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

[Albion]

Please excuse this side topic... I did look it up and read about it. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it. I am very much pro-life, but I'm also realistic. Trying to fit all of humanity into one mold, which is what much of religion does, is just not realistic.

On 95% of that which divides the churches, I'd agree. When it comes to murder--which is what abortion is to those opposed--I'm not so sure I can pass the issue off that lightly. There is hardly a culture in the world that says it's OK to murder someone you find inconvenient. Even the more brutal ones have some allegedly compelling reason--God will be pleased by it, the survival of the human race demands it, or something that might be called exceptional.

Although, I am pro-life, I do find the Methodist view of it to be the most realistic take on the issue. They do not take it lightly at all, but they still realize that it may and does happen in this world; and they make clear distinctions on what is not acceptable and what should be taken with compassion and consideration for individual situations.

And if that is your view, I am not here to argue against it. The United Methodist Church (not the other Methodist or Wesleyan churches) is probably more attuned to your thinking than almost any other mainline denomination, even to the point of very generously financing the pro-abortion side in various state referendums. But that's not to say that some other denominations are not similarly pro-choice, just that it's probably fair to say that the UMC has put more into supporting it than some others.

 

[steve_bakr]

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

Marco,

It sounds like we share a lot of the same values. I hope that the Churches that others have suggested gives you something to go on. Rather than trying to find a Church that agrees with ALL of your values, I think you may have to settle for one that is reasonably close. I think, also, community is very important. If you find a Church that lives out the value of community and fellowship, that might be a very strong factor for your decision, even if that community does not match 100% to your specific values.

 

[WithLoveFromAlyssa]

Sdrock Type that in on google. every sunday they have live services until you find church of your own. Its non-denominational.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

As a Catholic, am I allowed to post here?

Thanks.

Yes, you are. This is Bridge Builders, which is for all moderate Christians. Moderate in the sense of being pleasant and well-mannered at least, and you seem nice enough.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

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

Well, bless you for your courage to leave apostasy.

If you go to the Christian Research Institute at www.equip.org and use their contact form, they offer the free service of recommending a couple of healthy well balanced Evangelical Churches in your locale. You may also want to tune into their 'Bible Answer Man' broadcast on the radio/online as he is very very informative . Blessings.

P.S. Would you mind if i were to toss some final holy water on you just for good measure ?! lol >>>>

 

[Albion]

What Izdaari said, Dave.

 

[mik737]

I like you have been Catholic and find many of the values important. To find a church is certainly a process that I have been through with success. I have learned what exactly I cannot tolerate from a church and what I can. I have also learned what I need and what I don't. That said, there is no perfect alternative church unless you start your own.

It really depends on what doctrine you hold on to! (Marian,real presence,icons,relics,pro-life,etc).

1. Orthodox because they have the same theology but no Marian doctrine.
2. Old Catholic church is not a good idea because it still has same doctrine.
3. Conservative Evangelicals is a great option.
4. Contemporary/evangelical presbyterian

 

[Alive_Again]

I have found great beauty in the preaching of just the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are all we're ever need! It is the preaching of the anointed Word that feeds your spirit, breaks the yoke of oppression, builds you up on the inside, etc. You'll find that people turn to other "sources of grace" when they don't get what they need. The Holy Spirit confirms the Word with signs following. People often intuitively leave their dry churches because they are not getting fed. That's because the Holy Spirit does not agree with what is being preached (or they are not following it).

Find a church with an anointing and you can rejoice at the provision of God that He wants to provide for you Himself without looking for "graces" from any other source. He'll show Himself strong on your behalf and you'll always know that no matter what happens, you only need to approach the throne of grace where Jesus our High Priest is, by His blood covenant and obtain mercy in every area of your life. Going directly to Him by faith in His Word...

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Have you ever looked "East"?

It sounds like he's bought into a lot of modern protestant theology, so I doubt the Orthodox would be right.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Anyone who has ever thought that something smells a little funny (not funny haha) with the RCC should definitely watch this video.

205B - The Man Behind The Mask / Total Onslaught - Walter Veith - YouTube

This video is number 5 of a 36 part series entitled Total Onslaught, and it will put the hairs up on the back of your neck! Oh yes!

