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blazerdave
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Oh my.
Why do so many protestants not consider church attendance an important part of their faith?
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gcnuss
Guest
I can’t begin to imagine Easter morning without a celebration of the Festival of the Resurrection. From the first proclamation of “Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” to hearing the scriptural account of the resurrection to receiving the body and blood of our Lord in the Eucharist, there is nowhere else that I could be. The family should begin the day together in worship.
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blazerdave
Guest
Amen!!!
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jmcrae
Guest
Post-modernism is the name for the idea that you can pick and choose from amongst a variety of different philosophies to kind of “collage” your own. Kind of like that game that some kids play, where they cut out different heads, different bodies, and different legs, and mix them up to create all kinds of weird looking animals.Just what IS postmodernism? The word is always popping up. As far as I can work it out it just means ‘something I don’t go along with’.
It’s the idea that, well, everything that we need is already here - there is nothing left to be invented (Modernism was about inventing new technology and having new ideas; hence “Post-modernism” for the idea that there is nothing left to invent) - all we have to do is put what we have to good use.
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vera_dicere
Guest
Its also like the good ole fashioned “Easter catholics”. Every Easter and Christmas you see the churches brimming at seams, but each week, not so much. The church I attend, Easter was standing room only and there were people standing in the foyer and outside, weekly service, there are many empty rows.
But I do find it odd, i’ve met a lot of non-Catholic Christians lately who say to me that they don’t see a point in goign to church or praying. And its like, if you have a friend, would you not see a poitn in visiting them? Yeah, yeah, God is everywhere, but if your friend threw a party you’d go, right? I view weekly service as a party, its not just you that goes, but all God’s chums as well.
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Lypher
Guest
Great Post!.. I agree, I just wish some of my fellow Catholics would hang around church a little longer afterwards for some more fellowship…
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shondrea
Guest
I don’y get it. I can respect that one feels a deep connection with God and sees going to church as unimportant, but I’ve seen people BRAG about how they don’t go to church, and think other Christians only go to church to show off about how holy they are
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Bran_Stark
Guest
I think it’s perfectly possible to be a believing Christian and not “go to church”. So long as you don’t stick their noses in the air at those who do, while I’d certainly encourage you to join your fellows, I won’t condemn you for having other plans.
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KathleenGee
Guest
For Catholics, it is a grave sin to miss Mass on Sunday. We are then denying the great importance of receiving the Eucharist.
And we honor the Divine Presence by providing Him a most beautiful and sacred space. He was born in a manger. We recall that every Christmas. He now rules in heaven next to the Father. He drove the corrupt money changers out of the temple because of their actions, and by their profaning of the holy place. Even the Lord God instructed Moses in how He wanted His place of worship built, and the instructions were highly detailed.
So we have to look at Scripture as well to see the importance and divine with the work of our hands to work for the greater glory of God in how we form a a sacred building. In the Catholic and Orthodox churches, there is much importance given to the tiniest details of sacred space, to art and environment, to ensure that the total message praises God and gives Him His due honor. He is the center of our lives.
But yes, each heart and soul is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and Christ stands before each heart. And the Mass has been said in all sorts of places during persecution. God acknowledges fellowship and worship by the sincerity of our hearts. He honors all.
And we honor the Divine Presence by providing Him a most beautiful and sacred space. He was born in a manger. We recall that every Christmas. He now rules in heaven next to the Father. He drove the corrupt money changers out of the temple because of their actions, and by their profaning of the holy place. Even the Lord God instructed Moses in how He wanted His place of worship built, and the instructions were highly detailed.
So we have to look at Scripture as well to see the importance and divine with the work of our hands to work for the greater glory of God in how we form a a sacred building. In the Catholic and Orthodox churches, there is much importance given to the tiniest details of sacred space, to art and environment, to ensure that the total message praises God and gives Him His due honor. He is the center of our lives.
But yes, each heart and soul is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and Christ stands before each heart. And the Mass has been said in all sorts of places during persecution. God acknowledges fellowship and worship by the sincerity of our hearts. He honors all.
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MooCowSteph
Guest
I’ve even heard from Christians lately that Jesus told us not to go to Church, that we shouldn’t gather in buildings. This is where my question originated from. It seems so contrary to me. It also seems like these people are always anti-Catholic, so I tend to wonder if they’re just trying to be as non-Catholic as possible.I don’y get it. I can respect that one feels a deep connection with God and sees going to church as unimportant, but I’ve seen people BRAG about how they don’t go to church, and think other Christians only go to church to show off about how holy they are
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blazerdave
Guest
And the specific thing that you’re talking about really is like pride mixed with ignorance, sadly. They do want to be non-Catholic in every sense of that term. With their disdain and mockery for all things traditional or beautiful, they are asking of the Church, in essence, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Come and see.
All faiths go through this phase of attendance during and after major religious events. It was no different at my family’s church than it was at the Maronite Catholic church I attend now. In fact, Good Friday and Easter, people had to wait outside and look in, we were that packed. But the last Mass I went to on this past Wednesday night, only a handful attended. You know whats worse. Someone vandalized our church either later that night; or early the next day. I went by there to get something and saw the CSI van there. The secretary saw me and told me the church will be off limits for a while. It makes me mad but thats the wrong response. Instead I will strive to pray for those that did this destuctive deed. That is what Jesus wants afterall. Didn’t he say to follow him is to suffer?
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Publisher
Guest
Just out of curiosity…how many of the 1 billion plus Catholics attend church every Sunday? Is church attendance for Catholics important? Do the numbers reflect that it is?
