Would I be a hypocrite?

Question

I was raised Catholic. Married Catholic, all 3 kids baptized Catholic. For the past 5 years or so, I've been attending a non-denominational church (actually, 3 different ones at different times). I am currently 'unchurched' (story and explanation involved, not necessary for this purpose).
I like the church the rest of my family attends. They're involved in activities. We have a lot of friends that attend there.
However, I don't believe all kinds of things that the Church teaches and am vocal about it. I also find Mass a total bore.
I would like us all to worship as a family. Hubby has NO intention of changing churches (to his credit, he did try going with me). Would it be hypocritical or "bad" of me to go with them? Am I giving something up to be with my family or does it not, in the long run, matter?
I'm sure there are many others with the same dilemma. What did you do? What would you do if you were me?

Answer 1

I'm in a similar situation except that my husband isn't Catholic. However, I've had some issues with the uninteresting/uninspiring priests and their sermons, so I searched and searched for a church with a good priest. Finally, I realized it's not about the church and found my own connection to God. I still occasionally go to church, but I go not because I "have to" but because I want to connect with God in a different way from what I can do on my own. In my opinion, the place or the church doesn't matter. Be where you can strengthen your relationship. If worshiping as a family is important to you, then be with your family. Talk to God in your own way during mass. Make mass interesting and meaningful for you. Forget about the religion associated with the place because that's really not that important in the end. It's your faith that's important.

Answer 2

I think the intention to worship together as a family is good and honorable and not hypocritical in the least.

To really avoid hypocrisy and personal unrest, though, I think you should consider learning more about WHY the Catholic Church teaches what she does. Take some classes, read some books. Even if you don't agree, you may at least develop some respect for the Catholic beliefs that would make you more comfortable attending Catholic Mass.

Also, if you find Mass that boring, you should look around for other parishes or other types of Mass at your family's parish. For example, in my parish, we have a Mass with very traditional hymns and another one that employs worship choruses more like what you sang at the non-denominational church.

Oh, and one more note, please remember that if you can (and should) refrain from receiving the Blessed Sacrament if you have not and have no intention of confessing your absense from Mass obligations while you attended the non-denominational church, or for any other mortal sin according to Catholic teaching (such as using artificial birth control or something like that). There are areas that we are free to disagree with the Church about (such as priestly celibacy) as long as our actions are correct, but when our actions are in defiance to Catholic teaching, we either need to confess and change our ways or refrain from receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Answer 3

You need to find a different place to attend mass. It is not boring if you really listen and analyze what is being said, however if you are the type of person who prefers "loud" music and praise find a charismatic catholic church.

Also, try to get involved like the rest of your family, inquire about the different groups your local churches have, I personaly find in Catholic church a sense of peace and solemnity i cant find anywhere else. I have friends from many different denominations and non-denominational churches and have attended plenty of them.

And finally, if you have doubts about your beliefs study a little more about them, you'll be surprised... If you really pay attention you'll find that if you put together all other denominations and non-denominational churchs you end up in the Catholic one.

You would not be a hypocrite if you attend but try to really get into it.

Answer 4

I wouldnt sweat it, everyone questions the teachings of the Bible from time to time, some more then others. I myself question the Bible quite frequently but that doesnt mean Im sacreligious, it means that what the Bible is saying doesnt quite make sense. Besides the Bible is supposed to be the word of God but is written by 30 different men over 10,000 years. And on top of that is was transulated from Latin to modern English, and there could very well be quite a few mix ups when that happened. So yea, dont worry about it.

Answer 5

Hi Sweetie,

All that matters is that you have faith and stcick to. A church is just the house, it's not the building that matters but where your heart lies.

God will still love you no matter what house you pray at.

And no it wouldnt be, hypocritical of you, just maybe every now and then you can go to one of the other churches you have been going to to mix things up a bit.

Answer 6

I attend a church that I don't really care for with my husband because it is important to him and I feel that family unity is important in spiritual matters. I'm really more of a new age kinda person.

Answer 7

are you going to church just to have fun? attending a church is about hearing the word of god and applying it to your life.yes its fine to socialize and go to church events,but the main thing should be is .what am i learning here.is it a bible teaching church or is it what ever the pastor says.what ever church you do decide to go to please make sure that it teaches you the word of god,because in the end thats all thats going to keep you and save your soul.

Answer 8

Here's the simply Solution for religion...

Have UnConditional Love and Peace by accomplishing this:
Create Your Relationship with Our Creator.

Answer 9

thats why im not catholic haha. Go to baptist church or seven day adventist they are the best.

Answer 10

the only thing that counts is that you are a good person