How do I choose?

[Willow]

Hi all.

I have practised a non Christian faith for the past 12 years. However, fairly recently a strange series of events caused me to look into Christianity. The only straight forward part, is the fact that I am fairly sure I am now going to convert to Christianity.

My dilemma is that I don’t know which way to go from here. Anglican or Catholic. I have been attending both churches, talking to priest, vicars and congregation – and can’t decide where to settle. Some things are so similar, others are so far apart. I feel as though I need to make a choice, and not keep jumping from one to the other.
But I don’t know which to choose. I have even written lists. With for and against columns. Both faiths had equal pluses and minuses. I am so stuck, and this is now occupying all my waking thoughts – and it’s seriously starting to drive me nuts.

Once you choose a church and become baptised, I guess that becomes your faith.
My problem, is how do you go about making that initial choice? They both seem to be calling me equally.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[wizanda]

66 books are marked....full Bible is easier to understand...don't follow man.....
plus washing broken cups doesn't repair them....
Since faith is a feeling from the heart, how can a belief from the mind make that?
"Be still and trust God"....meaning you find the kingdom of heaven within, so why search outside?

 

[may]

Hi all.

I have practised a non Christian faith for the past 12 years. However, fairly recently a strange series of events caused me to look into Christianity. The only straight forward part, is the fact that I am fairly sure I am now going to convert to Christianity.

My dilemma is that I don’t know which way to go from here. Anglican or Catholic. I have been attending both churches, talking to priest, vicars and congregation – and can’t decide where to settle. Some things are so similar, others are so far apart. I feel as though I need to make a choice, and not keep jumping from one to the other.
But I don’t know which to choose. I have even written lists. With for and against columns. Both faiths had equal pluses and minuses. I am so stuck, and this is now occupying all my waking thoughts – and it’s seriously starting to drive me nuts.

Once you choose a church and become baptised, I guess that becomes your faith.
My problem, is how do you go about making that initial choice? They both seem to be calling me equally.

Thanks for any advice.

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. John 17;3 the true God is Jehovah as PSALM83;18 informs us . so looking to the bible is the key to take in knowledge about Jesus and Jehovah . and looking to the channel that Jesus is feeding in a spiritual way is the way to go matthew 24;45-47 seek and you will find

 

[RevOxley_501]

my advice:

Dont go through all the crap i had to..at one time i would have been overjoyed that someone like yourself had found the Christian faith...now i am certain it is too flawed to be happy about....if you convert to Christianity, youshould go ahead and decide not to think outside the box...because from now on you will see so many things that just dont seem right, but questioning them will lead to a lot of heartache....

its hard being a Christian, its really hard to be a Christian that thinks...hopefully you will eventually find that religions arent the answer, the best we can do is love one another and seek God however we know how.

Rev. Oxley


if you wanna talk about it, feel free to PM me

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Once you choose a church and become baptised, I guess that becomes your faith.
My problem, is how do you go about making that initial choice? They both seem to be calling me equally.

I know that the Catholic Church (and I assume the Anglican Church as well) recognizes the baptism of the other. At least for the Catholics, the important criteria are:

- that you were baptised with water on the skin, i.e. immersion or efflusion (pouring). They worry about aspersion (sprinkling), since they think that sometimes the water won't touch the skin.

- that you were baptised using the Trinitarian formula, (i.e. in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). If you're baptised in the name of Jesus only (like some Protestant denominations, IIRC), they don't consider it valid.

For both Catholicism and Anglicanism, as well as most Christian denominations and non-Christian faiths, you're welcome to attend services as a non-member (though at least with the Catholics and possibly with the Anglicans, unbaptised people should not partake of the Eucharist/Communion). I'd suggest attending both and reflecting on your experiences.

 

[ayani]

my advice:

Dont go through all the crap i had to..at one time i would have been overjoyed that someone like yourself had found the Christian faith...now i am certain it is too flawed to be happy about....if you convert to Christianity, youshould go ahead and decide not to think outside the box...because from now on you will see so many things that just dont seem right, but questioning them will lead to a lot of heartache....

its hard being a Christian, its really hard to be a Christian that thinks...hopefully you will eventually find that religions arent the answer, the best we can do is love one another and seek God however we know how.

Rev. Oxley


if you wanna talk about it, feel free to PM me

Oxley, i disagree. i really think it depends upon the people one makes contact with, and the relationship between the individual worshipper and the church. true, these relationships can change, but i wouldn't go so far as to say that to convert to Christianity is to give up one's right to be critical. true, dissent can be difficult, but there are many churches that welcome and engage in discussion and debate. the body of Christ, the Church, is made of its members.

