Why do Protestants switch Churches so often

[JasJose]

I had some experiences in Assemblies of God church. Eventhough I ddnt believe them, I use to go there with my friend who was a fanatic, I’d say. I had sometimes debates with them. They tried to convert me to their church, but since I had the deep belief that catholic church is the true one, I ddnt change.

As far as I understood, they are ( protestants in general or people who convert to such churches or denominations) the ones who look for quick fixes or instant results. They want grace instantly. Most of them are blindly doing some things. And yes, most of them blindly hate catholic church.

There are good people too, but only a minority. From my experience what I understood is that such people are the ones who look for quick fixes.When they dont get those “instant grace” in one church they vl jump into another and another and so on. Some of them, provided they have enough money and people, make their own church and starts preaching.

 

[larkin31]

the cake and tea in Fellowship Hall can really suck!

 

[Bluegoat]

Yes, I agree. There are times when we need to stand together lest we lose our freedom to express our faith in the public square. And trinitarians hold much more in common than some are willing to admit. Still, there’s a restlessness in our society these days we didn’t see a generation ago. People want religion to satisfy them–not align themselves to theological ideals they see as divisive. It’s the result of the “me” thing that started in the '60’s.

This is true, and I think it is something many people struggle with. Even Catholics do really.

In some cases there are real theological issues, and people change denominations on that basis, including to and from Catholicism.

But at one time people all went to their local parish of whatever group they belong to. Now it is common for many, including Catholics, to travel to a church of ther choice, whether it be for kids programs, or music, or style of liturgy. Someone may travel to the TLM, for example, because they don’t find the OF “fulfilling”.

My grandfather, who is a Lutheran, has the older way of approaching this. The style of worship and activities in his home church were quite different when I was a child. They now have a much more evangelical type free-form service. There are many people who now attend who prefer this, but the older folks are still there, just attending and worshiping.

I can’t help but think there is much good in this approach - as C.S. Lewis points out, when we start shopping for the church that fits, we are putting ourselves in judgement in ways that can be quite dangerous.

But on the other hand, I find myself thinking - do I have to attend my local parish church, with it’s bad music , bad liturgy, and questionable theology?

A difficult problem.

 

[sablouwho]

I can’t help but think there is much good in this approach - as C.S. Lewis points out, when we start shopping for the church that fits, we are putting ourselves in judgement in ways that can be quite dangerous.

But on the other hand, I find myself thinking - do I have to attend my local parish church, with it’s bad music , bad liturgy, and questionable theology?

A difficult problem.

I struggle with Lewis’ statement too, but if I recall correctly, he was also critical of his own church (Anglican) for heading in a direction of being too watered down. I think he’d be pretty disappointed (though not surprised) to see the state of the Anglican church today.

I myself think like you. I didn’t really care for some of the aspects at the “feel good” parish where I was doing RCIA (before I switched into another RCIA program elsewhere that is a better fit for me). It was too much of a performance (bad music–but performed well). I give them kudos for the very active ministries they have there, but in some ways, “forming community” seemed like it was almost too important.

Because my new RCIA program is through an apostolate, rather than a parish (which I gather is rather unusual), I am still looking for a new parish, but I think I may have found a good one. It is much smaller than my old one, and, thankfully, more traditional. They do Gregorian chant at the 5:15 pm mass on Sunday evenings–last week I got there early and they were singing vespers in Latin right before mass!

 

[Della]

This is true, and I think it is something many people struggle with. Even Catholics do really.

In some cases there are real theological issues, and people change denominations on that basis, including to and from Catholicism.

But at one time people all went to their local parish of whatever group they belong to. Now it is common for many, including Catholics, to travel to a church of ther choice, whether it be for kids programs, or music, or style of liturgy. Someone may travel to the TLM, for example, because they don’t find the OF “fulfilling”.

My grandfather, who is a Lutheran, has the older way of approaching this. The style of worship and activities in his home church were quite different when I was a child. They now have a much more evangelical type free-form service. There are many people who now attend who prefer this, but the older folks are still there, just attending and worshiping.

