Your religion
Moms View Message Board: The Kitchen Table (Debating Board): Your religion
Ever since the religion post on the general board awhile back that stirred things up, I've wondered just how many different religions we have here? I'm curious to know what your religion is. No explanation needed...just wondering  If you'd prefer to post anonymous that's fine....I'm just really curious! lol
BTW...I belong to The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints......aka "mormons".
I was baptized Catholic, but I do not practice. I claim no religion, however I am not an atheist. I am a deeply spiritual person, but choose not to join an "organized religion".
I am Lutheran. I was not baptized as an infant (I'm not sure why considering I was the youngest of 6), but made the decision to get baptized when I was 15. Finding time to get to church is really hard, but that doesn't mean my beliefs and faith are not strong.
BTW, there is no anonymous posting at the Kitchen Table.
lol sunny.....ok then, no anonymous posting allowed ;) I seriously didn't know that. This is my first official kitchen table post.
I only know one Lutheran...well now 2, counting you! She is my favorite cousin. She is so strong in her faith. We use to go to her church every Easter and she would come to our church every Christmas. I remember how beautiful the inside of the church was.
I have not been baptized. I was raised Methodist, was saved in a Baptist church as a young teen, studied some Pagan religions, and am now on a quest to figure out what I believe. I'm very much like Amy in my beliefs, she and I have had many discussions about it. LOL. BTW, I figure I had better figure something out soon, because I'm going to have to teach my kids something. My DH is Catholic by baptismal and communion, but left the church after his communion, so our children were not baptized either. I think I'm just going to teach them about all the religions, and let them decide. I really don't know, kids make it so much more difficult. I think my biggest struggle with Christianity is the whole divine creation thing. I believe in evolution, so it sort of undermines the Bible there. Faith and religion are confusing topics for me as you can see.
Iam Jewish, my dh is Catholic. He does not practice his religion. He has not gone to church the whole time we have been married, not because of me, just because he has no desire to go to Church. I was raised with 2 Jewish parents. We wernt the most religious of the Jewish people, but always considered Jewish. Now, we belong to a reform Synagogue. My son(who is almost 9)attends a Jewish Sunday school ever week(2 hrs long)and has started very beginning Hebrew school this yr(1 hr every Sunday). My husband has attended services with us and finds nothing offensive about them. Like somebody stated, the Jewish religion is all about the Old Testament. Im still not a very religious Jewish person, but am raising my children in the Jewish faith.
I was born and raised Catholic, but I have been LDS for over 10 years now.
I'm with Amy. I was baptized Catholic and received communion... went to church every week until I was 14. But, I no longer practice and can't really say I claim it as my religion. But, I still consider myself somewhat spiritual.
My parents sent my brother and me to Missouri Lutheran Synod schools for 11 years (me) and 8 years (brother) and because the tuition was lower if you joined the church, we joined (the alternatives, which my dad found unacceptable, were public or Catholic schools). In 10th grade Eisenhower sent the troops into Little Rock to protect black children integrating Arkansas public schools and my highly religious classmates were talking about what they'd do if "they" tried to come to our school. It took me a year, but I persuaded my parents to let me transfer to public school. I had not attended church since graduating from 8th grade (though was baptisted and confirmed), and was married in a Methodist church though not a member, because anything other than a church wedding was unthinkable.
In 1957 I married a man of German descent with a "jewish sounding" name, and in 1958 I was turned down for a job because they had "filled their quota" - I discovered anti-Semitism. That I wasn't Jewish didn't matter, my name sounded Jewish and "it would make trouble". I began reading and researching and, given that Christianity played a major role in the centuries of persecution of Jews, I reacted by turning completely away from organized religion, though for reasons still not clear to me I had all three sons baptized in Methodist churches.
When my oldest was 5 we moved to Philadelphia and, conveniently, across the street from a Unitarian-Universalist church, which we attended for several years because I felt a "church" experience was good for our sons and I wanted something (Sunday School) to help reinforce what I was trying to teach the boys about morals and behavior.
I then began working for an interfaith advocacy organization serving NW Philadelphia, and staffed a task force on Jewish-Christian relations among other responsibilities. Through discussions with the good members of this TF and seminars featuring some noted local theologians, I finally decided that I needed to be a member of a "Christian" church and, from my work experience, picked the one I was most comfortable with - a very left, liberal United Methodist Church, joined, and have been happily an active member for nearly 25 years. I'm not sure I'm a United Methodist - I think what I am is a member of this particular congregation.
