Playing off Lent thread, what religion are you?

[CEO2044]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll look up Cavins.

By the way, a good friend who is also Catholic told me years ago that the best case scenario for me was to have attended a Jesuit-run school when I was high school age.

He concluded that I would either be a committed Catholic or an Agnostic.

I can shoot some more suggestions your way if he doesn’t work out. But I like that he’s so easily accessible and I think he will appeal to you. And he was a Protestant pastor for several years, as well, before coming back to his faith.

Your friend is probably right! I pray you come our way.

 

[ckDOG]

I’ve said it before but being on the spectrum I’m prone to be very logical…

I struggle when it comes to comprehending the concept of faith.

Ignorant churchgoers often told me that I can’t be logical and had to have faith.

They also disregarded my questions which stemmed from logic…

So I don’t consider myself welcome

Do you have any Unitarian Universalist options near you? Could be of interest to you.

 

[FormerBully]

The only Protestant denomination that has grown in the last 2 years is the conservative branch of Presbyterians. I could find where I read that but I’m too lazy.

I have seen it in a few spots. The growth is happening in more traditional churches. Reformed Baptist are seeing growth, but the death of SBC, seeker friendly churches is over shadowing it. A lot of Baptist (Non-Dom) with the lights and shows are dying because people can find entertainment other places. They want answers and not a rock concert with a feel good sermon.

 

[FormerBully]

Young men especially for the Catholic church— it was some insane number I saw, well over 100%.

Many are going to churches that have the traditional Latin mass. A lot of people these days seem to be craving the order and structure the church provides— what I’ve read, not my theory. They are particularly drawn to the traditions.

I love to see it. I have noticed our church has been more crowded this year and we have a decent number of people converting in this OCIA class- several with young families. I’ve also noted women starting to veil and more taking the Eucharist by mouth.

I am Protestant, but have a lot of Catholic friends. My former boss was one of the best men I knew and was Catholic. I think people are wanting answers and hope. The world and social media has torn people apart and they seek truth. The seeker friendly churches are to much like the world and people want church. I had a call two weeks ago from a church wanting to replace their worship center with an actual traditional sanctuary.

 

[L4Dawg]

Attendance in our (Presbyterian) church is up almost 20% in the last 3 years. Its very encouraging. We are running out of room. Not only has Church attendance gone up we have had to add Sunday School classes and every class room is nearly full every week. Hoping this is a trend everywhere.

Opposite in ours unfortunately

 

[L4Dawg]

Highly likely to convert to Orthodox Christian.

Why? The Russia link is not good.

 

[FreeDawg]

I both can see that and hate that. I’m sorry. If you’re open to it, I would find a few Bible scholars and read their books.

The Hallow app is Catholic, but Jeff Cavins is great with that kind of stuff. He also has a podcast. I’m a big Father Mike Schmitz fan, but I think Cavins would appeal more to your logical side.

I think logic and faith can go hand in hand. Some of the greatest scientists in history were monks- hell, some became saints. You need someone that can speak on your wavelength.

Fr Burke Masters on YouTube is great & you get the MSU angle bonus

 

[Bulldog from Birth]

Just make sure that whatever church or denomination you join, whether it’s Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. preaches THIS gospel truth, which is the only one that leads to eternal life.

 

[HailStout]

I’ve said it before but being on the spectrum I’m prone to be very logical…

I struggle when it comes to comprehending the concept of faith.

Ignorant churchgoers often told me that I can’t be logical and had to have faith.

They also disregarded my questions which stemmed from logic…

So I don’t consider myself welcome

Yep.

Part of the problem with living in the Bible Belt is people truly cannot understand not being all about Jesus. It’s like you tell them you don’t eat or breathe. It doesn’t make sense to them. Because of that the conversations are often condescending. Not on purpose, but they are.

a

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

I have seen it in a few spots. The growth is happening in more traditional churches. Reformed Baptist are seeing growth, but the death of SBC, seeker friendly churches is over shadowing it. A lot of Baptist (Non-Dom) with the lights and shows are dying because people can find entertainment other places. They want answers and not a rock concert with a feel good sermon.

I certainly haven't done any research, to me it seems the "mega church" model is doing pretty well. Within 5 miles of each other in Flowood, there are two mega churches that seem to be thriving. Pre covid I was a semi regular attender of one of those churches.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Do you have any Unitarian Universalist options near you? Could be of interest to you.

There are but past interactions with members were underwhelming…

Imagine a Superman Bizarro world Free State of Jones…

I’m not saying that they are all like that; however, ignorance ain’t limited to just one sector…

 

[M R DAWGS]

I don’t get caught up in denominations. Knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior by studying his teachings and believing that He, the son of God, gave it all so that we sinners and losers can gain eternal life with Him is what matters. I believe it happened and that He was who He said He was.

The traditions and order of services don’t trump that core belief in my mind.

I’m very flawed, but believe this to be true.

