Choosing a denomination.

[PurpleRain]

A little background info:
I was baptized as a Methodist when I was a baby, and for most of my 'younger' years, I remained that way. I started going to a Catholic school in fifth grade, but I still called myself a Methodist. I would go to mass with my classmates, but I never received the Eucharist. But in eighth grade, I decided that I wanted to become Catholic. I went through a few classes, and then received Communion.

That was about a year ago, and now I realize that I really and truly do not want to be Catholic. I honestly didn't think things through all too well, and it wasn't of much importance to me then. I've never been too interested in the Catholic beliefs, and it's always confused me that so many of the Catholic 'rules' so to speak, aren't spoken of in the bible.

I guess you could call most of my beliefs non denominational. I believe that God is the only being who should have authority over us, and that the Catholic, or any other Church should have any authority over us. But the thing is, over the years I was at Catholic school the Catholic beliefs become ingrained in my mind, so much so that I began to believe them.

I feel more comfortable at Methodist mass than Catholic, but I'm more educated when it comes to Catholicism. I have non denominational beliefs, Catholic beliefs, and Methodist beliefs.

So where do I fit in? I'd like to have a Church to call my own, but I simply don't. When I go to Catholic church I feel like I don't belong there, when I go to Methodist church I feel like a belong a bit more, but at the same time it's not MY church, the Catholic church is now, and I miss the Catholic traditions when not at Catholic mass.

So clearly I'm torn in between. All of this gets me thinking that maybe I'm just not meant to be a Christian, and this thought scares me. So I just want someone's viewpoint on this, it would really be helpful!

 

[AMR]

Try this:

▷Church and Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

AMR

 

[Dark_Lite]

A little background info:
I was baptized as a Methodist when I was a baby, and for most of my 'younger' years, I remained that way. I started going to a Catholic school in fifth grade, but I still called myself a Methodist. I would go to mass with my classmates, but I never received the Eucharist. But in eighth grade, I decided that I wanted to become Catholic. I went through a few classes, and then received Communion.

That was about a year ago, and now I realize that I really and truly do not want to be Catholic. I honestly didn't think things through all too well, and it wasn't of much importance to me then. I've never been too interested in the Catholic beliefs, and it's always confused me that so many of the Catholic 'rules' so to speak, aren't spoken of in the bible.

I guess you could call most of my beliefs non denominational. I believe that God is the only being who should have authority over us, and that the Catholic, or any other Church should have any authority over us. But the thing is, over the years I was at Catholic school the Catholic beliefs become ingrained in my mind, so much so that I began to believe them.

I feel more comfortable at Methodist mass than Catholic, but I'm more educated when it comes to Catholicism. I have non denominational beliefs, Catholic beliefs, and Methodist beliefs.

So where do I fit in? I'd like to have a Church to call my own, but I simply don't. When I go to Catholic church I feel like I don't belong there, when I go to Methodist church I feel like a belong a bit more, but at the same time it's not MY church, the Catholic church is now, and I miss the Catholic traditions when not at Catholic mass.

So clearly I'm torn in between. All of this gets me thinking that maybe I'm just not meant to be a Christian, and this thought scares me. So I just want someone's viewpoint on this, it would really be helpful!

You are definitely conflicted between the two denominations. Just because you are confused about what denomination to follow does not mean you are not meant to be a Christian. It means you are questioning. Without questioning, no belief is worth holding.

The very first thing you should do is talk to your/a priest about the concerns you have, particularly in regards to whatever falls under the umbrella of:

I've never been too interested in the Catholic beliefs, and it's always confused me that so many of the Catholic 'rules' so to speak, aren't spoken of in the bible.

Catholicism is a deeply complex religion, and there is a lot of misinformation on it almost everywhere, even in Catholic educational classes. A good reading of the Catechism in its full context and talking with a priest are your best resources for almost every question of this kind of nature.

After you've had a talk with a priest, that is when you should sit down and do a serious introspection and figure out what it is that you believe.

I was raised Methodist as well, but became agnostic later. I converted to Catholicism in college after much study and thinking. I don't hold any particular ill will towards the Methodist church, but I find that I fit better into the Catholic Church.

You are at a critical point in your journey of faith where you have realized that what seemed like a simple decision in the past is not actually so simple now. You have acclimated to Catholicism at least somewhat if you state that you "miss the Catholic traditions when not at Catholic mass." The reason you feel you "belong" a bit more in the Methodist church is probably because you are more used to the culture and structure of Methodism, compared to the culture and structure of Catholicism. How long have you been Catholic?

