Why are Protestant Churches more friendly, helpful, and community oriented?

[Katholikos]

Catholic Churches are not unfriendly at all.

In Catholicism, the focus is on the tabernacle and altar. Everything else is important, but secondary. If Protestants knew that Jesus Christ was really and truly present among them, wouldn’t the focus be not on each other, but on HIM – not figuratively, not “spiritually,” but the “real thing”? Silent reverence and adoration are the only correct responses to HIM in the Tabernacle and the miracle that takes place on every Catholic altar at every Mass.

“When I caught sight of him, I fell down down at his feet as though dead” Rev 1:17.

Catholics “catch sight of him” the minute they walk through the sanctuary door. Pardon us while we focus on HIM, truly present under the sacramental veil.

“Fellowship” outside the sanctuary when the Holy Mass is over, and not in the Presence of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Catholics and their Churches are not unfriendly. We have a different definition of what it means to “worship” that doesn’t meet Protestant expectations.

And the largest social services organization in the world is the Catholic Church.

Katholikos
former Southern Baptist, agnostic, atheist

 

[Augustine22]

“Mommy”-- I think that’s great and I’m glad for you. But that hasn’t been my experience. It’s like the older conservatives think they are “not worthy” (which they aren’t of course, no one is) or their a little afraid and so they won’t do anything.

But the more lib parishes are flowing over with vols…wiggy-thinking vols too often, but vols nonetheless.

 

[sterryfamily]

One of my complaints about the Catholic Church is that it’s unfriendly and not a very good community. I read posts here that say that Protestants are phoney and have just as many problems, and that you don’t go to church to feel good. But I think that Protestants have a lot on the ball. They offer more youth activities and church socials. We should be socializing within the Church. That feeling of community is an important thing, more important to some than others obviously. It’s also a big reason why people like myself are tempted to leave the church, because it’s not the greatest social support system.

I see my fellow Catholics getting involved in all sorts of other activities outside of church, but nothing’s happening in the church. Small Baptist churches will have a church van or bus and everyone takes field trips together. They have vibrant youth groups where kids can have wholesome fun and give the parents a break too. I wish the Catholic Church provided things like that more.

I don’t mean to sound condescending, this is the truth as I see it:

Protestants are in competition - Catholics are focused on worship (liturgy & sacraments). Outside of this the Church really doesn’t belong (except, of course if it is trying to woo members, as with entertainment and special effects).

 

[JoeyWarren]

I don’t mean to sound condescending, this is the truth as I see it:

Protestants are in competition - Catholics are focused on worship (liturgy & sacraments). Outside of this the Church really doesn’t belong (except, of course if it is trying to woo members, as with entertainment and special effects).

I see the same truth as well…the more it is an atmosphere of a party, then the better…like every service should be a New Years Party:dancing: :bounce: :clapping:

 

[Gareth]

Hi,

I thought this was an interesting thread, just a couple of points I’d like to make as a High Anglican.

There’s lots of different types of Protestants, you can’t really generalize some are majorly unfriendly, and some are so syrupy you just want to run away… why is that? because they’re people.

And let’s face it people will annoy you one way or another, either they’re too friendly or they’re not friendly enough, and some people are just right, but that’s why you’re not friends with everyone.

What I can’t stand personally is people talking in church, that’s just rude. But maybe some people feel closer to God by being together, that’s there boat. I’ll bet there’s lots of different Catholic parishs raging from High Church to Happy Clappy, sometimes you have to find a Congregation that suits you within your chosen denomination…

Cheers
Gareth

 

[Writer]

I agree on the church isn’t entertainment line of thinking, but I also think that the community element of the parish is important. Outside of the Mass, I support activities to bring us all together–in a similar way to the way a family gathers together. Our parish also has ministries to the lonely and “fringe” members of society which I think are an important expression of Christ’s love. Sometimes the move to a Catholic Church can be tough and lonely (for ex-Protestants, for instance), and I don’t think there is anything wrong in acknowledging this in church. It is a human need to belong, and some of us (especially Cradle Catholics) may have better support systems in place than others.