More than you ever wanted to know, but helps explain how I got to be the person I am. Actually, I blame it all on my father, who taught me to "question authority".
I am a Christian. I was raised (very sporadically) in a United Methodist church...mostly Easter/Christmas church attendance. However, I was never truly exposed to how to become a Christian and what that meant until I began attending a Southern Baptist church with friends in junior high. I became a Christian (i.e., prayed to accept Jesus as my personal Savior) at age 12 and joined a S. Baptist church in college. I was "christened" (sprinkled) in the Methodist church and baptized by immersion when I joined a Baptist church at age 19.
Ginny~
You mention something interesting about your "Jewish-sounding" name. My maiden name is Jacobs, and my biological father swears he's not of Jewish decent. Says he's Portuguese and Native American. That name came from somewhere though! And my DH is German/Italian, and our last name is Kaiser. So you can imagine what people thought when they saw the Jacobs/Kaiser wedding announcement. We were married at a beautiful beachfront hotel in Palm Beach, since we were pretty much eloping (only a few friends were invited, and because of 9/11 happening 3 days before my wedding, almost no one showed), and had no connections to a church. LOL.
Thanks for posting everyone Lots of different religions here. It's really cool that we all believe in different things but we can all get along and be friends.
I am Baptist. My mom's family was Presbyterian, My dad's strong southern Baptist. Right now we are at a community baptist church. So I have seen quite a few different services!
I was baptized Catholic as a baby, and have remained a practicing Catholic ever since. I married a Catholic, as well.
I'm late getting in on this one. I was a member of a Methodist church until I went away to college. While I was in college, my mother started attending a nondenominational church. I would attend with her occasionally when I was home, but it made me uncomfortable because it was so very different from the Methodist church that I had grown up attending. Well, wouldn't you know it! All these years later I have found a nondenominational church that is the perfect fit for me.
I think people really do get comfortable w/what they've grown up with. Things seem "weird" if it's not just what you are use to. But like you said...once you find your place in life and what you want, you are able to make the decision on your own.
I'm not quite the example of this though lol. I grew up in the same church that I belong to now. I just like it the way it is and I really do have a strong faith/belief in it.
I am now a member of a Presbyterian church. Since taking DD there at 12 wks, we have attended almost all Sundays. I have done most of my Christian "learning" since daughter's birth.
Growing up, my dad was Catholic by birth, but not practicing. My mom was Methodist. We attended Methodist churches from time to time while growing up. I don't recall my dad coming with us.
I did not like going to church.
As a youth (9ys), a attended a church w/ my older brother (a teen looking for cute girls LOL) and went to a popular church for the youth crowd. It was a lot more fun than going as a family
College I attended and enjoyed a Baptist church with a friend. Another Baptist church I loved the Sunday school but hated the church service.
In my 20's I went to a Episcalpal (sp?)church for a while. In my 30's I found a Methodist church I attended by myself, only find out it was the same pastor that baptised me while attending the "fun youth church". I really enjoyed his services but he soon retired so I was churchless again.
I attended a Luthern church but did not like the formalness. Attended aposiliptic??? church w/ my now DH. I DID NOT like the clapping and "amens" that went with each service, nor the repetitive verses in the songs they sang really loud, hands raised. I was way out of my element of church upbringing
Found my current church and loved the family feeling of it. I have now come to understand the real meaning of being a Christian and just how important God/Jesus are in my life. I was a believer and had faith, but until recently was not "living" a Christian life. I consider myself a "new" Christain even though I was brought up as a Christian.
As for my daughter, I know from my own life, chances are she will not determine her TRUE faith until she is her own adult. I plan to teach her in my faith, but I expect her to leave and return from time to time until makes the connection between herself and God.
I was born into a very Catholic family. I was baptized Catholic, and sent to Catholic schools for 12 years. I recieved my First Comunion and was Confirmed in that faith. I dated guys from many faiths, including Jewish and Hindu. I married DH, who practiced the Methodist religion, but had been baptized Reformed Episcopalian. I continued to practice the Catholic religion until my sons were in their teens. They had been baptized Catholic and attended religious training up until it was time for Confirmation. At that time I told them it was their choice. Being Confirmed in a religion to me meant that you were declairing that you wished to be counted in it's membership. They both chose not to make that committment.
