Should I convert to this denomination?

[PossibleThrowawayAccount]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.
• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.
• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).
• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.
• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.
• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.
• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.
• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.
• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

 

[Taken]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.


However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.
• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.
• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).
• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.
• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.
• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.
• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.
• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.
• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

The Bottom Line with God regarding Mankind is Mankind’s FREEWILL CHOOSING…WITH or WITHOUT God.

That is NOT determined by a man-made denomination, rather WHAT a man decides to CHOOSE….Gods WAY or mans WAY.

You seem to favor…the enticing church statues and adornments, the trinkets, the repetitive prayers, the rituals and the side book that explains Gods Understanding according to men…

Where are those things taught of God, should be the answer to your wondering.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[SavedInHim]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.
• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.
• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).
• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.
• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.
• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.
• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.
• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.
• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

First of all, Catholicism isn't just another Christian denomination. It falls outside of what is Biblical Christianity. Actually, listen to Catholics when they talk; 99% of the time they won't identify as Christian but as Catholic. If things like beautiful buildings, Papal succession, manmade rules or praying to saints gets your motor running, then by all means convert. Have fun.

 

[RedFan]

Buckle up, @PTA. You are about to draw out of the woodwork the anti-Catholic faction -- quite vociferous on this site -- who will lambaste Catholicism with all their might!

 

[Lambano]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

Hey, my denomination has prima scriptura (as interpreted through the lenses of church tradition, reason, and experience), communion (once a month), prayers to God that are sometimes beautiful, sometimes pretty rough (like life), nice-looking buildings (that take up the lion's share of the budget to maintain), and all the denomination's teachings in the Book of Discipline. But no rosaries, though you'd be free to do that whenever you want. (Even during the pastor's sermon, if it's a clunker.)

 

[PossibleThrowawayAccount]

Buckle up, @PTA. You are about to draw out of the woodwork the anti-Catholic faction -- quite vociferous on this site -- who will lambaste Catholicism with all their might!

Yeah but don't worry, someone will say something unrelated to my post and it will get hijacked into a debate thread.

 

[Brakelite]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.
• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.
• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).
• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.
• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.
• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.
• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.
• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.
• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

For all the reasons above, and more, I left Catholicism. Nice buildings, decor, art, vestments, ritual, music, and atmosphere simply didn't cut the mustard compared to the false doctrine and horrendous history. Sorry, but that isn't intended as a vociferous anti Catholic lambasting (@RedFan ), but simply a choice I made from a biblical, experiential and historic perspective.

 

[TheOneHeLoves]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.
• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.
• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).
• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.
• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.
• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.
• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.
• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.
• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

as someone who was born to a "catholic" mom, and went to church and the classes as a child. I was grateful that The Lord buy The Holy Spirit revealed the demonic nature of catholicism indoctrination.

There are no denomination mentioned in the Bible. We are to be followers of Christ Jesus! Are there some denominations that seem to be more in line with scripture than others - yes.

There is no greater teacher than God Himself. Ask for wisdom and understanding as you read His Word and I pray you will stay aligned with His Word, His message, His will and His commands.

 

[Cassandra]

I sure can understand why you like Catholicism for all its beauty, but the Rosary mainly consists of prayers to Mary, something the Bible never says to do. Pray to the Father through Jesus.
And we are counseled not to make vain repetitions in the Bible as well. Matt 6:7

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking”

 

[Taken]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

Hi…those things are external and pleasing to your eyes, that no doubt many do find them pleasing to their eyes, which in-turn makes the individual “feel” good.

Personally, I find the eye pleasing and robotic rituals low on my list. Rather through my studies, I believe what is most pleasing to God is what is on the Inside of a person, and the personal one on one relationship with God….intimate without distractions, or showmanship for others to observe and praise the individual.
Catholics and Protestants each have their “robotic’ rituals….so, it is rather a personal choice of IF you like the eye pleasing and robotic rituals…and which one suites you likes the most.
Me…I personally Chose Christ’s Church which in WITHIN a man. Pretty secluded, no eye pleasing stimulations, no robotic rituals and Few (in the broad sense) are members.

Glory to God,
Taken

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

Consider…joining any church denomination, is your word to agree and abide with their RULES…

 

[Windmill Charge]

. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

Could you explain why these things are more important than how church services help you worship God, how sermons both teach you and challenge you.

Just how serious are you about serving/worshipping God?
Jesus was scathing about the showmanship of the religious elite of his day a d contemptuous about the beautiful temple being built in Jerusalem.

May I suggest you seek out a congregation who take there worship and service seriously.

 

[PossibleThrowawayAccount]

I am probably not going to formally convert but still be Catholic-leaning non-denominational.

but the Rosary mainly consists of prayers to Mary, something the Bible never says to do. Pray to the Father through Jesus.
And we are counseled not to make vain repetitions in the Bible as well.

