i've been catholic all my life...and always thought other religions were a little weird. but this year i went to an all christian school...so i've actually gotten used to not having a mass each week and stuff. i've even gone to their youth group.
i'm not doubting the catholic faith...but i just think the christian's more fun. is this wrong? i'm confused. am i converting? :(
2006-07-27 07:40:58 · 58 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Your answer is no. There is nothing wrong with expanding your mind with new ideas. I am Catholic and very traditional in a sense, but I also enjoy tying in Buddhist beliefs into my own understanding of life. Doesn't mean I'm going to go to their temples and pray with them but I do gain an understanding and respect them. That is all you're doing, understanding other ideas and maybe incorporating them into yours. Besides you seem like a smart person so don't worry about it. Deep down inside you know what you are and so does the almighty. Just remember where you came from and how far you still have to go.
2006-07-27 07:52:16 · answer #1 · answered by Bill F 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This happens a lot when you go to a new school, high school or college or whatever. You're not to "blame" because that word implies you've done something wrong.
You could join a Bible study or youth group and hang out with the non-Catholic Christians, get some fellowship and social activity that way, but still go to mass - it doesn't make you a hypocrite and it doesn't mean you're "converting." You are discovering what your Christian faith means to you and trying to make it have more meaning in your life - nothing wrong with that!!
2006-07-27 07:44:24 · answer #2 · answered by LisaT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loose conduct is often more fun. I'm not saying thats what your seeing in your christian school but it kind of sounds like it. And you can only convert if you choose to. I would recommend you look up scriptures on what catholics believe. And then see if those scriptures support your doctrines (beliefs). You may find that some scriptures directly conflict with the beliefs you've been raised with. You need to decide whether you want to be part of a non-bible based religion. If you pray for it, then God will make your path clear. Don't be surprised if someone knocks on your door. I'm proud of you for questioning what you've been taught. That is an awesome first step. Now see if what they teach is scriptual.
sarah
2006-07-27 07:46:33 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up in the Pentecostal faith. Basically we were taught that ours was the only true faith and all other religions were just doomed to hell. Took me a LONG time to find myself as far having a true relationship with God.
You may be a little young, but there's a scene in the movie "Steel Magnolias" (ok, I'm from the dark ages), where Truvy says a line I LOVE - "...honey, God don't care which church you go to, just as long as you show up." I love that line! If you look at the core of the thousands of religions, what is the common denominator? Love. Love for each other - love for ourselves.
Don't worry about whether you're converting or not. The road to God has many, many paths.
2006-07-27 07:51:53 · answer #4 · answered by loveblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*s* You really did make me smile just then. As a minister of a Protestant faith let me share a few things with you. There is nothing wrong with Catholocism, if you don't become caught up in the rituals of the beliefs. Despite what maybe taught in a Catholic church you DO NOT need to go to mass every week nor does the Bible need to be read in Latian or Greek, Hebrew, or Aramic. It would be nice if we could....and kinda cool :) but it's not necessary. Sainthood is another thing that you will not see in most Protestant churches because most do not believe in them. There are no saints, only believers in Christ. Enough has been said and thus, I leave you with this. I see nothing wrong with going to youth group and I hope that you enjoy it, and I hope that you enjoy a personal relationship, my prayers are with you.
2006-07-27 07:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by wildwoodjw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are both, but Catholics are Christians, like everyone else here is saying.
Unfortunately, your parents are more to blame than you because they're the ones who are supposed to be instructing you on what's right and wrong, and especially how to practice your faith, and they're obviously not doing that.
Go to your parish priest if you are having doubts about your faith or about yourself and talk to him as long as you need to, preferably in the confessional.
I would rather belong to a Church that is true and boring than one that is false and fun.
Lastly, your best option now is to join your parish youth group, if there is one at your parish, where you will find that your religion doesn't have to be boring or distant.
Peace :)
2006-07-27 08:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by STILL standing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel bad...you're not the first to discover that Catholicism has a lot of weaknesses. Although they are Christian, they are also wrong in many areas. For many years they taught that only the priest could interpret the Bible and you had to come to God through the priest or the virgin Mary or someother dead saint. The Bible tells us that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. "I am the way, the truth and the life...." Jesus said. "No man comes to the Father but through me" So you don't need the Catholic church or the priests....all you need is Jesus and you can talk to Him and pray to Him and confess your sins to Him and love Him for forgiving you. You will find many good Christian churches out there who believe the Bible for what it says.... not the traditions and rituals that the Catholic church has developed over centuries. Find a church that really believes... Baptist, Assembly of god, etc... and you will find real faith in a real God who loves you just as you are and who will help you to live life every day with strength and power.
2006-07-27 07:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by rejoiceinthelord 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with stepping out of the square - religious tolerance can only be a positive thing. You are not converting by seeing the way other people 'praise' God. You are broadening your mind at least. Go a step further and try not to get caught in the rhetoric of religious belief - See for Yourself, Know for Yourself is more powerful than any dogma derived from interpretations from the 'Good Book'.
2006-07-27 07:47:47 · answer #8 · answered by Mercury 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably don't understand the Catholic faith. If you were to study it, it is beautiful. I went from Methodist to Catholic. Science and history stand up better when defending the bible in Catholism. Have you ever considered how beautiful this part of the mass is?
"Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."
Is there any part of any service that beats this? This isn't chanting. Didn't you ever put your soul into this statement?
Good luck.
2006-07-27 07:45:05 · answer #9 · answered by BigPappa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's not about the catholic faith or the christian faith. people broke off from the catholic church because the doctrine is flat wrong. they add and detract things from the Bible. no one should worship mary and the other disciples the way they do. do some reading of the Bible and talk to some protestant Christians about what it all means. converting is a good thing in this case.
2006-07-27 07:44:53 · answer #10 · answered by phil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