 

[RotorHead]

Raised southern Baptist, but have spent the better part of the past decade questioning things. Don’t confuse that with me questioning the existence of Christ, more of the theology of the SBC. In a weird sense, I think I align more with Presbyterian liturgy and theology; sans the whole pre-selection bit. Jesus is the way, truth, and life, and none come to the Father except through him…..aside from that, kool-aid is kool-aid regardless of your preferred flavor

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

I am Christian… denomination is Baptist due to greatest alignment with beliefs but I think we need to drop the denominations and focus on Jesus

I grew up in the Catholic church. Wife is Baptist. By the time I had kids I wasn't doing church anymore so the kids did Baptist. My oldest daughter when she was about 10 came home crying from vacation bible school. The topic of the class that day was how all the other Christian religions were wrong and the "teacher" was particularly tough on Catholicism. My wife went the next day and really told them off about why are they $hitting on other Christian religions. My daughter never went back to church after that.

 

[paindonthurt]

I am Christian… denomination is Baptist due to greatest alignment with beliefs but I think we need to drop the denominations and focus on Jesus

Same

 

[paindonthurt]

Because those aren’t religions. They are simply wrong.*****

I mean they are still religions

 

[paindonthurt]

I’m considering it. I also consider them all Christian. Catholicism is the OG at least. I hear I am not alone in this.

You don’t need a priest to speak to god or be forgiven!!

 

[TaleofTwoDogs]

I'm a non-reformed Bulldogian, plagued to suffer eternally. I guess that makes me an "other".

 

[HotMop]

What about Scientology?

 

[Dawg Raid]

Just make sure that whatever church or denomination you join, whether it’s Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. preaches THIS gospel truth, which is the only one that leads to eternal life.

Amen

 

[CEO2044]

You don’t need a priest to speak to god or be forgiven!!

The sacrament is a gift from God and it’s very powerful. I just did my first real confession ever Thursday where I didn’t hold anything back out of shame. I didn’t realize how much I’d been holding on to by doing just as you said. Big difference for me.

I would challenge you to listen to what Father Mike says above on it and continue learning about it if you don’t understand it— that includes many Catholics who feel the same (which included me for a LONG time).

 

[CEO2044]

I am Protestant, but have a lot of Catholic friends. My former boss was one of the best men I knew and was Catholic. I think people are wanting answers and hope. The world and social media has torn people apart and they seek truth. The seeker friendly churches are to much like the world and people want church. I had a call two weeks ago from a church wanting to replace their worship center with an actual traditional sanctuary.

Agree. The world feels more volatile than ever and there don’t seem to be any morals or standards any more. People want to be grounded in something and most of us crave structure and community.

I think it’s very interesting from a Catholic position to see so many returning to the stricter practices of pre-Vatican II. I feel that pull myself, and if you had told me that even 5 years ago, I would have laughed at you.

 

[bulldoghair]

I’m a Christian — specifically a Christian universalist.
I believe Jesus is Lord and Savior, and that in the end God will reconcile and restore all things through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

Absolutely, God did originally create you as the greatest Archangel in Heaven. Too bad you screwed up and got kicked out. But go ahead and answer. You and your Demons have been very busy since then and have done a bang-up job here on earth. Enjoy it til the very end. Then, you and your team will crash hard and burn spectacularly........forever.

A few points, and out of nothing but the love of conjecture and verbal joust. First, I would argue that my demons and I have done far less than you are giving us credit for. News flash most of the evil that humanity has experienced. It is also solely responsible for. I understand that I am a convenient scape goat, and all, but I think you are giving me far too much credit.

Second, I love the whole I am destined to lose argument? According to whom? The same forces I rebelled against. I would say consider the source before just chalking up my loss. I will give you round one did not go so well. You speak as though the end frightens me. I have never fought for victory, only for defiance.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

Pretty sure you're all of them...except mine***

Always a brides maid never a bride kind of thing? I do tend to make a lot of appearances.

 

[Bobby Ricigliano]

taking the Eucharist by mouth.

Is there another way?

 

[Raiderdawg]

I think the Bible is clear. Drinking isn’t a sin. But being a drunk is.

This drinking conversation reminds me of the old joke I learned growing up in a Baptist church.

How do you keep a Baptist from drinking all your beer? Invite two of them.

 

[FreeDawg]

You don’t need a priest to speak to god or be forgiven!!

Catholics do not believe you need a priest to “speak to god”. They do practice the sacrament of confession for mortal sin. Practically, it’s just accountability. Similar to my friends at the larger Baptist churches who have small groups and accountability partners (albeit outside of absolution).

Anyone can not agree with that tradition, and that’s fine, but we also must be very careful with the idea of all we have to do is privately ask for forgiveness & we’re automatically forgiven with no consequence. If I was an alcoholic and that negatively impacted my wife & kids, I can ask for forgiveness from Jesus and be forgiven but that doesn’t undo all the damage my sin caused and shield me from earthly accountability. That thinking leads you to be a Hugh Freeze sleazeball.