Willow... i've been to Anglican and Catholic churches and have loved them both. would you feel ok with going to both churches, or do you feel you have to chose one way or the other?

 

[Ever learning]

66 books are marked....full Bible is easier to understand...don't follow man.....
plus washing broken cups doesn't repair them....
Since faith is a feeling from the heart, how can a belief from the mind make that?
"Be still and trust God"....meaning you find the kingdom of heaven within, so why search outside?

I agree, that´s good advice.

 

[Random]

Some people need to be part of a religious community to enhance their understanding of Scripture and how it relates to the world. Thas cool. My advice: go Catholic. The RC's are, despite all the evil Jesuit stuff, still the only significant Christians worth talking about (IMO).

 

[Todd]

Hi all.

I have practised a non Christian faith for the past 12 years. However, fairly recently a strange series of events caused me to look into Christianity. The only straight forward part, is the fact that I am fairly sure I am now going to convert to Christianity.

My dilemma is that I don’t know which way to go from here. Anglican or Catholic. I have been attending both churches, talking to priest, vicars and congregation – and can’t decide where to settle. Some things are so similar, others are so far apart. I feel as though I need to make a choice, and not keep jumping from one to the other.
But I don’t know which to choose. I have even written lists. With for and against columns. Both faiths had equal pluses and minuses. I am so stuck, and this is now occupying all my waking thoughts – and it’s seriously starting to drive me nuts.

Once you choose a church and become baptised, I guess that becomes your faith.
My problem, is how do you go about making that initial choice? They both seem to be calling me equally.

Thanks for any advice.

If I were you, I'd focus on reading the Bible, Praying, and let God lead you where he may. IMO, your faith is in Christ not in any specific building or congregation. Don't get me wrong, there are good Christians found in most or all Christian churches, as well as there are some bad apples as you will find. You don't have to join a specific church, but whatever church you do decided on, make sure it helps you grow in Christ. Anyway, good luck in your search and welcome to the forum. Hope you find the Church you're looking for.

 

[Quiddity]

Coming from a Protestant background, I'm not surprised of the anti-religion view espoused by some. It's common and one in which I was engulfed in myself. The "me, my Bible, and Jesus" was the motto that echoed in the non-denominational churches I attended. As if being part of a religion couldn't give you that and more. Usually it's the authority factor that drives people away.

It would be nice to know where you stood on certain issues because I would honestly recommend Anglican depending on where you stood on specific issues. If you change your mind, you can always move in that particular direction. Of course I'd want everyone to be catholic, but that's just me.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

There are some excellent topics on our Anglican forum
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=41

You own moral views may be an issue in your choice.

Anglicans accept women priests, contraception, Married Priests, and accept Gays.
They also are expected to make up their own mind on controversial moral issues.

Whilst the services of Anglicans and Catholics are almost identical there are serious differences in belief that prevent Catholics from accepting Anglicans, or indeed any protestants, as a church.

 

[*Paul*]

If you are looking at becoming a Christian don't go looking at which church to join, this will no more make you a christian than you are now. You need to find Jesus Christ but you will not find him in buildings made with mens hands. You can only find Him by faith for now and you are to seek Him by faith.
Ask yourself what currently seperates you from God at the moment? Are you aware of things in your life that you think may keep you and God seperated from one another?
Things done in the past or things going on in the present? The bible says that there is something that seperates us from God and that is sin. The sins we have commited and plan to commit are present before God and the devil accuses you of them before God.
God loves you so very much and has took the initiative to be reconciled to you, He sent His only begotten Son to take the punishment for your sins on the cross so that they are no longer an obstacle between you and Him - this is His love gift to you and you receive it by accepting it from His hands with much gratitude through prayer and faith. When you do this - when you put all your faith in this free love gift of Gods grace His Spirit will baptise you into the death of Jesus so that you die with Him and in Him... this death was the penalty for your sin. God accepted this payement and raised Jesus from the dead and just as you died with Christ through baptism you are raised with Christ and in Christ to newness of life (you are born again). God's SPirit is now to live within you and He will never leave you and when you die or when He returns you will be with Him forever.
His Spirit will give you the power to live for Him and will change your very nature so that you want to do those things that please Him just as Jesus did.

This is the very good news. God loves you and wants very much to be reconciled to you and live within you and adopt you as His child to live with Him forever.

Forget about joining a church - join God first and then you will find a Church as you seek to do His will and obey His word.

