Oldest Sister

[sandstorm7]

I'm the oldest of five kids- my 4 and 6 year old brothers, 10 year old sister, and 16 year old brother. We were all brought up as Catholics and, since being saved a few months ago, I have stopped going to church with my family so that I can attend a non-denominational church that I feel is more encouraging to my faith. My parents are both really supportive about the change in my life, but are torn because my siblings have been asking a lot of questions.

I am definitely a strong influence for my younger siblings, especially the little ones. They want to know why I don't go to church with them anymore. I want to continue going to set an example for them, but the service times of the two churches conflict. I've been spending a lot of time with my 6 year old brother explaining all the changes in my life, reading him the bible, and explaining that Jesus died for our sins. I think that, although my parents are supportive with everything, they may be feeling slightly uncomfortable with this. My mother is a very strong Catholic and it can sometimes be difficult when we bring up our faith and why I no longer consider myself a Catholic. I think she is worried about the things I have been teaching my younger siblings. I try to explain to her and give her some understanding, but it is difficult. I don't want to upset my mother, but at the same time I think that proper teaching about God and the bible is lacking in my house. It is still taught, but it is definitely not a focus and I want to change that. But at the same time, I don't want to put any strain on my relationship with my mother by stepping on her toes too much. Any opinions?

 

[Shard]

Mainly because of the fact that I feel catholicism misses the mark on true christianity, i would continue with what you are doing.

 

[Cleante]

To make it clear. I am not a Roman Catholic and I am not endorsing the Roman Catholic Church or any other Church for that matter. I am Greek Orthodox, which explains why I have left out "proceeds from the Father and the Son" out of the Nicene Creed below.

What exact issues made you leave the Roman Catholic Church? I find that most people leave their own church because they fail to understand their church. This is probably the number one reason why Catholics leave the Roman Catholic Church, a lack of a proper catechesis. I do not want to get involved in a theological debate, that is what the bible discussion room is for, but I would suggest writing down your issues and investigating them on your own. I also find that people who come from High-church traditions that do not understand the spirituality of such services are drawn by the emotionalism provided by Low-church traditions.

I also find it a little arrogant that the second statement of your opening paragraph suggests that Roman Catholics are not "saved." Again, I will not get into a theological debate over this. However, I believe that Roman Catholics are indeed saved.

,but at the same time I think that proper teaching about God and the bible is lacking in my house.

What is the proper teaching about God? I would think that it would be the Nicene Creed the Roman Catholic Church professes at every Mass. Everything in bold is the belief of the God-head.

"I believe in one, God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made:
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.
And he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And the third day He rose again, according to the scriptures;
And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;
And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life. Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. [View this link in regard to this - Four Marks of the Church - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ]
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead.
And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

Just some things to reflect on. May the Lord bless and keep you and keep you attentive to Σοφία. (Wisdom)

 

[Kathleen]

keep going to the church u are going to. As Shard says - i too belive that it misses the mark on true christiany - with praying to mary, the pope the head of the church ect..

Jesus said to preach to everyone. and you should carry on doing it. You should love no one greater than the love you have for the Lord, and you should try and get your little brothers and sister saved aswell. For there sake, dont be afraid of upsetting your mum.

God Bless

 

[sandstorm7]

I also find it a little arrogant that the second statement of your opening paragraph suggests that Roman Catholics are not "saved." Again, I will not get into a theological debate over this. However, I believe that Roman Catholics are indeed saved.

I did not intend to sound that way, so I apologize if I did. I simply said that I found another church more encouraging to my faith. My mother was saved around the same age I was, and she found strength within the Catholic church. I told her that I understood and respect that, but that I feel the need to try out other churches and I found that strength elsewhere. I don't think she fully understands my reasons for not wanting to attend the Catholic church any longer, but she respects and supports it which is all I ask.

However I think that, because she doesn't fully understand, she is worried that I am going to make it appear to my siblings that I don't like the Catholic church and that is why I no longer attend it with them. That isn't true at all nor is that my intention. So to clarify, no I do not believe that Roman Catholics are not "saved". I have no doubt that my mother is. I just don't happen to agree with some of the things that are taught, which is why I have chosen to go elsewhere. I think that everything is so much clearer to me now in this new church and I want to express the impact it has all had on me with my siblings. But at the same time, I don't want to go against my mother's wishes.

 

[sandstorm7]

What is the proper teaching about God? I would think that it would be the Nicene Creed the Roman Catholic Church professes at every Mass.

The proper teaching I was referring to wasn't the "right" teaching it was simply teaching itself. I believe that teaching about God and the bible is really lacking in my household- there is no focus there. And I want to bring that into my family. I don't see what is wrong with that, I just need to be careful not to cause conflict with my parents. I think you were slightly close-minded when reading my post, but I still thank you for your reply. God bless you!

