I was baptized in a Catholic church when I was young, but never really followed the religion at all (my father is not religious at all and my mother believes in the catholic faith although doesn't know much about it). I've been agnostic pretty much my whole life. My husband started attending a Luthren (sp?) church awhile ago, and would like to raise our kids to believe in God and to attend church, etc... he'd like them to be baptized (although the church that he attends performs dedications, not baptisms). All of this has gotten me to reconsider religion and realize I know nothing about what it means to be catholic, lutheren, or any other of the denominations. Can someone show me a resource that explains these in laymans terms? I feel I should be "drawn" to a religion, not to "choose" one, but it's impossible to be drawn when I know nothing about them... thanks.
2007-11-25 15:21:32 · 9 answers · asked by imcalledlisa 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is a fantastic book about this subject called "Christian Denominations." It's a reference book that lists every single Christian denomination available, their history, and what they believe. I suggest you pick up a copy.
2007-11-25 15:23:57 · answer #1 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
you have been given some good answers so far, I have read the book on denominations recommended to you and I feel it is good also. And I have also read the purpose driven life and find it again good. Again these are just my opinions agreeing with others. I also would pray with your husband to find which way God wants you to go with your children. Whichever way you choose I feel your children are blessed with good parents by virtue of the fact you are even adressing this issue..I myself belong to the United Church of Christ, UCC for short, a very liberal protestand denomination that leaves alot of questions up to the individual. I am not recomending just saying that is where I founfd peace as a young adult in 1983. I was baptized Methodist as an infant and attended Catholic kindergarden. Althou I must say I still hold true to many Catholic teaching. God Bless your care for your children and may he guide you in your decision, peace be with you
2007-11-25 23:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by stashnut7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to several churches and try them. Most are very similar but the Catholics are quite different.
Your husbands church believes that the baptism should be chosen by the person being baptized, when they are a little older.
2007-11-25 23:27:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There will be many churches and denominations willing to teach you what they believe to be the truth, and in all honestly, all Christian churches teach good things. As you study, you will find that with the many differences between the Christian churches, they cannot all be the true church for God is not a God of confusion. To know the truth, you must study it AND ask God (James 1:5). It won't do you any good to trust a persuasive preacher or a good friend; God has promised that he will answer you and he is the source of all truth.
To get you started, please let me suggest that you visit lds.org. That is the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a church which bears the name of its leader. Jesus Christ directs His church today through a living prophet. You can learn the truth about what baptism is, what its purpose is, who needs it, etc since this appears to be a question that you have.
As a word of advice, as you learn about different religions, ask members of the religion themselves; don't let a Baptist tell you about the Catholics or a Jehovah's Witness tell you about the Mormons. It's only fair to let each religion explain itself to you if you're truly approaching this in an unbiased way searching for the truth.
2007-11-25 23:36:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well when Martin luther left the Catholic church and started the Catholic church there were 95 differences....
I'm sure there are even more now....
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html
that is the differences when Martin left....
2007-11-25 23:25:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is great - the difference in denominations is complicated... May I suggest reading "The Purpose-Driven Life" by Rick Warren?
It will clearly explain God's relationship to us and is a great place to start.
2007-11-25 23:28:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you have God and Jesus in your heart it doesn't matter what denomination or building or church you attend. Jesus never meant for such divisions of His people to evolve from His teachings. That is all mankind's fault.
2007-11-25 23:29:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be not ye called Rabbi for one is your master , even Christ , and all ye are brethren ; And call no man your father upon the earth , for one is your Father , who is in Heaven
Not every one who saith unto me , Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven , but he that doeth the will of My Father , who is in Heaven . Many will say in that day "Lord , Lord , have we not prophesied
in thy name ? And in thy name cast out demons ? And in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess to them , I never knew you ; depart from me , ye that work iniquity
2007-11-25 23:36:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All religion is nonsense why would you want to be drawn to one?
2007-11-25 23:27:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