May you be fruitfull in your search my friend. Remember there once was no such thing as a Roman Catholic church or an Anglican church someone who was around before any of these man made systems once asked the apostle Paul and his friend Silas:

Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Men have been trying to work out their own answer to this uncomplicated question for so long but Paul and Silas'' answer was beautifully uncomplicated:


Acts 16:31-32 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

To believe in Jesus means to believe with all your heart not intellectually:

Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

God has promised:

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

You can hold Him to that.

 

[Bishka]

Personally, I would choose what would make you most comfortable. What you feel is the best denomination for you.

 

[slabbey06]

If you are looking at becoming a Christian don't go looking at which church to join, this will no more make you a christian than you are now. You need to find Jesus Christ but you will not find him in buildings made with mens hands. You can only find Him by faith for now and you are to seek Him by faith.
Ask yourself what currently seperates you from God at the moment? Are you aware of things in your life that you think may keep you and God seperated from one another?
Things done in the past or things going on in the present? The bible says that there is something that seperates us from God and that is sin. The sins we have commited and plan to commit are present before God and the devil accuses you of them before God.
God loves you so very much and has took the initiative to be reconciled to you, He sent His only begotten Son to take the punishment for your sins on the cross so that they are no longer an obstacle between you and Him - this is His love gift to you and you receive it by accepting it from His hands with much gratitude through prayer and faith. When you do this - when you put all your faith in this free love gift of Gods grace His Spirit will baptise you into the death of Jesus so that you die with Him and in Him... this death was the penalty for your sin. God accepted this payement and raised Jesus from the dead and just as you died with Christ through baptism you are raised with Christ and in Christ to newness of life (you are born again). God's SPirit is now to live within you and He will never leave you and when you die or when He returns you will be with Him forever.
His Spirit will give you the power to live for Him and will change your very nature so that you want to do those things that please Him just as Jesus did.

This is the very good news. God loves you and wants very much to be reconciled to you and live within you and adopt you as His child to live with Him forever.

Forget about joining a church - join God first and then you will find a Church as you seek to do His will and obey His word.

May you be fruitfull in your search my friend. Remember there once was no such thing as a Roman Catholic church or an Anglican church someone who was around before any of these man made systems once asked the apostle Paul and his friend Silas:

Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Men have been trying to work out their own answer to this uncomplicated question for so long but Paul and Silas'' answer was beautifully uncomplicated:


Acts 16:31-32 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

To believe in Jesus means to believe with all your heart not intellectually:

Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

God has promised:

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

You can hold Him to that.

That would be my advice too. Christianity isn't about joining a "church," it's about having a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

[Willow]

Thank you very much for all the replies.

I'd suggest attending both and reflecting on your experiences.

This what I’ve been doing. I’ve been attending both churches once during mid week, and having an epic back to back marathon on Sunday. (With a mad dash across town from one to the other!)

I love the reverence that the Catholics show. They genuflect and sit quietly in prayer awaiting service to begin. I know it shouldn’t really matter, but I also love the outer trappings such as the incense and robes – and the service/prayer when sung in Latin is truly exquisite and speaks to my soul. However, I was told to stay sat on the pew (as I’m not Baptised) while the congregation went to partake of the Eucharist.

This was in strong contrast to the Anglican Church, who invited us to join the others at the alter rail and to receive a blessing instead. The first time I received such a blessing – well – it blew me away and I came out of the church and wept. This congregation doesn’t seem to show the same amount of respect or reverence as the Catholics. They wander in chatting and eventually shut up as the clergy wait patiently. But what they lack in respect, they seem to make up for with pure joy for their faith, which I don’t see at the other church.
I do suffer an embarrassing problem with this church though – in that the choir reduces me to tears with every song. It doesn’t matter what the hymn is, when a certain high note is reached, for some reason I cry. I think I’m going mad.

If I were you, I'd focus on reading the Bible, Praying, and let God lead you where he may. IMO, your faith is in Christ not in any specific building or congregation.

I understand this. It’s just it’s an awfully big book and it does raise some questions, that I feel I need help with answering. I love the fact that the Catholics have the RCIA courses, which I’ve been invited to join in September.
The Anglican church seems to have something a lot less formal and so far have been a little vague about when and where.
I just feel that I need a little (or a lot of) guidance, and joining a church seemed the most obvious solution.
That and the fact that I want very much to be baptised - so I kind of need a church. (That looks a little sarcastic. Honestly not meant that way though.)