I get what you're saying, but I kind of like the rosary a lot. I would like to devote at least 30 minutes a day to some kind of worship and the Rosary is the only way I know how to do so.

I strongly believe in the power of the Rosary. Since I have started praying it I have been feeling closer to God, one of my enemies was thwarted in attacking me, my desire to smoke is decreasing, I got out of a seemingly impossible financial crisis, and my health has improved unexplainably. All of this happened within a month. Before it seemed as if God didn't even hear my prayers or gave a rat's behind about me.

I really don't consider it vain repetition because the prayers are there to give you a space of time to meditate on parts of Jesus' life. Aside from that the Hail Marys aren't vain and aren't being repeated so they can be heard better. In a way each decade is like the chorus to a song, and the surrounding prayers like a refrain.

 

[GodsGrace]

Right now I am non-denominational. I like Catholicism a lot because it has things that I feel other denominations are sorely missing: prima scriptura, communion, beautiful prayers to God and the saints, nice looking churches, a direct link to St. Peter, the Vatican, the Catechism which catalogs the denomination's teachings in one book, and one of my favorite things of all: the Rosary.

I haven't read through and don't plan to.
I know Catholic theology, used to be a Catholic,
became Protestant (Nazarene, AofG theology)
am becoming disenamoured of Protestantism due to the many fractions and denominations---this cannot be possible if there's only ONE TRUTH....there cannot be many truths.
Am currently attending CC due to where I live and am friends with 3 priests that
come to mind, one of them is a theologian that taught in other countries and also speaks 6 or 7 languages,
and I also studied with a monk for about 10 years with a group of about 15.
So I think I'll be able to address you concerns.
BTW, I do not define myself as Catholic because I disagree with some doctrine but
this will prove to be unimportant.

However there are a few things keeping me from converting to Catholicism.

• I do not believe that the communion wafers and wine literally become Jesus' flesh and blood.

Neither do 80% of Catholics. From the teachings of Jesus in John 6, I'd have to side with the transubstantiation doctrine....

• I strongly disagree with the belief that animals cease at death.

The CC does not have a doctrine on what happens to animals after death.
The lion lying with the lamb is often sighted with the fact that we cannot know for sure.

• Catholicism favors the theory of evolution (and contradicts their belief that animals, who allegedly don't have souls, are the ancestors of man).

The CC does not take sides on the theory of evolution.
It believes that Adam and Eve were the first 2 persons.

• I find Pope Francis to be very disagreeable.

So do many traditional catholics.
He's creating a lot of controversy and some priests are also waiting for a new Pope.

• I find it questionable that Latin is a holy language.

Who said it is?
All the new translations are in the Greek.
Greek and Latin were like English today - no problem here.

• The first pope St. Peter almost ran Christianity into the ground and it had to be saved by Paul.

This is incorrect and I'm beginning to doubt your sincerity.
Learn some history.

• Though it would be nice if there was such a place, there is absolutely no verses in the Bible supporting purgatory and it kind of undermines Jesus' blood being shed for man's salvation.

Some priests also don't believe purgatory exists.

• Catholicism has come to condemn the death penalty for murderers.

This is true....
I'm not sure it's become dogma however.

• The modern English translations of the Bible they use are filled with errors.

Which ones?
Which errors?

Aside from all this, I kind of want to formally convert to it. What are your thoughts? I feel kind of out of place as a non-denominational yet Catholicism is the only one I like. I have looked at all the other Western denominations and feel that they are just empty.

Also, sorry for all the edits.

I don't know where you're gettng your information from, but some of it is false.
I think it would be a good idea to convert to Catholicism....they don't change what they teach every few years.
The only advice I have for you is that you should look for a CC that has bible study.
The problem with the CC is that they don't teach enough....although the liturgies are beautiful.

 

[GodsGrace]

I am probably not going to formally convert but still be Catholic-leaning non-denominational.

I get what you're saying, but I kind of like the rosary a lot. I would like to devote at least 30 minutes a day to some kind of worship and the Rosary is the only way I know how to do so.

I strongly believe in the power of the Rosary. Since I have started praying it I have been feeling closer to God, one of my enemies was thwarted in attacking me, my desire to smoke is decreasing, I got out of a seemingly impossible financial crisis, and my health has improved unexplainably. All of this happened within a month. Before it seemed as if God didn't even hear my prayers or gave a rat's behind about me.

I really don't consider it vain repetition because the prayers are there to give you a space of time to meditate on parts of Jesus' life. Aside from that the Hail Marys aren't vain and aren't being repeated so they can be heard better. In a way each decade is like the chorus to a song, and the surrounding prayers like a refrain.

