Callin ALL ChristiAns and CatholiCs?

Question

My husband is CatholiC, I am Christian. what are some of the differences in beliefs, if any. We have a son together and we cant seem to agree on which church for batism. I am wondering if we cant agree on religion how can we move forward as a couple

Answer 1

Hi Ashley W. I am not sure if your asking about water baptism, but baptism by water is not nesseary for your salvation. God speaking in Luke 3:16-17 tells us:

"John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Water baptism has nothing to do with becoming Saved. Baptism was an outward sign (cermonial Law) that God had instituted for the local New Testament congregations.This was to show us a representation of how water (either by sprinkling or pouring on, or by being immersed in) washes away the filth of our flesh (our sins). In the eyes of God for one of us to be clean, it is He (and He alone) which applies the Water of the Gospel to us. And thus, washes away the sins of that individual. The act of water baptism has no spiritual impact on any person. We read in Matthew 28:19:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

This is not talking about water baptism. You could baptise all day and all night and there is no guarantee that anyone of those whom you baptised were saved. Christ was baptised in water and so was I, but it plays no part in anyones salvation.

My advice is to find a church that preaches a true Gospel, one that does not speak in tounges, believes in visions or dreams. And that one that teaches that we are saved through the grace of God, and not trure any good works.

Answer 2

It's difficult. I found myself in the same situation. I have a hard time with the fact that Catholics worship Mary and have statues and pictures of her that they pray to when the Bible says that Jesus Christ is to be our only intercessor with God. I have a hard time with all the statues - it screams of idolatry to me. I have a hard time with all the rituals too. The "hail Mary's" the rosaries, etc. I think it's a lie of Satan to deceive them of the real path to salvation. It's simple, not complicated like the Catholic church tries to make it.

I don't know your Christian religion but we don't baptize our children. Jesus Christ Himself was not baptized until He was an adult and could make the choice for Himself. Since we are supposed to be Christ-like it seems like we should follow His example. Baptism is supposed to be a public profession of our faith. How can an infant make that profession when he/she doesn't even know what that is yet? We have a baby "dedication" service that is really more like a "parent" dedication service. We acknowledge the child as a gift God has given us to raise for a short while and we agree to raise the child in a loving and Christian home.

My husband and I attend the Christian church I grew up in. The longer he's there the more he realizes he didn't really know what he believed or even what the Bible says about the most basic things. He only knew what the Catholic church told him to believe. He didn't know WHY.

Religion is a BIG issue in a marriage and something I made sure my husband & I discussed before we married. I hate to see you going through this now. I'm sending a prayer God will help you and give you strength and guidance in what to do.

Answer 3

Hmm. I am Christian and my hubby is Catholic, but we agree on spirituality. We are really non-practicing.

He wants to baptize our daughter in a catholic church. I think that would be just fine. She will choose what religion she wants to be when she is old enough, so it doesn't really matter.

The only thing about the catholic church is that we have to choose godparents, and I can't think of a single couple who I would want to put that burden on, or even trust to take care of our daughter.

I also know that if we baptize her in a catholic church, my husband will spend thousands on a party for the event and travel out of the country to celebrate it in his country. I don't see the practicality or economy in the ritual, myself. I would rather take her next door to the neighborhood church, and go out to lunch afterwards! That is where my hubby and I differ in religion.

We both agree that love is the physical manifestation of God's power. That is good enough. Why the difficulty in choosing a church? Either way, she will be baptized, right? Don't forget, your son doesn't know anything about which church believes what thing. It is a ritual. Wherever you decide to go, go smiling, and take lots of pictures! It only happens once. Have fun!

Answer 4

You could have just said you are both Christians. I am converting to Catholicism, so I am obviously going to be biased as that I will recommend baptizing your baby in the Catholic Church. Again, this is my position, and please don't give any weight to my words: consult with family, priests, and pastors on a solution that works for both of you. You move forward as a couple by simply loving each other because of differences. Again, I'm converting to Catholicism. My girlfriend is Jewish. We're very, very happy together.

Some differences in beliefs? To answer that, I would have to know what denomination you belong to.

Answer 5

The differences are Hugh,If the baby is not baptized in the Catholic Church they will not recognize Him as being baptized,yet real love
and family are so important.Marriage is a give and take situation.
You both believe in God,You have a child together,You are blessed to have that,The baby will be raised knowing God,He will
make his own chose when He grows.Do not let petty things destroy Love and Family.

Answer 6

Catholics are Christians. They're a specific denomination of Christianity... like Protestants or Anglicans, etc. For me personally, my faith is the biggest component in my life, and it's something I would have discussed with my significant other before marriage or children. You might want to look into having your child baptized in a non-denominational church. That way everyones needs are met, and the child is baptized a Christian, free from the specifics of any one denomination. Whichever route you go, it's an important decision. Make sure you discuss it throroughly with your husband. Good luck, and God bless.

Answer 7

Catholics are Christians! A christian is a follower of Jesus...Catholics follow Jesus...thus Catholics are Christians. Catholics differ from most other religions in the we have 7 sacraments instituted by Christ. We honor Mary and Saints and we have a pope that is the head of the Church on earth. Those are the main and basic differences.

God bless,
Stanbo

Answer 8

The key difference is that protestant christians believe that a person is saved by faith ALONE(faith in the person and work of Jesus). We believe that good works are a bi-product of true salvation but not the MEANS of salvation. Ephesians 2:8,9 says
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of WORKS, that no one should boast".
Catholics believe that works and the sacraments are important and play a large part in your salvation. I would say you should start to read and study the bible to see which one is right. It doesn't sound like either of you know much about the religion you profess to follow. Why follow a religion you don't know anything about?

http://www.ankerberg.com/ (once your on this website go on their search engine and print in catholicism)

http://www.intouch.org/index_76034.html

http://www.johnankerberg.org/ankerberg-articles/christian.html

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/_PDFArchives/theological-dictionary/TD4W1003.pdf

Answer 9

I suggest you both pray, and come to a mutual agreement.
Maybe pacify your husband by getting your son baptized now with the agreement that when he comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, he can do it as an acknowledgment of it, since that is what baptism truly is.

Answer 10

There are certain irreconcilable differences between the Catholic religion and the Christian faith. You and your husband need to be united in your belief in Christ, otherwise your relationship cannot move forward.