If you delve deeper into Methodism, you will find that its roots are a lot closer to Catholicism than some other denominations. Methodism is still liturgical, though it tends towards liturgy-lite rather than full-on smells and bells like Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or some forms of Anglicanism.

AMR's recommendation that you do one of the belief quizzes is a good one, but it should only serve as a starting point. They can only tell you so much, and are usually rather generalized. Plus, you will probably get different results every time you take it. In the end, it will come down to you making the decision. If you do choose to explore other denominations, make sure you are getting authoritative information on them, and not false caricatures of them. This kind of journey is one of the journeys that you take slowly and carefully.

Also, just so you know, many Non-Denominational churches are based in Reformed theology, which is characterized by the Five Solas, and usually some variation of Calvinism. Being Non-Denominational, though, you will find that there is a wide variety in their beliefs. However, I would wager that most (not all) of them will be even less familiar to you than Methodism or Catholicism.

 

[laconicstudent]

I would second Dark Light's suggestion of talking to a priest. Your catechesis as an 8th grader may not have been as been as comprehensive as you needed especially now that you are presumably and adult.

And then I would duplicate this thread in Looking for a Church - Christian Forums to get a wider response, and then post in the Roman Catholic congregation forum One Bread, One Body - Catholic - Christian Forums with your questions, understanding that an internet forum is not a substitute for actually speaking to a priest.

 

[peace80]

I think that if your beliefs don't line up with the Catholic beliefs, then talking to a priest may not help. He will simply try to convince to go along with something that is not sitting right with you. He can only teach you what he knows. The Catholic religion.

It may feel confusing and frustrating to try and figure out where you belong, but just take your time and get a good feel for what you believe first. No one else can do that for you. You need to know the Word of God well. If you're not reading , you won't know what to believe. You will only be able to rely on what people tell you. It's a dangerous thing to allow people to dictate to you what you should believe. Study the Bible so that you can know if what they say is true.

It is important to know what are the traditions of man, and what are the teachings of Jesus. Matthew chapters 5-7 are full of deep teaching of who we are to be. It's a good place to start.

Maybe God is leading you into a deeper level and what you have always know in the past is no longer enough. Have you heard about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? It's in Acts.

You just might feel out of place because He is preparing you for something more. Keep asking Him to help you understand what that is. If He has caused you to be unsettled, He will be faithful enough to lead you to where you need to be next. Transitions in our lives are usually uncomfortable until we get through it.

Study your Bible and listen to the truth you find there. Listen to your spirit. The Holy Spirit will guide you. He is the only one who can help you understand where you need to be next.

Keep searching and studying. Ask what different denominations are about. And whatever people tell you, make sure you see it taught in the Bible. If it's not in the Bible, stay clear. It's not of God if it's not clearly in the Bible.

 

[gtmyers]

Try this:

▷Church and Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

AMR

Thanks AMR thats a neat link. It worked for me as it showed me as LCMS and that is what I am, now.

 

[gtmyers]

If you do choose to explore other denominations, make sure you are getting authoritative information on them, and not false caricatures of them. This kind of journey is one of the journeys that you take slowly and carefully.


I agree with Dark Lite...make sure you get info from the correct source. There are so many false ideas about all denominations so get info on each one from their own source first hand.

 

[ApostolicSeeker]

Many of the Catholic "rules" are Biblical, others are based on the teachings of the Early Church fathers, and others...well, they seem have appeared out of thin air.

Perhaps you can also look into the Western Rite Orthodox churches, or the traditional Anglican churches. Their Mass is very similar to the Catholic Mass.

Try this:

▷Church and Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

AMR

That quiz only has protestant denominations.

 

[crossnote]

I started out with a rather non denomination/ charasmatic, then went Baptist...Refromed Baptist,... Confessional Lutheran...Anglican...now I see myself simply as a 'Berean' Christian.

Now these Jews (in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
(Act 17:11)

I find the denomination game is full of traps laced with pride. Not that those who are in certain denominations are necessarily proud but those who are smug of their certain denomination are usually proud.

 

[Tangible]

It would be interesting to know exactly what you mean by Methodist beliefs and Catholic beliefs.