For years I'd had problems thinking of myself as Catholic. My views on most subjects didn't follow the party line. Birth Control, Abortion and Papal Infalability were sticking points for me. I finally sought an Episcopal church and was instructed in their beliefs. I was Confirmed an Episcopalian a year later, and remain an Episcopalian still.
I'm Agnostic. Which isn't technically a religion - it's more a philosophy. This web page exactly describes my thinking:
http://pages.cthome.net/djhalnon/ag.html
Is there any time boundaries on these things. I just joined but find these interesting to read and have comments to add. If it's bad etiquette to bring up an old topic, I'll just read and keep my comments to myself.
I grew up Pentecostal/Baptist with a lot of arguing about where we'd go and not a lot of going. I started going to a Baptist church in college. There was a preacher there that said to not believe anything that anyone tells you about scripture. I thought that odd. But as he explained, yes we are to gather together to fellowship and worship. And yes the preacher will deliver sermons from the Word of God. But always, go home and in your own private time, pray for the Lord to give guidance, then open the Bible to read for yourself and let God reveal to you the truths that he has provided.
That's a long speech just to say that I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven and that He died for our sins and rose again on the the third day. I attend church and fellowship at a Southern Baptist Church.
I don't know if there is a time limit.
The first church I remember going to was Southern Baptist. Then, we attended an Independant, kind of Pentacostal church, the Presbytarian, then Lutheran, we had neighbors who were Mormons, so occaisionally we went to church with them. When I married, my ceremony was in a Southern Baptist Church because of my husband's family. Then we (my husband and I) attended every, single, soliatary church in our county because he had "issues" with God and just could NOT get comfortable. Finally, after seven years of basically "running around" (we attended Assembly of God, First Baptist, River of Life (Carismatic) and Methodist) we decided we wanted children and I put my foot down and said my kids were going to be raised in a consistent, Christian church. Now, he could pick which "religion" but it was important to me that my kids know the basics of the Christian faith. That Jesus Christ is The Son of God and The Holy Spirit is His indwelling. So, finally my husband said he could "live with" the Methodist church. I love our church, the slogan is, "Open hearts, open doors, open minds" and my husband finally seems to have "gotton over" his resentment so we enjoy church now. The kids were baptized Methodist last November and they like it, too. AJ
I was raised christian and baptized christian and still am christian. Dh was raised catholic and When his parents moved to Oregon they switched to Christain. Dh was baptized a few months before we were married. When we lived in ORegon we went to the Assemblys of God church but since we moved to Oklahoma we haven't been able to find a Church that we enjoy
I was baptized in a Methodist church as a baby. Then my parents quit going, and my mom started going to her parents' church, a Presbyterian church, but we never went on a regular basis. I was invited to go to Vacation Bible School there every summer, and I was also invited to my neighbor's Good News Club meetings at their house. (They were Baptist.)
Since I never attended church on a regular basis, or as a habit, I grew up and married a man who didn't attend church on a regular basis either. He was raised in the REORGANIZED Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. The beliefs are so different than what I learned as a child. But, we accepted that we both believed in the same God, so we left it at that until...
...our son was born.
Actually, 9/11. It was then that I realized how much I needed a close relationship with God, and how I was shorting my son by not giving him any sort of religious-based foundation. I began to feel that it would be more and more important for him given the uncertainty of the world in which we live. My neighbor invited me to her church after 9/11, the Church of Christ. I was baptized (again) in that church after a series of Bible studies and talking with elders and my neighbor. I still don't go regularly, but I have made many wonderful friends there.
Today, out of the blue, my son said to me, "Mom, I love God."
We are christians more specifically weslyian armenians.
Pam from what I understand southern babtists are a more conservative group. Is this the case with the southern babtists you are associated with?
