[lizwrenne]

i definately have not had that experience. sure, the parishes are larger, but i find them just as friendly as any other church that i would visit.

[Loreal]

I had the same problem with the Catholic parishes I went to also. I'm a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism. But when I started studying the Catholic faith and attending Mass regularly, I finally figured it out. Most Protestant churches are there to "entertain" their members, and have greeters and people that have that specific "job" in their church. Catholic's are at Mass for WORSHIP, not for entertainment. I go to Mass to worship my Lord and Savior, not to be bugged by people trying to get me to be in this group or that, nor do I want to bothered by someone "trying" to "be my friend" just because that's his/her job as a greeter. If I want to join a bible study group within our parish, it's info is in the bulletin. Then if I find someone I have something in common with, then I have found a true friend. My theory on the inpersonal way of the parishes I have attended, is that they are also there for worshipping, not for entertainment. I hope that helps your question. Yours in Christ Lori email 89lori@excite.com

[ICTHUS]

Originally Posted by Loreal

I had the same problem with the Catholic parishes I went to also. I'm a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism. But when I started studying the Catholic faith and attending Mass regularly, I finally figured it out. Most Protestant churches are there to "entertain" their members, and have greeters and people that have that specific "job" in their church. Catholic's are at Mass for WORSHIP, not for entertainment. I go to Mass to worship my Lord and Savior, not to be bugged by people trying to get me to be in this group or that, nor do I want to bothered by someone "trying" to "be my friend" just because that's his/her job as a greeter. If I want to join a bible study group within our parish, it's info is in the bulletin. Then if I find someone I have something in common with, then I have found a true friend. My theory on the inpersonal way of the parishes I have attended, is that they are also there for worshipping, not for entertainment. I hope that helps your question. Yours in Christ Lori email 89lori@excite.com

If you felt that your Lutheran church was trying to 'entertain' you rather than your pastor preaching the Word of God thoroughly and diligently and celebrating Sacraments with the same diligence...your church was dramatically different from the Lutheran church I have attended.

[Loreal]

Originally Posted by ICTHUS

If you felt that your Lutheran church was trying to 'entertain' you rather than your pastor preaching the Word of God thoroughly and diligently and celebrating Sacraments with the same diligence...your church was dramatically different from the Lutheran church I have attended.

I totally agree with you re: the Lutheran church. I did diligently celebrate our Sacraments and was confirmed in the Lutheran church. The Lutheran church that I belonged to did not try to entertain me. But then again, I haven't attended all the different Lutheran church synods out there. There are numerous sects that disagree about one thing or another. My answer to you was contained more in the "most Protestant churches", not all. "Most" does not mean all. I have been to alot of churches where the entertainment, musicians, the hours of sermons, and the so-called people that were assigned to "greet, push, entice" whatever you want to call it into their form of worship. I entered the Catholic faith because I found it to be the the fullfillment of what Christ intended, which is very biblical. The Lutheran church, didn't have what I believe is the TOTAL church that Christ founded 2000 years ago. But just to reply to you, my message was in the word "MOST" which means not all. I have great respect for all Christians, especially Anglicans, Lutherans, and any of the churches that have kept SOME of the sacraments. We need to all focus on One faith. Your's in Christ Loreal

[KFBobInsanesMom]

Originally Posted by Loreal

I had the same problem with the Catholic parishes I went to also. I'm a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism. But when I started studying the Catholic faith and attending Mass regularly, I finally figured it out. Most Protestant churches are there to "entertain" their members, and have greeters and people that have that specific "job" in their church. Catholic's are at Mass for WORSHIP, not for entertainment. I go to Mass to worship my Lord and Savior, not to be bugged by people trying to get me to be in this group or that, nor do I want to bothered by someone "trying" to "be my friend" just because that's his/her job as a greeter. If I want to join a bible study group within our parish, it's info is in the bulletin. Then if I find someone I have something in common with, then I have found a true friend. My theory on the inpersonal way of the parishes I have attended, is that they are also there for worshipping, not for entertainment. I hope that helps your question. Yours in Christ Lori email 89lori@excite.com

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss

1 Thess 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

I would say that those who " entertain" by greeting are correctly following the word of God. Two of my closest friends when I lived in VA were the husband and wife who greeted me when I first attended the church they were members of. Friendliness and words of welcome are not bad things.

It's sad that you had a bad experience ( it appears) at a non-Catholic church, but that is no reason to make an unfounded statement that " most Protestant churches are there to entertain". I have attended 9 different churches since I became a Christian 20 years ago, and never have I been " entertained". We worship God through singing, through the reading of His word, through prayer, through the teaching of His word, through communion, and through fellowship with other believers. Every last one of these parts of our service is scriptural. Are any of these things that the RCC does not do???