 

[heritage36]

Just believe what the Bible tells you, and if you find a church which helps with that, that could be helpful. If you can't, just pursue him alone of with others. A church isn't NEEDED to have the Lord in your life, as some believe. I have a great walk with the Lord myself without any involvement at any church, just thought I would throw that out there as an idea, since I think far too few consider it an option in a situation like you are in.

 

[danielseeksGod]

no denomination is correct. they are immediately wrong in trying to make the church into an organization.

i suggest not looking for a denomination, but rather attending non-denominational churches. if you want to live by the Bible, you gotta do it on your own accord, you can't trust someone else to interpret it for you.

 

[Tangible]

Funny how some churches claim to have no official doctrines when five questions could place them very squarely within a denominational framework.

I would much rather attend a church that has a well worked out theological confession and not only knows what it believes but follows what it confesses.

 

[Chris81]

We would love to have you rejoin the Methodist family!

However if you feel conflicted between Catholicism and Methodism perhaps you should look into the Anglican Church. John Wesley was an Anglican minister and had hoped that the Methodist would remain a movement within the Anglican Church rather than a separate denomination. The Anglicans services and beliefs are more closely aligned to the Catholic Church and you wouldn't be that far removed from your old Methodist family.

I am of course prejudice towards the Methodist faith but I would recommend trying to reconnect with a Methodist church and see if you can reconcile your beliefs. I have never known a more loving congregation than my Church and I only hope others in faith have that same experience.

What ever your decision, my god bless you and help you grow stronger in faith!

 

[laconicstudent]

Just believe what the Bible tells you, and if you find a church which helps with that, that could be helpful. If you can't, just pursue him alone of with others. A church isn't NEEDED to have the Lord in your life, as some believe. I have a great walk with the Lord myself without any involvement at any church, just thought I would throw that out there as an idea, since I think far too few consider it an option in a situation like you are in.

"Whoever is separated from the Church and is joined to an adulteress is separated from the promises of the Church, nor will he that forsakes the Church of Christ attain to the rewards of Christ. He is an alien, a worldling, and an enemy. He cannot have God for his Father who has not the Church for his mother" --St. Cyprian of Carthage, The Unity of the Catholic Church 6, [A.D. 251]




Just food for thought.

 

[laconicstudent]

no denomination is correct. they are immediately wrong in trying to make the church into an organization.

The Church is the Body of Christ. It is, by definition therefore, an organization.

i suggest not looking for a denomination, but rather attending non-denominational churches. if you want to live by the Bible, you gotta do it on your own accord, you can't trust someone else to interpret it for you.

I did that myself. I found it superficial, and advise the OP against it.

 

[heritage36]

"Whoever is separated from the Church and is joined to an adulteress is separated from the promises of the Church, nor will he that forsakes the Church of Christ attain to the rewards of Christ. He is an alien, a worldling, and an enemy. He cannot have God for his Father who has not the Church for his mother" --St. Cyprian of Carthage, The Unity of the Catholic Church 6, [A.D. 251]




Just food for thought.

If this was in scripture I would take it seriously. Being someone representing the Catholic church, I will take it with a grain of salt.

 

[laconicstudent]

If this was in scripture I would take it seriously.

You don't take the Trinity seriously?

Being someone representing the Catholic church, I will take it with a grain of salt.

Do you know what "catholic" means, or are you just assuming he is Roman Catholic. You do know the Great Schism didn't occur until centuries after his death, right?

If you do know what catholic means, I don't see why you would be leery of taking the advice of someone representing the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

 

[r035198x]

I would just suggest finding a conveniently close one to you that you feel comfortable enough in to attend. Assembling together with other Christians is important as stated in Hebrews 10:25. Too often you see people 'joining' churches that they don't fully believe in and then end up disappointed by what they see and get out of them. They start blaming the church then the bible and ultimately God for their frustrations.
I think it's important to understand that it is almost impossible for the 21st century Christian to find a church with doctrines they fully believe in. What's important is finding a group of people you can comfortably assemble with to share encouragements and help out with other Christian activities.

 

[heritage36]

You don't take the Trinity seriously?



Do you know what "catholic" means, or are you just assuming he is Roman Catholic. You do know the Great Schism didn't occur until centuries after his death, right?

If you do know what catholic means, I don't see why you would be leery of taking the advice of someone representing the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I prefer unbiased opinions if I heed any opinions, and more than that I just prefer what is in scripture rather than someones inappropriate blanket statement meant to pressure people into something that is not needed. Any no, I do not believe in "the trinity".