Catholic v Protestant

[Anonymous]

If you want a compromise, take a look at the Episcopal Church. The liturgy is almost identical to the Catholic mass, and also values tradition and ritual. But no pope, and the priests have a more normal life (and therefore are more human in their dealings with lay people).

[Anonymous]

I second the Episcopal option, but am mindful that for many Catholics (including my spouse), Catholicism is an ethnic identity---Irish Catholic, Italian Catholic, etc. such that making the leap from the "One True Church" over to---as my spouse puts it---a denomination "founded because a king wanted to get a divorce and marry his mistress"---isn't an attractive option.

The various Protestant denominations were all to varying extents philosophically founded on the idea that individuals are capable of reading the Bible and drawing their own conclusions and developing their own direct relationship to God, which is theologically quite different from the Catholic tradition of the papal hierarchy establishing church doctrine. Because of the Protestant philosophical tradition, I think it is easier for protestants to jump back and forth between the various protestant denominations in order to find a church that "fits".

[Anonymous]

I would consider the Lutheran church.

I'd do some real soul searching before committing to the the Catholic church if you are not leaning that way. They are very clear in what they believe and have strong opinions on how you should lead your life. If you are pro-choice and want to use contraceptives (just to hit the biggies) I would not go Catholic. Why always be on the outs with your religion if you don't agree with their doctrines?

[Anonymous]

OP -- most of the posts did not address your question (i.e. where to get more information on the two denominations), but rather gave their advice on whether you should have religion in your home at all.
Why don't you just go to the library or book store and get a couple books on Catholocism and a couple PRotestant denominations that you're interested in. Or check out some local churches. Many offer newcomer classes on what it means to be a _____ (Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc).

[Anonymous]

I agree with the poster that said to Read the Catechism--you would be surprised what is in there!

Also, it is possible to attend RCIA classes at most catholic churches; I think they might already be underway by this time of year, but you might be able to sit in on some of these.

Not sure this matters, but the Episcopalian church will recognize a baptism in the Catholic church, but not the catholics. That means, if you baptize your kids in the Episcopalian church, they cannot take communiion in the catholic church. Not sure if that matters to you.


Maybe just attend a few services at two nearby churches--to me there is a huge difference between Catholics and Episcopalians. All my life, I thought we were very similar BUT Catholics are very, very different.

I don't really want to hurt anyone's feelings, but honestly, I was shocked by how different the Catholics are--most Catholics don't even know what their church's positions are on the issues, so I think you should really investigate a little bit on your own before subjecting your children to something that doesn't reflect your values.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about the mormon Jesus?

Apparently you get to be a god or something on another planet when you die. Worth thinking about.

[Anonymous]

I'm the 9:11 poster and I want to respond to something another poster said about me "choosing to be Catholic for the wrong reasons." I didn't "choose" to be Catholic out of convenience -- I became Catholic when I was baptized as a newborn -- and then went through Catholic school K-12 and received formal religious education and the sacraments. I was merely providing some of the arguments I used to convince my Jewish husband that it would be best to raise our kids Catholic. And the primary reason in my mind is that I was the parent who was willing to step up and take responsibility for it -- so I think the OP should take that into consideration. And I also want to make clear that I am NOT a cafeteria Catholic and that no one besides God can tell me that I am not a good Catholic. I have committed my life careerwise to serving the homeless and my volunteerism relates to social justice issues -- to me, I am living a life that God would approve of -- as well as one that any good Catholic priest would approve of.

[Anonymous]

I have to echo what some PPs have said, just check out a few different churches and see what they are all about. I was raised Episcopal, that was all I knew. I was a blend for my parents, my mom Catholic and my dad raised Baptist. However, I never had a connection with God via the Episcopal Church. It was dry and we just went through the motions. When I married my DH he came from a UCC Church and after spending time and different churches we ended up at a Methodist one. We ended up there because Children out number adults 1.5:1, therefore there are TONS of activities for the kids and the average age of members is 32. It is wonderful to be at a young church, there is always something going on and new people to meet. Also, the service is more "spiritual" than the Episcopal church I was used to and really focuses on the personal connection you make with God. Most importantly, the sermons are really interesting and I look forward to hearing the pastor preach. I also like the fact that they leave politics completely out of the church, which is important to me because I am SICK AND TIRED of politics.

[Anonymous]

I have to echo trying an Episcopalian church... or even a Methodist one.

I think both have very similar beliefs as the Catholic church, but are more flexible in terms of social issues (marraige, women priests, gays). As someone who was raised Catholic, I always hated the church for what I regarded as a general level of intolerance for other human beings. I'm much happier in my Methodist church now.

