i went into confession today in a catholic church and the priest criticize me for not going to church every sunday. i don't want to be a catholic because imo they're too strict. i have an idea of what protestant is but i have no clue what orthodox is. can you help me?
ps, please no rude answers. i'm serious about this and i need to know.
2007-12-12 14:07:30 · 23 answers · asked by Jewel 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You may be interested in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
http://www.disciples.org/
A lot of former Catholics find a home in the Christian Church.
Godspeed.
2007-12-12 14:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by jimmeisnerjr 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am not Christian anymore, but the better question in my mind is why you do not want to hear constructive criticism. Religion seems to work best when it is forcing people to grow. It sounds more like you don't want to face any opposition, which is quite childlike really. This isn't being rude, but you should reflect on this.
As to what is Orthodox, it is the part of the apostolic church that resides in what used to be the Eastern Roman Empire. It varies little from the Catholic, except in externals and is probably stricter in most respects. As there are 42,000 protestant denominations it is impossible to describe what they are. However since they do not seem to be able to come to any consensus, I would avoid them as they cannot seem to make up their mind about what is and isn't true.
2007-12-12 14:19:06 · answer #2 · answered by OPM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Christian fundamently is a christian- I like to think of the denomonations more as things that either bring you further in religion or closer to it.
Some people just enjoy certain churches more than others, but in the end it really doesn't make a huge difference.
Most of these are based on differences people had years before our grandparents were born, so don't get too worked up in them.
But if you do want to join a certain church, I'd encourage it if you feel it's for you!
I recommend 'church shopping'- going to a variety of churches and seeign which one you dig.
2007-12-12 14:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by walrus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pray and ask God to lead you where he wants you. I'm protestant. I have been Catholic and tried many others. But it is right to worship on the Lords day with other believers. Nothing wrong with that.
All the other churches believe in attending church on Sunday also. If you miss does not mean you are going to hell though. But you can form a habit of not going if you neglect. going.
2007-12-12 14:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
essentially if you aren't catholic or orthodox you are protestant but don't worry about the titles... read the new testament and find a church where you enjoy the way people act and worship and decide for yourself how to follow Christ. remember a church is nothing more than a place where believers get together... the important thing is finding friends who will help you grow closer to God
2007-12-12 14:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek out a non-denominational church, become strong and familiar yourself with what the Bible says, check that church against the truth, and if they pass, devote yourself there!
Good luck
No Catholics, Protestants, or orthodox. They are too stooped in church tradition and rules to teach you what the Bible ACTUALLY says to do.
2007-12-12 14:12:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, and am not Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox ( I have no idea what orthodox is either), or of any other denomination.
The only requirement to be a member of the body of Christ is to believe, and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
While God instructs us in his word to fellowship, that is to get together with other believers for instruction and support, he does not tell anyone what denomination to belong to, or--for that matter--to belong to any.
You might want to familiarize yourself with the Bible. I recommend the King James Version (which is my preference, so a bit of bias here ;D). If you are looking for one that has no denominational slant, purchase it from The Gideons*. They are the people who place Bibles in hotels and prisons.
As you become increasingly familiar with God's word and grow closer to God in prayer, you will notice that God will help lead and guide you to do what he would have you to do. Including finding a church to attend.
Meanwhile, you can look up denominations, and religions on Wikipedia, although I would suggest you work on your relationship with God first, and let him help you determine how to proceed, since most--if not all--denominational references you receive on Y!A will be understandably biased.
Please feel free to email me if you have any further questions.
Hope I helped. God bless you.
* I just found out that the Gideons no longer sell Bibles. However, you can read the Bible at Bible Gateway's site.
http://www.biblegateway.com/
2007-12-12 15:13:08 · answer #7 · answered by 1985 & going strong 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Agree with somethin , I was a catholic then left, yrs later became baptist (conservative )
all though the church was independent .The church is not as important, as the time you spend with Christ or God .We are all the temple of Christ if we are belivers . We are not to forsake the gathering together with others to worship and praise, but as in the bible that can be done in your home, or some one elses .Find the one you think is the most correct to the teachings in the bible
2007-12-12 14:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by the only 1 hobo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on how seriously you take it.
If you pick based on restrictions, go for the one with the least rules and stick to it.
If you want a real answer,
First decide if you think forgiveness is granted by deeds vs grace. Must you earn it, prove fellowship, or do nothing but think?
Isolate what makes the major churches different and pick what feels right.
2007-12-12 14:15:48 · answer #9 · answered by Persona 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to church every Sunday isn't about YOU or what YOU are comfortable with or what YOU think is too strict or not too strict.
It's about worshiping Jesus. All that is asked of you is one lousy hour a week. If you actually believe in God and consider Him your God, then you'd go to church willingly that one hour a week. If you actually loved Him and wanted to serve Him, you'd go every chance you got.
I'm not trying to be rude here, but it is a serious matter, and you do need to think in terms of a bigger picture here.
2007-12-13 02:35:50 · answer #10 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am just a Christain, not any specific denomination. Denominations are all religious man made ways to go because everyone wants to be the top dawg!. I just love Jesus and serve him. The sooner you get out of the religious rules and regulations the better you can serve Christ in freedom and love.
kelly
2007-12-12 14:14:15 · answer #11 · answered by kellythetrainer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