Answers from True Christians only please: Should I change my church?

Question

I was raised Catholic (both parents are lapsed Catholics, who don't go to Church other than Christmas and Easter), though I enjoy going every Sunday.

My dilemma is that I don't believe in many of the Catholic teachings (Papal infaliabilty and rule changing, Purgatory, priest-only Reconcilliation). My husband is an Evangelical Christian, and I tend to think the same as him on many points (perhaps because he is very convincing, and I don't honestly know enough about Catholicism to defend my 'beliefs'?).

However, I don't agree with the 'speaking in tongues' part of their worship (which happens each service, and which I honestly find quite un-nerving), although I do believe in 'laying on of the hands'. I also find that I like the calmness and discipline of Catholic worship as opposed to their method of shouting out and waving their arms.

Should I start going to his church (an idea which I am about 80% uncomfortable with) or continue going to Mass, even if I don't believe fully in it?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian who has a wife who goes to a Catholic church, and I agree with you about some Catholic teachings; purgatory, stations of the cross, Mary worship, transubstantiation, baptismal regeneration...Some of these are difficult to back up biblically, but particularly the infallibility of the pope. In fact, I'm interested to see how this breaking news will go, regarding pressure on the pope to apologise for his comments about Islam. If he backtracks, will this disprove papal infallibility? I believe that no amount of church membership, good works, or indulgences will earn our salvation, only a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I don't believe that we can earn our salvation, or that priests can forgive sins, or that we ought to pray to Mary. I believe that there will be members of all denominations in Heaven, regardless of the building we attended, as those of us who have a relationship, and know the forgiveness and cleansing power of Jesus' blood, are guaranteed eternal salvation. The question is, do you have a relationship with Jesus, and know Him as your personal saviour? As long as you do, that's the important thing. Then you must consider if you can grow spiritually in your current church...That's something that you will be aware of more than me!

Good luck and God bless

Answer 2

I think you should do some quiet studying before makeing any changes.
This tongues business at his church is not of the bible.
At Pentecost when the holy spirit came to the apostles, the spirit gave each man the ability to talk in foreign languages so as to inform and teach each person 'they' spoke with about the Kingdom message.
Each foreigner was able to understand what he heard from the apostles because what he heard came from God through the individual speaking with him.
The Holy spirit didn't cause 'GIBBERISH' to be uttered.
There wasn't a single translator there and there was no need for any.
Thousands of people were baptised because they understood.

Gibberish is a working of the devil, that is why you get uneasy.
Be careful. Study quietly and learn the truth. Don't change your ways suddenly as it will alarm your husband, and you will cause more problems.
Wait untill you understand thoroughly, then make your move intelligently.

Answer 3

Ouch, the husband part makes this harder. I was going to say, "Only leave a Church if they something is definately necissary and you say it's definately not." But I also encourage people to go to Church with their spouce. On the other hand, speaking in tongues (as is practiced in modern churches) is just lunacy. On the other hand maybe you should get to know your own faith better before you leave it for another. Wow, I sure do run out of other hands quick.

If you can arrange it, I think the best thing would be to set up meetings with yourself, your husband and your priest, and separate meetings with yourself, your husband, and his pastor, and talk over the situation with them. Ultimately the answer is up to the two of you, but having all the input from both sides is more likely to give you a full and complete answer that you can stick with. At the end, make a decision as a couple where you will go and if you will go together and stick with your decision.

Answer 4

I'd really like to know more about his church and their practice of tongues -- my church also believes in this, but it's not done in such a way that it becomes a disruption in the service. I understand your apprehension; tongues is fully endorsed in the Bible, but its application in modern settings is often misinterpreted, I fear.

In any event, it sounds like you and your husband may BOTH need to change churches. You need to sit down with him and calmly -- emphasis on calm -- discuss how you both feel about church. Right now, you're in different places spirtually, and that will put stress on your marriage until the issue is resolved. It's important that you find a place of worship that you can both tolerate -- at the very least -- and preferably a place where you can both grow. Again, the emphasis on the word "both."

If you're feeling stifled by the Catholic churches, then by all means, don't go there. But you shouldn't feel forced into another church either. It's completely possible that after talking with him -- and after a lot of prayer -- that you may decide to attend together at your present church. But it's also possible that there may be another place where God is leading you. Be open to His call and His leading, and He will direct your path -- together. God bless -- my prayers are with you during your search!

Answer 5

I suggest you visit an Episcopal Church in your town and you will find similar ways of worship as the Catholic church. I have been a member of Saint Paul Episcpal church for fifteen years and have found some of the things you found in your past experience as a Catholic. The liturgy is quite similar and their are priest who conduct a Holy Eucharist service every Sunday at least. If you find it not to your liking to attend an Episcopal church then I suggest you find a Roman Catholic church you would be happy to attend services

Answer 6

That's a very interesting question. It takes a lot of time and consideration. I really appreciate the fact that you're questioning your beliefs-- because that's the only way you'll truly own them, if you find out for yourself what it is you believe in, and not just what your parents or your husband believes in.

I know the type of protestant church you're referring to, but that's not the only type they have-- there's many out there that don't believe in speaking in tongues. I think the closest denominations to Mass-like worship are Lutheran and Episcopalian. They believe in laying on of hands, but the worship is much more moderate.

In order to experience it, I'd suggest finding local Lutheran or Episcopalian churches in your neighborhood and going one Sunday, and seeing how you feel in that environment. It may be a pleasant feeling for you, because it's not so much of a departure from Mass, but it's not as radical as your husband's church.

In the end, we all have to find the spiritual path that's right for us, even if that means going to a different church as your husband. It's good that you're seeking to find a place to worship God more effectively. I know you'll find what you're looking for.

Answer 7

First and foremost be worried about your relationship with Jesus Christ. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to the place of worship you should be going to. One way the Holy Spirit does this is through the word. If the church doesn't follow the word of God then it isn't the church you should be going to.

Read the 10 commandments and what is says about graven images (idols). Also try to find somewhere in the bible where it says you should be praying to Mary. Christ said no man comes to the Father but by me. Not Mary and not a man.

Answer 8

In Acts 17:11, some were called "noble" because they eagerly received the word Paul preached and they SEARCHED the scriptures to see if it was true. I believe this is what you need to do! Compare all religious teaching to the Bible and accept only what agrees with God's word!

May I suggest a Bible study on-line. Go to the first web-site I have given below and enroll in this free study. (Click on-line Bible Courses.)

If you would rather, you can go to the second web site and you can request a free DVD called "Searching for Truth" or other information. Again all of these are free.

Be sure to compare anything you are taught to the Word of God!

Answer 9

Try a third choice......visit different churches...I was catholic and ended up in a baptist church...They aren't screamers (I'm in NY), they are evangelical, though. They don't beilieve in tongues like the assembly of Gods do. Boy, that was an interesting place to visit!!!!

I have the exact same problem with the RC church...very unbiblical in my view.

So, I believe that you shop around (doesn't sound right does it) till you find somwething that is suitable to your beliefs. The church has to bible based and be right for you.....it isn't you being right for them!!!!!!!

You're the customer, so to speak.

Answer 10

You are so on the right track!
When a belief sounds odd, consider it odd until someone proves it Biblical.
Do not under any circumstances jump from the frying pan into the fire.
The religion acceptable to God has criteria.
Find out the criteria and make an assessment.
Some criteria:
Mark 12:29 ....no trinity.
Ezekial 18:4 .....soul can die.
Matthew 23:9 + Job 32:21.22 ....no titles
John 13:34,35 ....main identifying mark.