And as to the poster who believes Catholics who don't tow the line on each and every position the church takes... My mother, who is still a devout Catholic and goes to Mass every day... would certainly not consider herself to be a "cafeteria Catholic"... that's exactly the kind of exclusivity that drives people away from the Church.

[Anonymous]

The term "cafeteria catholic" was coined by right-wing nutjobs in an effort to guilt catholics into perpetuating intolerant beliefs from the olden days. There are many catholics (myself included) who take offense at the term. You don't have to blindly follow outdated teachings and intolerant behavior in order to be a "good catholic." In fact, there was a cool article in the Post this week that highlighted the politics of good catholic priests who pursue social justice as opposed to promoting the pro-life agenda as the be all, end all of catholocism.

[Anonymous]

The Catechism will definitely give you the "cliff notes" version of the Catholic faith. You can also read the Profession of Faith which we (Catholics) say at Mass each Sunday which summarizes our beliefs.

Also, keep in mind that there are also Bzyantine Catholics and Greek Orthodox Catholic in addition to the "common" Roman Catholic.
Not sure, which "catholic" you were referring to OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have to echo what some PPs have said, just check out a few different churches and see what they are all about. I was raised Episcopal, that was all I knew. I was a blend for my parents, my mom Catholic and my dad raised Baptist. However, I never had a connection with God via the Episcopal Church. It was dry and we just went through the motions. When I married my DH he came from a UCC Church and after spending time and different churches we ended up at a Methodist one. We ended up there because Children out number adults 1.5:1, therefore there are TONS of activities for the kids and the average age of members is 32. It is wonderful to be at a young church, there is always something going on and new people to meet. Also, the service is more "spiritual" than the Episcopal church I was used to and really focuses on the personal connection you make with God. Most importantly, the sermons are really interesting and I look forward to hearing the pastor preach. I also like the fact that they leave politics completely out of the church, which is important to me because I am SICK AND TIRED of politics.

Your church sounds like just what I am looking for. Do you mind giving the name? We have small kids and would like a youthful church. Haven't had much luck thus far finding one though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have to echo what some PPs have said, just check out a few different churches and see what they are all about. I was raised Episcopal, that was all I knew. I was a blend for my parents, my mom Catholic and my dad raised Baptist. However, I never had a connection with God via the Episcopal Church. It was dry and we just went through the motions. When I married my DH he came from a UCC Church and after spending time and different churches we ended up at a Methodist one. We ended up there because Children out number adults 1.5:1, therefore there are TONS of activities for the kids and the average age of members is 32. It is wonderful to be at a young church, there is always something going on and new people to meet. Also, the service is more "spiritual" than the Episcopal church I was used to and really focuses on the personal connection you make with God. Most importantly, the sermons are really interesting and I look forward to hearing the pastor preach. I also like the fact that they leave politics completely out of the church, which is important to me because I am SICK AND TIRED of politics.

Your church sounds like just what I am looking for. Do you mind giving the name? We have small kids and would like a youthful church. Haven't had much luck thus far finding one though.

Its in Loudoun....you are probably not close by. Its a really low key church, just good feelings all around. Nothing too far right or too far left. Their website is slow today, but here it is http://www.galileeumc.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The term "cafeteria catholic" was coined by right-wing nutjobs in an effort to guilt catholics into perpetuating intolerant beliefs from the olden days. There are many catholics (myself included) who take offense at the term. You don't have to blindly follow outdated teachings and intolerant behavior in order to be a "good catholic." In fact, there was a cool article in the Post this week that highlighted the politics of good catholic priests who pursue social justice as opposed to promoting the pro-life agenda as the be all, end all of catholocism.

I don't think the Pope would agree with you.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't care less what the Pope has to say. He isn't equipped to pass judgment on me, and he certainly cannot tell me that I am not a Catholic. I've dedicated my life to serving the poor and pursuing social justice -- can he say the same (with his fancy red Prada shoes

What does the Pope know about the difficult decision some women have to face when told the baby they are carrying is missing half its brain and likely won't survive? Last time I checked, the Pope didn't have a uterus. And even so, how can anyone pass judgment on a person -- any person -- ever? Aren't religious folks supposed to refrain from passing judgment? Good catholics do not judge others.

What does the Pope know about marriage -- hetero or homo? Last time I checked, he's never been married.

What does the Pope know about stem cell research? Last time I checked, he hadn't earned any degrees in the science field.

What does the Pope know about contraception? Clearly nothing.

I have to say that when JP II died I was pulling for the priest from Africa to be his replacement -- I hoped that he would shift the church's focus to social justice issues. Maybe our next Pope will lead us back to our community service and social justice roots.