 

[Cleante]

The proper teaching I was referring to wasn't the "right" teaching it was simply teaching itself. I believe that teaching about God and the bible is really lacking in my household- there is no focus there. And I want to bring that into my family. I don't see what is wrong with that, I just need to be careful not to cause conflict with my parents. I think you were slightly close-minded when reading my post, but I still thank you for your reply. God bless you!

Well Sandstorm, if you want to bring the right teaching in your household then become orthodox. The word Orthodox comes from the Greek Orthodoxos which means Right-praise or Right-worship. I'm just kidding though. Don't take that statement as a call to conversion. I'm not here to do that.

You do not have to speak to teach. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel always, using words if necessary." Teach with your actions. I come from a very diverse religious background in terms of my family. My sister is Baptist. My mother is Roman Catholic. I am Greek Orthodox. Has there been close mindedness when it comes to acknowledging the difference between the denominations? Yes. Has there been close mindedness when it comes to teaching the gospel by living the gospel? No. That is the best advice I can give you.

 

[sandstorm7]

Well Sandstorm, if you want to bring the right teaching in your household then become orthodox. The word Orthodox comes from the Greek Orthodoxos which means Right-praise or Right-worship. I'm just kidding though. Don't take that statement as a call to conversion. I'm not here to do that.

You do not have to speak to teach. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel always, using words if necessary." Teach with your actions. I come from a very diverse religious background in terms of my family. My sister is Baptist. My mother is Roman Catholic. I am Greek Orthodox. Has there been close mindedness when it comes to acknowledging the difference between the denominations? Yes. Has there been close mindedness when it comes to teaching the gospel by living the gospel? No. That is the best advice I can give you.

Of course I am trying to teach the gospel through the way I live. But I also see importance in teaching young children about God and about the bible. My parents sometimes become so overwhelmed with all of life's little worries, especially having five relatively young children, that I've noticed there really isn't much teaching going on. I am trying to set a good example for them through my actions, but I also feel that it is necessary for them to recieve some verbal teaching about God and about His word. Do you not agree?

 

[Cleante]

Of course I am trying to teach the gospel through the way I live. But I also see importance in teaching young children about God and about the bible. My parents sometimes become so overwhelmed with all of life's little worries, especially having five relatively young children, that I've noticed there really isn't much teaching going on. I am trying to set a good example for them through my actions, but I also feel that it is necessary for them to recieve some verbal teaching about God and about His word. Do you not agree?

I believe that children imitate what they see and learn from that. You can show a small child that 2+2=4, but do they truly understand the concept or are they imitating what they saw? Imitation over time becomes behavior. I'm no child psychologist though, so don't take my word from it.

The question I have is what specifically are you teaching about God and the Holy Scriptures that is upsetting your mom?

 

[jwsavedbychrist]

If you are more comfortable at the non-denominational church and know it strengthens your faith more, I'd keep doing what you're doing.

 

[charisenexcelcis]

I think you should consider going to the Catholic church once a month with your family. That would ease your parents axiety, allow you to still attend where you are getting fed and express that you are not rejecting Christianity, only finding your own Christian faith.

 

[zeroturbulence]

What exact issues made you leave the Roman Catholic Church? I find that most people leave their own church because they fail to understand their church. This is probably the number one reason why Catholics leave the Roman Catholic Church, a lack of a proper catechesis. I do not want to get involved in a theological debate, that is what the bible discussion room is for, but I would suggest writing down your issues...

I completely agree. I happen to be a former agnostic who found Jesus 5 years ago, read the bible, listened to brilliant pastors, struggled with the decision to be non-denominational or to return to the faith of my upbringing..and decided wholeheartedly to return to my roman catholic faith AFTER researching the very things that I questioned about it. People really misunderstand the catholic church and I can see how it can easily be misunderstood.

Sandstorm7, if you would like to ask me any questions, please contact me in a PM and I will be more than glad to answer them.

 

[Saved_by_grace]

Keep praying, and pray even more than you ever have. Be an example of Christ to them, love on them, show them God's Word, you already know what to do

Be strong in His Grace

 

[paul1149]

I think you're doing well in that you're sensitive to the problem and can articulate it clearly. It's the old problem of when giving honor to man conflicts with what we think are our spiritual obligations to the Lord. If it comes to it, you must choose the Lord first, but so often He works by our submitting ourselves to authority regarding subordinate issues. 1Pe 3, I believe, talks about women saving their husbands without a word, due to their modest behavior and quiet spirit. Paul says to always have an ANSWER for the hope that lies within us. The implication there is that we are not to confuse improper aggressiveness with conviction and boldness concerning our faith.

Wisdom is the key. Wisdom will take all these principles and integrate them in a way that fits your particular situation. I pray that the Lord gives you the mind of Christ on this, and that He gives you favor in your family.

 

[Jullianna]

Go where you are being fed by the Holy Spirit of God and growing in your relationship with Christ, wherever that is. It's what's best for your life and will have a tremendous impact on your family when they see the growth in you. But, remember to honor your parents,especially in front of your sibs. Choose your words lovingly.

You are an amazing young lady! God bless