Stay Catholic or change religions?

[Lapey]

The Catholic faith is a faith. Other faiths are faiths. We can pretend otherwise but none are 100% absolute certain knowledge with every dotted “i” and crossed “t” for certain exactly correct. That’s not to say Truth is relative. It isn’t. There is one truth. Christ is the Truth He said. And in that case we shall know when we meet Him or He comes again. In the meantime it’s all faith and beliefs. God bless and peace.

Ok, would I be wrong to say that the Catholic faith is flowing from Christ? Would I be wrong to say that the First Baptist faith, or Methodist, or Lutheran, etc., also flows from christ? If you say yes then how can this be if Jesus established one church?

I believe what scriptue teaches, Jesus established the Church and His saving Grace flows through it. I believe I meet Him regularly when I recieve the acrements. Each time I recieve the Eucharist, or Reconciliation I come face to face with Christ, His Grace flows in these sacrements, His salvation flows in these sacrements.

 

[Lapey]

I don’t have to say it. I’ll leave it up to the priests to announce who can not come forth to receive Christ.

I have never seen or heard a Priest tell someone they could not recieve when they came up and presented their self to recieve. I would bet there would be a meeting with that person afterwards to explain why they shouldn’t recieve untill properly prepared, but the Church frowns on refusing the Eucharist and causing a scene. But I am sure some would do just that, cause a scene.

It is up to the comunicant to realize his error and have a change of heart, with proper guidance of the pastor.

All this discussion is leaving the main topic, leaving the Church.

Again I repeat to the op, look into the truth about the Church before leaving, know what you are leaving before you leave.

If it were easy, everyone would be Catholic!!!

 

[mark_a]

One of the major things I don’t agree with is confession. I don’t understand why I have to confess my sins through a Priest? Why can’t I just ask God for forgivness myself through prayer?

Well if that’s the way it works, why can’t you just ask God through prayer to give you first communion, or to baptise you, or to marry you and your husband, or give you the annointing of the sick, or make you a priest, or . . . . . .

 

[laneo]

If so, then why did He bother to spend three years establishing the Catholic Church, and why give it to Peter to safeguard until the end of time, and why make it so many promises of infallibility?

Yes, I know of Matthew 16:18, but Jesus makes no mention of Catholicism, Catholics, etc. Or Popes, Priests, etc.

On another note, the Bible/Jesus also makes no mention of Purgatory, petitioning of Saints, baptizing infants, confessing to a priest, etc.

As others were stating, there are many “rules” in our Church that most people don’t understand. Sure I do, but it’s all dogma to me.

Regardless, the Lord Jesus Christ will not deny anyone who accepts him. Christ loves all, and those who know him as their true redeemer and savior will enter Heaven. To say you need to be Catholic for salvation and that its the “one true” religion is far from the truth. Yes, I am Catholic, but I don’t discern that I am practicing the only one true perfect religion. Christ is the same in all denominations, we just have different “customs” as far as I am concerned.

I guess I am a heretic… . Excommunicate me now.

 

[Lapey]

Yes, I know of Matthew 16:18, but Jesus makes no mention of Catholicism, Catholics, etc. Or Popes, Priests, etc.

On another note, the Bible/Jesus also makes no mention of Purgatory, petitioning of Saints, baptizing infants, confessing to a priest, etc.

As others were stating, there are many “rules” in our Church that most people don’t understand. Sure I do, but it’s all dogma to me.

Regardless, the Lord Jesus Christ will not deny anyone who accepts him. Christ loves all, and those who know him as their true redeemer and savior will enter Heaven. To say you need to be Catholic for salvation and that its the “one true” religion is far from the truth. Yes, I am Catholic, but I don’t discern that I am practicing the only one true perfect religion. Christ is the same in all denominations, we just have different “customs” as far as I am concerned.

I guess I am a heretic… . Excommunicate me now.

Bible does not mention cars either, but I bet you drive one!

But on the contrary, the bible does mention many of the topics you mention. What ie the “presbiterate” mentioned in scripture, but the priesthood.
As far as baptizing infants, it most certainly states “all” were baptised in a few locations, not all but the infants; even makes mention of the slaves being baptized.

There is defininely scripture to back up confession, "whose sins you forgive are forgive, sins you retain are retained…’ John 20.

 

[laneo]

Bible does not mention cars either, but I bet you drive one!

But on the contrary, the bible does mention many of the topics you mention. What ie the “presbiterate” mentioned in scripture, but the priesthood.
As far as baptizing infants, it most certainly states “all” were baptised in a few locations, not all but the infants; even makes mention of the slaves being baptized.

There is defininely scripture to back up confession, "whose sins you forgive are forgive, sins you retain are retained…’ John 20.

It says nothing about having to go to a priest to do it though.

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

Like I said, I am not here to argue or quote scripture. Just accept Christ, ask for forgiveness, and be the best Christian you can, and you will be accepted into Heaven. The Lord will not deny those who follow him (Catholic or not).