 

[Singinbeauty]

Although I haven’t read all the posts to this thread, I have to disagree with the OP’s premise.

First, I don’t see Protestant churches doing anything community oriented. While they may appear to be friendlier to prospective new members, I suspect it is with the sole purpose of getting into a person pockets for money to build more buildings. (Excuse me for my bluntness).

Second, as a new Catholic, I have felt that every Catholic at my parish church has been more than friendly and helpful. I also work in the parish food pantry where we give away food and baby clothing, no quesstions asked.

I suspect Protestants feel Catholics are unfriendly because it suits their agenda.

Wow. What to say to this. While trying to not feel offended (because we are all ignorant of SOMETHING no matter what it is) I can’t help but feel a bit, what’s the word, sad.

I won’t deny that there are those ‘churches’ out there who spread the BOGUS ideal of ‘Health and Wealth’ but to put ALL protestants in that category shows just how little you know. AND it is comments like these that make me feel like catholics aren’t the only ones who get the ignorant comments and having people jump on them for things that are said that they believe but simply aren’t true. Do a little research there newbie. You may be suprised that not every protestant is here to prey on and take money from the simple minded people.

JoeyWarren:

Quote:

sterryfamily:

Originally Posted by sterryfamily
I don’t mean to sound condescending, this is the truth as I see it:

Protestants are in competition - Catholics are focused on worship (liturgy & sacraments). Outside of this the Church really doesn’t belong (except, of course if it is trying to woo members, as with entertainment and special effects).

I see the same truth as well…the more it is an atmosphere of a party, then the better…like every service should be a New Years Party

Alright… anyone want to tell me how NOT to get offended by these comments? Anyone?

 

[Writer]

Wow. What to say to this. While trying to not feel offended (because we are all ignorant of SOMETHING no matter what it is) I can’t help but feel a bit, what’s the word, sad.

I won’t deny that there are those ‘churches’ out there who spread the BOGUS ideal of ‘Health and Wealth’ but to put ALL protestants in that category shows just how little you know. AND it is comments like these that make me feel like catholics aren’t the only ones who get the ignorant comments and having people jump on them for things that are said that they believe but simply aren’t true. Do a little research there newbie. You may be suprised that not every protestant is here to prey on and take money from the simple minded people.

Alright… anyone want to tell me how NOT to get offended by these comments? Anyone?

I’ve got to agree with you on this one, too. That kind of broad assertion is just nonesense and doesn’t further any kind of dialogue between Catholics and Protestants.

Look, I grew up Protestant, attended Protestant university in Seattle, etc. We can’t say that all Protestant graciousness or friendliness we encounter is not genuine; that’s judgement of the worst kind. Instead, why don’t we try to make our parishes a little more welcoming? Perhaps we could spend a little less time on the political correct causes du jour and focus on what it means to be Catholics–that is, community. I suggest we try to learn a thing or two from our separated bretheren–instead for putting them down for what our parishes sometimes are missing. After all, we all worship the same God.

 

[jmcrae]

Alright… anyone want to tell me how NOT to get offended by these comments? Anyone?

Just realize that they have no idea what they are talking about.

I grew up in a Protestant church, and even though I became Catholic, I still consider them “my family” - I grew up with those people, we were in Cradle Roll and Sunday School together; we went to summer camp together, every summer of childhood - they will always be “my people.”

My Catholic parish is becoming the same, too, though, through shared struggles and experiences. But my Protestant church will always be part of me, and those people will always be brothers and sisters, to me. (They even still invite me to Church Family Camp - I can’t go, because there is too much that I wouldn’t be allowed to participate in any more, but it shows that they still consider me to be “family,” too.) The feeling of belonging in a Protesant church is very, very real; people really do think of you as a member of the same family.

But there is no reason that the same thing couldn’t happen in a Catholic parish.

