MYTH BUSTING: attending other churches

  • Thread starter Thread starter srfnolen
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
glendab said:
Catholics should not be attending Protestant services unless they have serious reason to do so. Mere curiosity or a liking for the people at the church is not sufficient reason. Even when serious reason exists, a Catholic should not make a habit of attending non-Catholic services, but should only do so as an occasional and non-participating guest (at most).
Click to expand...
(boldness and Italics are mine)

Glenda

I added green. First of all, what’s a serious reason? I submit that attending a family member’s baptism at a Presbyterian church is a serious reason.

Second of all, it is clear from this answer that attending a non-Catholic service, as a non-participating guest, and when not done habitually, is *not *a sin.
 
glendab said:
Hello Everyone. Here is an answer about the exact same question under slightly different conditions by Michelle Arnold found at EWTN:
Attending Protestant church services
Question from Kathleen on 07-11-2014:
Can a Catholic attend a regular Sunday service at a non-Catholic church? I know it’s not as a substitute for a Catholic Mass, but I want to go to a service at a non-Catholic church.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 07-17-2014:
Kathleen–
Catholics should not be attending Protestant services unless they have serious reason to do so. Mere curiosity or a liking for the people at the church is not sufficient reason. Even when serious reason exists, a Catholic should not make a habit of attending non-Catholic services, but should only do so as an occasional and non-participating guest (at most).

Michelle Arnold (boldness and Italics are mine)

ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=637554&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=2014&Author=&Keyword=protestant+services&pgnu=1&groupnum=0&record_bookmark=1

RunningDude, are Michelle’s words and EWTN credible enough for you? I hope so.

Glenda
Click to expand...
Ms. Arnold’s position is that exact position I have been consistently promoting in this thread. I have consistently stated that a grave reason, such as special occasion, must exist.
 
runningdude said:
Ms. Arnold’s position is that exact position I have been consistently promoting in this thread. I have consistently stated that a grave reason, such as special occasion, must exist.
Click to expand...
Sounds to me Michelle Arnold is speaking on what was addressed about attending the congregations on a regular basis. Imho thats how I read it anyway.

“Even when serious reason exists, a Catholic [should not make a habit] of attending non-Catholic services, but should only do so as an occasional and non-participating guest (at most).”
 
glendab said:
Hello RunningDude.

The fact that Catholics may be witnesses in other places for marriages, is partly true. the emphasis is on MAY. There is a procedure by which they must obtain permission from the Local Ordinary or his juridical equivalent. I repeat, permission must be obtained. It cannot be assumed and if assumed or given improperly by the wrong person, two things occur - grave scandal is given and a falsification of legitimate authority, also grave matter.

Glenda

P.S. Anyone who thinks they are acting “ecumenically” on their own is not acting with the true impetus of the Church.
Click to expand...
Your source describes this as an absolute ban. This is untrue. I do not vigorously dispute your added commentary about seeking permission, but it is commentary not offered by your source.

I can only conclude that your source is inaccurate.
 
runningdude said:
Your source describes this as an absolute ban. This is untrue. I do not vigorously dispute your added commentary about seeking permission, but it is commentary not offered by your source.

I can only conclude that your source is inaccurate.
Click to expand...
It not an absolute ban. Permission? Really? Notice the word MAY.
 
Glenda,

I urge you to be very wary of Radio Replies, It appears to be a whole bunch of personal opinions without one source ever being cited.

For example, look at cremation. It basically says cremation is not allowed, except in extreme circumstances, The Church has no problem with cremation (wants it to be done after the funeral liturgy) and many Catholic churches now have columbariums.

Contrast Radio Replies (Q&A 1134 if link doesn’t work)

radioreplies.info/radio-replies-vol-1.php?t=103

with

Catholic Answers Apologist

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=11355
 
cycleman said:
Glenda,

I urge you to be very wary of Radio Replies, It appears to be a whole bunch of personal opinions without one source ever being cited.

For example, look at cremation. It basically says cremation is not allowed, except in extreme circumstances, The Church has no problem with cremation (wants it to be done after the funeral liturgy) and many Catholic churches now have columbariums.

Contrast Radio Replies (Q&A 1134 if link doesn’t work)

radioreplies.info/radio-replies-vol-1.php?t=103

with

Catholic Answers Apologist

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=11355
Click to expand...
I have to ask when this radio stuff was written. 1297…on mixed marriages had me cracking up regarding mixed marriages and marrying at the altar. My brother and his wife were married at the altar and she is a Protestant. This website is pure hokum.:rolleyes:
 
Hello Cycleman.
cycleman said:
Glenda,

I urge you to be very wary of Radio Replies, It appears to be a whole bunch of personal opinions without one source ever being cited.

