Are there any reasons to choose Catholosism over any other Christian denomination?
401276
Catholicism is certainly a populous denomination, but your desire to find a church that suits God rather than one that suits yourself is the best starting point. \nBetween His resurrection and ascension, Jesus taught his apostles how churches should be organised. The events in the Acts of the Apostles and the New Testament letters describe the pattern of churches.\nMost denominations have websites that outline their basic doctrines, and by comparing these with the scriptures, you should be able to eliminate some and shortlist others.\nBy visiting some, you can check out scriptures like John 13 34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."\nMy personal recommendation would be the churches of God in the fellowship of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Their website shows their basic doctrines along with the scripture references to validate them, plus location and contact details.
1059286
Most Roman Catholics tend to be pretty conservative - I definitely am!!  You might want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information.
553825
Good Question.\n\nCatholicism does not teach "All non-Catholics are going to Hell" nor "All non-Christians are going to hell."\n\nCatholicism does teach salvation is through Jesus Christ.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about Baptism as the way to become Christian.  For non-Christians it talks about Baptism of desire.  That is, someone who spends their life searching for the truth, living an upright life, but has not not found and rejected the truth, has implicitly or at least is willing to accept the truth but dies first... has been baptized by desire.  \n\nGod has come for all, to save all, and those who do not know the truth through no fault of their own can not be condemned.\n\nHowever, as for a belief that Jesus is one an equal footing with leaders of other religions, this is wrong.  Only Jesus offer forgiveness for sins.  Only Jesus can live on in us, continuing to give Himself to us, as he does in the Eucharist.  Only Jesus is God.  The others may have been holy men.  But Jesus is man and God.  \n\nAnd the God of Christianity (And Catholics are Christian) is not the God of other religions.  E.I. we can know positive things about our God e.g. He is loving, He is kind, He is merciful ... Many religions, such as Buddhism, There is an Absolute of which we can know nothing, but we are part of that and we should be absorbed into it.\n\nThe religions don't mix.  Many inherent contradictions, though Bahai folks are no doubt well intended.  \n\nGood question.  Sorry, my answer is written quickly, and could be much better with more time.\n\nPeace be with you!
345303
Catholicism and Biblical Christianity are divergent religions. They are built on different foundations, and they propose different ways of salvation.\n\nIn principle, Christianity is built solely on the Holy Scriptures, the written Word of God. The Bible is our only infallible rule of faith, being sufficient to give us the sure knowledge of the Gospel for our salvation and holiness.\n\nRoman Catholicism demands submission of the intellect and will to the doctrines taught by the Roman magisterium (the Pope and bishops). It is claimed that the Catholic Church derives its doctrines from the "sacred deposit" found in Scriptures and Sacred Tradition. However the faithful cannot verify these doctrines by referring to the original sources. The Scriptures are inaccessible because only the magisterium is able to establish the authentic meaning. Similarly the contents of Sacred Tradition can only be known through the magisterium. Roman Catholicism is mental and spiritual slavery to the Vatican.\n\nAs expected, since the foundations are different, so also are the edifices built upon them. Christianity stands on the Gospel of God's sovereign grace. In love, God predestines His chosen ones to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, their sole mediator. The Son became man and gave His life as a ransom to secure their freedom from sin. Being dead in sin, they are completely unable to convert ourselves or merit God's favour. Therefore God graciously grants His people repentance and faith to turn to Him and trust in Christ Jesus for salvation. Believers are accepted in Christ, solely on the merit of His righteousness and blood, and not because of any goodness or human merit. God also resides in His people by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to obey and glorify the Father, and to guarantee their inheritance in heaven forever.\n\nRome's "gospel" is not good news at all. The Roman institution, calling itself "The Church", usurps Christ's mediatorial office, proclaiming herself as the "sacrament of salvation." The "Church" dispenses salvation to her faithful in small portions, starting at baptism and continuing throughout life. Forgiveness can only be obtained through the sacrament of penance. The benefits of Christ's sacrifice are accessible through the sacrifice of the Mass. Instead of teaching the faithful to rest in Christ by faith, Catholics are taught to perform religious works to "merit grace" and to do penance to make satisfaction. Even after death, Catholics remains dependent on the "Church" to relieve their suffering in Purgatory by masses and indulgences.\n\nThe Roman Catholic Church is a mighty obstacle to anyone seeking salvation, enslaving millions of people to a religious system and preventing them from coming directly to Christ.\n\nThe choice is between the Bible and the Roman magisterium; the choice is between salvation by grace through faith in Christ, or through human merit and effort in the Roman religion.
459682
dani-- I too want to do the samething. I thik I posted a very similar question a few weeks ago. And I've seen someone else post one just the same. One person said something to the effect of the catholic church takes number by who is actually a parishioner. But I think I know where you are coming from, I 've received all my sacraments and I want the catholic church to know so that they can see that there are people out there that have turned their back on the catholic church.  Usually the catholic church does not take into account the number pf people that have left and it should be time that anyone who no longer follows catholism should send a letter to their local catholic church declaring that they have walked away.\n\nOn a side note not only did I turn away from catholism but religion as a whole. I do not see the need for religion nor do I want to be part of any religion.  but that part is just me, not sure about you.\nin anycase here is an idea which I am planning on doing, just send a letter in a resignation format declaring that you have turned away from catholism and whatever else you want to say and conclude with I want my name removed from being a catholic.