 

[CEO2044]

Is there another way?

Receiving it on the tongue vs receiving it in the hand is what I meant.

 

[Raiderdawg]

Related question: How do you choose what you believe? For example try believing 2+2=5 at least just for an hour or so. Not just say it. I mean truly believe it. Never has made sense to me that a person can choose to believe or not.

I highly recommend Jonathan Haidt’s book, the righteous mind.

He doesn’t get into if a given religion is true or false, but religions role in moral psychology.

 

[paindonthurt]

The sacrament is a gift from God and it’s very powerful. I just did my first real confession ever Thursday where I didn’t hold anything back out of shame. I didn’t realize how much I’d been holding on to by doing just as you said. Big difference for me.

I would challenge you to listen to what Father Mike says above on it and continue learning about it if you don’t understand it— that includes many Catholics who feel the same (which included me for a LONG time).

You can do that without a priest

 

[Dawg Raid]

One of the things I have questions about with the catholic way of thinking is praying to and/or through people such as Mary. I haven’t found that in the scripture but would like to hear what Catholics understand about it.

 

[bulldoghair]

A few points, and out of nothing but the love of conjecture and verbal joust. First, I would argue that my demons and I have done far less than you are giving us credit for. News flash most of the evil that humanity has experienced. It is also solely responsible for. I understand that I am a convenient scape goat, and all, but I think you are giving me far too much credit.

Second, I love the whole I am destined to lose argument? According to whom? The same forces I rebelled against. I would say consider the source before just chalking up my loss. I will give you round one did not go so well. You speak as though the end frightens me. I have never fought for victory, only for defiance.

“The cross of Christ has benefited not only the earth but also heaven… and every creature has been purified by the blood of his Lord. Therefore in the restoration of all things, when the true physician, Jesus Christ, has come to heal the body of the whole church, every being… will receive his due place… What I am saying is, the fallen angels will become as they were created…

…The apostate angels, and the prince of this world, and Lucifer, the morning star, though now ungovernable, licentiously wandering about, and plunging themselves into the depths of sin, shall in the end embrace the happy dominion of Christ and his saints…. No rational creature before God will perish forever.” - St. Jerome

“Christ… not only delivers man from evil, but also heals the very inventor of evil.” - Gregory of Nyssa

 

[CEO2044]

You can do that without a priest

Sure you can, but you’re not doing it the way God intended and you’re asking for Him to take an extraordinary measure. Plus you’re still probably carrying it around. God never intended for us to handle mortal sin by ourselves on this Earth- He specifically gave that authority to the priests to help and act in persona Christi.

You could technically dunk yourself in some holy water too and say the words a priest or pastor would to baptize yourself, but I bet you don’t.

 

[msudawg1200]

I am Christian… denomination is Baptist due to greatest alignment with beliefs but I think we need to drop the denominations and focus on Jesus

^This. I'm Southern Baptist, but when people ask me what I am I say Christian which is what we all hopefully are.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

“The cross of Christ has benefited not only the earth but also heaven… and every creature has been purified by the blood of his Lord. Therefore in the restoration of all things, when the true physician, Jesus Christ, has come to heal the body of the whole church, every being… will receive his due place… What I am saying is, the fallen angels will become as they were created…

…The apostate angels, and the prince of this world, and Lucifer, the morning star, though now ungovernable, licentiously wandering about, and plunging themselves into the depths of sin, shall in the end embrace the happy dominion of Christ and his saints…. No rational creature before God will perish forever.” - St. Jerome

“Christ… not only delivers man from evil, but also heals the very inventor of evil.” - Gregory of Nyssa

It is always fun when AI weighs in. So, according to some I am going to be destroyed. And others say I will be brought back into the light. It is almost as if no one really knows what will happen.

 

[Villagedawg]

One of the things I have questions about with the catholic way of thinking is praying to and/or through people such as Mary. I haven’t found that in the scripture but would like to hear what Catholics understand abou

Asking Mary to intercede (pray) on your behalf is no different than asking your preacher or friend to pray for you.

 

[Dawg Raid]

Asking Mary to intercede (pray) on your behalf is no different than asking your preacher or friend to pray for you.

Never asked someone who has slipped into eternity to pray for me. Just one of those things I’ll probably never understand, especially the repetitive nature

 

[TroyMcClure2025]

Sounds like most folks here will believe anything as long as it’s not in the Bible.

 

[Villagedawg]

Never asked someone who has slipped into eternity to pray for me. Just one of those things I’ll probably never understand, especially the repetitive nature

Maybe it’s not so strange if you truly believe those people really are still “alive” and are literally with God unlike your friend or preacher. Repetition is like a meditation/contemplation.

ETA: I think all religious practice not our own can seem strange and senseless until you think about the fact that almost all Christians believe a man 2000 years ago was killed by the Romans, came back alive, then flew up into the air to heaven and that only by believing this can you make up for your transgression of thinking dirty thoughts and fibbing on your taxes.