Palmprincess here is an interesting paper my husband wrote on evolution. If you have time you might find it interesting. EDITED BY AMY~MODERATOR: Please note that the following link contains images which some may find offensive.
http://home.insightbb.com/~tybrewer/Four_Reasons_Why_I_Reject_Evolution.PDF
Wow! This is an old topic to be resurrected. Juli. What specifically do you mean by "a more conservative group?" I'll try to answer if you can be a little more specific about what you mean. There are a wide diversity of Southern Baptists, as with any denomination, we just ascribed to the same basic important beliefs. We are not fundmentalists (i.e., we don't believe that King James is the only bible, we do believe that women can be called to pastor or be deacons, etc.). DH tends to refer to us as "liberal" Baptists...and no, we are not liberal in the full meaning of the word at all, but probably compared to most Baptists we are.
And...the term Southern Baptist is still the correct term, but there is a movement to change it since the "southern" part is pretty outdated. We're all over the world!! The largest protestant denom., I believe.
btw, what is a wesleyan armenian?
In the Southern Baptist church that I belong to, we are very conservative on the point that our pastor very much intends to follow the Bible. But very contemporary in the fact that we don't let traditions and legalism get in the way of going where God wants us to go. Our worship music is very upbeat but it's funny how so many of the songs have lines right out of the Bible. Our pastor is educated at a major university with 3 post BS degrees. But he wanted to stick with King James. But about 2 years ago finally broke down and read some other version in services. We all laughed when he did.
I love our church, the people, the leaders. I thank God for leading me there.
Pam,
By "more conservative" I mean in reference to your views of scripture. For example, you could use a scale of 1-10 or left to right where 1/left views scripture possibly as God's word but that there's no way we could know, and if it is, it is so full of latter day additions and errors that it's basically untrustworthy. This view generally tends to believe the bible is a "good book" and any person can have any view or belief they want from the bible. The opposite right/10 is conservative and would assert that scripture is the inspired, inerrant (having no errors) and authorities word of God.
There is also a liberal/conservative scale in terms of lifestyle. It is basically the same. Extreme liberal believes anything goes and extreme conservative, usually due to their view of scripture, believes God has given us very specific moral guidelines for how we live our lives and tries to follow those guidelines.
Universally speaking, Southern Baptist falls toward the conservative end of both of those scales. (Now is the queue for all the liberal Baptists to prove me wrong by bombarding the board with all your comments.)
Many people have many ideas and pre-conceived notions about what being a “fundamentalists” is. So I’ll just leave that alone.
note: if you find Church History boring, skip this section and continue reading
What is a Wesleyan Armenian?
Historically speaking, the church, after the reformation of the 1500’s, divided doctrinally into two distinct doctrinal camps. Calvin became known as the chef theologian of the Calvinist viewpoint. He held to the five decrees. Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irritable grace, and Perseverance of the saints. (TULIP) Arminius became the chief theologian of the other camp that basically rejected the U,L,I, &P of Calvin’s view.
These became the two basic doctrinal groups of the Church as a whole. They were called Calvinism and Armenianism. (Now, this may upset some people, but is intended only as a historical overview of the rise of denominations.) Now, many groups have become Calviminians. Meaning that they are a cross between both. Like Armenius, they tend to reject U,L, and, I, but like the P of Calvinism– (meaning for them, “once saved, always saved no matter how you lived” although Calvin himself rejects that idea.) Furthermore, the P from Calvinism was established only as a logical outcome of the first four. As a result, Calvinists and Armenians alike tend to call the Calvinimians heretics, but they are out there nevertheless.
Among the Armenian viewpoint, John Wesley became a noted theologian, preacher and led a revival that covered Europe and all of early America under a name called “Methodists” not to be confused at all with modern day Methodists. (Same church just a few significant changes over the years.) So anyway, because of John Wesley’s influence, many tend to call it Wesleyan Armenian, rather than just Armenian.
