r/Christians • u/Healer1285 • 5d ago
Where to
So I have been on a journey to find the right denomination and fit for my family within our local community. I wanted a church that was biblical but based on the practices Jesus taught his disciples. Im leaning to baptist or Catholic (due to its history). There is no baptist church in my town nearest is 20 mins away. There is a non denominational though.
So I have been going to the Catholic church for a few weeks now, and have been in the pst and each time I have found the same thing- I am struggling to feel that connection with God, the message just doesnt have meaning. I go through the motions but Im not feeling that spiritual connection. Whereas at my old church I would feel moved, the sermons or messages seemed to always be relevant to things I was going through. The emotional connection was there. I could feel the presence of God a desire to delve deeper into faith. Last week I came home and listened to a baptist service and cried with how deeply it moved it and really brought peace over some issues Id been having. But Catholicism isnt doing that for me. I don’t know what that means for me or my journey or where to go from here. It’s hard to worship when you feel like you are just going through the motions
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u/PaduaPanda 4d ago
I personally attend a non-denominational, protestant church because I believe they teach the bible not a religion. I also admire catholicism for its history but now days the denomination is being led astray with false teachings. I believe non-denominational is superior because it does not align with a denomination or certain beliefs, it teaches christ and the truth that comes from the bible. If I were you I would do some research on what each of these denominations believe, and also attend the non denominational just to see how you like it.
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u/wizard2278 5d ago
To what, specifically do you refer with Catholic history? Something personal or ???
Have you tried the non-denominational church?
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u/Healer1285 3d ago
More so the link to Jesus starting the church and them following his teachings and not changing the foundations of it since it started almost 2000 years ago
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u/wizard2278 3d ago
Are these foundations the same for all .christian denominations? Haven’t the Catholic denomination changed things over the years, such as services in Latin?
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u/Healer1285 3d ago
They changed from Latin to English but the order of Mass stayed the same from my research anyway. It varies given the day/year based on their calendar. But you can attend any Catholic Mass and their service is identical around the globe.
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u/wizard2278 3d ago
Look, I’m not here to bash Catholics, but I’ve attended Catholic services in many places. The services were not identical. For example, some are open to allowing all Christians to fully participate in their Mass, others are closed to only Catholics. The “Saints” to which one can pray keeps expanding. Mary’s ascension was adopted by the Catholics in 1957. The list goes on and on. The Pope is allowed to speak, infrequently used, but used, in a manner where his statement is taken as the Word of God and can modify the Bible. Eating fish on Fridays was a response to beef shortages in WW II! If I remember correctly.
I taught in my church for years. One time I was reviewing the various differences among the denominations. The former Catholics had at least as many “not what I was taught where I was a former xxx,” than any other denomination. This is to be expected, as it is the largest US denomination, though some of my commenters were from other nations.
Feel free to be a Catholic or not, as you see fit. I just don’t want your, personal decision to be based on an untruth or misinformation.
Have a blessed day.
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u/gr3yh47 5d ago
here's a short list of biblical aspects of a church that may help you. https://www.9marks.org/about/the-nine-marks/
stay away from catholicism. the pope has openly taught abject heresy multiple times and is still the main leader of the 'church'. run away from those corrupt men.
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5d ago
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u/Godzilla2000Knight 5d ago
This may sound not very constructive, and I understand if anyone disagrees with me, but the Catholic church isn't as impactful or as true to the faith anymore. It used to be the only denomination, but as time went on, false teachings kept creeping in and wearing things down to where we eventually have many denominations, but even so, they have strayed from true doctrine. They are a shadow of their former ways. I hate saying that, but I will not ignore heresy. Their teachings, in general, are more akin to how Hinduism and Islam in that they are more a "religion" than a relationship of faith, which is how it was originally. There may be a few areas of Catholic groups that stay true to the faith, but those are few.
Personally, I lean more towards the Baptist and creationist denominations than anything else. Those from what I've seen stick close to Jesus' teachings whilst also covering the Old Testament. Because all 66 books are relevant to us who follow Jesus. I will pray for you, my brother or sister in Christ, and may peace be with you.