I was asking much the same question! It’s interesting that they could still work together in ministry. The conflict between the Trinitarians and Oneness can still get pretty bitter.
Indeed. My father got into very many disputes with Oneness pastors. According to him, they are “unreasonably stubborn.”
Again I knew this but I suppose its always been a taboo for me, maybe. I was really interested in anothers point of view who had maybe grown up with the same taboo but had come to accept it. This is very encouraging.
It is very hard to break certain taboos. They are so thoroughly ingrained within us that even though we might accept a different explanation, it becomes difficult to change our behavior.
I’ve always been taught, for instance, never to do the sign of the cross because it was a “Catholic” thing to do. Even though I now reject that, and have attempted to use it myself in prayer, it still sometimes feels awkward and I constantly look over my shoulder, as if someone were watching me.
It’s doubtfully something you would have to worry about much if you decided to convert. From what I understand, these kinds of aspects of the faith are not immediately impressed upon you, but are slowly worked in as you become more comfortable with Catholicism (or Orthodoxy, for those who swing that way).
The AOG is a little different in this regard. They do what you say, but I was raised that when someone says to pray for them its meant to keep them in your heart as you pray. Don’t actually request something on their behalf other than that God’s will be done in their life as you don’t know what God’s will might be.
Different Pentecostal denominations have different traditions and mandates. Generally, the
Assemblee di Dio reject AOG taboos on alcohol (not surprising giving that wine is a major export in Italy), reject the concept of naming churches, and reject celebrating certain holidays like Christmas as something “too Catholic.” Anything associated with Catholicism is considered wicked in some way or another.
Concerning God’s will, I can see what you mean. In certain circumstances, I’d even say you are correct. But then again, when people pray for saintly intercession, they don’t necessarily say “I need this or that,” but instead say “pray that God has mercy on us,” or something to that effect.
If you truly believe that God is calling you to the Roman Catholic Church, then pray diligently, study Church history, and read Catholic doctrine, compare it with your own, and pray to discern whether it is orthodox or not. You should also know that the Catholic Church looks favorably upon the Charismatic Movement, which is essentially their version of the Pentecostal gifts, though they don’t necessarily look upon it the same way (eg - many don’t necessarily believe that speaking in tongues = Baptism of the Holy Spirit).
I’d like to hear from Pentecostals of the older style as I was brought up in but I’m open to anyone. How did you reconcile these types of things to your faith?