Sorry this took so long but you asked and I had to try to give the best explanation I could. I guess I probably didn’t have to start in the 1500’s…
That's kind of what I figured WA was. I remember DH teaching me about TULIP and all that stuff when he learned it in seminary
As for your specific Baptist questions, I'd be at a 9-10 on the inerrance of Scripture scale. I totally believe that it is God's Words through man. He allows the personality of men to come through (hence the 4 different gospels telling essentially the same story), but it is all directly and divinely God-inspired. However, I do feel that we interpret Scripture via the Holy Spirit. Lifestyle...that's a more difficult one. I'm not big on "morality" per se, rather leading a life in obedience to God---holy and set apart. No, I don't condone premarital (or extramarital) sex, homosexuality, abortion, or any other political hot topics. However, it is not from a standpoint of morality, but (1) I believe that God's Word teaches against them and (2) I don't believe that you can live in obedience to God and be involved in those things...just as an example. Now when you get to well-known "Baptist no-nos" like dancing, playing cards, drinking alcohol, etc. Gimme a break!! For some reason those issues are closely associated with Baptists and I have no idea why. My DH (who is a Baptist minister) and I love to dance and King David was a big dancer in the OT. Playing cards is great fun. I don't support gambling thoug because it can be an addiction and is VERY poor stewardship of your finances. As for drinking...well, Jesus drank. I personally don't drink for many reasons such as I hate the taste of alcohol, I have a strong history of alcoholism on both sides of my family, it can be a stumbling block to someone who does struggle with it, and I don't want my money going to an industry that devastates so many families. Do I think having a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while grilling out is sinful or bad? No. Do I think getting drunk is wrong? Absolutely.
Overall, I think your assessment that SB are conservative is correct. I just don't want conservative to be misconstrued to be fundamentalist, because we ourselves are certainly not that. And we have a hard time with the fundamentalist uprising in the SBC. My DH graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth which has always been a highly regarded seminary across denominations. However, he wouldn't go back there on a dare since Paige Patterson (major fundamentalist) is President now. But yes, S. Baptists as a whole are a conservative, evangelical Protestant denomination.
That's the best I can answer so far, but I'd be glad and try if you have other questions. Here's the Baptist Faith and Message which tells what we believe as a denomination. http://www.sbc.net/bfm/ However, keep in mind that every SBC church differs slightly because each church is autonomous. Thanks for explaining your denom. to me.
I'm a Christian, and am a member of a Wesleyan church. Here's a link to our website.
The Wesleyan Church
I'm from a nondenominational church.
I grew up in an Apostolic church and there I remain the 38 years of my life.
We have no memberships, people can come and go as they please.
God is everywhere, we the people are the ones that should 'feel the need' to go to church.
I enjoy our church tremendously. I feel I belong there, I teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, direct the children's Christmas program and editor of the church newsletter.
We are a very small church. It can really only hold 102 people.
I feel we stay true to the Bible and it's contents. Although, we are all sinners and must ask for forgiveness - none of us are perfect nor should we judge one another.
Don't want to step on anyone's toes.
I have a deep, strong abiding faith. That is what has gotten dh and I through our life. We have had over 39 deaths in our 38 years. We have hardly any true family members left. God has gotten us through some pretty rough places and times.
Juli, in your husband's article, what is all over the one baby? I assumed the two horrible ones were aborted babies, but why is one covered with black? And what is the black? And what is being held in the adult's hand? Maybe they were not aborted? Abortion tears the baby apart, doesn't it? I guess I'm wondering the specific cause of death for the two babies?
I am Christian and believe wholeheartedly in Creation.
Kate,
I’m not interested in starting anything with anyone else or causing problems, but I will answer your question the best I can.
1. The point of the images, I hope was at least somewhat evident, was demonstrating the logical outcome of evolutionist logic. Both the Nazi death camps as well as abortion clinics follow evolutionist logic to its logical conclusion. Why? Well because if you believe that the unborn baby is not a human person then no justification for abortion is necessary, but if the unborn baby is a human person then no justification for abortion is adequate.
2. I don’t like graphic images because they can really hurt people and that’s not the goal. The images are offensive, even to me. But they are offensive specifically because they accurately represent the truth that we attempt to relegate to the back burner. Namely, this is really a baby.
3. The baby partially covered in something dark – oftentimes in abortion, the baby is first injected with a saline solution. I don’t know all the science behind it, but it does literally burn the baby, usually to death. The black area is a burn scar from the saline injection. For some reason or another they were taken whole. I can’t tell you why. But they were used because otherwise, people might be led to believe that this is just a mass of tissue. The person is holding a rose with about a four inch stem.
I said earlier and I’ll say it again. I’m not looking to offend people or even start anything. It was only in that paper because it was presented as the logical outcome of Darwinian evolution.
Thanks for asking honestly and sincerely though, Kate.
I am a baptist and got baptized when
I was 12. We attend Bible Baptist Church.
I was born and raised, Catholic. Presently I am not a member of a church.