Just asking questions, trying to keep it in perspective.
Is church attendance for Catholics important? Do the numbers reflect that it is?Just asking questions, trying to keep it in perspective.
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schaick
Guest
Don’t look down at those home Churches that meet in basements and garages. If they are preaching the Gospel Jesus is as much there as any Cathedral.
Think of all the countries where Christians can’t meet in public- Jesus is there!!
In fact I’ll wager Jesus is more at home in this type of Church considering this is how Christianity started out - in small home Churches.
Think of all the countries where Christians can’t meet in public- Jesus is there!!
In fact I’ll wager Jesus is more at home in this type of Church considering this is how Christianity started out - in small home Churches.
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JimG
Guest
I’ve always considered attending church as the way to keep the commandment to "remember to keep holy the sabbath day.
Now, perhaps some believe that the 10 commandments no longer apply. Or maybe they believe that they can keep holy the Lord’s Day without attending church. But that seems like a stretch to me.
Now, perhaps some believe that the 10 commandments no longer apply. Or maybe they believe that they can keep holy the Lord’s Day without attending church. But that seems like a stretch to me.
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Swan
Guest
That’s probably because, as has been mentioned above, you are Catholic. Protestants don’t believe in the Eucharist so don’t have that Sacramental link to worship service that you do to mass. It just isn’t the same belief system at all. If you’re a cradle Catholic I’m sure you have a lot of trouble even conceiving the idea (ditto Protestants to the Catholic idea).
And Jesus was often outside, specific buildings were not important - it was the message that mattered. And that is what these folks are saying. Personally, I find the idea that church buildings must cost huge amounts of money and be very grand to be somewhat offensive - as if the validity of the teachings increased with the cost of the building (I realize you aren’t saying this). What really gets to me, though, is how one group can so easily criticize the worship of not just other groups, but of individuals as well. Who is anyone to say what God will or will not find acceptable? I’d think you’d just be happy people are trying to find God and be spiritual - do they absolutely have to do it your way? Are they trying to convert you? Inhibiting your worship in any way by doing as they see fit?
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JimG
Guest
But even Jesus went to the temple or to synagogue on the Sabbath. I’m thinking he didn’t abrogate the commandments, but as you say, not everyone thinks like Catholics.That’s probably because, as has been mentioned above, you are Catholic. Protestants don’t believe in the Eucharist so don’t have that Sacramental link to worship service that you do to mass. It just isn’t the same belief system at all. If you’re a cradle Catholic I’m sure you have a lot of trouble even conceiving the idea (ditto Protestants to the Catholic idea).
And Jesus was often outside, specific buildings were not important - it was the message that mattered. And that is what these folks are saying. Personally, I find the idea that church buildings must cost huge amounts of money and be very grand to be somewhat offensive - as if the validity of the teachings increased with the cost of the building (I realize you aren’t saying this). What really gets to me, though, is how one group can so easily criticize the worship of not just other groups, but of individuals as well. Who is anyone to say what God will or will not find acceptable? I’d think you’d just be happy people are trying to find God and be spiritual - do they absolutely have to do it your way? Are they trying to convert you? Inhibiting your worship in any way by doing as they see fit?
And after the ascension, the apostles continued to keep the sabbath by going to temple or synagogue for the prayers, then having the Eucharist (“the breaking of the bread”) in their homes. Eventually, they were kicked out of the temple, and started combining both the prayers and the Eucharist into one, thus the modern Mass which combines the liturgy of the word with the Eucharistic liturgy.
But that’s all Catholic stuff. I’m just thinking that unless people who follow Jesus think that he abrogated entirely the command to keep holy the Lord’s day, they must have in mind some way of keeping that commandment.
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KathleenGee
Guest
Who knows how many go to Mass on Sunday or not??? There are many lapsed Catholics right now. There is a great need for liturgical catechesis, but people are so busy and have difficulty making time to go to class. So the Sunday bulletin puts in pieces about our faith, the reasons we believe and do certain things…but how many read everything? It is a matter of priorities as well. The world vs the life of faith.
The greatest feast day in the Church is not Christmas or Easter but common Sunday. Because Sunday is the day the Lord rose from the dead, and broke the power of sin and time…we now live in the Lord’s time, each day full of wonder, love and forgiveness, and to see our neighbor as an extension of Christ.
So the Mass is also a memorial of Christ, and the power we receive in Christ on Sunday is the same power of the Resurrection. We receive the light of the Resurrection in the Eucharist, Christ’s body and blood Who strengthens us in faith, and to persevere against evil and the spirit of the world.
Sunday Mass is the reenactment of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is why it is so important to attend, especially in today’s times.
The greatest feast day in the Church is not Christmas or Easter but common Sunday. Because Sunday is the day the Lord rose from the dead, and broke the power of sin and time…we now live in the Lord’s time, each day full of wonder, love and forgiveness, and to see our neighbor as an extension of Christ.
So the Mass is also a memorial of Christ, and the power we receive in Christ on Sunday is the same power of the Resurrection. We receive the light of the Resurrection in the Eucharist, Christ’s body and blood Who strengthens us in faith, and to persevere against evil and the spirit of the world.
Sunday Mass is the reenactment of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is why it is so important to attend, especially in today’s times.
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SSTeacher
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Lypher
Guest
I don’t think that the CCC does not definitively state that some days are more important then others but I wonder why the Church has a list of days that seem to be more important then others to attend Mass on?Are you certain that’s the official Catholic position?
Curiously,
Mick
(The first precept mentions the Catholic holy days of obligation — see item #2042 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.)
God Bless You… Please Pray for me…
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