For example, look at cremation. It basically says cremation is not allowed, except in extreme circumstances, The Church has no problem with cremation (wants it to be done after the funeral liturgy) and many Catholic churches now have columbariums.

Contrast Radio Replies (Q&A 1134 if link doesn’t work)

radioreplies.info/radio-replies-vol-1.php?t=103

with

Catholic Answers Apologist

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=11355
Click to expand...
Radio Replies is not the only one who has said that Protestant Services are to be avoided. Father Levis is a very credible person and is accustomed to speaking for the Church. So is Michelle Arnold. I myself agree with others and I was told once I was Confirmed I had no business going to any Protestant Church for anything resembling a worship service. I understand the reasons. I wouldn’t go to a Buddist Temple while they are engaging in their services either. I wouldn’t go to a Jewish Synagogue either. I have no real business there. Why would anyone want to? If invited to participate in a wedding in a Protestant place, I would respectfully decline, no matter who it is. I’ve already declined one Protestant wedding in my immediate family and will do so again if it happens. I cannot do it. I don’t want to.

Glenda
 
Julianna said:
I have to ask when this radio stuff was written. 1297…on mixed marriages had me cracking up regarding mixed marriages and marrying at the altar. My brother and his wife were married at the altar and she is a Protestant. This website is pure hokum.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Indeed.

Quoting hokum on a Catholic forum is a standard tactic used to intimidate others like the Pharisees of the Bible.

If in doubt, just ask your parish priest.

He has authority to guide his parishioners.
 
Hello Dedo.
dedo said:
Indeed.

Quoting hokum on a Catholic forum is a standard tactic used to intimidate others like the Pharisees of the Bible.

If in doubt, just ask your parish priest.

He has authority to guide his parishioners.
Click to expand...
Ah yes, but those proclaiming alternative Catholic sites “hokum” usually want their words taken as if the are ex cathedra statements of Catholic truth.

Glenda
 
glendab said:
Hello Dedo.

Ah yes, but those proclaiming alternative Catholic sites “hokum” usually want their words taken as if the are ex cathedra statements of Catholic truth.

Glenda
Click to expand...
There is “alternative”, then there is the truth. #1297 on Radio is hokum. Pure and simple. I have been to many mixed weddings at the CATHOLIC Church, and the bride and groom were married at the altar, just like my brother and his wife.

Now if you are talking 1956 when my Baptist mother married my Catholic father, they were married at the first pew. And women had to wear hats…and communion was on the tongue,…and Latin was spoken…and the priest turned his back to the congregation…and my mother “had” to sign a paper stating she would raise us Catholic…my sister in law, did NOT sign any paper, she was “asked” to raise any children from the marriage Catholic, to which she agreed. So happens she could never have children…

none the less the other items I mentioned are no longer the rule…

I have been to many Protestant weddings…christenings and baby dedications…fully immersion baptisms…and didn’t ask “permission” to go.

It’s a big, big, big, world out there. I work with these people, they are my neighbors, my community leaders, shopkeepers, parents, teachers, co workers…they are not all Catholic. Que sera, sera…
 
Hello OnTheHill.
on_the_hill said:
Just curious–when?

Ah…there’s a difference between ‘I cannot,’ ‘I don’t want to,’ and whether or not it’s allowed.
Click to expand...
I have presented several different views of this issue from credible sources, Father Levis, Michelle Arnold, EWTN, Radio Replies, and I’m sure I can find more. One source said that there was contention between a Priest and a Deacon in one parish and an Assistant to the Diocesan Bishop who published an article stating that attendance by Catholics at Protestant Services was not allowed. That contentious deliberation is exactly what is occurring here. According to the 1917 Code of Canon Laws, it was expressly FORBIDDEN to do so and before that there were other prohibitions on the same. Martyrs were made in England of folks who refused to attend the Queen’s Protestant Services. Catholic Blood was shed over this issue. It is no small matter. Make up you own mind.

Glenda
 
One other thing comes to mind. You personally may feel that you are committing no sin in attending a Protestant worship service, but that doesn’t negate the sin. Believing or disbelieving that something is a sin does not change whether or not a actual sin is committed. If one holds to the position that one’s own mind determines whether or not a sin is committed and each person decides for themselves whether or not they are indeed committing sins, then I can only say that is a protestant position and perhaps that is the compelling reason some are actually drawn to going to places they shouldn’t for their services.

Glenda
 
Actually, Jesus was the hardest on the Pharisees for a reason. The Pharisee sought to add to the commandments of God and appoint himself as God’s representative. Thus, the Pharisee acts like a linebacker who tackles people trying to get to God.

In my opinion, this behavior on CAF can be marked by the person who insinuates others as sinning, without authoritative sources and almost never advises the person to seek counsel from a credible source such as his / her own priest.

