Which religion is grabbing the most Catholics?

[michaelgazin]

OurLadyOfEfes:

At first I was like ,hey this is a link to a Jimmy Hendricks concert!!

It was kind of funny one of the first things the pastor said was a passage of scripture about St. Paul speaking on the unity of the church. He then goes on to say we are lucky here we have not experienced a split in our church. Well I say just wait a couple years!!!

What is most interesting, is that he views Paul’s writings as pertaining to individual churches. It doesn’t seem to cross his mind that separation could be a result of churchES dividing. I wrote him an email regarding that and a few other things.

 

[OurLadyOfEfes]

That is the exact interpretation that some of my protestant relatives use. I think one of the greatest ways to get these bible only christians to stop and really think is to show them how the bible was brought into existence. They all believe that it is God’s inerrant word therefor with that thinking the institution (Catholic Church) has to be a divine institution. They would really have to be ignorant and full of pride to ignore that fact.

 

[michaelgazin]

OurLadyOfEfes:

That is the exact interpretation that some of my protestant relatives use. I think one of the greatest ways to get these bible only christians to stop and really think is to show them how the bible was brought into existence. They all believe that it is God’s inerrant word therefor with that thinking the institution (Catholic Church) has to be a divine institution. They would really have to be ignorant and full of pride to ignore that fact.

They need to read this:

geocities.com/thecatholicconvert/wherewegotthebible.html

 

[speedy5]

that is a really good article ourlady.

 

[True-Jesus]

** Is Islam grabbing the most Catholics? **

To All:

I am amazed not to see the name of Islam in the list of poll. This is a blatant example of religious biasness. The fact of the matter is despite all kinds of false propaganda Islam is the fastest growing religion (Way of Life) especially in the USA. So your concern seems to me not based on reality on the ground but superficial view.

Now most people from Christiandom ask this question why Muslim countries do not allow Christian missionaries to spread Biblical verses? and also they say something like : Missonaries are brutalized or tortured etc…etc. This analysis is absurd.

I am not sure what those Christians Missionaries are/were doing in the Muslim countries and how they were/are being brutalised or tortured but it is sure that Holy Bible does contain “X” rated and “other” material that is absolutely inappropriate for innocent children and decent families of any faith.

Read any version of the Holy Bible thoroughly then you will see by yourself what I am talking.

If you disagree with me then try one thing today, if you have kids. Read out Ezekiel Chapter 23 to your kids and family members. If you are a non-religious Westener, it may not surprise you or your kids or family members but most certainly it is **absolutley inappropriate ** and not acceptable for any Eastern culture/country because their view of morality is totally different than Western Atheistic/Non-Religious/materialistic view.
This may be the one of the many reasons countries like Saudi Arabia do not allow “Holy” Bible to enter their countries and thus spoil their culture. That is their view and you have to respect their cultural values and their Holy Book Koran is free from these types of indecent and inappropriate things.

 

[Church_Militant]

http://users.rcn.com/rostmd/winace/pics/dnftt.jpg

 

[nianka]

4HisChurch:

That is the clearest explanation I have ever heard!!! No wonder people leave the church!!

Now we need to get our adult catechisis together.

I have to say that I wish the Catholic Church had “Sunday School” every Sunday like the Protestants do. I think it would solve alot of problems.
nianka

 

[Church_Militant]

nianka:

I have to say that I wish the Catholic Church had “Sunday School” every Sunday like the Protestants do. I think it would solve alot of problems.
nianka

This sounds good, Nianka, & it sure couldn’t hurt, but my experience of Sunday Schools in n-C churches is that they are never as well attended as the services and that even those who attend seem to lack a lot in their knowlege and beliefs. Most often the answer to “Why do you believe that?” was “…because the preacher said so.” As an SS teacher I used to wanna rip my hair out when I heard that.

I have volunteered to work in my parish’s adult faith formation department. That is where I feel led by the Holy Spirit.