The Rosary has a very specific reason and it's this:
People did not read the bible in ancient times.
There were different ways that the CC, the ONLY church existing back then, had to
teach rather illiterate persons about the bible stories.

One way was from the depictions in church paintings and stained glass windows that told different
narratives from the bible.

Another way was with the rosary. Each of the 5 mysteries (not mysteries in that sense of the word) tells of a different story
in the life of JESUS---

As to vain repetition,,,this type of praying is NOT what Jesus was referring to.
He was referring to saying words over and over that had no meaning.
Whatever prayer we use, if we pay attention to the words and mean what they say, is valid for prayer.

Praying is prayer and worship toward God.
HOWEVER, we pray.

In any case, you can pray however you wish.
There's no rule in Catholicsim that states that you MUST pray in any particular way.

 

[GodsGrace]

Could you explain why these things are more important than how church services help you worship God, how sermons both teach you and challenge you.

Just how serious are you about serving/worshipping God?
Jesus was scathing about the showmanship of the religious elite of his day a d contemptuous about the beautiful temple being built in Jerusalem.

May I suggest you seek out a congregation who take there worship and service seriously.

Like which one Windmill?
The ones that use rock music?
The ones that promise God will give you everything you ask for?
The ones that have communion once a month or once a year?
Which one is correct in their teaching?
Look at this forum....
Do you have 10 members that agree with each other?
And what's the difference between the Sunday sermon and Wednesday evening bible study?
Looks pretty much the same to me.

You want to worship God?
Try going to a Mass.
Try going to an Adoration.

And then come back here and tell us what was wrong with it
ACCORDING TO YOU.

Catholics take their worship VERY SERIOUSLY.

Have you ever paid attention to the words being spoken at a Mass?
Do you know what each part of the Mass is about?

Probably not.
But, do we Protestants have strong opinions about something we know nothing about.

 

[GodsGrace]

as someone who was born to a "catholic" mom, and went to church and the classes as a child. I was grateful that The Lord buy The Holy Spirit revealed the demonic nature of catholicism indoctrination.

There are no denomination mentioned in the Bible. We are to be followers of Christ Jesus! Are there some denominations that seem to be more in line with scripture than others - yes.

There is no greater teacher than God Himself. Ask for wisdom and understanding as you read His Word and I pray you will stay aligned with His Word, His message, His will and His commands.

Nice post.
So how do we determine which of the myriad of Protestant denominations is the one teaching THE TRUTH?

You say that God is to be our teacher.
How come He teaches every Christian on this forum something different?
Does God not know what God believes?

 

[GodsGrace]

The Bottom Line with God regarding Mankind is Mankind’s FREEWILL CHOOSING…WITH or WITHOUT God.

That is NOT determined by a man-made denomination, rather WHAT a man decides to CHOOSE….Gods WAY or mans WAY.

You seem to favor…the enticing church statues and adornments, the trinkets, the repetitive prayers, the rituals and the side book that explains Gods Understanding according to men…

Where are those things taught of God, should be the answer to your wondering.

Glory to God,
Taken

You need to get updated Taken.
The bible is not a SIDE BOOK in Catholicism.

 

[Lambano]

How come He teaches every Christian on this forum something different?

Since biodiversity is a survival trait in a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes I wonder if God didn't intentionally give us diversity of belief for the same reason. Even though it puts us at each other's throats.

But, we're promised that it won't always be this way. Let's hold on to that promise.

 

[GodsGrace]

Since biodiversity is a survival trait in a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes I wonder if God didn't intentionally give us diversity of belief for the same reason. Even though it puts us at each other's throats.

But, we're promised that it won't always be this way. Let's hold on to that promise.

I can't believe that Lambano.
God is not a God of confusion.
I believe He desires us to know Him, wasn't this one of the reasons for the incarnation?
A real revelation - and the final revelation.

I disagree with a lot of Catholicism and I dislike the fact that bible study is so scarce in that denomination....
but I'm really tired of belonging to a "church", Christianity, religion -call it what you will- that cannot even agree with itself regarding the theology of that religion.

Yeah. I think this is a REAL problem for Christianity.

 

[TheOneHeLoves]

Nice post.
So how do we determine which of the myriad of Protestant denominations is the one teaching THE TRUTH?

You say that God is to be our teacher.
How come He teaches every Christian on this forum something different?
Does God not know what God believes?

Why do you feel the need to be apart of a denomination???

Read scripture and ask for understanding. when you hear a preacher/teacher check for yourself if the message aligns with God's Word. Don't pluck one verse but actually read one book at a time verse by verse.

I don't believe many "christians" read for themselves, instead many will look at the quote of the day, do a devotional, listen to a sermon and that that as true. Truth is the Word of God whether "you" agree with it or not.

God does not lie and many don't know His voice. Many hear the voice of the enemy and think that is God. Don't be fooled.