Confused about what denomination

[Oakenshield]

I was raised in a loose based non-denominational home (parents believe in God, but never went to church). I was baptized in a Baptist Church when I was 12 years of age when I attended vacation bible school and never went to church after that.

Throughout my adult life I never attended church but had a sporadic relationship with God (backslid severely). Recently I felt a strong need to return to Christianity and have been wanting to attend church , however, I do not know what church to go to.

I am married to a Roman Catholic but I do not like the idea of the Pope, and other minor things (I was forced to take classes,etc to marry) and this is upsetting my wife because I feel uncomfortable. She wants me to become a Catholic, however since my return to the faith, I have been researching about Eastern Orthodoxy and though similiar to Roman Catholicism, I find their way of practice more comforting, unfortunately the closest Orthodox Church is 120 miles from where I live

I love my wife, and I love God, but I do not know what to do about this. Am I looking to deep and making this into something of an issue for no reason? Should I just attend her church and remain non-denominational and learn more about the faith (I consider myself new)? I want to belong to a church, but I am having issues about Roman Catholicism (my apologies) and not into the Baptist style of worship which are the main churches in my area, other than a Methodist church (I live in a very rural area).

Looking for any guidance.

 

[BornAgainBrian]

There are independent Catholic churches which maintain communion with Rome.

You might look into going together to one of the liturgical protestant churches, like Episcopal or Lutheran, if your wife is willing.

Other than that, maybe make an appointment to meet with a priest at her church to discuss your concerns. He'd likely have a take on it you'd not considered.

 

[1watchman]

I suppose I cannot be much help with your query and interests, friend, for after looking everywhere for a number of years, I came to a Bible-only fellowship without denominated trappings. I have been settled there for over 40 years now. I recommend such a gathering for sincere seekers.

 

[Oakenshield]

Thank you both for your replies. I am planning on studying the bible as much as I can at home, and felt that if I became part of a church that it may prevent a backslide like I did before. I like the ideal of a fellowship, I will look into that during my search for sure.

 

[LilLamb219]

Is there a Lutheran church nearby? The liturgy is so very similar to the RC one so your wife would feel comfortable attending.

 

[AGTG]

Christianity isn't about denominations as much as it is about an authentic relationship with Father God through what Jesus accomplished on the cross giving us access to Him.

Beyond that, are there people in denominations who are saved? Yes, but there are also many denominations which adhere to the traditions of man so much they are simply dead religion.

 

[graceandpeace]

If you're in the US, I think the Episcopal Church or a Lutheran church could possibly be a good fit. Both tend to be liturgical like the Roman Catholic Church (Eastern Orthodoxy is liturgical as well, but their practices tend to differ some from Western Christianity) - & neither of those options hold to the Roman views of the Pope.

If you're researching Christianity (history, tradition, etc), then that may help you make a choice.

Good luck.

 

[JoshuaNY]

I just want to add that Eastern Orthodox is in full communion with Rome. That may alleviate some of your concerns. I believe you owe it to yourself to have a conversation with a RC Priest and voice your concerns. They should be able to help.

There is also, nothing saying you can not attend Mass with your wife while you learn more about the faith. They will just not allow you to receive communion.

As others have said, many Lutheran and Episcopal churches are Liturgical like the RC church. You both may find a home there.

 

[Tigger45]

I just want to add that Eastern Orthodox is in full communion with Rome. That may alleviate some of your concerns. I believe you owe it to yourself to have a conversation with a RC Priest and voice your concerns. They should be able to help.

There is also, nothing saying you can not attend Mass with your wife while you learn more about the faith. They will just not allow you to receive communion.

As others have said, many Lutheran and Episcopal churches are Liturgical like the RC church. You both may find a home there.

Sorry but the EO and RC are not in communion with each other.

 

[Oakenshield]

Thank you to all who have replied. I believe I am going to focus on strengthing my relationship personally with the Lord, and then I will move forward on belonging to a church. After reviewing my past experiences, I feel its best for me to take that path first and to seek a personal relationship with the Lord and heal my spiritual wounds.

