s own weight! The fact that it’s handled 2000 years of HUMAN INTERACTION within it is saying quite a bit about it’s correctness.

*I see a LOT of God’s goodness/blessings/Holy Spirit outside the Catholic church.

According to the Church, nothing of goodnes is “outside” the Church (Catholic), meaning that if it APPEARS to be outside the Church that “appearance” is the error.

All Christians, and in fact all good people, are within the Church in some mysterious way, and the Church treats them as such.

The fact that people don’t realize that they ARE in the Church, as less completely in full communion with Her, is one of the main things that the Church is actively trying to allow people to see, by exhorting more fully Catholic members of the Body of Christ to attract others toward the Church by acting more Christ-like.

 

[Ginger2]

 

[Pwrlftr]

I’m not Catholic because I believe your church is off the rails theologically. From it’s views on justification to it’s various Marian dogmas.

 

[HannahLisa]

CalmDownWisWins,

There are different Biblical interpretations. One side must be right, but I still don’t know which one that is. I’m not going to assume. If I believe that we are saved by faith alone (which I don’t), then I’m not going to think the Catholic church is right on that, now am I?

There is a difference between intricate and legalistic. Examples of what I see as Catholic legalism would be the Sunday obligation, the excessive regulation of the marital bed, and holy days of obligation. This is from my viewpoint, from what I have seen on these forums and among my practicing Catholic friends. I also find it interesting that grace is, in a sense, limited to sacraments.

I DO NOT think that everything good is contained inside the Catholic church. I do not see how the Church can say that everything good is inside the church. I see how they could say that everything good comes from God, or something like that.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

I DO NOT think that everything good is contained inside the Catholic church. I do not see how the Church can say that everything good is inside the church. I see how they could say that everything good comes from God, or something like that.

Can you name something “good” that is not in the Church?