From Catholic To Lutheran

Franny50 said:

First let me introduce myself.My name is Frances.I am a middleaged female Poet/Social Worker from nyc.I am currently searching for a church community to join and also posted in the more conservative Lutheran forums.I guess I am here searching for answers to what would be an appropriate church for me,given my liberal to moderate views.
I am what people call a "cradle catholic"but stayed away from church for years because of my disagreement with a number of church teachings,which can be summarized below.

1)The infallibility of the pope on doctrinal issues
2)The churches stance on birth control
3)The emphasis on intercession of the saints(I most always pray directly to Jesus)
4)Lack of ecumenicism and belief that they are the only"true church"
5)Closed communion
6)Not allowing women Priests,or at least Deacons to serve in the church
7)The stance against gay rights.I believe in full civil rights and in civil unions.

The above is not an Indictment of the catholic church,as they have done much good to reach out and help the poor and third world populations.I do feel that with my beliefs,I'd fit in somewhere else and would welcome everyones opinions.

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Franny50 said:

First let me introduce myself.My name is Frances.I am a middleaged female Poet/Social Worker from nyc.I am currently searching for a church community to join and also posted in the more conservative Lutheran forums.I guess I am here searching for answers to what would be an appropriate church for me,given my liberal to moderate views.
I am what people call a "cradle catholic"but stayed away from church for years because of my disagreement with a number of church teachings,which can be summarized below.

1)The infallibility of the pope on doctrinal issues
2)The churches stance on birth control
3)The emphasis on intercession of the saints(I most always pray directly to Jesus)
4)Lack of ecumenicism and belief that they are the only"true church"
5)Closed communion
6)Not allowing women Priests,or at least Deacons to serve in the church
7)The stance against gay rights.I believe in full civil rights and in civil unions.

The above is not an Indictment of the catholic church,as they have done much good to reach out and help the poor and third world populations.I do feel that with my beliefs,I'd fit in somewhere else and would welcome everyones opinions.

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Franny50 said:

Hi Backwards,

I think you have some valid points,but this thread was started because I was thinking of joining the Lutheran Church.There is a liberal catholic forum here where the topic of being banned is discussed.

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Franny50 said:

I agree Backwards.Haven't made a decision yet.I am still exploring,

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black coffee said:

i too am thinking of becoming lutheran, can't really explain why (yet). hahaha.

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Franny50 said:

Do Lutherans believe the Eucharist is the actual blood and body of Christ,or just a symbol?

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Now, what is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Answer: It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in and under the bread and wine which we Christians are commanded by the Word of Christ to eat and to drink. 9 And as we have said of Baptism that it is not simple water, so here also we say the Sacrament is bread and wine, but not mere bread and wine, such as are ordinarily served at the table, but bread and wine comprehended in, and connected with, the Word of God.
10 It is the Word (I say) which makes and distinguishes this Sacrament, so that it is not mere bread and wine, but is, and is called, the body and blood of Christ. For it is said: Accedat verbum ad elementum, et fit sacramentum. If the Word be joined to the element, it becomes a Sacrament. This saying of St. Augustine is so properly and so well put that he has scarcely said anything better. The Word must make a Sacrament of the element, else it remains a mere element. 11 Now, it is not the word or ordinance of a prince or emperor, but of the sublime Majesty, at whose feet all creatures should fall, and affirm it is as He says, and accept it with all reverence, fear, and humility.

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