Any American Baptists out there? Can you explain your religion to me?

Question

I married a man who was raised with no religion at all. He grew up believing that Christmas truly was about Santa Claus as his parent don't believe in Jesus or any God for that matter, but like the whole Christmas thing. Anyhow, he seems interested in learning more about Christianity, but I'm Catholic & it isn't his cup of tea. Although I've read the bible most of my life & have plenty of them in my home he's not likely to pick one up & read it as even though he's a smart guy, he's not a very good reader nor is he big on intellect & I think phrases such as " your word is like a lamp unto my feet...." would not only bore him, but he wouldn't get it or bother to read the footnotes like I do. From what little I've seen over the years about the Baptist faith, it seems very straight forward & to the point-simple. I think this would really appeal to him & I'd be more than willing to go to church with him. But I need to know more. Do you have to go to bible study? Tithe? Strict rules?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian Baptist and I will tell you what my family and church believes about what it means to be a Christian. First, in order to be considered a Christian, you must believe in the Lord and that He died on the cross and rose again to save you from your sins. Then, you must ask forgiveness and ask Him to come into your life to be your Savior. There are no exact words that you are to pray, but these things must come from your heart. Then, you may want to find a good Baptist church that you can fellowship in and learn more about God and meet other Christian people that can help you grow in Christ. It is also vital that you pray - which is just talking to God as plainly as you would a friend! - and read your Bible to learn about what it means to walk with God spiritually. There are many different Bible translations to choose from; some are easier to read than others. And as you begin your walk with Jesus Christ, you'll want to follow the Bible guidlines and tell others about God. It is not a requirement that you tithe, although the Bible says that you should. And there are no 'strict rules'. The Christian walk with God is not like a religion that you must adhere to little nit picky things. It is simply a relationship with Jesus Christ, and finding a better way of living!

Answer 2

It depends on the Baptist church. There's Southern Baptist, which is pretty strict, and then regular Baptist. My church is right in between the two.
No, you don't have to go to Bible study to be a Baptist, though it is encouraged.
As for tithing, it's not required, but it is suggested, simply to support the church in everything they do. If it's a good church, they give financial reports, in which they tell how much they brought in in tithing, and where the money went.
My church doesn't have strict rules at all. I go to church wearing jeans and a nice shirt most of the time. There are other people who dress even more informal than I do, and they're accepted, as well as those who dress MORE formal.
It all depends on the church, really. There's no way to determine what a traditional Baptist or Methodist or Lutheran church looks like anymore.
Personally, even though I LOVE my church, and I wouldn't mind becoming a member, I disagree with too much of the doctrine to be an actual "Baptist." For example, I believe that Mormons are Christians, too. Most of those in my church disagree with me. Also, they believe ANY drinking is a sin. I don't agree with that at all. There are other things, but those are the two biggest examples. At least they're not the type that believes rock music is sinful though, otherwise I wouldn't have anything to do with them.
The only advice I can give you is that you and your husband should both just try out different churches to see what you like, regardless of the denomination.

Answer 3

Seek out different Catholic churches. My sister goes to one that teaches a lot like the other denominations. Get in a church that teaches the Bible, not their view of what is written. I grew up Baptist, I know longer attend a Baptist church. Why? Because they were teaching their view of "society" and not the scriptures. Not saying all Baptist churches teach this way.

Try a few different denominations before choosing one. The King James Version Study Bible is a great one. I love mine!!

Do you have an adult class that studies the Bible? How about friends, do you have friends that are Christians and active in church?

There are some good Bible studies out there, go to the Christian book store and check what they have.

God bless you!!! Pray that your husband will find Christ and accept Him as his Savior.

Answer 4

If he finds it hard to read the bible because of the big words as you say then he will struggle with most religions as most religions require one to think about certain things sucvh as parables or whatnot. Here goes a link anyway. I also find it kind of hypocritical for him to say that your religion is boring when Baptist is a part of Christianity.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist

Answer 5

ok........get an New American Standard Version of the Holy Bible or go to crosswalk.com and explore.....btw your religion shouldn't be about "your cup of tea" but rather what you believe in your heart is true. christianity is not about traditions, nor just doin what seems ok.....its about the truth....and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

Answer 6

~Dress up. Look good. Try to do your best, always. Feel guilty if you "act human" and make a mistake. Try to convert everyone with your winning smile. Hide your mistakes. Blame shift as much as possible. Be a fake. And, Pray, Pray, Pray.
That said; why do Catholics always assume that if you're not Catholic then you're a "Baptist"? (Just my own experience with Catholics!)