just a bit of research...

steph.gclef

steph.gclef

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Hey all,

I'm Catholic, and about to get my confirmation at a church I like very much. However, I'm not sure how much I want to stay as a Catholic, because some of the teachings I don't agree with.

I do agree with most of the teachings and beliefs in the Christian faiths, though, I think, so I'm trying to research the different sects of Christianity. Would anyone like to help me? I would love you to post about your religion or a link to another reference source that you have found to be accurate and/or helpful.

Thanks!

-Steph :rolleyes:
 
Hi Steph —

Well I'm a Catholic amateur theologian, so I guess I should be able to help on Catholic issues, at least.

I'm deep in my studies, so time is limited and previously here (I've been absent for a while) I have spent far too much time away from my core work ... but if I can help, I will.

As for Catholic resources, there are more avenues than a lifetime could explore, so it's a matter of identifying what lights you up, as it were, and looking there.

Best wishes on your Confirmation.

Thomas
 
steph.gclef said:
Hey all,

I'm Catholic, and about to get my confirmation at a church I like very much. However, I'm not sure how much I want to stay as a Catholic, because some of the teachings I don't agree with.

I do agree with most of the teachings and beliefs in the Christian faiths, though, I think, so I'm trying to research the different sects of Christianity. Would anyone like to help me? I would love you to post about your religion or a link to another reference source that you have found to be accurate and/or helpful.

Thanks!

-Steph :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Hi Steff

Is it necessary that you believe in all the teachings ?
 
steph.gclef said:
Hey all,

I'm Catholic, and about to get my confirmation at a church I like very much. However, I'm not sure how much I want to stay as a Catholic, because some of the teachings I don't agree with.

I do agree with most of the teachings and beliefs in the Christian faiths, though, I think, so I'm trying to research the different sects of Christianity. Would anyone like to help me? I would love you to post about your religion or a link to another reference source that you have found to be accurate and/or helpful.

Thanks!

-Steph :rolleyes:
Click to expand...


Anyone help you?

As the good book says.... God helps those whom help themselves!!! :D

lol, anyway.. Help yourself... Does your god require you take on a title? What are titles but words? Words are not that which count, It is our actions that count Steph.... You have your faith in your god that good... Do not compromise and sacrafice your values and belife system... Cause a majority tell you to. If you think their teachings are wrong... Then just stick to jesus and his teachings. I always feel some demnominations of christianity are like the the Hadiths of islam.... Kinda... Based on the Quran... But... Not the Quran.... So what the hells am I saying? Stick to your bible perhaps if that is the word of your god... Just heed the book and not look to side notes? Dunno..... Just go with what you feel, not what others tell you to feel.
 
17th Angel said:
Anyone help you?

As the good book says.... God helps those whom help themselves!!! :D

.
Click to expand...

Actually the bible never says that.. anywhere. The whole bible basically says You cant do anything of yourself.. only with God can you do anything.

Some guy named Sidney Algernon in the 1600s wrote it in a paper he had on government.
 
steph.gclef said:
Not necessary, no. I would like to find a religion that will nurture the beliefs I already have, yes. I'm not sure it would be possible for me to find something whose teachings I completely agree with.

***

Thanks to everyone for all the help :)
Click to expand...

I'd suggest sitting in on a service or two in several different churches (I'm assuming you're looking for a church). One thing that I've found is that there's a difference not only between denominations, but within denominations as well, depending on the dynamics of any particular church (i.e. the average age, the size of the congregation, the personality of the pastor, the order of the service, and so on).

I don't think you'll ever find a church that is 100% consistent with your beliefs, and I don't think it's even necessary to do so. The earliest church was a congregation without a building or mission statement; find the right people, and you'll find the right church.
 
steph.gclef said:
Hey all,

I'm Catholic, and about to get my confirmation at a church I like very much. However, I'm not sure how much I want to stay as a Catholic, because some of the teachings I don't agree with.

I do agree with most of the teachings and beliefs in the Christian faiths, though, I think, so I'm trying to research the different sects of Christianity. Would anyone like to help me? I would love you to post about your religion or a link to another reference source that you have found to be accurate and/or helpful.

Thanks!

-Steph :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Very nice... stay with it and read the bible and let the Holy Spirit teach. Just this morning I was involved in a conversation about how things were before the Protestant Reformation. They were right about a lot of things ... and wrong about some others. Over time things have changed.
If you are serious, check it out.
 
I'd say, just stay with the flow you are in. Not everyone will agree with this, but ... it doesn;t make a rat's tooth of difference what church you attend. Churches are religion clubs, each with its own membership rules and regulations, its own special jargon and terminology, and there's nothing wrong with belonging to a religion club. I do (mine is called "Episcopalian"), and participate as a very active member. Just remember, in the midst of all of it, that spirituality is not a product of churchiness or of belonging to a reigion club; spirituality arises from within, from an immediate relationship with Whatever or Whomever one believes to be God.

There are many very elegant spiritual resources in Catholicism, including but not limited to The Imitation of Christ, all of Thomas Merton's writings, and the current writings of Benedict XVI. You'll find the real Catholicism there, underneath and apart from the silliness of surface-level church stuff. Really, you don't need to leave Catholicism: only to find the real Catholicism and follow that.
 
friendofbill said:
I'd say, just stay with the flow you are in. Not everyone will agree with this, but ... it doesn;t make a rat's tooth of difference what church you attend.

There are many very elegant spiritual resources in Catholicism, including but not limited to The Imitation of Christ, all of Thomas Merton's writings, and the current writings of Benedict XVI. You'll find the real Catholicism there, underneath and apart from the silliness of surface-level church stuff. Really, you don't need to leave Catholicism: only to find the real Catholicism and follow that.
Click to expand...


On the surface of what you are saying, I sort of agree…
… But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge . . .” Psalm 73: 28a

But I think true spirituality must be cultivated; it only comes from within when those rich resources can take root. (And I am sure their “elegance” was/is rooted in the bible.)

What I don’t agree with is where you go does not matter, I think learning about other denominations is admirable. A lot of people are Catholic and other things because that’s what their family and friends are, while being committed to those things is great; there is not a whole lot of thought behind them.
 
I agree with Patti being something just because your parents were is not always the best thing.

As far as where you go not mattering, I disagree. Where you go is going to affect how you feel about a number of different issues and beliefs, also depends on what the place you are going tries to "feed" you.
 
....also depends on what the place you are going tries to "feed" you.
Click to expand...
Just to add to that, at the end of it all, you will find that all will have their own brand of BS which they will feed you. And most of it is just that.
Best to cultivate discernment.
But do what you feel in your heart is best and work your way through it.
If you are honest with yourself and have a strong desire to find "truth" you will most likely find that you will go through many changes in the course of your life.
It is a journey after all.
 
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