Hello all! I am in swirls of confusion!
I was raised as a "nondenominational" Protestant. Over the years I have delved deeper into my faith and explored many of its wonderful aspects. As commonly done, Catholicism was always thought of as negative or only mentioned in obscure terms. As odd as it may seem, I have for some time felt drawn to monasticim. (I have more books on monasticism than the average Protestant would...) I believe I may even be called to a vocation as a sister. But, after studying Catholic doctrine I still diagree with many of its teachings. And then, I feel at odds with many Protestant and/or nondenominational churches whose teachings I find (not all, just the ones I attended) to be very much centered on self, financial rewards, and the well being of its members only. If I were to conceed in becoming a sister, I do not want to be cloistered- many female communities are. I would like to be in a community where diversity in both age and ethnicity are prevelant. Help!
2007-10-01 12:05:32 · 15 answers · asked by lladybiz 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wow, I don't know what church you went to but that's not how the body of Christ should be. The body of Christ isn't all Catholic either. You've got to read the Bible, apply it, live it, and group yourself with others who are doing the same.
2007-10-01 12:08:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 7⤋
Well its normal to disagree with some things in the Catholic Church, but if you're disagreeing with doctrine, then you might want to consult someone (priest or a strong Catholic near you?) because doctrine is what defines the Catholic Church.
As far as a community that you're looking for, there are thousands. Some are completely cloistered, some are less, like you seem to want. You just have to do some research, and probably looking at the diocesan website of your area would be a good start.
Before you become a sister (since 'nuns' are cloistered) you need to be Catholic. Go to your local parish and attend Mass (don't receive Communion though), make friends w/ some parishioners, and pray about it. When you're ready talk to the priest and enroll in RCIA. Once, and if, you convert I'd wait a year or so before I enter the convent. Once you decide you want to do it, it takes a few years. You're a postulate for a while, and then a novice, then you finally become a sister.
Good luck and God bless
2007-10-01 12:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by lawlzlawlzduck 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
As someone who was raised a Catholic, married and attended non-denominational church for many years, then back to Catholic church of which I am a member now, I suggest that you find your peace of mind by intense study in the bible. The Lord will direct your path if you study and pray.
I am sure He has a plan for your life, confusion is not of God, you need time to reflect and learn with deep study.
If you were never a Catholic, it may not be for you or maybe the Lord desires it for you.
Also, I think that the Protestant and non-denominational churches are so into rapture theories and other hype today, that they are the ones deceived! Most Protestants that I know can quotes some verses but do not really know the bible, they seem to be almost biblically illiterate which is why I think they grasp onto the rapture theory as an escape and easy doctrine to believe and be deceived.
Deception is the first sign of the end times.
Wish you the best.
2007-10-01 12:19:49 · answer #3 · answered by good day 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Spyro000, and also Abi,
The life of a nun is a wonderful life of service to others in God's kingdom. But the prior question about Catholicism has to be settled before the question of vocation.
I came from Protestantism to Catholicism because I found Catholic ideas to be better conceived and more consistent with the teachings of Jesus and his original and only Church. Most of the arguments raised against Catholicism are based on a) a misunderstanding of Catholic ideas (for example, we don't pray to saints in the modern sense of "have a conversation with God") and an inadequate understanding of biblical texts.
Jesus actually did teach that you must be born again into God's family in a physical act of baptism (John 3), and that Jesus' body and blood are real food and drink that we need for our spiritual nourishment.
The reason Protestants don't understand such scriptures is that they read the Bible out of the context of all the other early Christian writings, which unanimously support the "Catholic" interpretation. Too, Protestants imagine that individuals can decide for themselves what Jesus meant, rejecting 2000 years of faith and scholarship from the community Jesus established (Matt 16:19).
This site: http://www.catholic.com/ is extraordinarily useful in explaining Catholic teachings in clear, logical ways.
May God bless you in your search to do his will.
Cheers,
Bruce
2007-10-04 07:46:03 · answer #4 · answered by Bruce 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Sister. I can relate to you. There are many differing doctrines and beliefs out there.
You are right about catholicism. They rely on doctrine that is not Biblical, but man-made. They believe false doctrine, also.
Their teachings about purgatory and limbo are ridiculous at best, blasphemous at worst.
I am part of the body of Christ in a church that was, at one time, an Assembly of God. However, when the Assemblies of God started bringing the world into the church, our pastor disassociated with them, and we are now Pentecostal. Not centered on self, but rather on Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost. We are considered by the Assemblies of God as straight-laced, and too serious. We have people from all walks of life, from businessmen to sheriff's deputies to recovering drug addicts. The workings of the Lord are miraculous, and there is never a service that is not exciting to look forward to, as we never know what God will do next time.
Good luck to you, and I hope you find the church you are looking for. God bless.
2007-10-01 12:22:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Make sure you are secure of your position in Christ. Before that, nothing else really matters. (Start by reading and meditating on the first 3 chapters of the gospel of John.)
2) As one answerer has already pointed out, get plugged in to a good spirit-filled Bible teaching church. Ask God to guide you to one, and then visit a few. God will show you in your spirit which is the right one for you.
3) Get involved with the ministry there. You could start with something as simple as being a greeter or serving coffee after the services. What matters is that you be doing something for the Lord. As you go along, He will guide you. (In Psalm 37:4 He promises to give you the desires of your heart as you dedicate yourself to Him. In the Proverbs, He says that the steps of a [righteous person] are ordered by the Lord.)
4) Once you get to know the people there, you can ask around more about how to pursue your calling. Enroll in some Bible study classes. Jesus said to knock, and the door would open. Be alert--open doors (opportunities) will be placed before you at any time. As you are faithful with a little, God will give you much.
5) Above all, enjoy! Ministry should be a joy to you and not a chore.
God bless you, my sister!
2007-10-01 12:33:32 · answer #6 · answered by Gee Wye 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would check out Dr. Scott Hahn. He had a similar dilema to you and has written many wonderful books on the subject. Rome Sweet Home sounds like the best one for you. Scott Hahn was actually a protestant minister who started delving into his faith....it's funny what happens when you do that. (He also has audio tapes if you're not into reading).
http://www.scotthahn.com/
As far as becoming a nun, there are plenty of convents that are not cloistered. I would go and talk to a priest about it.
2007-10-02 02:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by Thom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be sure that it is God's will you are following. You shouldn't follow something if it is corrupt and doesn't follow God's Word. However, if you feel that God is leading you to become a nun, be sure of it and follow God's will for your life. Keep your faith in Christ and He will lead you where you need to go.
2007-10-01 12:20:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It appears that you're looking for a religion that YOU agree with, rather than looking at Christ ALONE. Conform to Him, don't expect religion to conform to YOU, dear one.
I don't believe anyone is meant to live in a cloistered group, away from the world. I believe God meant us to live IN the world, but not OF the world. It's a big challenge! And that's why we need the strength of Christ to do it!
God bless you in your journey!
2007-10-01 12:12:56 · answer #9 · answered by Devoted1 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
omgeeeee i have the same issue. . i want to be a nun, but i am def not catholic. . or protestant. .or baptist. . but i kind of want to spend the rest of my life learning more about my faith, helping people, working with old ladies, caring for children. . i don't want a 'real' job, because i am pretty sure i cannot handle that. :( idk, if you ever find such a thing let me know.
2007-10-01 12:10:54 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Confusion is not of God! Obey Acts 2:38
2007-10-01 12:12:32 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