I was born and raised Catholic. I am a member of our catholic church but do not attend mass to very often
I'm exactly the same as Amy: baptized but non-praciticing Catholic, no religion but not an atheist, deeply spiritual but not a member of any organized religion (PS - couldn't have said it better myself, Amy!)
I'm Lutheran ELCA. As a kid I was Lutheran ALC (before the merger).
Baptized Catholic. Same as Amy and Laura as above.
Juli
I did not go to the link you posted because I was reading all the posts before I did - now I am glad I did not. In the future please post a warning that graphic photos will be displayed so that there is fair warning to those who do visit the site.
I was raised a methodist, but my husband was baptist. So, I was baptized when I was 29.
We are now southern baptist here in Alabama.
I am not from here and I gotta say- I love the people at the church who have embraced me as part of the family.
Juli, please note that I have edited one of your posts above to include a notation that makes readers aware that the link you provided contains images that some may consider offensive.
Born Catholic, raised catholic, fell away from being catholic, married jewish man, had 3 children, DH wanted to investigate catholism, stop being so mad at God, came back, dh converted, baptised our kids and dh, confirmed me, had another son, happy church going family now
I can't believe I missed this one! This is my favorite subject I am a Christian.
After reading this, and even after speaking with my husband's family, who are "born again" I am confused. Who exactly is a Christian? I am a Catholic (had become Anglican, but have returned to the Roman Catholic church), am I not a Christian, too? This is an honest question, and one I would love to understand.
Ame
I think Christian is a general term meaning you believe that Jesus Christ is God's son and, therefore, is the path to salvation. I think many Protestants use this term because there are so many confusing aspects of denominations. I was raised in a Baptist Church but we didn't always agree with some of their more conservative beliefs. I, then, attended a Presbyterian church and I agree more with their philosophies, but I'm attending a Baptist church now because of the support system I have there. If asked what my religion is, I just answer "Protestant." I believe that Catholics and Mormons consider themselves Christians, I just don't agree with some of their fundamental beliefs.
The Catholic religion is indeed, Christian. There are really 'two' groups of Christians though....the Catholics and the Protestants. Under the Protestant category would fall the Lutherans, the Methodists, the Baptists, First Reformed, non denominational Bible believing, etc. There are slight differences between all the Protestants, but there are much bigger differences between the Catholics and the whole group of Protestants.
My FIL said my late SIL wanted her son to grow up in a good Christian household. That was his only objection to his coming to live with us after he was orphaned. He is living with his aunt and their family who are "born again" as is my FIL and as was my SIL.
I was kind of offended by this. Because we are Roman Catholic, we don't have a good Christian household?
So, I was wondering if other denominations that call themselves Christian don't consider Roman Catholics as Christians.
Perhaps that makes my question more clear.
Ame
As far as I know, Christians consider Roman Catholics to be Christians, because Catholics believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died for our sins. However, most have the mentality of 'well, sure, Catholics are Christians, BUT....' That 'but' is a biggie and I'm sure was the stumbling block for your FIL. Like I said, there are some major differences between Protestants and Catholics. Some Catholics are saved and some aren't. A born again Christian like your FIL and SIL would want the kids brought up in a born again Christian household, as the differences in how salvation is attained is key.
I can understand your offense and hurt feelings, but I can totally relate to your FIL, as well. I'm sure he thinks you are a great family and a 'good household' but his idea of Christian and your idea is probably quite different. You'd have to discuss the route to salvation with him to determine how close or far apart you guys are with this issue. Born again Christians believe Jesus is the only way to heaven and salvation, and that good works mean NOTHING as a way to heaven. Admit you're a sinner, believe in God and Christ Jesus, confess your sins, ask Jesus to save you and have him come into your heart, and you're saved and Heaven is a guarantee (provided you are sincere) They believe Jesus is the ONLY way. Catholics have a lot more strings attached with good works, penances, belief in Purgatory, mortal and venial sins, etc. Many Catholics jump through a lot of hoops, believing that it isn't so simple, that Jesus and His death on the cross didn't cover them completely, that people have to do something, too.
Some Protestants consider the differences between Catholics and themselves to be big enough to divide what is Christian and what isn't. There are some fundamental differences, like the importance of saints and whether specific prayers and the intercession of a priest or pastor is necessary. I don't feel like it is enough of a difference to say that you, as a Catholic, aren't a good Christian, but my understanding is that Catholicism doesn't require acceptance as God's only son and the only way to salvation. Granted, my knowledge is somewhat limited so others may be able to explain it better.
