raised catholic but confirmed presbyterian?

Question

What exactly are the major differences between being Catholic and being Presbyterian? I know that the Catholic religion is more strict and that Presbyterians believe in pre-destination, but what else exactly?

I was raised and baptised Catholic, but I'm 14 now and I just didn't like my church and I've been going to non-Catholic christian camps and it just makes a lot more sense to me and I actually understand the bible and everything more now. I really want to be confirmed as Presbyterian, but I was baptised Catholic so would this be appropriate? I really want to take the class but would it be okay?

I would really love honest, gentle, REAL answers.
Thanks and God Bless.

Answer 1

--Is Catholic--

The poster above me doesn't understand Catholicism so completely ignore what he says.

There is a large amount of differences between Catholicism and Presbyterians. The understanding of Christ, salvation, the nature of man, and fundamental points about reality are different. Religion is not simply about choosing what feels good to you, but about choosing what is true. If you practice a religion only because it feels good, then you are really only worshiping your own sense of pleasure and not God.

A good place to start for understanding the differences between Christian groups is to look at their creeds, that is what they profess to be true

http://www.creeds.net/ is a good place to start but it might be more advanced than you, at 14 can absorb.

Here let me show you something:
http://www.scborromeo.org/images/fig1.jpg
This is a chart of the lineage of all the different Christians. As you can see Presbyterianism comes out of Calvinism, so you might want to look up Calvinism too.

Now most people do not understand Catholicism, including many Catholics. I would greatly like for you to understand the Faith that you were raised in. Let me ask that you look over the following:
http://www.scborromeo.org/truth/truth.htm
http://www.scborromeo.org/glad/glad.htm

They are very easy to go through and probably better than you have experienced in your religious education.

It is important to be informed so that you can make good and proper decisions in life. I am sure you are aware that there are many people out there that want to make decisions for you and push you this way and that. It is important to be able to stand on your own two feet and be able to make your own informed decisions.

You also mentioned that you would like to understand the bible more. Let me help you.

First, the bible is a Catholic document. It was written by Catholics who believed in the Catholic Faith. In order to truly understand the bible, you must understand it in the context which it was written. If you read the very first Christians, you will see that they read, understood, and used the bible just as Catholics do today. Try comparing yourself. You can find the writings of the earliest Christians here
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/
or buy this book
THE FAITH OF THE EARLY FATHERS by Jurgens

Let me also point you to the writings of early Christians who actualy knew and were taught by the Apostles themselves!
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm

Letter to the Corinthians (Pope Clement I)
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1010.htm
This is a very important document. You should read in the bible 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians followed by this letter

Additionally you might wonder if Catholic practice is actually in the bible. Yes it is! Besides all the above evidence you can check yourself here

http://www.scripturecatholic.com
or follow the links on the right side of this blog
http://socrates58.blogspot.com/

These links will help open you up to the Catholic nature of the Bible.

I might also suggest that you get your hands on a good Catholic Study Bible. Ignatius Press offers a good study bible series and the more detailed Navarre Series is also excellent. Additional any book by Scott Hahn can really help you to develop a very deep understanding and relationship with God.

But it is very important for you to read for yourself. I could sit here and take a part Presbyterianism from any angle but I am not going to do that. The Catholic Faith is a gift that has been given to you by God Himself and it is time that you begin owning the Faith yourself. The decisions are yours and the Faith is yours.

oh and not liking your parish...there are lots of crummy presbyterian churches as there are crummy Catholic parishes. The point is the Faith and knowing it, owning it, and living it. Then you can work to make your parish better and less crummy.

God bless and good studying!

Answer 2

Catholics truly receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Presbyterians do not. That is the BIG difference. In this day and age when everything is allowed practically a little strictness does not hurt.

Answer 3

I went to a Presbyterian college. One of my favorite professors there was raised Catholic. I think if you feel like taking the class, you will enjoy it and learn great things. I know what you mean about things making sense.

Answer 4

Catholicism believe in salvation by works (that is doing enoungh good works in your life to outweight your sins)
Presbyterian believe in slvation by faith in Christ.
yes it would be okay, it's my understanding that Catholics do baby baptism even hough the Bible explains baptism is a public declaration of faith after becoming a believer. which is what you'd be doing

Answer 5

it's ok