Need some imput

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Ok, I need a little bit of guidance and this was the only place I felt comfortable asking this question.

DH & I are non-practicing Catholics, although up until just recently, our children and I were attending Mass on a regular basis and both have been baptised Catholic and DS has made his First Communion.

I no longer feel comfortable in the Church as a whole. I have had problems with the Church in the past, but now, with the whole child molestation thing that just doesn't seem to stop, I can't go...and I can't really explain it. I need a church to turn to, but I'm not sure where to start. I've always felt that God loves me and he doesn't really care which denomination I belong to, as long as I have faith. I need someplace where I can connect with others who are Christian to worship Him. There are so many churches out there that claim to be Christain...should I just start attending different ones to see where I belong?? I'm just nervous about walking into someplace new. Any ideas??

 

[faith]

HI DizzyD! I am not Lutheran,(sorry if I spelled this wrong) but when I attended a friend's service it seemed similiar to the catholic church. Maybe you can do some research about the Lutheran doctrine? I am guilty of not attending church lately, but I like the Baptist church in our area. Sending a prayer that you will be lead to the right church for you and your family.

 

[Krisu]

Maybe the library can help, at least to find out what is out there and maybe some explanations of other denominations. Other than that you probably need to visit different churches in your area.

 

[Rajah]

Check into Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Methodist. Episcopalian is typically considered "Catholic Lite" so you should feel right at home. Lutheran and Methodist are the next-closest I can think of.

Though, personally, I've pretty much given up on churches entirely. *Every* one I've attended had something like the molestation issue (though usually on a smaller scale and not as serious) that was enough I couldn't continue to go there. So I just Worship on my own instead.

I agree -- God doesn't care what denomination you are (within reason -- I think He'd object if you tried Satan Worshiping ), as long as you're Christian.

 

[WDWHound]

Ah, Chruch dating. The seach for a new church is not fun, but its worth the effort if you are seriously unhappy where you are.

I agree that Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Methodist all have aspects that you might find valuable. The most important thing (IMHO) is not the denomination, but how the church brings you closer to God and how it gives a you chance to serve your fellow man. Any place that does these 2 things well is a great church in my book.

 

[mhopset]

There is good and bad in every church. If it wasn't the cathloics it would be somebody else.

I was raised United Pentecostal Holiness. I still believe some of the doctrine, but some of the people is what gave the church a bad name.

One of our old pastors was really into his family. Well, come to find out he was into other peoples family's too. He counsled a few ladies in a local hotel

I guess I said all of that to tell you to look to God only not other people, I know it is difficult to do, but that is the way I get through all the stupid stuff

 

[luv2nascar]

church shopping is no fun
try to find a pastor/minister that your family can connect with regardless of the denomination
A former Episcopalian turned Lutheran by marriage
although I hear all the time from the Lutherans how much its like the Catholic church I don't find it to be so
the Episcopalian church I attended was much more formal and similar to the Catholic services I have attended
Good luck finding something that suits your family

 

[Disney Doll]

My friend's sister was a born and raised Catholic,with 2 aunts who are nuns, and she has left the Catholic church and goes to a Congregational church which she likes very much.

I'm sorry, I don't know much about the actual Congreagtional religion, but it kind fo struck a chord...former Catholic, now liking this church.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Thanks for your help, I have been thinking about the local Episcopalian church (my dad was raised in the church) and the Congregational one as well. I guess I'll go for a visit to one this weekend. I know it may take awhile to see what each church is all about, but I won't know until I go. Thanks again.

 

[snowball22]

Try going to
www.beliefnet.com and go to the quiz section and take the religion quiz. It helps you in a direction that is right for you based on your beliefs. I took this a while back and had some interesting results. I am Methodist, my husband is Catholic and the kids were also baptised Catholic. We are now attending a Methodist Church. As you, the whole sexual abuse scene and how it is being handled in the Catholic church is also too much for me to take. I am still not sure if we will settle into the Methodist church but it is where we are now. Good Luck!!

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I DO NOT attend church, I did as a child but once I was of age i didn't attend anymore. I don't think church means you are a bttter person then the rest of the world. I believe in God and I know that he knows I know that he is there. My son who is 20 does not attend church and he is a great young man with a heart of gold. I have tough him that God is everywhere and you don't have to walk through a church or temple door to talk to him and have him see you. I am proud of who I am, don't wear a cross around my neck but when the times get tough I do talk to the big guy and look for the answers within myself. I'm sure you will find someplace to worship, good luck and let us know.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I am an Episcopalian. I have felt very comfortable when I have attended Roman Catholic services. The liturgy is very similar. Good luck with your church shopping. I agree that it isn't fun.