Kate explained it much better!
Ok I'll hop on, I am a cradle Catholic. The two biggies.... Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior? Catholics believe that in the Eucharist that they are receiving the body of Christ, not a symbol. Through transfiguration the *actual* body of Christ. So I can say Yes of Course, I couldnt believe one of the main tennants of my faith if I hadnt accepted Christ. Have I been born again, Yes of Course, at my baptism my original sin was washed away and I was born to Christ. At my confirmation I took on the responsiblity as an adult that I believe in Christ and reject Satan. Now as far as the business about just saying and believing making you saved. This is probably a big diffence
Matthew 7 21-23
"Not everyone who says to me 'Lord Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly 'I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doers."
Ok so what is the will of the Father in heaven. Throughout the old and new testemant God has given us guideposts to live our lives. "I am the way the truth and the life, whoever believes in me shall be saved" What does believing really mean, do we believe in Christ if we still choose to do evil things? He says he is the "Way", doesnt that mean we have to do more that just believe it, doesnt that me mean we have to follow his teachings. The "Truth" honesty about our sinfulness, The "Life" the life we are to lead as sons and daughters of God. If we believe totally in Christ as our savior than it would be impossible for us to do evil things. As a Catholic I try to be realistic that I am a sinner, sometimes I lack faith, I have an obligation to God to try to transend my evilness and improve myself. You can not improve if you do not recognize your faults, repent of them and strive to do better. Purgetory is a way to atone for what we were unable to transcend in our mortal live so that we are pleasing in the eyes of God. It gives us a chance to clean up the little specks of sin on our souls before coming into the presence of God.
Finally I think that there is still a feeling in the general Christian community that us Catholics hate everyone else. In the Nicene creed which we recite at every mass we say "We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church" That isnt a Catholic church, it is a catholic church. Catholic without the capital just means universal. I believe that our Lutheran brothers and sisters use the word universal. So we believe in a universal church. My parish believes that means all of our Christian brothers and sisters. We may disagree on our doctrines and practices but we still believe in Christ. Forgive me but I wasnt able to find the quote I wanted, it is about that we cant all be arms or heads or feet, that only acting in our strengths do we come together as the body of the church. I dont believe that means only in an individual faith community but all the Christian churches as a whole.
I would love to hear from other faith groups about your beliefs. I am always interested in talking with people of faith, even if they practice their faith in a different way than mine.
Catholics do indeed accept Jesus as God's only son and belief in him as God and God's son (triune God - always confusing), his crucifixion and resurrection, as the only way to salvation. There are other pieces of Catholicism which some Protestants find upsetting or unacceptable - confession and penance, the Pope as God's vicar on earth, saints, Mary. But the bottom line for Catholics is the same as it is for all who call themselves Christians - belief in Jesus as the son of God and the path to salvation. Mel Gibson, who produced the film about the passion of Christ, is a devout Catholic and this film thoroughly expresses his beliefs.
The "battle" between Cathlic and Protestant Christianity was fought centuries ago, and many of the things that people like Martin Luther and Calvin objected to are no longer major points in Catholicism (and many of them arose from or were part of significant political struggles). Much of what some Protestant groups object to are, in fact, historical and no longer items of "faith" in today's Catholic Church. (I was raised in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and am presently a Methodist. I have many points of difference and disagreement - some major - with the Catholic church, but let's be fair.)
Lets see, I guess you can say I'm a bit of a Mutt. I am Jewish because my Mother is Jewish. I was Baptized Catholic when I was 8 because I was going to a Catholic Boarding School and I wanted to be Baptized.
Now Dh and I raise our children to be good Christians and we go to a Presbyterian Church...that is where I feel at home and I love it. DS also goes to a Presbyterian Pre-School at our church.
Thank you. I thought I detected something from my husband's family that somehow we were not as good "Christians" as they are. I was hoping I was wrong. You guys were able to clear that up for me and let me be sure I was not imagining things.
Even at my SIL's funeral, there was this divide which I found unsettling. We all believed that Jesus was the only way to salvation, yet I felt that those who were "born again" were presuming to be the only ones who were going to be "saved". I really found that to be terribly judgmental and contrary to Christ's teaching.
