Should I encourage my wife to become Lutheran?

[Colorad007]

My wife is a Baptist, but she readily admits that her theology is more sacramental and her worship preference more liturgical. However, she does not believe in the Real Presence–and I’m sure there are a handful of other things–which thus prevents her from becoming Catholic (though she does attend Mass weekly, observes the Friday fast, and other “Catholic things”). Because of her theological blossoming, she is looking into more liturgical, though not Catholic, churches. Should I encourage her?

As I understand the Church’s ecclesiology, when it comes to Protestants and other non-Catholics, it is all a matter of degrees of communion with the Church. Thus Baptists are much more “in communion” with the Church compared to Buddhists, though that communion is not complete or perfect. Likewise, a Luthern or Anglican is even closer in communion–very close, in fact–than Baptists or Presbyterians, for example. So if the goal for her and I and all people should be to come into perfect communion with the Church, then can I in good conscience encourage her to join a liturgical denomination and church even though it is not (yet) Catholic?

 

[FabiusMaximus]

My wife is a Baptist, but she readily admits that her theology is more sacramental and her worship preference more liturgical. However, she does not believe in the Real Presence–and I’m sure there are a handful of other things–which thus prevents her from becoming Catholic (though she does attend Mass weekly, observes the Friday fast, and other “Catholic things”). Because of her theological blossoming, she is looking into more liturgical, though not Catholic, churches. Should I encourage her?

As I understand the Church’s ecclesiology, when it comes to Protestants and other non-Catholics, it is all a matter of degrees of communion with the Church. Thus Baptists are much more “in communion” with the Church compared to Buddhists, though that communion is not complete or perfect. Likewise, a Luthern or Anglican is even closer in communion–very close, in fact–than Baptists or Presbyterians, for example. So if the goal for her and I and all people should be to come into perfect communion with the Church, then can I in good conscience encourage her to join a liturgical denomination and church even though it is not (yet) Catholic?

She should be aware that Lutherans do in fact believe in the real presence, though they are more reluctant to define it as transubstantiation as Catholics do, and leave it a mystery.

 

[mattwcu]

We shouldn’t encourage anyone to join a Protestant sect. I think it would be better for you to help her become Catholic in a positive way, perhaps through some books like those of Scott Hahn’s. If she decides to be a Lutheran, it shouldn’t be from you pushing her, since they are in error.

If she is already close to the Church then keep helping her on that path. Lutherans may or may not believe in the Real Presence but it’s irrelevant because they don’t have it. It’s just bread and wine for them.

 

[Trishie]

We shouldn’t encourage anyone to join a Protestant sect. I think it would be better for you to help her become Catholic in a positive way, perhaps through some books like those of Scott Hahn’s. If she decides to be a Lutheran, it shouldn’t be from you pushing her, since they are in error.

Agreed, and of course, as you are doubtless doing, prayer for her.

 

[northernstar]

No, you should both go to other Churches and then go home and discuss what you feel about that method of teaching. It is pointless, to say here is the solution if you don’t get to the base of what it is your wife needs acknowledged.

Why is she a Baptist and not a Catholic? What is it about either of the faiths she rejects, then address them, to me she sounds like a seeker that has not found a voice equal to her heart’s voice.

It would be good for both of you to go deeper into what your spiritual needs are and what any Church offers. A relationship to Christ is very private, and has to be allowed for in any belief.

If she needs traditional rituals – go out and find that Church, it may be right under your noses.

 

[PiousTemplar]

No. Lutheranism is of course heretical and not the Absolute truth, as Catholicism is. Get her to become Catholic!

 

[JonNC]

My wife is a Baptist, but she readily admits that her theology is more sacramental and her worship preference more liturgical. However, she does not believe in the Real Presence–and I’m sure there are a handful of other things–which thus prevents her from becoming Catholic (though she does attend Mass weekly, observes the Friday fast, and other “Catholic things”). Because of her theological blossoming, she is looking into more liturgical, though not Catholic, churches. Should I encourage her?

As I understand the Church’s ecclesiology, when it comes to Protestants and other non-Catholics, it is all a matter of degrees of communion with the Church. Thus Baptists are much more “in communion” with the Church compared to Buddhists, though that communion is not complete or perfect. Likewise, a Luthern or Anglican is even closer in communion–very close, in fact–than Baptists or Presbyterians, for example. So if the goal for her and I and all people should be to come into perfect communion with the Church, then can I in good conscience encourage her to join a liturgical denomination and church even though it is not (yet) Catholic?

I would, as a matter of advise, encourage her to seek. Attend informational classes of the liturgical communions, as that seems to be her preference, including RCIA. Leaning toward Lutheran or even Anglican will not, however, satisfy her current position regarding the Sacrament of the Altar, as Lutherans by doctrine believe in the real presence, and Anglicans generally do (GKC would reference a motley bunch, so that is why I say generally ).

Just my thoughts.

Jon

 

[Zooey]

I should say, that you should pray for her to follow where the Good Lord leads her, & leave that to a question between her & God.

 

[GeorgeTheWild]

Depending on how Baptist of a Baptist she is, the real presence is probably one of the smaller differences that would need to be reconciled. In my Baptist experience, we generally don’t talk about if the Lord’s Supper is symbolic or literal. The pastor generally just recites the words of 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

The defining feature of Baptist doctrine is quite obviously baptism. The fact that we baptize only on a valid profession of faith and repentance of sins is a very significant difference. Also the baptism, while trinitarian, is seen as a symbol that does not impart grace. If your wife is unwavering in this Baptist view, she’s going to have a hard time joining the liturgical churches. It’s really tough to fit a Baptist mindset into another faith tradition.

 

[ufamtobie]

My wife is a Baptist, but she readily admits that her theology is more sacramental and her worship preference more liturgical. However, she does not believe in the Real Presence–and I’m sure there are a handful of other things–which thus prevents her from becoming Catholic (though she does attend Mass weekly, observes the Friday fast, and other “Catholic things”). Because of her theological blossoming, she is looking into more liturgical, though not Catholic, churches. Should I encourage her?

As I understand the Church’s ecclesiology, when it comes to Protestants and other non-Catholics, it is all a matter of degrees of communion with the Church. Thus Baptists are much more “in communion” with the Church compared to Buddhists, though that communion is not complete or perfect. Likewise, a Luthern or Anglican is even closer in communion–very close, in fact–than Baptists or Presbyterians, for example. So if the goal for her and I and all people should be to come into perfect communion with the Church, then can I in good conscience encourage her to join a liturgical denomination and church even though it is not (yet) Catholic?

Hello Collorad007

No! You should not encourage her to become Lutheran… two wrongs don’t make it right.
Keep praying for her have a Mass said for her, don’t loose faith! Jesus Christ put her in your life to become Catholic and nothing less. Truth is, if you loose faith and encourage her to become Lutheran, shortly you will become Lutheran yourself.

I will keep both of you in my prayers and please pray for me.

Ufamtobie

 

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