Switching churches/religions. I need some advice!?

Question

I'm catholic right now, and I get close to nothing out of my church right now. And I've attended lutheran churches before, and out of one visit, I've got more out of that than I've ever gotten out of my whole life at my current catholic church. So my question to you is, what are some differences between catholic and lutheran? I really really really like this lutheran church, and I really need to convince my parents to let me switch, so how can I convince them?

okay i'll make it easier for you...

What are the main differences between catholism and lutheran?

Answer 1

I'd just make one point:

Do NOT go to a church just because it is more entertaining. I'd study my religion and then decide.

I am Catholic also - and converted from Methodist church. I read a LOT, taken clases, have gone to several conventions and even gone on religious pilgrimages to holy sites in Europe.

I can understand if you want to change religions due to a different belief, but don't go just because it was more "fun."

I'm not sure if that is what is happening, but make sure that isn't the case. I've known people who have changed beliefs for less then that, then come back (to whatever their original beliefs were) after they studied.

All that said,

The main differences are two-fold
1) belief in the ACTUAL pressence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Catholics believe the host is physically transformed into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. (John Chapter 6)
2) The belief that the Peter was made into the first pope. The pope being the personal representation of Jesus on earth. He is (when acting/teaching in certain ways) prevented from error. This doesn't mean side comments on whatever are free from being wrong. This is when he makes a dogmatic statement of belief. This goes in hand with the idea of "the bible alone" - believing based solely on the bible.

The rest all stems from these two items. There are some differences on the old testament (what books belong), some translation differences. Differences on the value of good works (works without faith is dead, etc)

I'd disagree completely with JennCLC. She is stating her opinion like it is a fact. It isn't. It is opinion. Mine is that the Catholic church is not more about rituals then the actual teachings of God's word. That statement is even a bit insulting. It shows her lack of understanding what everything means. I would not try to make insulting statements about the Lutheran statement since I do not know much about their religion and their reasons for different behaviors.

And people wonder why different Christian churches have trouble being nice to each other?

Rituals are part of it, because they all represent something. Everything in the mass is bibilically based. Three readings from all parts of the Bible. Incense is a physcial representation of our prayers raising to God. The kneeling, standing and such are all things to show attention/honor in different ways to different parts of the mass. We kneel during consecration and the Eucharist because we blieve that bread just literally became the body, blood, soul and divinity of God (as stated above). Wouldn't YOU kneel if you believed he was present in the church with you physically?

Again - just make sure you have studied the beliefs and decide. Not because it is cool, fun or has a good youth group.

Hope that helps. I don't agree with the Lutheran church (Duh - i'm catholic) but I know a lot of poeple who are lutheran that are great people.

Answer 2

Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is one major difference. Another is that the Catholic Church is an Apostolic Church - can trace itself back through its bishops to the apostles of Christ. Perhaps before you switch you should look around in the Catholic Church, maybe one is not for you, but there are many Catholic Churches, even Eastern Catholic and Byzantine Catholic Churches. Then, once you have looked into it a little more and exhausted the resources of the Catholic Church, ask the Spirit, the Holy Spirit for guidance, maybe you are being called to the Lutheran Church, but take the time to check it out before you switch - often it is partly what we put into our experience of Church that makes it worth while or not....

Answer 3

Right up to that last sentance I was going to say "Follow your head and your heart and you'll wind up on the right path."

Unfortauntely, if you are living with your parents (and under legal age I'm guessing) you don't have a whole lot of say if they are dedicated to a particular denomination. If they are dedicated Catholics it will be very difficult for them to allow you to attend the Lutheran church. You could try and take them to Sunday services with you - let them see what the church is and how it's not ALL that dissimilar to the Catholic.

Best case scenario is they compromise. Maybe attend the Lutheran church once or twice a month, you'll proably continue to go to confession (since that'll be important to them too). Ultimately though you might need to take part in activities with the other church that don't conflict time-wise with theirs.