I can’t help but think there is much good in this approach - as C.S. Lewis points out, when we start shopping for the church that fits, we are putting ourselves in judgement in ways that can be quite dangerous.

But on the other hand, I find myself thinking - do I have to attend my local parish church, with it’s bad music , bad liturgy, and questionable theology?

A difficult problem.

Yes, do we stick with it just for the sake of it or do we move on to a parish that has some neat on the bone? We had to make that decision. I was received into the Church at the parish that’s only 3 blocks from our house. I sang in the choir and we went faithfully. The problem was, as you cited: bad music, abusive liturgical innovations, and a constant drumbeat of social issues in every homily. They even told me (a woman–in case my avatar didn’t give that away) that I’d make a good priest–and they meant it! So, we changed parishes to one in the next city over (we live in a megalopolis) where the liturgy is done properly, the music is all right (not great but all right) and the teaching is orthodox. We needed to do it for the sake of our souls.

 

[Jon_Hus]

This really isn’t the thread for that question. How about opening a new thread to ask why people decided to be reconciled/convert to the Catholic faith?

With all due respect-

How about admitting that the data used to formulate the response is not based on facts?

 

[Della]

With all due respect-

How about admitting that the data used to formulate the response is not based on facts?

I’m afraid you don’t understand. The topic you wish to discuss would take this thread off topic–way off topic. So, if you wish to discuss this issue just start another thread in the appropriate forum. I’ll see you there!

 

[Jon_Hus]

I’m afraid you don’t understand. The topic you wish to discuss would take this thread off topic–way off topic. So, if you wish to discuss this issue just start another thread in the appropriate forum. I’ll see you there!

With all due respect again…

I do not wish to discuss it, if dnu could point me to the data (a book, article, website) used by that poster as the basis to answer the OP “Why do Protestants switch Churches so often” I would simply study that data for myself and keep it to myself if that would make you happy.

Who said anything about discussing it? And how could asking a question about the OP be considered off topic?

I have my doubts about the ability of dnu to provide that data and as such believe it to be opinion, not fact. Would it be a streach to assume that opinions matter more than fact when the opinion is used to make a popular theological point?

Take care,
Jon

 

[Della]

With all due respect again…

I do not wish to discuss it, if dnu could point me to the data (a book, article, website) used by that poster as the basis to answer the OP “Why do Protestants switch Churches so often” I would simply study that data for myself and keep it to myself if that would make you happy.

Who said anything about discussing it? And how could asking a question about the OP be considered off topic?

I have my doubts about the ability of dnu to provide that data and as such believe it to be opinion, not fact. Would it be a streach to assume that opinions matter more than fact when the opinion is used to make a popular theological point?

Take care,
Jon

I’m sorry. I thought you were asking why dnu decided to convert. My bad. Yes, he should supply data to back up his theory–that is if he isn’t merely stating an opinion based on personal experience.

 

[jmcrae]

From reading many post on CAF, Ive noticed that many Protestants switch churches or denominations quite often.

I don’t think that’s always true, and actually, in my city, people tend to stick with the congregation they grew up with, even if it’s all the way across town from where they live. My family still attends the same Protestant church that they first went to, on the first Sunday after they arrived in Canada in 1909. It’s very common to see three or more generations of families all going to Church together. People don’t change churches unless something drastic happens. In my case, it was the realization that Christ actually did found the Catholic Church. (Prior to figuring that out, I had never realized that Christ founded a Church - I always thought that the idea of going to Church came about as one of the consequences of the Enlightenment, along with the establishment of public schools, community libraries, and other forms of public education - it wasn’t until I started participating in forums on the Internet that I came to find out about the history of the Church.)

 

[spn82756]

My experiences with protestant friend I have (and dearly love) is that if they find one church to be uncomfortable then they have switched. Uncomfortable may mean not being happy with fellowship (which is not why we go to worship) or not being happy with the church’s teachings. It seems to me to be cafeteria Christianity. If I don’t like what I hear here…then I’ll go somewhere else.

As a Catholic…some priests or parishes may be more “liberal or conservative” but we know where the church teaches on all issues.