It would be nice to know where you stood on certain issues because I would honestly recommend Anglican depending on where you stood on specific issues. If you change your mind, you can always move in that particular direction. Of course I'd want everyone to be catholic, but that's just me.

This is where I think I start running into problems. I seem to have a mixed batch of views. I do not see homosexuality as being wrong, but I don’t feel that women should be priests. I am all for contraception, but am very anti abortion except in the case of rape. I also believe that there is only one God, and all faiths are using different ways to worship the One. So I don’t believe any faith/religion/church is the right one.
While I admire the tolerance that the Anglicans show and their willingness to move with the times as to still be applicable in today’s society – I have to wonder how far they will go – and will they ever change so much that a lot of the meaning is lost.

And likewise, I have to admire the unbending faith of the Catholics in not compromising what they believe God wants from them – though I do wonder if this will ultimately be some kind of downfall.
(No offence meant to anyone. Just a complete beginner on the path feeling her way around.)

Again thank you very much for taking the time to reply. It is much appreciated.
And I apologise for the epicness of this reply.
Thank you.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

The Anglican church seems to have something a lot less formal and so far have been a little vague about when and where.

You will find the Anglicans are waiting for you.... they will not push.... they want you to be certain what you want.

When you are sure, ask for a meeting with the Priest.
He will then either let you join a Catechism class or most likely arrange one to ones with you... either him self or with some one else in the church who takes on this duty.

Most Anglican churches these days arrange Christenings during Sunday worship.
and is not scary at all. In adult baptism ...First communion usually follows the baptism. (In England)

I also believe that there is only one God, and all faiths are using different ways to worship the One.

I too believe this, but it in no way changes my belief in God Jesus and the Holy Ghost. Or that I prefer the style and the breadth of the Anglican faith.
You will note that I call my self an Anglican Heretic... this is for the consumption of this forum, to explain how I hold certain beliefs that differ from the mainline
views of the church.... The Anglican Church however does not go in for witch hunts, is is quite happy to accept me and others with eccentric beliefs.

 

[athanasius]

I believe that on your journey you must have a personal relationship with Jesus, but in doing so you must also have a personal relationship with his Body, the church. You cannot severe a head(Christ) from his Body(the church). Christs Church and himself cannot be separated. When one hears the voice of Jesus church one hears Jesus himself(Lk 10:16). In your journey look historically for the that one church that Christ founded. That is his most precious bride and Body. This is the Church that gave us the bible canon and held councils with the Apostolic Authority to declare truths and condemn heresies. This is the Church that Christ himself set up as a hierarchical structure(Matt 18:15-19, Matt 16:13-19, Acts 15) with powers to bind and loose and ratify true doctrine and speak for Christ. And then discover this historical church that through the ages has been like a rock on moral issues because its built on the Rock of Peter.

Open yourself up also to the many many miracles and Apparitions of this church that also show that Christ works through it. Also study scripture but study with the mind of that Church that gave it to us. One can easily read the fathers and Dr's of the church historically for a good take on biblical doctrine.

It is then I believe the Holy spirit will work his way to your heart and you will discover why Thousands of converts chose to be in this Christ found church,.

Here are a few reasons why some have:

Conversion Stories

I hope that helps you on your way to your journey. Know that many many others Ancient Like St Augustine and modern like Scripture Scholar Dr Scott Hahn have gone before you to find the fullness of truth. May you also find the church that has this fullness. Christ One Church. Amen and God bless you.

In Jesus through Mary Immaculate,
Athanasius

 

[sojourner]

Discernment, discernment, discernment. Listen for where God is leading you. It may not be to either one! But God abides wherever two or three are gathered, for God lives in the spaces between us. So look for a community of people in which God expressed resonates with you.

 

[hannahrose1209]

I think that everything is up to you! What feels right to you? Go to each church and which feels right?? Have you looked up all the things they believe?? The "rules" that they follow by? All these are to be taken into consideration. I understand your conflict! I truly do! However the only way you will be truly happy is to take people's opinions into consideration....listen very closely to yourself because inside yourself some where is a little voice telling you what to do!! Email me if you want to talk sometime okay??

Take care sweetie!

 

[Willow]

Thank you again to everybody, for the taking the time to reply.

I have decided to join the confirmation class at the Anglican (high) Church.
I could be wrong, but I believe I experienced the Holy Spirit when the Anglican priest blessed me. I think I have to take that as some sort of sign, despite my leanings towards the Catholic Church.

I’m feeling relieved to have reached a decision - but I think I’m about to begin quite a journey and feel rather childlike in my excitement.

Thanks again.

Grace and peace.