Sorry this is off topic, but I felt I needed to address such an unfounded statement against Protestant churches ( in fact, this post I am responding to is actually off topic.)

edit:I have started a thread in theology to address this post made by Loreal. It is "What constitutes worship in a church service" if anyone wishes to discuss this topic.

[Loreal]

Originally Posted by KFBobInsanesMom

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss

1 Thess 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

I would say that those who " entertain" by greeting are correctly following the word of God. Two of my closest friends when I lived in VA were the husband and wife who greeted me when I first attended the church they were members of. Friendliness and words of welcome are not bad things.

It's sad that you had a bad experience ( it appears) at a non-Catholic church, but that is no reason to make an unfounded statement that " most Protestant churches are there to entertain". I have attended 9 different churches since I became a Christian 20 years ago, and never have I been " entertained". We worship God through singing, through the reading of His word, through prayer, through the teaching of His word, through communion, and through fellowship with other believers. Every last one of these parts of our service is scriptural. Are any of these things that the RCC does not do???

Sorry this is off topic, but I felt I needed to address such an unfounded statement against Protestant churches ( in fact, this post I am responding to is actually off topic.)

edit:I have started a thread in theology to address this post made by Loreal. It is "What constitutes worship in a church service" if anyone wishes to discuss this topic.

'greeting' with a "hi, welcome" are much different than people "assigned" to that task. I personally know 3 different non RCC's that have that "job" in their church. They don't quit at that either, fill out this form, what's your address, phone number, and then, before you know it, the pastor of that church is driving up in your driveway. Greeting and being pushy are 2 different things. I enter my parish, if I recognize a person I will "greet" them with a hello, but I certainly don't kiss them! Once I enter and take my seat, all talking ceases, and my focus is on my worship. I'm a not there at Mass to socialize. If I want to enter into that then I will outside of the Mass. My 14 year old son will not go to Mass with me, although he goes to a very large congregation of a non-denominational church. He states it's because its fun, has a gym, and guitars, drums, and FUN things to do. He also states he doesn't have to kneel, get up and down, nor be quiet. He says he is there because he considers the Mass boring and not entertaining. Most of his friends have started going, because one of the kids that brings others get "points", and the most points earned gets a free X-box. Now to bribe a person to go to church is abhorable. They are "entertaining" these kids into there beliefs. Yours in Christ Loreal

[KFBobInsanesMom]

Originally Posted by Loreal

'greeting' with a "hi, welcome" are much different than people "assigned" to that task. I personally know 3 different non RCC's that have that "job" in their church. .... I enter my parish, if I recognize a person I will "greet" them with a hello, but I certainly don't kiss them! Yours in Christ Loreal

And what is wrong with it if it is " their job"? Has it ever occured to you that these people asked to have the position of " greeter"? Some people find it easy to greet those they do not know and make sure they know things such as " where is the nursery, the bathrooms, etc" and then there are those who have a hard time even saying " hi" to a stranger. It makes perfect sense to let those who have this ministry in their heart do it. One church I attended in the past had couples who wished to be part of this service to people to sign up and tell which week they knew they would definitely be at church. They were " assigned" a Sunday that fit with their availabilty . Being " assigned" a particular Sunday does not mean they were just doing it because they were told to.... they WANTED to do this.

You seem to make a lot of assumptions about things you do not know.

As to your comment " I certainly don't kiss them", how you deal with the passages I provided is certainly your choice, but perhaps you may wish to spend some time studying them .

[KFBobInsanesMom]

Originally Posted by Loreal

'. Most of his friends have started going, because one of the kids that brings others get "points", and the most points earned gets a free X-box. Now to bribe a person to go to church is abhorable. They are "entertaining" these kids into there beliefs. Yours in Christ Loreal

The kids going aren't being bribed as they are not the ones who will receive said X-box. Perhaps it is the attitude of your son that you need to question. Have you attended this church with your son? If not, you should.

If you wish to continue this discussion please come over to the theology forum as this is very off topic and does not belong here. Thanks

And if a mod could move these few posts over there I would appreciate it.

[mlove]

I'm not Catholic, but I have attended Catholic mass with friends. I really love the architecture and beauty of cathedrals, but I feel sort of lost in them. It might just have been that one place, but I didn't really feel the presence of Christ in that church. Everyone was sitting apart from eachother, making the pews seem really empty and unfriendly. I suppose I didn't really get the "full deal" from it though, since I didn't participate in the holy sacrifice, given I'm not Catholic.