I always found the question, "Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior" to be strange. As a Roman Catholic, Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven (no one comes to the Father, except through Me). He's not just my personal savior, but the Savior of all those who believe in Him.
Thank you again for making this clear to me. Now I understand mt FIL's opinion.
Ame
This is one of the scriptual reasons why *I* ask people if they are born again (saved).
John 3 (KJV)
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, HE CANOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God
What I believe you FIL was trying to say is that your SIL wanted her son to be raised in a faith that was similar to hers. Yes they probably believe it is better, more correct, or they wouldn't be practicing it. It was a poor choice of words and honestly if they thought about it they would realize that. But lets get into some terminology. What is born again, it is not a religion, it is an expression (typically baptist or pentacostal) that you have accepted the gift of Christ as your Saviour at an age where you understand (and really most as an adult) and have been baptised (i think by emersion). I grew up baptist, in general my naive understanding of the Catholic church is that many people attend and participate in the rituals, but never have a personal relationship with Christ. Yes Christ is here for everyone, but Bibilically it states he wants to know YOU. It is personal, what Christ does for me is different than everyone else because my needs are unique, He made me that way. What maturity has taught me (and I still have a long way to go) is that ALL churches have people who just go to hang out and don't get it. All churches have very solid faithful believers and ALL churches have people in the middle. That being said, IF I were to die I hope that I could find someone to raise my kids as close to what I am trying to do. That rules out most of my inlaws, one set is Jewish, SIL doesn't go to church and BIL lets his wife go, but he does not. Is my way the right way, well I hope so, is it the only way, NOPE. But it is still the path I have chosen and choose for my kids, it is who I am. If I die I hope they can remember me through that legacy and through the "rituals" of our church and our religion. I attend a Methodist church these days, so those rituals aren't many. But each church is unique and I do hope to show my kids what I enjoy about my relationship with Christ.
I am a christian (nondenominational). I love my church, I love the music and so do my children. My dh is the minister of music there and we could not be happier. My grandparents on my dad's side are Catholic (they don't come to church with me but we get along ), and my mother's side of the family are all pentecostal. When we are together we really don't focus on denominations only that we are together and love each other, even if my views are different I don't make a big fuss I figure someday we will all figure it out, my dad is not a christian at all and I still love him, My theory is how can you persuade someone to want to be like you (or in this case have salvation)if you do not show them love, which is the love of God through you. I may get mad and have my moments that I am not particularly proud of and I know that God is not proud of either, but the bible says, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. I just ask God to forgive me and go on and try to be better. God is a forgiving God, in psalms 107:1 it says "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for His mercy endureth forever". I am so thankful that I found Him.
Truely lovely expression of your faith candis
Ditto Kristin.
I say that I am a Christian because I am tired of being "bogged down" in religion. I was raised in a baptist church until my early teen years when we started attending non-denominational churches. I also attended at a church of God with my grandmother occasionally. Now as an adult, I go to a baptist church most of the time. Mostly for the same reasons that Cori gave. I love the people, the activities, the support, and the teaching that I receive there. But I don't agree with some of their stricter views. Baptist believe that you should not dance. Hey, David danced before the Lord...
And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6:14
So there are points even that the "protestants" can't agree on.
Jujubee, I don't know what "flavor" of Baptist you are , but for Southern Baptists I just wanted to make a clarification. There is somewhat of an old wives tale in the S. Baptist church that you can't dance, drink alcohol, or play cards. I think that's a carryover from some older fundamental Baptist churches, but it is found NO WHERE in The Baptist Faith and Message which is the official declaration of doctrine for the S. Baptist church. My DH is a Southern Baptist minister and we enjoy dancing and we have played cards late at night on youth and mission trips no less (gasp!). We don't drink ever, but that's for a variety of other reasons.
Pam, I don't know what "flavor" I am either The church that we attend is a "First Baptist" church. But maybe they were just the first to start a Baptist church in this small town. LOL My daughter attends GA's at another local church that is just Troy Baptist. They had a little harvest festival a couple of weeks ago at a building the church had purchased and renovated. There was a large sign on the wall that had the rules for using that building and the third one down was "No Dancing". I had been told all of my life that baptists didn't dance. I didn't really believe it, but then when I saw that sign I thought, "Hey, it's true"
Thanks for setting the record straight.
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