What am I classified? (catholic, protestant..) No Atheists!?

Question

I was raised in a catholic church but I don't think I believe everything they say. For example, I do NOT believe that the pope has a greater relationahip with god. I don't even believe there should be popes!

I don't know what to do... I am only 13 so I go to church with my parents but... I don't really want to go to a catholic church!

Also, people say that catholics teach a false gospel. Please explain. I'm young and confused. Help me!

Answer 1

It is interesting that you are so worried by having all these doubts about your own religion, but feel quite comfortable telling all gay people that they are going to hell:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArEiKqcAFwcugeK9JswMvI4hBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071102122518AAJgiUO

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Answer 2

You are young and obviously have questions. Don't feel guilty for that. Jesus said seek and you shall find. We all have a right to believe as we wish. By studying and learning about different religions, you will be able to choose what you believe.
You will be better equipped to choose. Right now, your parents are responsible for you and they think they are doing the right thing by taking you to church under their faith. This is a good time for you to learn as much about the Catholic faith as possible. Then when you are on your own, you can decide to be a Protestant or Catholic. Right now you would be considered Catholic because your Parents belong to the Catholic church and that is where you attend. By the way, Catholic means Universal. So even thought it may not be a Universal religion, it proposes to be. The Pope is the leader of your church and was established a few hundred years after Jesus died and the started and named. The Pope is called the father of the church because he is the leader. All organized religions have a leader. Just like a president, there is a top leader who decides about things. Just give yourself time and don't get too tangled up in religion right now.
Your belief in Jesus will carry you. Be a good Christian. The sect you belong to does not matter except to your parents and the Catholic church. It will be your free choice when you are older which you wish to belong.
Rev. TomCat

Answer 3

You can disagree and be a faithful Catholic. In fact, if you don't disagree with anything, I wonder if you really have evaluated your beliefs, or simply accepted them.

As far as the claims of "false gospel," in my experience not a single person who has said so has understood Catholicism. It is better to learn from the Church what the Church is and stands for, than from someone who does not understand the Church.

Faith presents challenges, and through these challenges it grows stronger. Explore your faith. It's helpful to talk with a priest, but not all priests are expert theologians. There are a number of excellent books and websites to help you understand why the Church believes what it does, and how those thoughts have developed over the past 2,000 years.

Just a few notes:
* The Pope does not have a greater relationship with God because he is Pope, but if he did not have this relationship, he would not be chosen as Pope. Consider the leader of a company; being the leader does not make him or her a better manager, but rather it is being the better manager that helped him or her become the leader.

* The Church has been around for 2,000 years and so recognizes some level of diversity in worship and celebration, as well as presents a large culture around our history; you can disagree with Marian veneration, and in fact never take part in it, and still be a faithful Catholic. You can disagree with the beautification of churches, and still be a faithful Catholic.

* Lastly, if you want to know if you are or aren't a Catholic, ask yourself If you believe in the Nicene Creed. Indeed, ask yourself, do you believe:
(1) In one God, the Father, the Almighty, who made all?
(2) His only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord?
(3) That Jesus is True God as God the Father is?
(4) That Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died for our sins, and rose from the dead?
(5) That Jesus sits at the Father's right hand and will judge the living and the dead in His eternal kingdom?
(6) In the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and from Jesus, who should be worshipped with them?
(7) That the Spirit moved the prophets to speak?
(8) In One Holy Catholic Church?
(9) That the Catholic Church is the same Church handed down by the Apostles?
(10) That there is one Baptism?
(11) That sins can be forgiven?
(12) That the dead will rise, and a new world will come?

If you disagree with any of these, I suggest you examine what has been written and examine what you believe. Scripture is a good place to start, but remember to read it within context. In other words, don't look at Jesus' admonition "if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out!" as being license for self-mutilation, but rather understand that He desires us to be pure in thought and in deed, and separate ourselves from that which leads us to sin.

Finally, it is encouraging that someone as young as yourself is exploring your faith. Many never get there.

Answer 4

There comes a time in everyone's life when they question their religion. Some find that the religion they are in is the best one for them. Some find that a different religion fits them better, or fits with their core beliefs better. It isn't wrong to question your faith, or your religion. It may be early in your life, but some people just know that where they aren't isn't where they are meant to be.

You have the right to question that yourself. You also have the right to look into other churches. You can start by asking people who are of a different religion to explain their beliefs. Or try doing research on the internet, but be careful with this. There are a lot of false things on the internet.

Others have said to attend other churches with friends. That's a great idea! If your parents will go for it that is. Since you are so young, they may tell you that they want you to go to their church until you are older. But the best thing would be for you to talk to them.

Maybe you can talk to your priest about what it bugging you. Maybe he has some answers to your questions that you never thought of.

Also, start praying about what you feel, and ask God to send you someone that can help you, and someone who can give you what you need. If you say it earnestly, with real thought and meaning, and then listen, you will get an answer. Remember, God wants you to be happy, and find a place in this world that is right for you. It might not happen at all once, or very quickly, but it will happen as God wants it to.

Good luck to you!! I hope you find what you are looking for!!

Answer 5

Keep searching until you find what you know is true. My mom grew up Catholic. She went to Catholic school and the whole nine yards. She had so many questions that she was told not to ask or there was no answer for. Well she kept looking and eventually she found them. And she didn't find them in the Catholic church. Follow your heart. If you are truly being honest with yourself it won't lead you astray. My mom found her answers in the Mormon church. There is an answer for everything. I'm not saying that is what is right for you, but it may help. Keep searching and questioning what feels wrong. Be patient. Try talking to your parents about your feelings. It never helps to keep things inside. You can always email me, and I can help I will.

Answer 6

You should look up a catechism for teens to answer your questions. If you listen to the non-Catholic nonsense on this website, you will be so confused it'll make you sick. The non-Catholics all shout with one voice against the Catholic Church, but which one of them has it right? They don't believe the same things as each other, much less with the Catholic Church, yet they each claim to be right. How does that make any sense?

If I can answer any of your questions or help out, just email me. I'd be glad to help.

Answer 7

The best thing for you to do, would be to ask your parents if you could go to a different Church for one week. Maybe you know a friend or someone from school who is religious and you could ask them what church they go to. You could go with them, or by yourself. Check out any protestant Churches. They are very different from catholic churches. You will probably like it more there. Just try it out and see what you think and believe. Don't just go to the catholic church because your parents do.

Answer 8

You're classified a Christian. When you're old enough to make your own choices, about what church you go to, find a church which follows the Bible more closely. In the meantime, pray and study the Bible (see Psalms 25) so that the Holy Spirit can lead you into all Truth (see John 15:26; 16:13) and then you'll know the right church when you find it.

Answer 9

Catholics don't teach a False Gospel.
But if you don't want to go To Catholic Church then The Catholic Church is not For you. , but if you want to change religion there is a wide range of Christian Religions that you could belong to. Baptist sound more Akin to your Philosophy. Try to investigate about what do you want to practice. And talk to your Parents, hopefully they will comprehend your reasons.

Answer 10

Might I suggest you seek the advice of your parish priest, rather than solicit the opinions of random people on the Internet.

(I am aware of the irony of using the Internet to deliver this message)

Go to your parish priest and tell hiim everything you've posted here. Also, obtain a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. the parish priest may even have a copy to give you. READ IT.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised

Answer 11

Umm... Catholics and Protestants are the two between a similar faith, Christianity. i think of this would be complicated to assert the least and does no longer artwork for plenty of people who do no longer fall into different minor communities. Catholics could be the main important team of immigrants under your equipment on the instant.