Midnight mass was a whole different story though. The cathedral was completely packed, everyone seemed really happy to be celebrating Christ's birth, it was all really lively and great. Beautiful cathedral, too. They seem a lot friendlier when they're full.

[Pennypacker11]

Originally Posted by Loreal

I enter my parish, if I recognize a person I will "greet" them with a hello, but I certainly don't kiss them! Once I enter and take my seat, all talking ceases, and my focus is on my worship. I'm a not there at Mass to socialize.

I am not disagree with most of your post (especially not the whole bribing w/ an xbox thing, that is ridiculous), however, there is a sense that making people feel welcomed and getting to know other people brings a greater sense of the Body of Christ. Further, in the American Church, the stress is on my worship rather than our worship since we tend to be quite individualistic. Knowing the people around you and meeting them before mass can be a great way of building fellowship and know the person next you in mass, their joys and their sorrows, will help the corporate rather than individualistic worship.

Also, i agree that too many churches focus on entertainment too much; there is a fine line between playing music that encourages worship by not being too foreign to the believer's expereince and simply playing things that entertain.

[Loreal]

Originally Posted by KFBobInsanesMom

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss

1 Thess 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

I would say that those who " entertain" by greeting are correctly following the word of God. Two of my closest friends when I lived in VA were the husband and wife who greeted me when I first attended the church they were members of. Friendliness and words of welcome are not bad things.

It's sad that you had a bad experience ( it appears) at a non-Catholic church, but that is no reason to make an unfounded statement that " most Protestant churches are there to entertain". I have attended 9 different churches since I became a Christian 20 years ago, and never have I been " entertained". We worship God through singing, through the reading of His word, through prayer, through the teaching of His word, through communion, and through fellowship with other believers. Every last one of these parts of our service is scriptural. Are any of these things that the RCC does not do???

Sorry this is off topic, but I felt I needed to address such an unfounded statement against Protestant churches ( in fact, this post I am responding to is actually off topic.)

edit:I have started a thread in theology to address this post made by Loreal. It is "What constitutes worship in a church service" if anyone wishes to discuss this topic.

St Paul and St Peter were speaking to the churches that they were evangelizing to, and bringing the word regarding the New Covenant, Jesus to the world, the best they could. Do you wear a veil in Mass? That's also in the scripture. I could go on and on, but right not do not have the time. Oh by the way, I do cover my head in Mass. Loreal

[Loreal]

Originally Posted by Loreal

St Paul and St Peter were speaking to the churches that they were evangelizing to, and bringing the word regarding the New Covenant, Jesus to the world, the best they could. Do you wear a veil in Mass? That's also in the scripture. I could go on and on, but right not do not have the time. Oh by the way, I do cover my head in Mass. Loreal

Also if you have been to so many Protestant churches where all you do is worship the Lord and praise him, then why not just go to any church, maybe the one closest to your home, or the one across the street, if they all praise and worship the Lord like they should. There is more to worshipping the Lord then singing, dancing, etc. I practice the sacraments and the church Christ founded 2000 years ago, not one who lets anyone interpet the bible the way they "feel" is right. That's why we have the Pope and magistrarium (sp). Greeters are fine as long as their not pushy. I too have been to many more Protestant churches in my 50 years, and they will let anyone interpet Sacred Scripture just the way they "feel" it. They call it a "personal" thing between them and God. That's why we have more then 3000 different sects out their, because not everyone agrees, hence the Pope and magistrarium. Your's in Christ, Loreal

[Loreal]

Originally Posted by KFBobInsanesMom

The kids going aren't being bribed as they are not the ones who will receive said X-box. Perhaps it is the attitude of your son that you need to question. Have you attended this church with your son? If not, you should.

If you wish to continue this discussion please come over to the theology forum as this is very off topic and does not belong here. Thanks

And if a mod could move these few posts over there I would appreciate it.

I would not because I am RCC not a non-denomiational who's views can be interpreted to mean anything the person wants. I will continue to attend the church Christ founded 2000 years ago. Loreal

[KFBobInsanesMom]

Originally Posted by Loreal

I would not because I am RCC not a non-denomiational who's views can be interpreted to mean anything the person wants. I will continue to attend the church Christ founded 2000 years ago. Loreal

But it's fine to send your son there????? Odd form of parenting.

This is a Catholic forum, but when you start bad mouthing " most Protestant" churches for no reason then I feel I have the right to comment on what you said.

[2ManArmy]

I'm sorry you were offended, KFBobInsanesMom. I don't exactly know what's going on in this discussion, but I'd like to close the thread for today so that you can discuss this through PM.
God bless you.

Totus tuus,
Lauren