I'm 16 years old. My mom is Catholic and my dad is an Evangelical Protestant. I was baptized in the Catholic church when I was a baby. Since then, however, I've been educated in both faiths. I've had to go to CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) and youth group at my dad's church. I can say I've gotten a lot more out of my dad's church spiritually. Everyone there is so kind and excited to learn about the greatness of God. It's fun and we learn about God at the same time. People actually want to be there.
The majority of the people at my CCD classes are atheists and don't know God at all. Everyone, including me, doesn't want to be there because it's almost a punishment. The setup there is very school-like and we're told what to do etc. People are only there because their parents force them. I too, do not enjoy CCD because the teachers are volunteers and don't know a lot about the Bible and in the past have said incorrect statements such as "we are the holy spirit".
Because of these experiences in my life, I had a very anti-Catholic mindset until recently. I did some research, and there are actually some things that I agree with. I think that the Catholic bible is accurate and should include the Deuterocanonical books. However, there are other things I don't agree with like the infallibility of the pope.
I feel like I'm kind of split on these issues. What would you advise me to do? Is there a happy medium? I'm not really set on a denomination/church right now.
I am a Christian and I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. I know that that alone is more important than any denomination or organization I'm a part of, but the Bible says to go to church and worship with other Christians. I'm not asking which group I should "dive" into for the first time. I was merely asking which denomination you think would be better for me to worship in. A lot is learned at church and I want to learn the right way.
Keep researching and schedule to talk to your priest and pastor. :-)
I'm Catholic and I love our Church and the teachings, but I do agree with you on the CCD part. Most of my CCD mates were just teens who showed up at church on Christmas and Easter. :-)
Also, for clarification, the infallibility of the pope means that he is infallible only when he speaks on matters of doctrine and morality ex Cather.
You're doing a great job researching so keep doing it and have fun. =)
I'm protestant to RC convert as an adult. So I can't relate to your CCD experience, but had many good experiences in protestant youth group (Southern Baptist).
But I know at my Catholic church, the youth just came back from a retreat. They told us of their experiences and it reminded me of my youth group experiences from my protestant youth. So maybe it's only at your parish? These youth were very sincere in their Catholic faith and had an evangelical/protestant sort of zeal to their experiences. Also when I attended RCIA, my instructors, also volunteers, were very informative. So it sounds like some issues going on at your parish. Maybe something you can help to resolve.
But at the end of the day, you have to make a decision on which one is correct, not which youth group to go to. I made this decision late in life and regret waiting so long. The sacrament of Eucharist alone is enough to decide one over the other.
Since you are educated in both faiths, you probably don't need any books, but if you do email me and I'll give you some references.
First of all, make clear yourself what you are looking for. What are you seeking? If you want to be a Christian and follow Christ neither isms(Catholicism or protestantism) will not help. Catholicism has got their own traditions and beliefs and protestantism has its own traditions. You have to seek and know the truth from the word of God. Find out some groups who love Jesus and follow him, and get their guidance. You should learn the word of God with the help of Holy Spirit. That only can lead you to the real truth.
Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. He saves us from sin and darkness and He is the Lord and He can lead us to a Holy Life by giving us His Holy Spirit. That is a very joyful experience.
I would look up all the differences between your dad's church and the Catholic Church and then decide from there. That's the only you will know for sure.
Stuck between Catholicism and Protestantism?