 

[JonNC]

Splitting off and starting a whole new religion does nothing to “correct” anything.

Who did that? Rome, or the Orthodox?

Our religion, the one you and I share, is Christian. We are joined as Christians in our Baptisms.

This is a perfect description of non-Catholic Christianity - their faith has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus - their faith is centered on the idea that “Peter” (the leadership of the Church) is in error. Their cry is not “all for Jesus!” but “I wanna do what I wanna do!”

Do you have a source you can cite that this is what non-Catholic Christians believe? If not, this statement is as polemic as the ones some non-Catholics say about Catholicism not being Christian. Neither does anything positive.

Jon

 

[Lapey]

It says nothing about having to go to a priest to do it though.

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

That would be the simple responce. Who was He speaking to? What was He doing? Was He charging anyone with any duty? Look at the context of the scripture.

Verses 21-23 are a “sending” of the Apostles. “as my Father has sent Me, so I send you.” This was the authorization by the power of the Holy Spirit, yes ordination if you will.

It is easy to see what you see, but used i context the Church has come to this realization that this is what He charged them with. I do not question it, doesn’t make it any easier to go to confession and admit I am a broken sinner; but this is truth.

I agree there is only one mediator between Gon and man, that is Christ. That scripture does not say anything contrary to John 20. The one who forgives is Christ Himself.

 

[Lapey]

Like I said, I am not here to argue or quote scripture. Just accept Christ, ask for forgiveness, and be the best Christian you can, and you will be accepted into Heaven. The Lord will not deny those who follow him (Catholic or not).

Be careful not to fall into that trap of, “oh thats good enough.” Because the road to heaven is narrow and the gate is small. Few take the narrow path!

 

[laneo]

Be careful not to fall into that trap of, “oh thats good enough.” Because the road to heaven is narrow and the gate is small. Few take the narrow path!

I am not trying to say “its good enough”. Don’t get that impression. People just get wrapped up in doctrine it seems.

Really, all I am stating that if you truly are sorry and remorseful for your sins, if you tell a priest or Christ (directly). I don’t think He (the Lord) will be too upset with which way you choose to do so. I know many many Catholics, who don’t go to confession, but rather confess directly to God, and believe me, it’s more than a handful. hahaha. Sometimes I see a few people at confession, but that’s it. What’s the deal with that?

 

[jmcrae]

Who did that? Rome, or the Orthodox?

I was talking about the Lutherans and the Calvinists, actually. The Orthodox continue in the line of Apostolic Succession - they didn’t break away from the Church. They deny the authority of the Pope, but they haven’t lost or thrown away their Bishops.

 

[jmcrae]

I am not trying to say “its good enough”. Don’t get that impression. People just get wrapped up in doctrine it seems.

Really, all I am stating that if you truly are sorry and remorseful for your sins, if you tell a priest or Christ (directly). I don’t think He (the Lord) will be too upset with which way you choose to do so. I know many many Catholics, who don’t go to confession, but rather confess directly to God, and believe me, it’s more than a handful. hahaha. Sometimes I see a few people at confession, but that’s it. What’s the deal with that?

Are you under the impression that God “grades on the curve”? Just because “everyone is doing it” doesn’t mean that God has to accept it. The one person He wants to have in Heaven is already there - the rest of us are just “bonus points.” He loses nothing, if none of the rest of us make it.

 

[Newbie2]

I’m thinking that sticking with the Catholic Church will probably be the best decision for me at this point. I feel like being Catholic is who I am and where I should be despite the differences between my husband and I and our views on being Catholic.



Everyone on here has been so helpful and I thank you all for the variety of responses. Some of you are probably right…maybe I just don’t understand it enough. Hopefully when I go back I will slowly begin to get the answers I need. I know God is here helping me through this tough journey…he didn’t let me give up yet!
Don’t worry…I will get my kids Baptized! I really hate myself for not doing it sooner…my mother is having a tough time knowing they aren’t baptized.

:extrahappy:

That’s sometimes how I feel…that’s why I questioned whether or not I wanted to back to being Catholic. I want to enjoy the church I’m a part of…not feel as though it’s a chore. I don’t want to feel like if I miss Church one week then I’m some big horrible sinner. Another reason I wanted find a more laid back Church.

Methinks it’s as much a matter of looking inside oneself to enjoy one’s faith as it is from the outside.

Those pesky rules. I hate rules, don’t you? I am looking for a religion that will assure me of salvation without any rules. Until I find it, I will just remain Catholic and obey the rules.

I think Unitarians are pretty rule-free.

 

[Lapey]

I am not trying to say “its good enough”. Don’t get that impression. People just get wrapped up in doctrine it seems.

