Catholic v. CRC?

Question

Huge favor to ask. Could someone please tell me some of the BIG differences between the Catholic church and the Christian Reformed Church. My fiance's family is CRC and mine is Catholic and we agreed that we were getting married in the Catholic church. But his parents are furious about it. They coudl not tell me the difference though. I am not sure how to feel right now. Please help me out.
Thanks

Answer 1

Congradulations! It is too bad someone is trying to ruin your day. I know that someCRC memers consider the Catholic Church a cult.

Some of the differences I noticed was:
1.no priests-- ministers can get married and have children
2.no nuns
3.communion is personal; you do not go in front, but stay seated
4. no confession to priests
5. Christian Reformed Church is 2 or 3 steps away from Catholic belief. I think the Luthern is the first break, the CRC broke from the Luthern.
6. Birth control believes- CRC believe in it
7. CRC do not cross themselves after a prayer, etc.
8. While rosary beads are beautiful, CRC do not use them

I am sure if I had more time, I could remember more or I could ask my Catholic friend. I used to go to the CRC, but my husband thought they were boring and we switched. My advise is to do what your heart tells to do. A lot of this is outward signs of faith. How strong is your faith?-- remember these are your inlaws hopefully for life. They will be trying to change your belief and influnce your childrens belief also. My inlaws were Morman. I did not discuss religion with them. You may email me if you wish at [e-mail]

Answer 2

The biggest difference between the Roman Catholic church and the CRC is that the Roman Catholic Church is the one and only church instituted by Jesus Christ, while the CRC is a man made religion that does not offer salvation. Our Lord founded His Roman Catholic Church on the Rock of Peter (the Papacy) so all would know that this was His Church. The first Pope was St.Peter and his direct successor is Pope Benedict XVl....an amazing direct continuity of 2000 years. Just as Our Lord promised, His Church would withstand all assaults and stay firm till the end of time.

Your fiance seems to be nice enough to agree to marry in the Catholic church. You must make sure before you marry that your children will be raised Catholic. Ultimately, how you desire to go about it is personal and between you and your fiance. His parents feelings are rooted in their dislike of the Catholic church and there is nothing much you can do about it, besides educating yourself and them about your Catholic faith and praying for their salvation.

Do go through the following link:
http://www.olrl.org/apologetics/

All the best wishes for your future!

Answer 3

*Is Catholic*

First its Catholic Church not Catholic church.

I am sorry about your situation. I have a friend, Catholic, who is married to, I believe a CRC (at least he is some Calvinist).

Two things of advice.
1. Work things out now as much as they can. Understand that religious differences become more pronounced when children enter the picture. The fire works that you see now from your future in laws are nothing compared to what you will see when you baptize your children.
2. Understand that such hostility is not going to go away quickly as it is something that is very ingrained. It is best to pray, not pick fights, and don't let them bait you. When it comes to your Catholic faith, simply follow it, but don't make a big show about it around them.

There are large differences between the CRC and the Catholic Church.
The understanding of salvation/justification/atonement/grace is very different. Calvinistic denominations tend to be iconoclasts and they are mainly non-sacramental

Let me suggest that you start working your way through
http://www.creeds.net/
which contains links to dogmatic and official teachings.
CRC is under REFORMED. You can also look through the CRC website.

If you need more help, message me.

Answer 4

Roman Catholic and Orthodox are the common Christians and are catholic (small c). Catholic quite simply approach one. The common church buildings began with five patriarchal church buildings all with succession from the common apostles. Catholic & Orthodox had a political break up in 1054 AD, however each are nonetheless catholic in doctrine and ideals. Specifically they comply with the early Christian doctrines on baptism and the Eucharist and for this reason are nonetheless one within the Holy Spirit and sacraments. One, holy, catholic and apostolic. Protestants break up from Catholics within the 1600s. There are hundreds and hundreds of divisions amongst protestants, so that you could ought to be extra special. Bottom line, the earliest Christians feel the Eucharist is the Real Body and Blood of Christ that's consecrated by way of prayers via the priest. That is Roman Catholic and Orthodox, who by way of apostolic orders might consecrate the host.

Answer 5

As a Catholic, you have an obligation to be married in a Catholic church.
Obviously, you realize this; & your fiance is agreeable.
This means that he will allow the children to be raised as Catholic.
This might be a sticking point for his parents.
A lot of protestants have been told misinformation about Catholics.
You need his family to say what they object about.
Otherwise the wedding day will be very unhappy.

Answer 6

CRC is in the Calvinist family and I think(I hope that I am wrong) is deep into double predestination.CRC is very different from Catholicism but it does baptize children and believe in the Apostles 'and Nicene Creed.