It may have to wait until you're out on your own. As your parents they are entitled to give you education they see fit, which includes spiritiual development. What you do with it once you're legal age is your own decision. When the time's right I think that you'll have no trouble finding your own path. And don't worry if it's different from everyone else's.

Answer 4

Coming from a Catholic background I would think you would feel comfortable in a Lutheran Church. I have even heard the Lutherans called Catholic lite.. :) That may be a bit of a joke but the church you attend has little to do with what is really important.. That is Christ Jesus and Him crucified and raised again the third day, trusting Him for your salvation. Holding those tenets as you personal faith is what matters.. My our God who has brought us life guide you to the place where He can grow you into the Christian He wants you to be... Jim

Answer 5

Are you chasing the wind?

Are you parent's catholic? Do they believe in other churches?

Find out what you believe before joining anything. You what to find a church that satisfies your needs, not the other way around.

Answer: Your question is both a historical and religious. Martin Luther founded the Lutheran church in protest to the Catholic church. It is the beginning of the Protestantism.

Answer 6

There are a lot of former Catholics out there. And people switch religions all the time in order to find a more comfortable spiritual fit. I suggest that you get a journal and write down EXACTLY what you do believe in and what you find you cannot believe in. There are some religions that are closely related to Catholicism from the Protestant Reformation, such as Lutheran, Anglican, Congregational and Episcopalian. And you may want to start your search with these religions and learn about them online. If none of them seem a good fit, you might want to start with mainline Protestant religions such as Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, etc. Or perhaps some of the modern day religions might be a better fit such as Mormonism, 7th Day Advent-ism or Scientology. You've got research to do but you cannot find the correct fit unless you have a list of what you believe in your own heart. And pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in this direction because you can't help what is in your heart. We all have Free will....you learned that in Catechism class.

Answer 7

I was raised Lutheran, in a very Catholic neighborhood.

I stopped attending the Lutheran church when I was 19 years old.

I would suggest you visit many more churches before making a decision about what kind of church you'd like to join.

When I preach, I might spend 45 minutes to unpack most of the meaning and history from say 12 to 15 verses of the Bible. If you send me your regular E-mail address I'll send you a copy of the notes from one of my sermons.

Or look at the blogs on my My Space page.

I'd also suggest you avoid any church which baptizes babies.

I'll give you three links:

1. My My Space page, check out the blogs mainly.

2. The membership list from the National Association of Evangelicals. Avoid any church in this list which baptizes babies.

3. The links page from "Talk 2 a Pastor" which includes lots of good links to help you learn more about God's Word and things.

You want to find a church which teaches and believes the Bible.

God Bless You,

Pastor Art

Answer 8

Stay with the Catholic Church and talk to your Priest about your doubts. The Church has been serving God and teaching the truth of Christ for 2000 years. Luther split off from the Church 500 years ago and broke the line of Apostolic Succession. So the sacraments of th Lutheran church are not effective. The Church is your home. There are many groups in the Church that you can join to help you in your spiritual growth. God bless you in your journey.

Answer 9

First of all, religion should be a relationship between you and your God...it should NOT be based on your church. However, I am not surprised that you got more out of a Lutheran church than you would a Catholic church.

Why is it that you have to "convince your parents"? Are you a minor?

Catholic church is often more about the rituals than the actual teachings of God's word. It is more stand up, sit down, recite, sing when prompted, listen, confess, partake, and go home.

There are many other churches that offer more "spiritual food" than that!

Lutheran churches started a while ago.....I'm not sure of all the differences...but, there are some great sites you can check out. Remember that you need to go to church for yourself and to grow...not to just take up space...

Good Luck!!

Answer 10

ok,
its not like you are converting to a totally different religion. lutheran are also christians like Catholics. the differences are minor, Jesus is there both sides and thats what matters, so basically the point that you feel you earn more or feel better in a lutheran church is more than enough to switch. and Im sure you can ask your parents to join you to go to the lutheran church for a few times so they see its not a big deal, and what do you know, maybe they felt the same way and switched too! :)