BTW…Welcome Home!
Pax tecum,

 

[michaelgazin]

Church Militant:

This sounds good, Nianka, & it sure couldn’t hurt, but my experience of Sunday Schools in n-C churches is that they are never as well attended as the services and that even those who attend seem to lack a lot in their knowlege and beliefs. Most often the answer to “Why do you believe that?” was “…because the preacher said so.” As an SS teacher I used to wanna rip my hair out when I heard that.

I have volunteered to work in my parish’s adult faith formation department. That is where I feel led by the Holy Spirit.

BTW…Welcome Home!
Pax tecum,

If anything though, I think it would help in the feeling of unity among the congregants. In just about all the Catholic Churches I have attended, it is basically just all strangers that come together for an hour a week. While the protestant sunday schools might not aid in knowledge, I have seen them benefit in the sense that they have a much stronger sense of familial unity. Then again, many times it is easier for certain massive non-catholic churches to support such schools when they receive financial assistance from their millions of church-goers.

Peace

 

[contemplative]

I percieve that mainline Protestants have had their day. Eastern religions and New Age are the grabbers today.

 

[Ahimsa]

Scientology

 

[johnpaullover]

Pooh, If i was a Scientologist, i’d be electrocuted in 2 minutes

 

[last_niceguy]

I would say New Age…however they do not leave the Church per-say, rather they attempt to incorporate their New Age ideas into the teachings of the Church.

Sadly, its done even before you are old enough to choose for youself, I know in high school we are being taught a lot of New Age ideas about earthly spirituality, etc. and it is being brought into the Catholic social teaching.

 

[katy]

Praise Singer:

Around here it’s the churches that teach what the Bible says and what it means for us today. It is very rare for us to get a homily in our parish that takes the readings, explains the Catholic interpretation and how to live it in society. It’s the same with many of the religion classes our kids take: God is love, He loves you and forgives you.

We need to get priests in the pulpit saying “this is what Catholics believe and why…” So how do we go about getting this?

GENERIC USUAL CATHOLIC HOMILY AROUND HERE

“This is St. Whosit’s day, and we know that St. Whosit really loved God. We don’t always love God, but we should. So, let’s all remember how St. Whosit acted and do likewise and love everybody.”

This sort of thing almost landed me in the huge Presbyterian Church around here where they are pro-life and actually talk about how to apply the Christian faith. Fortunately, I woke up in time and was able to find a Catholic Church within driving distance where they do the same. Feel like I dodged a bullet.

 

[katy]

michaelgazin:

In just about all the Catholic Churches I have attended, it is basically just all strangers that come together for an hour a week. While the protestant sunday schools might not aid in knowledge, I have seen them benefit in the sense that they have a much stronger sense of familial unity.
Peace

This is why many Catholics I know have gone to the Protestant churches. The Sunday Schools even have social events together and help each other out with personal problems in each other’s lives. Catholics tend to come late and scatter immediately no one knows anybody else unless they have kids in the school.

 

[Ahimsa]

last_niceguy:

Sadly, its done even before you are old enough to choose for youself, I know in high school we are being taught a lot of New Age ideas about earthly spirituality, etc. and it is being brought into the Catholic social teaching.

What do you mean by “earthly spirituality”?

 

[ChristFollower]

I wasn’t surprised by the poll at all. I believe the reason for Catholics reforming is the fact that they learn about scripture and of God’s will for their lives. A Christian church that is reaching out to it’s community as the hands of Christ’s body is a living well that attracts all who are hungry for Christ. Christ wants a relationship with you and that is what is cultivated at a gospel dedicated church.

The bright side to this is many Catholic churches are recognizing the fact that Christ wants a relationship with us, that it’s not about what we do, but rather what he did and are encouraging a life lead by the Holy Spirit rather than ritual - I beleive it’s a charismatic reform.