 

[Singinbeauty]

Just realize that they have no idea what they are talking about.

I grew up in a Protestant church, and even though I became Catholic, I still consider them “my family” - I grew up with those people, we were in Cradle Roll and Sunday School together; we went to summer camp together, every summer of childhood - they will always be “my people.”

My Catholic parish is becoming the same, too, though, through shared struggles and experiences. But my Protestant church will always be part of me, and those people will always be brothers and sisters, to me. (They even still invite me to Church Family Camp - I can’t go, because there is too much that I wouldn’t be allowed to participate in any more, but it shows that they still consider me to be “family,” too.) The feeling of belonging in a Protesant church is very, very real; people really do think of you as a member of the same family.

But there is no reason that the same thing couldn’t happen in a Catholic parish.

No doubt. And I have to say that I am not really offended because people are free to be ignorant and say what they want. That is what I love about the internet. But you can see how I could be offended. Just because some churches are flashy and try to impress with the lights, smoke, and money doesn’t mean we are ALL like that. Just as much as I know that you would not want to be connected to those professing the catholic faith when they burned and killed protestants for their beliefs. Would you?

 

[Tom317]

Here’s my take:

Protestant Churches have plenty to offer and they do worship the Lord, through singing and reading Bible passages, and they are quite often vibrant places of worship. No Christian should blast Protestants for their love of the Lord, for everyone who truly loves Christ is our brethren.

With that said…

Catholics who are serious about their faith know and believe that they are walking into the very Presence of our Risen Lord, the actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity is present with us as we enter a Catholic Church. For those Catholics (include me here) that truly believe those articles of faith, it is often a heart wrenching experience to know that Jesus Christ (the actual Christ who died on the cross for us) is with us in Church and that we will be receiving Him into our bodies during Holy Communion. The entire focus of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is significantly differrent then a Protestant worship service, there is really no way to compare the two–imo.

I feel enormous joy when I receive the Lord, yet I also feel utterly humbled with the knowledge that I just had a real encounter with Christ that is close to heaven as it gets this side of heaven. It is awe inspiring and humbling, leading many Catholics to be quiet.

 

[jmcrae]

Just as much as I know that you would not want to be connected to those professing the catholic faith when they burned and killed protestants for their beliefs. Would you?

I’m Catholic in order to follow Jesus; not because of what other Catholics do. We can’t let other people’s sins prevent us from being obedient to God.

 

[Singinbeauty]

I’m Catholic in order to follow Jesus; not because of what other Catholics do. We can’t let other people’s sins prevent us from being obedient to God.

Exactly, so why do SOME catholics punish and make rash judgements on all protestants because of things that one GROUP or another has done? So just as I am not to assume that you are the same as those hateful catholics who burned people at the stake why do some catholics assume that ALL protestants deserve to be thrown in the same pit together? Do you see where I am going with this?

 

[TheGarg]

Hi,

I have to be honest with you guys. I know I never say anything mean on this forum because that is not Christ-like, but Im a little angry and I feel I have to speak up. Please bear with me

I am so sick of catholics saying the protestant or non-denoms services are only focused on entertainment and that we do not focus our worship on God. That is SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH! So we sing praise music so what! We are being joyful in our worship to the Lord. Worship does not have to be solemn and quiet to be worthy of praising the Lord. We are to be joyful and what better way then to sing to Him with clapping if one so chooses. We are showing God how much we love and worship Him. Both styles of worship are fine.

I have seen this said SOOOOO many times on this forum that I just couldnt take it anymore.

I would appreciate it if you guys would understand that we do focus our worship on God we just do it in a more vivacious way. I dont see that worshipping in our style is any less of a way of worshipping then the CC way.

Ok my rant is over

But you reject the Body of Christ, and the Mass, so by comparsion, it is a service base man-made attractions.

Some you guys have services that are close to the mass, but some of them “services” are really for entertainment purposes only.

