Ex-Catholics having a heck of a time finding a new Church

[thispoorman]

I agree. The "Restoration movement" is unique in retaining some of the Catholic themes that Protestants generally disavow (including the powerful organizational demands for conformity)...and yet it is simultaneously much less like Catholicism than other Protestant movements or churches.

Hi, Albion. Please - I mean no offense, but I need to ask about something you mentioned in your post: "the powerful organizational demands for conformity". I sense a note of disapproval there. I cheerfully admit to desiring to conform to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ (badly), to the Word of God as expressed in the Bible, and to the spiritual oversight of my body of elders (Hebrews 13:7-9;17; 1 Peter 5:1-7). What is wrong with that? (P.S.: If I have misinterpreted your tone, forgive me.)

 

[Albion]

Hi, Albion. Please - I mean no offense, but I need to ask about something you mentioned in your post: "the powerful organizational demands for conformity". I sense a note of disapproval there. I cheerfully admit to desiring to conform to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ (badly), to the Word of God as expressed in the Bible, and to the spiritual oversight of my body of elders (Hebrews 13:7-9; 1 Peter 5:1-7). What is wrong with that? (P.S.: If I have misinterpreted your tone, forgive me.)

Not a problem. However, I did pause and reconsider that point before I included it, because I realized that it might seem controversial to someone or other. Still, it's a point that has been noted and discussed by many, so I don't think of it as my own personal insight.

The Churches of Christ have a reputation of riding herd on the members, keeping them behaving as they ought, keeping after them if they're not staying up with expectations...to the extent that some people have said the congregations operate in a cultlike fashion. That may be too strong a word for it, but it is often said. If fair to say, it may be somewhat like the way the Roman Catholic Church has historically instilled in the membership a "do this or else" mindset (avoid mortal sin and heretical notions at all costs, don't neglect to do X on time or it's a sin, etc.) such that going through the formal paces can dominate one's religious life.

It's possible that some people see in such an approach an admirable religious seriousness and contrast it with what they consider to be the "do your own thing" approach taken by more liberal denominations, but there does seem to be a similarity to Catholicism in this characteristic, for better or for worse.

 

[thispoorman]

Albion, thanks for your thoughtfulness. I cannot remember the quote now, or its source, but someone wiser than me once said something to the effect that, if you're being equally criticized from opposite viewpoints, there is a greater chance that you are doing the right thing. The Christian Church (and yes - our - ahem - "denomination" [looking around furtively] is more "moderate" than the CoC) is too Catholic to be Protestant, and too Protestant to be Catholic. Talk about yer "via media"! At any rate, our elders have always demanded that the church also exercise oversight over them; if any are found to be teaching or requiring something unscriptural, we are to call them on it.

 

[ValorWoman4Jesus]

I've never been Catholic, but find this thread interesting. I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ not some man made laws. I know a few ex-Catholics who are frustrated with their lives. I know people who are still Catholic. I tend to get along with Catholic people. I've found that my beliefs are closest to the Baptist denomination. I hate the every man for himself mentality. It sure explains why my husband and i aren't getting the help and support that we need except from people who are needier than ourselves. I admit that sometimes I don't feel like I have time to slow down assist somebody at the grocery store for instance. I have stopped for people, but most of the time I rush to my next thing. I feel unloved right now, so it's such a struggle to be loving. I consider myself an outcast because of my unique blend of strengths and weaknessess coupled with the dreams, goals, needs and aspirations that we have that people just do not understand. I feel so badly the need to be lifted up, but the so called "encouragement" that I get from people makes me feel worse. I find it amazing how the happiness of others doesn't spread to others, just the sadness. I've learned though that that happiness is not due to the authentic joy that can only be found in Jesus Christ. I hardly see people like that. I feel as though I don't belong anywhere or deserve to have a worthy, important meaningful mission or purpose. Loving someone because they have the social norms just right is conditional love based on worldly values. Loving someone despite their mistakes and also valueing what's in their heart and accepting them as a person and not a social status is unconditional all weather love based on the kingdom. A church should go out of the way and not relent until the people in their fold are thriving and living John 10:10 lives. Alas, that is not happening. we sincerely worship God in spirit and in truth and depend on Him for everything. I know God alone cares about what's on my heart better than any other person and I pray that my unresolved hurts and unmet needs will be dealt with very soon.

 

[ValorWoman4Jesus]

You still sound Catholic, you just have difficulty with the teachings of the Church. Maybe find a parish you like better, talk to a priest, or find a group of like-minded Catholics to sustain your faith. You will never find a church that you agree with everything that happens there.

Outside of Catholicism, in Protestantism, most churches tend to be conservative or liberal in tone uniformly. You won't find an emphasis on social justice being combined with pro-life stances that often, due to the individualist tone of alot of Protestantism.

I think social justice goes well hand in hand with pro-life. This is what Jesus stands for! I can't stand how tenets of God's truth are segregated and I also do not like the individualism verus the village or community support for others who need a lift.

 

[Albion]

I think social justice goes well hand in hand with pro-life. .

That's very characteristic of the Roman Catholic Church. I myself don't want a church that's messing around in politics all the time, but if you do, the RCC makes a strong case for this perspective ^ that you may identify with. Of course, there is a difference between promoting government programs, lobbying legislators, etc. and the church engaging in charitable efforts itself.

 

[debateableduck]

No matter where you go in life, you will not agree with everyone on everything.

Yes, I did not read all 7-ish pages before this post. Sorry. TLDR.

 

[EvangelCatholic]

Hello

My wife and I are cradle Catholics who have been unhappy for a long time in the Catholic Church. We are not some uninformed Catholics making a rash decision but a couple who have studied and researched the Catholic Church for over 25 years. We clearly understand Catholic teaching and tradition but find it in conflict to the Lord Jesus teachings.

Now that we have left we are having a tough time finding the right fit. We are Bible believing Christians who are staunch Pro-Life advocates and support traditional marriage. That being said, we also disagree with a political philosophy which chooses to condone pre-emptive war, a willingness to allow large numbers of our citizens to go without good healthcare and an " Every person for themselves" mentality.

I guess we are both Conservative and Progressive, Democrat and Republican, Liturgical and Evangelical. Bottom line is we want to love, serve and continue to learn about the Lord. We want to do this while following the words and spirit of the Bible.

Any suggestions on where to find a Church that would be a fit for a couple with our mix of values would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,

Marco

What exactly do you find in Catholic teaching/ tradition that is "in conflict to the Lord Jesus teachings"? Do you and your wife as "Bible believing Christians" mean you take the Scriptures literally as would a fundamentalist?

Do you believe in sacraments?

 

[Fantine]

The black Baptist congregations tend to be much more politically liberal while keeping the same evangelical beliefs. Would you feel uncomfortable worshipping with a predominantly black congregation? I am sure they would make you feel welcome--any time I have ever visited predominantly black parishes where the Gospel Mass is celebrated they have always been most welcoming.

 

[Albion]

NOTE: This thread died more than half a year ago, and the author of the OP (Marco) has not posted any messages for almost three years.

 

[iansek]

You could try reading Watchman Nee or Witness Lee. these two men were chinese preachers and their ministry is apolitical and very good.