 

[graceandglory]

From reading many post on CAF, Ive noticed that many Protestants switch churches or denominations quite often. A Baptist will switch to non denominational, A Lutheran will switch to episcopalian, and so on. Sometimes they even go back to their original church.

Could someone please explain to me the reasoning behind these moves and how they reconcil their belief systems with each switch. I know that there are some basics of Protestantism that holds them all together or at least there should be, but some of the denominations are opposed to each other and are actually splinter groups from former denominations.

Was it a matter of doctrinal beliefs, their theology, a certain pastor that they liked or disliked, the association with the congregation. What was it?

The reason i ask, is that my beliefs in the truths and doctrines of the Catholic Church would not allow me to seek another church. If each church professes to have the truth, then why would you leave unless you were not convinced of that truth.

For me it was a good thing, and a sign of growth.
First went to a baby church, lots of fun music and fellowship. Sadly, the majority of friends I made there are no longer living even a remotely Christian life.

As I grew, just like going to high school, I needed a church that grew with me. Needed more solid teaching. It worked like that until I asked my last pastor who his authority was. I didn’t ask it quite that way, I wasn’t even a Catholic at the time. He laughed at the thought that there would be any one person who could interpret scripture for him.

(The question I asked was, “Whose bible commentary should I buy?”)

 

[rinnie]

Its weird you would say that. I have a cousin she is born again. She changes Church’s like I change my underware. And thats daily

But she is never contented at any Church ever. Then again God forgive me but I can’t blame the Protestants on that one. I am sure it is her. But she says she is not Protestant, she is born again:shrug:

 

[Bluegoat]

My experiences with protestant friend I have (and dearly love) is that if they find one church to be uncomfortable then they have switched. Uncomfortable may mean not being happy with fellowship (which is not why we go to worship) or not being happy with the church’s teachings. It seems to me to be cafeteria Christianity. If I don’t like what I hear here…then I’ll go somewhere else.

As a Catholic…some priests or parishes may be more “liberal or conservative” but we know where the church teaches on all issues.

Well, I don’t think this has much to do with Protestantism. Catholics who are unhappy with Catholicism also will switch to another church, or if they are just dissatisfied with their parish church, go elsewhere. I have a relative who has attended every Catholic church in her city in turn, because she cannot get along with people anywhere.

 

[spn82756]

Well, I don’t think this has much to do with Protestantism. Catholics who are unhappy with Catholicism also will switch to another church, or if they are just dissatisfied with their parish church, go elsewhere. I have a relative who has attended every Catholic church in her city in turn, because she cannot get along with people anywhere.

But…to change from one parish to another is not changes churches. They are still attending a Catholic Mass and receiving the Eucharist.

 

[Bluegoat]

But…to change from one parish to another is not changes churches. They are still attending a Catholic Mass and receiving the Eucharist.

In some cases it is effectively parallel to what a Protestant does. Many groups are doctrinally very similar, and more importantly, they are still considered part of the “true church” by other Protestants. So it is a bit more like a Latin Catholic deciding to attend an Eastern Catholic church.

As well, the post I was commenting on was talking about the psychology of people who became personally dissatisfied and so moved to a new church, and implied theyy did this on a regular basis. A Catholic constantly changing Catholic parishes may well be psychologically doing the same thing.

 

[spn82756]

In some cases it is effectively parallel to what a Protestant does. Many groups are doctrinally very similar, and more importantly, they are still considered part of the “true church” by other Protestants. So it is a bit more like a Latin Catholic deciding to attend an Eastern Catholic church.

As well, the post I was commenting on was talking about the psychology of people who became personally dissatisfied and so moved to a new church, and implied theyy did this on a regular basis. A Catholic constantly changing Catholic parishes may well be psychologically doing the same thing.

I got ya

 

[Young_Thinker]

I think that it is mainly because there is no true authority within Protestantism, and lately, there has been more chaos because of conflict over social and ecclesiastical issues.

 

[Jon_Hus]

I’m sorry. I thought you were asking why dnu decided to convert. My bad. Yes, he should supply data to back up his theory–that is if he isn’t merely stating an opinion based on personal experience.

Thank you Della