I am not sure with you attend, so don’t take it too personally.

peace of the Lord be with you

 

[whatevergirl]

Because Catholics come to Church focused on God. We focus our worship only on God. That is why the Crucifix is at center and the Altar also to represent the last supper and Calvary.

Unfortunately many Catholics do ignore others as they are focused on God when they are at Church, this is actually preferable since we are supposed to focus on God when we worship, the time for community is afterward. That is where many Catholics fall short as our worship is designed to focus on God which sometimes keeps Catholics on that state of mind even after Mass.

Most non-catholic churches have a preacher center and music surrounding him which focuses on the auditory aspect and community aspect of their churches. So they excel at community and fellowship, which Catholics are supposed to do in the parish hall and afterward.

God Bless
Scylla

Interesting point…but, we are not to ignore those around us? I’m Catholic, and I do believe that within the Church’s sanctuary, we should not be chit chatting, and catching up on last week’s events with those around us. I think what this poster is saying is that Catholics do not promote enough comaradery after mass…there are not enough social activities after mass is through. I recall when that was different growing up…I remember when there were breakfast get togethers…pancake breakfasts…fun retreats…it seems to be changing…going away.

I think that we should be paying attention to God first and foremost before and during mass…and in life, in general…but God wants us to serve Him and others. He wants us to be a community that is warm to one another–not ignoring one another.

 

[jmcrae]

Exactly, so why do SOME catholics punish and make rash judgements on all protestants because of things that one GROUP or another has done?

Because they don’t know what they’re talking about. Words are coming out, but there is no thought behind it - it’s just pure prejudice on the part of particular individuals, and in most cases, it’s not even premeditated prejudice - they’re just spouting stuff they’ve heard somewhere else, without ever checking it out for themselves - not to judge them at all, but they were not thinking straight when they said these things, for whatever reason.

So just as I am not to assume that you are the same as those hateful catholics who burned people at the stake why do some catholics assume that ALL protestants deserve to be thrown in the same pit together? Do you see where I am going with this?

Yes, absolutely - believe me when I say I agree with you on this.

 

[mrs_abbott]

One of my complaints about the Catholic Church is that it’s unfriendly and not a very good community. I read posts here that say that Protestants are phoney and have just as many problems, and that you don’t go to church to feel good. But I think that Protestants have a lot on the ball. They offer more youth activities and church socials. We should be socializing within the Church. That feeling of community is an important thing, more important to some than others obviously. It’s also a big reason why people like myself are tempted to leave the church, because it’s not the greatest social support system.

I have heard from many people, Catholics and non-Catholics, that the Mass is like a funeral (meaning it’s depressing). I know we’re not supposed to come to church to feel good but I don’t think it’d hurt to be a more friendly, welcoming environment.
I think the same way, Disheartened.

 

[jmcrae]

I have heard from many people, Catholics and non-Catholics, that the Mass is like a funeral (meaning it’s depressing).

Either that, or the funerals they go to are just like Mass?

I actually have never been to a “depressing” funeral - any that I’ve gone to have emphasized the reality of life after death, and I have always come away feeling very hopeful.

I know we’re not supposed to come to church to feel good but I don’t think it’d hurt to be a more friendly, welcoming environment.
I think the same way, Disheartened.

Maybe you are being called by God to start a hospitality ministry at your parish?

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Exactly, so why do SOME catholics punish and make rash judgements on all protestants because of things that one GROUP or another has done? So just as I am not to assume that you are the same as those hateful catholics who burned people at the stake why do some catholics assume that ALL protestants deserve to be thrown in the same pit together? Do you see where I am going with this?

Hi,
Im with you on all your posts.

 

[Singinbeauty]

You know I would just be tickled pink to participate in an event where catholics and protestants TOGETHER go out into the community and do something that shows a UNITY in Christ. Put aside apologetic differences and serve those who so desperately need Christ instead of sitting on our bums and complain that the other hurt our feelings so they MUST be evil or taking shots at eachother because we are too ignorant and self centered to do the research and just ask a question… *sigh… If only…