Really, all I am stating that if you truly are sorry and remorseful for your sins, if you tell a priest or Christ (directly). I don’t think He (the Lord) will be too upset with which way you choose to do so. I know many many Catholics, who don’t go to confession, but rather confess directly to God, and believe me, it’s more than a handful. hahaha. Sometimes I see a few people at confession, but that’s it. What’s the deal with that?

Lack of catechesis, thats what the deal is with that.

For a Catholic of the Latin Rite, mortal sins are forgiven in the sacremental confession only, sorry.

 

[JonNC]

I was talking about the Lutherans and the Calvinists, actually. The Orthodox continue in the line of Apostolic Succession - they didn’t break away from the Church. They deny the authority of the Pope, but they haven’t lost or thrown away their Bishops.

You missed the entire point. Lutherans are not a different religion. Of course the schism does not represent one group or the other forming a new religion. And neither does the current division between us. Oh, and we still have our bishops.

Jon

 

[anode]

Only thing I would say here is that birth control is not a Catholic issue; it is a God issue. Is Christ truly Lord of your life if you control the fact that the sex you partake in is not open to life? I say no. Marriage and marital sex is created by God, not man, not cival authorities; God only. Sex is beautiful when practiced in the way God intended for it to be. It is a renewal of marital vows and is very prayerful. Do you pray while engaging in marital sex? If not why not?

Remember God is in charge, not a condem.

Almost every Christian denomination disagrees with you.

I agree with Lutheranteach: research those denominations near you, attend a few services, meet some members, not just the ‘greeters’, and ask questions. Then decide.

And I disagree with the poster who alleged that most people don’t understand the denominations they leave. They usually understand them only too well.

 

[CARV]

Thank you for all the imput on Confession…that definately puts my views in a different perspective. Do all religions practice confession? Those who don’t, they obviouly go to Church, believe in God, and whatnot…so does that mean they are ALL going to purgatory just because they didn’t confess their sins to a Priest/Pastor/etc.? It just doesn’t make sense. I just figured if you believe in God, live a happy life (without any major Sin), then you will go to Heaven. Some of this talk just makes me feel like you have to follow the Catholic church guidelines to get into Heaven. Well not everyone is Catholic and not everyone worships the same beliefs, but yet they are all worshiping the same God. So who is right in ways to go about doing things? What about those who don’t go to Church but live a happy life? Do they go to Hell because they didn’t go to Church or confession or wearn’t baptized?
I guess no one knows the answer to this, but these are the things I think about. That’s why I questioned whether or not about staying Catholic or changing because I feel like there are too many rules to follow and doing everything thing the Catholic way is your only ticket into Heaven.

In my opinion, you are probably not a good fit for the Catholic Church. You would have to live in opposition with what your church teaches. Your children would probably be taught that thier non-catholic father is going to hell and that you’re going to hell because you use contraception (if you do, that is). I know dozens of catholics, and they are all mass attending cafeteria catholics. Meaning, they go to a Catholic Church on Sundays but they don’t follow all the rules like confession and the like. If you don’t mind being frowned upon by your church’s leadership and the more orthodox believers then go for it. But I would recommend a church that teaches a faith that you actually could believe rather than attending a church that teaches things you don’t accept because your family is catholic.

 

[Lapey]

Almost every Christian denomination disagrees with you.

I agree with Lutheranteach: research those denominations near you, attend a few services, meet some members, not just the ‘greeters’, and ask questions. Then decide.

And I disagree with the poster who alleged that most people don’t understand the denominations they leave. They usually understand them only too well.

It doesn’t matter what “most denominations” think, birth controll is imoral. I also disagree with you on the “know all too well” comment. They may know what people and society tell you about a denomination, not nessecarily what the denom realy teaches and believes; big difference. But we will have to agree to disagree here.

 

[Lapey]

In my opinion, you are probably not a good fit for the Catholic Church. You would have to live in opposition with what your church teaches. Your children would probably be taught that thier non-catholic father is going to hell and that you’re going to hell because you use contraception (if you do, that is). I know dozens of catholics, and they are all mass attending cafeteria catholics. Meaning, they go to a Catholic Church on Sundays but they don’t follow all the rules like confession and the like. If you don’t mind being frowned upon by your church’s leadership and the more orthodox believers then go for it. But I would recommend a church that teaches a faith that you actually could believe rather than attending a church that teaches things you don’t accept because your family is catholic.

The rich young man didn’t agre with what Jesus taught either…just sayin’

 

[Lapey]

Almost every Christian denomination disagrees with you.

I agree with Lutheranteach: research those denominations near you, attend a few services, meet some members, not just the ‘greeters’, and ask questions. Then decide.

And I disagree with the poster who alleged that most people don’t understand the denominations they leave. They usually understand them only too well.

In those denominations that do not agree with me, is it okay to use the birth controll pill? How about the “emergency” contraceptive the "morning after pill? Both can cause abortion you know. Is abortion okay?

What part exactly did you say others denoms do not agree? Was it the part about marriage and the marital embrace being created by God and not man?