My neighbor lady says there will be music and no participation in the eucharist is allowed or required. As a fundamentalist, do you think it's wrong since I disagree that the body and blood are literally transformed instead of being symbolic? Anyone else done it? Was it weird or interesting? They do not think I'm a Christian I guess since I would not be allowed to participate. What do you think? Should I leave after the music program?
2006-12-23 07:43:13 · 10 answers · asked by Lovin' Mary's Lamb 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I already know what they believe and disagree with it being Biblical and she views me the same way. It's not like I think I will come out any different than I came in but it's a serious thing to partake in the Lord's supper and I'm not asking to participate but wondering if it would be intrusive and if by satisfying my curiosity, I would be going against my own beliefs to do so. That's the question.
2006-12-23 07:49:40 · update #1
Hmm! Lots of interesting responses. The part I thought about going for was the music portion I guess but curiosity was drawing me to look on at the eucharist proceedings as well. I may do so yet at another time in the future but I'm considering if the gentleman isn't right that if I agree that it's crucifying the Lord afresh that it would be wrong for me to go. That's not the same as eating and drinking unworthily myself or to eat and drink the Lord's Supper with someone that our church deemed to be "unworthy" to partake of it with us? Ended up I didn't feel like going anywhere but I'm still thinking on it.
2006-12-25 14:35:32 · update #2
You can go if you want to.
1 Corinthians 12:20 - "As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
Yes they don't view us as Christians even though we are predominantly bible believers. Although most catholics are based more on their old-time traditions that the bible, some of them are bible believers like use and will be forgiven.
I have joined the Jehovah's Witnesses a few times before for their sessions. they do not believe the bible either, they follow the teachings of an earthly organization. but as long as you know what God likes, you are fine. the devil will not jump on your head if you walk into another sects building. the devil will only jump on your head if you're looking to displease God (which is a no-no)
2006-12-23 07:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by McKlatch 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a Catholic, I can authoritatively tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone from any denomination attending Mass, and you will be quite welcome (encouraged!) to stay for the whole thing. Catholics will understand that you're Christian, too. The reason you're not supposed to partake in Communion is because you don't believe the Eucharist is actually Christ, and therefore you can't really treat it with the proper amount of respect. If you would like, however, you may go up during Communion, and when you reach the priest or Eucharistic Minister, bow your head and cross your arms over your chest. This is a sign that you do not wish to receive Communion, but would like a blessing instead.
This is not intrusive or disrespectful in any way. Nor does it have to go against your own beliefs. Learning about Hinduism, for example, doesn't mean that you're betraying Christianity. Going to a Catholic Mass is a good way to learn about other religions first-hand. If there's something you're uncomfortable with, don't do it. No one will criticize you. And if you have questions about the Mass, come back later and ask us!
2006-12-23 08:52:05 · answer #2 · answered by Caritas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All are welcome to visit any Catholic Mass.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Take this bread. It is my body.” The he said, “Take this and drink. This is my blood. Do this in memory of me.”
Catholics believe this was the First Eucharist, that through a miracle the bread and wine actually became the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Catholics reenact the Last Supper during every Mass, where the priest, acting in place of Christ, changes the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
This is a great sacrament of thanksgiving and unity of Catholics.
Anyone who does not believe in the actual presence of Christ and is not united with the Catholic faith is asked, out of respect, not to receive the Eucharist.
Catholics, out of respect for other Christian faiths, do not receive Communion in non-Catholic churches.
We pray that one day Christian unity will succeed and we will all be called to the same table.
Durihg your visit, please:
+ If you feel comfortable then pray and sing with the rest of the congregation.
+ Sit and stand when everyone else does.
+ If you feel comfortable kneeling during the Consecration then do so, otherwise sit.
Here is an outline of the Mass:
+ Introductory Rites
. + Entrance (All stand)
. + Greeting
. + Act of Penitence
. + Kyrie Eleison (Latin for "Lord have mercy")
. + Gloria
. + Opening Prayer
+ Liturgy of the Word
. + First Reading - usually from the Old Testament (All sit)
. + Responsorial Psalm
. + Second Reading - usually from a New Testament Epistle
. + Gospel Reading (All stand)
. + Homily (All sit for the sermon)
. + Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed) (All stand)
. + Prayer of the Faithful (prayers of petition)
+ Liturgy of the Eucharist
. + The Preparation of the Gifts - the bread and wine are brought forward and placed on the altar, our monetary offerings are also collected at this time (All sit)
. + The Prayer over the Offerings (All stand)
. + The Eucharistic Prayer - during this prayer the bread and wine change into the Body and Blood of Christ (Catholics kneel, visitors may kneel or sit)
. + The Lord's Prayer (All stand)
. + The Rite of Peace (We offer each other a sign of peace)
. + The Breaking of the Bread
. + Communion - non-Catholics are requested out of respect not to receive Communion, depending on local custom they may approach the altar with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing
+ The Concluding Rites
. + Announcements (All sit)
. + Blessing (All stand)
. + Dismissal
. + Procession
With love in Christ.
2006-12-23 14:23:20 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you go, but be very, very careful.
Most people (even Catholics) have a difficult time understanding what actually happens at Mass.
And whether you believe it or not, by the authority of the church, the sacrifical ministry of the priest, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ does in fact become truly and substantially present on the altar there.
No one knows what might happen to you when that occurs!
2006-12-23 10:16:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say just relax and enjoy the whole Catholic pomp and circumstance thing. After all, it's all the same God. You don't have to kneel before you go into the pew, just go and sit. You don't have to do the genuflecting thing...that's ok. No one is going to pay the slightest attention that you're not going thru all the motions. Enjoy the Latin, the stained glass windows and the bells ringing.
If they do not "allow" you to participate, I'd say that speaks volumes about the church and the people in it.
2006-12-23 07:52:14 · answer #5 · answered by AuntAck B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get so wrapped up in it. Consider yourself a spiritual anthropologist. It should always be 'OK' to see what other religions do to connect with God.
I've attended high masses, down-home revivals, Quaker meetings and pagan circles.
You know where your connected to God. Your chosen spiritual community should support that connection. However it should always be 'OK' to see how other people worship, if for no other reason than to be good neighbors who tolerate each others differences.
If it's not 'OK' than you might want to really question who is saying that. After all it's usually only cults that restrict knowledge and hanging out with others outside your group.
2006-12-23 07:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by Solunas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really cannot see what possible harm it could do for you to go,and you seem wise enough by the fact that you already know that you cannot receive the Eucharist there,and you will not be singled out in any way.
It is standard anyway in most Catholic churches for the Priest to bid welcome to those from other denominations these days.
2006-12-23 07:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What? Your questions are in disharmony, so it is difficult to answer. First, most will probably realize that you are probably a Christian if you go to Mass. I did do it, I looked into why they did what they did, and I became Catholic. I was Methodist. You should stay through the entire Mass...
2006-12-23 07:47:03 · answer #8 · answered by BigPappa 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably not, but why would you want to?
2006-12-23 08:41:04 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should lighten up and observe how others worship your God.
2006-12-23 07:45:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