Anyone that says they are revealing 'dark secrets' about Catholicism don't understand Catholicism and are rehashing the senseless propaganda used in the United States to justify violence against Catholic immigrants.

The beliefs and practices of Catholics are freely available and accessible. Videos and media like this would be laughable if people weren't vulnerable enough to actually believe it. It is too bad they never both to talk with someone or research the claims on their own to determine it is all nonsense.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Just checking back in for anyone who may care. My wife and I are still searching but we have found 2 churches that we really enjoy. One is a very large, but extremely friendly, Non-Denominational Church.

The other is a small Anglican Church. This option is 'Catholic" without the man made rules and superstitions.

Both nice, both Bible Based.

Thank you for all of your responses.

I am not aware of any Catholic 'superstitions'.

In terms of man-made 'rules', virtually every church operates on rules and policies that aren't divine in origin.

 

[GenetoJean]

Hmm, I think I am confused with all of this attacking other denominations; I could have sworn this was the Bridge Building forum.

ps, please dont take me to task for saying denominations; I know some people dont believe their particular church is a denomination. I just couldnt think of a better word to use.

 

[Albion]

Hmm, I think I am confused with all of this attacking other denominations; I could have sworn this was the Bridge Building forum.

Right!

Everyone, please remember why this forum exists at all. It is a forum where, despite our different POV's, we are pledged to tone it down and discuss without rancor. Some of the posts I just laid eyes on are anything but that!

 

[FireDragon76]

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.

Marco

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.

 

[Albion]

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.

I think that a well-informed member of any church (for 25 years!) who is looking for a new one knows what he's doing.

 

[Terry M]

Just joinong in folks and I can see a lot of wisdom here.

Spiritually, I guess you could say I was raised in the Catholic Church - and would still be attending one if the local church met my needs. Through life circumstances I separated out my relationship with God and with Jesus - from my religion. I think any of the faith traditions are just that - traditional ways of worshiping and doing things which provide stability and surety to that community.
The varacity of how that tradition is presented and managed depends of course on the local minister and the local congregation. If the primary focus is very clearly and unambiguously on helping us to Love God with all our hearts and minds and spirits - and to love our neighbour and to love ourselves - and this is put higher than traditions or reputation or earthly authority - then it is a good place to set your anchor. Otherwise keep looking.

I hope you have found a church home by now. Blessings to you.

 

[saintboniface]

I was gong to suggest the Methodist Church, too. Methodists do a remarkable amount of good in our community, and they are somewhat conservative in their approach to the Bible and their social positions.

They do have some female ministers.

Are you really a Catholic advising another Catholic what new faith he should chose?

Why not practice a spiritual work of mercy instead - like instructing the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, or admonish sinners?

 

[ProudMomxmany]

I am an x-catholic and have found a home within the restoration movement (Church of Christ). There are three "divisions" of the Church of Christ that give one the choice between conservative, moderate and liberal. Church of Christ is the conservative, Christian Church is moderate and Disciples of Christ is liberal. The biggest attraction is they do hold to the bible, and celebrate communion every Sunday unlike many other protestant denominations.

If you have any questions, PM me!

 

[thispoorman]

I am an x-catholic and have found a home within the restoration movement (Church of Christ). There are three "divisions" of the Church of Christ that give one the choice between conservative, moderate and liberal. Church of Christ is the conservative, Christian Church is moderate and Disciples of Christ is liberal. The biggest attraction is they do hold to the bible, and celebrate communion every Sunday unlike many other protestant denominations.

If you have any questions, PM me!

Pardon my jumping in here, but I find that my experience seems quite similar to yours, ProudMomxmany. I am a former Catholic who ended up in the Christian Church. In addition to what you have mentioned, I can think of two other elements that make a Restoration Movement church a great "halfway house" for Catholics: the strong emphasis on the importance of baptism, and the need to strive to live out one's baptismal faith in obedience to Jesus - a very different thing from so-called "works salvation".

 

[Albion]

Pardon my jumping in here, but I find that my experience seems quite similar to yours, ProudMomxmany. I am a former Catholic who ended up in the Christian Church. In addition to what you have mentioned, I can think of two other elements that make a Restoration Movement church a great "halfway house" for Catholics: the strong emphasis on the importance of baptism, and the need to strive to live out one's baptismal faith in obedience to Jesus - a very different thing from so-called "works salvation".

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.