I am Christian, but not a Catholic. Christianity is a big religion. Catholic falls under one of the subgroups of Christianity. Although some believe it's actually a whole nother religion. It is only because it's the biggest, and wealthiest subgroup today. It's the most dominant and it has the money and the political power. Some say it's the dogma of the religion.
I don't know what I fall under, since I dont go to church. How exactly does one know if your a baptist? luthern, protestant, etc?
What do you think of Catholics? They have so many traditions, and rituals i'm not aware of. They seem to have their own humanly laws. They pray to Mary or something. I don't know. Who's right who's wrong? Am I bad for not being a Catholic?
2007-04-04 16:54:02 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are not bad for being a Catholic. Catholic is an offshoot from Orthodox which is very similar. It too has all the rituals. I just converted last year to Orthodoxy. The rituals are spiritually fulfilling. The Bible is full of rituals if you know where to look. It even describes in detail how to design the tabernacles of the old testament. I have learned so much since I started attending catechism classes. Orthodox and Catholic I would call liturgical churches. Other churches are not (maybe with 1 or 2 exceptions I am not sure). They stick to the Biblical sic old fashioned? values. The Baptist churches I used to go to never taught in depth about christianity. You go to service, sing a little, have a sermon, then leave. Orthodoxy is full of learnng and tradition and spiritual fulfillment. I used to believe icons were idols until I read in the Bible Gods instruction on how to create icons. Church is a powerful place to be. So much of Christian life traces back to attending church. Jesus instructed us to take communion. It can only be done in church.
Many people here may say that you do not need church and all that. A majority of people who say that do not want to follow all Gods teachings because they do not agree with their personal feelings. Our society has evolved (not necessarily all for the good) and "outgrown" Christianity in its original form. Well guess what, the Bible doesnt say do what feels good whenever you want.
2007-04-04 17:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by Cathi K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church is the Church that was built by Jesus in Jerusalem. Catholics also don't pray to Mary or the saints or any other humans in this world. Catholics only ask the saints to pray for them and to intercede for them. If you are in heaven you are already a Saint.
I think the Catholic Church is the true church and many people don't purely understand them. And the protestant churches are churches that are created by humans and even sometimes by the devil.
2007-04-05 00:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by Arvin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you are not bad for not being a Catholic. You can choose to be if you want. Just be sure that you know the Bible and know what you believe before you choose a church to attend. If you do not want to choose a specific church you can do home bible studies with a Christian friend.
The main thing is to read the Word yourself first. Others will confuse you. When I first got saved I decided not to listen to anybody because everyone told me something different as far as interpretation.
I read and study for myself and if I don't understand something in the Bible I accept it as literal until further studying proves me wrong. Just be careful, there are many voices in the wind.
Read the Word first before you make any decisions, please.
2007-04-05 00:03:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually you become a member of a church by "joining" that church and attending services there, although the Bible actually says nothing about joining a church. E-mail me and I can send you more information. I have written a short history of how different denominations were formed.
You could be just "Christian" and not a member of any denomination, but there is a denomination that goes by the name "Christian." I think they are about the same as Baptists.
2007-04-04 23:58:26 · answer #4 · answered by supertop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep following Jesus the best way that you can and His Spirit will lead you in all truth.
2007-04-04 23:58:58 · answer #5 · answered by Apostle Jeff 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations.htm
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_deno.htm
And here's a couple of handy tests to see which one you fall under:
http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=christiandenom
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html
2007-04-04 23:58:43 · answer #6 · answered by prairiecrow 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