It has been said that the devil’s greatest victory is to create division among Christians.

We should not assist in that victory.

I have personally asked my priest about attending Protestant services more than once. The only proviso I was told was to attend Mass (in addition)
and don’t take communion.

Everyone at CAF should remember that the authority of your priest supersedes any layman’s opinion on CAF by light years.
 
I don’t know why you would want to.

Remember that these aren’t just houses of different opinion, Our Lord’s heart grieves for these people, and all error is abhorrent to Him, even if by chance they didn’t know better.

I mean, allow me to exaggerate, only to prove a point. Would you go to a satanist service to be present when they desecrate a Cosecrated Host?

Would you go because it would be impolite not to? Not at all. Would you go because you aren’t intending to participate, but just be present? I don’t think you would. Would you go so as to ecumenically encourage them to come to a Catholic Church? Surely not, because the lack of care for God’s offence that you would show by being present would not encourage the person to attend Mass, your witness to them would be that you “don’t consider God to be worth caring about”.

Protestants aren’t as bad as satanists, but like satanists, they also began out of disobedience. The speaker may or may not be a convicted heretic (that is, by choice and therefore sinning) but their preaching will still be mostly un-Christian. Even if they teach things that are 90% orthodox, they are still 100% false, just as a 99.9% truth is a 100% lie.

Add into the mix that you will be unlikely to be able to pick out every error that they make, and run the risk of inheriting some of this false teaching.

I think just about any honest Christian will be more convinced by someone who refuses something out of love for God. If God is really the object of their love then this will convince them. Anyone who doesn’t take Christianity seriously won’t be convinced by this, because they won’t be convinced by anything, if they don’t care. Giving them the possibility of interpreting protestants and Catholics as just people of different subjective opinions would only run the risk of making them worse.
 
Hello Dedo.
dedo said:
Actually, Jesus was the hardest on the Pharisees for a reason. The Pharisee sought to add to the commandments of God and appoint himself as God’s representative. Thus, the Pharisee acts like a linebacker who tackles people trying to get to God.

In my opinion, this behavior on CAF can be marked by the person who insinuates others as sinning, without authoritative sources and almost never advises the person to seek counsel from a credible source such as his / her own priest.

It has been said that the devil’s greatest victory is to create division among Christians.

We should not assist in that victory.

I have personally asked my priest about attending Protestant services more than once. The only proviso I was told was to attend Mass (in addition)
and don’t take communion.

Everyone at CAF should remember that the authority of your priest supersedes any layman’s opinion on CAF by light years.
Click to expand...
Father Levis isn’t a layman. Michelle Arnold is a Catholic Apologist.

Glenda
 
Comparing another Christian service to satanic service is to follow the will of Satan who promotes division.

I attend Protestant services because my wife is Protestant.

Over the years I have found that worshiping together strengthens the marriage.

Over the years, I have also learned what people can be safely ignored.

It is safe to ignore people who spread division and meet the criteria for a Pharisee noted above.

It is not safe to ignore true religious authority I personally consult. And it is not safe to ignore people who make a real effort to serve the suffering.
 
glendab said:
Hello Cycleman.

Radio Replies is not the only one who has said that Protestant Services are to be avoided. Father Levis is a very credible person and is accustomed to speaking for the Church. So is Michelle Arnold. I myself agree with others and I was told once I was Confirmed I had no business going to any Protestant Church for anything resembling a worship service. I understand the reasons. I wouldn’t go to a Buddist Temple while they are engaging in their services either. I wouldn’t go to a Jewish Synagogue either. I have no real business there. Why would anyone want to? If invited to participate in a wedding in a Protestant place, I would respectfully decline, no matter who it is. I’ve already declined one Protestant wedding in my immediate family and will do so again if it happens. I cannot do it. I don’t want to.

Glenda
Click to expand...
That is your prerogative, but that is not the teaching of the church.
 
glendab said:
Hello OnTheHill.

I have presented several different views of this issue from credible sources, Father Levis, Michelle Arnold, EWTN, Radio Replies, and I’m sure I can find more. One source said that there was contention between a Priest and a Deacon in one parish and an Assistant to the Diocesan Bishop who published an article stating that attendance by Catholics at Protestant Services was not allowed. That contentious deliberation is exactly what is occurring here. According to the 1917 Code of Canon Laws, it was expressly FORBIDDEN to do so and before that there were other prohibitions on the same. Martyrs were made in England of folks who refused to attend the Queen’s Protestant Services. Catholic Blood was shed over this issue. It is no small matter. Make up you own mind.

Glenda
Click to expand...
The 1917 code no longer applies. It was superseded by the 1983 code.

To compare voluntary attendance at an occasional Protestant service to the refusal to mandatory attendance under threat of death does the martyr’s a disservice.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top