In today's paper, there was an article about a study done, in part, on religion in this country. It claimed that more and more people are moving from the religion they were brought up in to another (Protestant to non-denominational) or from a religion to not practicing one at all. So my question to you is, are you practicing the religion you were brought up in? Not practicing? Didn't practice a religion growing up but now you are? Just wondering!
I was baptized Catholic but didn't go to church growing up. It wasn't until I met my husband-to-be that I started going to church and receiving my sacraments. We've been pretty adamant that our kids go to church regularly, but now find ourselves transitioning from one Catholic church to another mainly because of disagreements I have with our particular church. I tend to have a different approach to religion than others because of the way I was brought up. My faith needs to be fed by a priest who can relate to me how my religion pertains to my everyday world. Others I know, who were brought up in the church from day one, just accept the church as is and ignore the politics of it. I cannot do this. I wonder how many people who move between religions do so because of issues like these? Or, is it just that society doesn't place such an emphasis on staying with one church, but allows the freedom to worship as one needs to. Hmmm...?
I was raised Methodist but
I was raised Methodist but we attend a Lutheran church in Scottsdale. It's a member of the ELCA. We love our church and we get "fed" every Sunday.
AzSpaDiva
Spa Girlfriend Parties!
www.spaescapescottsdale.com
I was brought up
I was brought up Episcopalian and am actively attending an Episcopal church in Litchfield Park. We actually have a lot of ex-Catholics at our church for many of the reasons you described (politics, the priests, etc). The service itself is very similar to the Catholic service, but it is a very loving and accepting church and they really try to make an atmosphere of family there with a lot of family activities, bible studies, and other ministries to get people involved.
I was baptized in a
I was baptized in a Presbyterian Church and remain in that church today, however my parents have changed to a United Church of Christ.
I just had coffee with a man from my church who was actually a Baptist Minister but left because of disagreements with policies/politics within that religion. We were meeting to discuss justice issues and a document entitled The Phoenix Affirmation, which focuses on a Christians' call to love God, love neighbor and love self.
Many of my friends are very turned off by modern religion, which they see (rightly, I think) as sometimes unconnected to modern faith. Most are spiritual, most are Christians, but they balk at accepting any certain religion in its entirety, no questions asked. They, like me, have lots of questions.
Many felt alienated by the political concept of "family values" and how those who coined the term tried (very successfully) to attach that to certain political attitudes. I found very little of what I understand Jesus' message to be in that particular attitude. And happily our family has its own "family values"
which we feel are still squarely based on what Jesus has taught.
This is a concept I think about a lot, so I am glad you posed the question Molly. I could go on and on, but will spare you! lol.
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
I loved your answer because
I loved your answer because it's exactly what I've been thinking. I think about my friends who can operate daily on pure faith in God and me, who's constantly asking questions and challenging what I hear at church. Maybe I approach things in too black and white a manner. I envy those who can accept their faith without question, but I don't feel, like they do, that I have to go to church to be a good person. Is there a difference between being a good person and a good Christian? I don't know. I raise my kids in the church, I emphasize values that the church values, but I don't feel connected to the church in any meaningful way. One of the reasons why I make my kids go to church, and the Catholic one in particular, is that I am hoping that they will be able to connect to it on a personal level. I think there's some security to that that I don't have. And yes, I do feel alienated by the politics of the church and my faith. There is a serious disconnect there for me. I wonder if the people who move from church to church, from religion to religion are feeling the same sort of things, too. If you look on the bright side, maybe instead of just dropping out of church altogether, more people are willing to search for what suits them spiritually. That's a good thing, I think!
You don't have to be a good
You don't have to be a good Christian to be a good person and going to church doesn't make you a christian, it just makes you a person who goes to church. A christian is someone who has asked Christ to be there personal savior.
It is normal to wrestle with your feelings about God, Jesus and Faith. The bible has several stories in it when this has happened. Jacob wrestled with God in Genesis. Jesus's disciples wrestled with it when Jesus was crucified but before he rose and appeared to him.
It is obvious to me that Jesus is calling you to learn more about Him. The same thing happened to me about 12 years ago. I took the challenge, started reading the Bible (a must if you want to understand being a Christian) and learned what i meant to follow Him. You have a God sized hole in your heart and He wants to fill it.
Me, I still struggle with sin and always will. I still have my doubts at times and know that is normal. Christians are not perfect, only forgiven.
I suggest you go get Josh McDowells book "More Than a Carpenter". In fact if you message me privately and give me your address I'd love to mail you a copy.
Teresa C.
AzSpaDiva
Spa Girlfriend Parties!
www.spaescapescottsdale.com
I was brought up Catholic
I was brought up Catholic and have stayed Catholic. I have found that throughout the years (esp. in my mid- 20s) there were periods of time when I took a short break...at least... until I found a Catholic church I could relate to. I have come to figure out that (at least in the Catholic faith) that various churches may practice 'catholic' faith but that it varies to different degrees based on the church. Some are very orthodox types and others much more casual. I tend to find the church that meets my needs and really try to keep the politics at a distance (which is very much so a part of the Catholic faith) and focus on the spirituality aspect of my faith. I have never said I was extremely 'religious', but I can honestly say I am 'spiritual' and I think regardless of which religion one picks...they can be spiritual in their own way. Now, that i have children we take them to church frequently (mostly because I sometimes think my husband is more 'religious' than me and makes it a point to get our oldest son up and dressed for mass.) I enjoy going also, but am a little more relaxed on attendance. I am not one to judge anyone...so I think many have to find what feels comfortable with them and practice in the fashion that feels natural and right.
LisaMommy is a discussion leader in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area for arizonamoms.com. Her children are ages 5 months and 3.
I was raised Methodist, and
I was raised Methodist, and my husband was raied Quaker (we are from Pennsylvania, land of Quakers and Methodists). I've felt no need to convert him nor he me because the base values are the same (although the execution of each religion is very different). We are raising our kids "Me-Quake", they've been baptized Methodist, because the Quakers don't baptize, but are being brought up in both faiths, and yes, our Methodist minister knows this, and no, she doesn't have a problem with it.
Both faiths are "Free Will Protestant" and my husband and I are concerned that the rising religions do not seem to be based on the concept of free will. Free Will is probably the greatest concept to come out of the Enlightenment, it would be genuinely sad if we lost that.