 

[BillyT92679]

ChristFollower:

I wasn’t surprised by the poll at all. I believe the reason for Catholics reforming is the fact that they learn about scripture and of God’s will for their lives. A Christian church that is reaching out to it’s community as the hands of Christ’s body is a living well that attracts all who are hungry for Christ. Christ wants a relationship with you and that is what is cultivated at a gospel dedicated church.

The bright side to this is many Catholic churches are recognizing the fact that Christ wants a relationship with us, that it’s not about what we do, but rather what he did and are encouraging a life lead by the Holy Spirit rather than ritual - I beleive it’s a charismatic reform.

Catholicism will attract more when it is presented as the treasure trove of intellectual thought that the Church is. The richness of Catholic spirituality is why she has so many adherents. We’ve abandoned Thomistic thought, Augustinian spirituality, the intellectual profundity of both the Western and Eastern Church Fathers. The American church has replaced these wonderful things with a Church that is anti-intellectual, experiential, and, worst of all, somewhat relativistic. Experience is fine; but a deep spirituality goes far beyond simply experiencing God’s Presence. Simple emotionalism denies Christ’s mandate to love God with our whole heart AND MIND.
That doesn’t mean we have to do a deep theological dissertation on every point of Faith. Our Eastern brethren especially do acknowledge the wonder and awe of Mystery. But they also have a deep and rich intellectual heritage. Look no further than St. Basil or St. John Chrysostum for profound thought. We need to embrace WHY we are Catholic and not just have a superficial relationship with God.

 

[system]

ChristFollower:

I wasn’t surprised by the poll at all. I believe the reason for Catholics reforming is the fact that they learn about scripture and of God’s will for their lives. A Christian church that is reaching out to it’s community as the hands of Christ’s body is a living well that attracts all who are hungry for Christ. Christ wants a relationship with you and that is what is cultivated at a gospel dedicated church.

The bright side to this is many Catholic churches are recognizing the fact that Christ wants a relationship with us, that it’s not about what we do, but rather what he did and are encouraging a life lead by the Holy Spirit rather than ritual - I beleive it’s a charismatic reform.

But, you see, this is where they are wrong. When we receive the Eucharist, we are satisfied by Christ. People rely too much on their emotions and they let them run their lives. We know what happens in Mass and that is why we are very reverent. WE ARE BEFORE OUR GOD, THEN WE RECEIVE HIM. This is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given us. People think they can find more EMOTIONAL satisfation in other churches. So what if they have more gatherings, more social interaction. :nope: We are not supposed to be dancing and flailing around :tsktsk: . We do not have to do a rain dance to try to get God to join us in our church. He is there all the time. I don’t understand why people think they need more. Sorry if I seem harsh. :banghead:

 

[ruzz]

vicia3:

But, you see, this is where they are wrong. When we receive the Eucharist, we are satisfied by Christ. People rely too much on their emotions and they let them run their lives. We know what happens in Mass and that is why we are very reverent. WE ARE BEFORE OUR GOD, THEN WE RECEIVE HIM. This is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given us. People think they can find more EMOTIONAL satisfation in other churches. So what if they have more gatherings, more social interaction. :nope: We are not supposed to be dancing and flailing around :tsktsk: . We do not have to do a rain dance to try to get God to join us in our church. He is there all the time. I don’t understand why people think they need more. Sorry if I seem harsh. :banghead:

I’ve been to rock concerts where Christians flail around saying “I LOVE YOU BRUCE!!!” while standing on the seat back. Yet they find it strange to have the same emotion for the God who created heaven and earth and gave them life.

What’s more nuts?

What is wrong with actually SHOWING your love of Christ outwardly?

Isn’t LOVE an emotion? Isn’t the love of Jesus the strongest emotion? Why is it hard for some to understand that some people are not afraid to show their love?

Would you enjoy your spouse showing you love by standing in a room silently whispering “I love you” or them coming over and hugging you and saying in front of your friends, “I really love you dear”?

What do you think Jesus prefers?