Peace be with you,

 

[1watchman]

Great choice! Trust God, keep His Word, and look up always!

 

[AGTG]

Looking for any guidance.

Honest question: Are you born again, a new creation?

Jesus said, "You must be born again."

We don't want to participate in dead religion like trying on a new sweater for a season. We want an authentic relationship with Father God the only way possible: Through the shed blood of Jesus. He gives us access to Father God in prayer, and we walk this out in faith by maintaining a daily prayer relationship.

A lot of people try Christianity out, but they don't stick with it because they weren't doing it God's way.

How does one become "born again?" He turns from his sin, recognizes Jesus as the only way for forgiveness and access to Father God, dedicates himself to learn of God's ways, and walks out their faith by living Christian principles: Daily study of the Bible, daily prayer life, some form of ministry, and regular fellowship with other believers.

When this happens, they often find it's very hard to keep up. That's because they need the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This, too, is available to all who merely ask for Him and receive it by faith.

When you receive the baptism, you are able to pray in tongues if you chose to.

 

[AGTG]

Thank you to all who have replied. I believe I am going to focus on strengthing my relationship personally with the Lord, and then I will move forward on belonging to a church. After reviewing my past experiences, I feel its best for me to take that path first and to seek a personal relationship with the Lord and heal my spiritual wounds.

Peace be with you,

This is a good idea, though you should get your toes wet in some Body of believers. You don't have to get involved in everything at first, but you should look into some nondenominational churches that are strong in the Word.

There are a lot of denominations who've taken a slide into oblivion by abandoning God's truth to appease the world. You don't want to go there, you will never hear the truth.

Your urge to draw near to God personally, however, is totally from God! This is the essence of Christianity for all believers. We are priests unto Father God ourselves, and Jesus is our High Priest. The veil was torn, we have direct access. Praise God!

 

[aChildOfMary]

Others in this thread has stated that since Lutheran services are somewhat similar to Catholic Novus Ordo services your wife should easily agree to attend a Lutheran service with you.
If she is a devout Catholic I can answer for her already, she wouldn't skip mass for some Lutheran Service because if she really believe in the Catholic Church she will much like me believe that the Catholic Church is the only church established by Christ where other churches are established by men.

Liturgical similarities is nice, but you know that we actually believe that all sacraments outside of the Catholic Church is invalid so in many ways it's the same if she goes to a Lutheran church or if she stay at home on Sundays as far as the mass duty concerns.

So don't air this suggestion is my advice.


Also others has stated that the EO and Rome are in communion, this is false.
The Great schism you remember?
Anyways It still applies...


Btw, you mention how the pope is your main issue with Catholicism and being a convert to Catholicism I know how troublesome that fact may be, but it's important to remember that you don't have to agree with the pope in everything except infallible statements concerning moral and faith related issues.

From time to time I talk about faith with my mother (who is a Lutheran) and often we end up with her defending Papa Francis and statements made by him while I disagree and are sceptical towards a given statement made by my own church pontif.

This is 100 per cent ok for me as catholic because the Bishop of Rome is a human being much like you and me, but rarely he speaks in the spirit (ex cathedra) then it's binding for us to believe in.

So I'll really recommend for you to visit a Catholic Priest and just ask him about your concerns.
nothing is to dumb or silly to ask him, my guess is that he will like to be handed this questions as his task is to bring people to the church.



Good luck on your journey





Pax Christi
aChildOfMary

 

[parsley]

add that Eastern Orthodox is in full communion with Rome.

More reading for those interested. (Not comprehensive.)
Eastern Orthodox Church - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
East?West Schism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I will echo what others said about grounding yourself in the Bible at home. Finding the right church can lead your mind in many directions, but in the end what you'd want would be something you feel comfortably lines up with what you see in the Bible.

It is your anchor, your plumb line, your flashlight. You can see other things more clearly if you keep it as your core source. And prayer with God will also help you have an inner sense in your heart when things are amiss or on target.

The goal is not so much the place we attend; but the whole walk, living in His kingdom, and knowing His guidance.