395481
catholicism is one of the two major branches of christianity, the other being protestantism. protestantism was founded by martin luther in the 15th century as a rebellion against what he perceived as the corruption of the then-current christian church. he wanted christianity to focus more upon the teachings of the bible rather than those that the church had built upon them. this was called the reformation. the church responded to this with the counter-reformation, which gave rise to catholicism.\n\nthe current differences are that the catholics have a far greater canon than protestantism, for instance they believe in the power of the saints, the authority of the pope, and the divinity of mother mary, none of which is written in the bible. the pope is the highest authority for theological questions. the protestants, on the other hand, tend to keep their canon far simpler, and consider the bible to be the highest authority, and that it should be interpreted individually by each person. they also tend to view religion as more of an individual, personal affair -- a personal relationship with god, while for the catholics it is more of a structured, community affair.
874193
Well you're not really converting if you were already a Christian. Just choose whichever denomination you fell most comfortable with. None of them are perfect. Maybe you should tryout a few different ones to see what you might like.
333221
As people have said, Catholicism is just a specific type of Christianity.  As for the cross bit, many Protestants use crosses as opposed to crucifixes (the cross with Jesus on it) because of the commandment that says you shouldn't make any graven images.  Catholics interpret this to mean you shouldn't worship any graven images and use the crucifix to help focus their thoughts during prayer or worship.  Some other points based on the differences between Catholics and Protestants (most Christians who aren't Catholic are Protestant):\n\n 1. Saints.  Catholics will pray to saints, asking them to intercede on their behalf.  Protestants don't do this, and don't really have saints.  I believe one reason is they sometimes think of this as worship, naturally forbidden.  Also, Catholics believe Mary was born without sin (the "immaculate conception").  Protestants do not.\n 2.  Structure.  Catholicism has a hierarchical structure with the pope at the top, then cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, other religious, and laypeople.  This is not to say Catholics follow the pope mindlessly or above God, just that he acts as a father and a guide for the Church.  Protestants do not have this structure, but rely on small self-governing communities.\n 3.  The Eucharist.  Catholics say that the Eucharist is the essence of Christ, present with them.  They worship Christ in and through the Eucharist.  Protestants (generally) think the Eucharist is bread, symbolic of Christ, but not actually Christ.\n 4. Salvation.  Generally, Protestants believe that salvation can only come from accepting Christ as your savior.  Essentially, no matter how good a person is on their own, because they're not perfect, they wouldn't be able to make it to heaven if it weren't for Chirst's sacrifice.    Catholics believe this is true, but that you also have to 'walk the walk, not just talk the talk.'  Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ as savior combined with good works.
173741
They are all the best orders/congregations.\nBeing in the Catholic church is what matters.\nRead your bible and get into the different ministries the Catholic church as to offer. You will know which one to choose if you pray to the Holy Spirit for Holy Guidance\nI am in the choir and in the RCIA. Look around in the church to see what you like and can share your gifts of life with.\nMaybe you can be a lector, choir member, eucharistic minister,rcia faith sharer? Its all up to you. You need to look and see where you can be of most help and where you like it best.
564604
Different protestant churches may have different views on biblical topics from each other and from the Catholic Church. One of the main things about the Catholic Church is that they put their church tradition at a higher place than the Bible. This is a very dangerous thing to do because it allows the church to hold views that even go plainly against the Bible. Example: if you read 1 Tim 4:1-5 you will read in the Bible (even the Catholic Bible) that men who forbid people to marry are following a doctrine of demons. The Catholic church disregards the Bible there and insists on promoting a doctrine that is not from God. The rampant homosexuality in the priesthood is a by-product of following that demonic teaching. Being single is actualy better for those who want to be more devoted to the Lord but that should never be forced on anyone. \n\nAnother area where there is great danger, is where the Catholic church makes a Pope to be in charge of the church. He is actually called the vicar of Christ which means that he is the representative of Christ here on earth. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the head of the church and the believers are His body. A Pope is said to be able to speak "excathedera" (I think I mispelled it) which means that when he speaks on matters of doctrine and faith, he is "infallible" Obviously throughout the Catolic Church's history it has been wrong in many of its actions and beliefs as in the example I already gave. \n\nProtestants may have differing views but rarely are they as serious as undermining the scriptures and worshiping a man as supreme leader of the church.    \n\nYour average catholic does not know much of the Catholic official teachings which include "transubstantiation", progatory, outright idolatry, not beliving that Jesus died once for all sins as evidenced in the sacrifice of the "Mass", not being able to clain assurance of salvation (one of the worst beliefs of all), adding several books to the old testament about 1500 yrs after the fact to try to defend some of their unbiblical beliefs and the sale of indulgences ect.....Today when I meet a catholic who is open to the Bible, I don't try to bring up most of the above. I try to talk about having a personal relation with Christ and knowing that to get to heaven is a choice that depends on one's own decision not belonging to such and such a church.
476554
Technically, it's a little more complicated than that.  The Roman Catholic Church offers Communion to some Christians who are not Roman Catholics, if their denominations are "reconciled" to the Catholic tradition--this would mean the numerous Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Polish National Church, and the Assyrian and Coptic Churches.  Christians who are members of churches, however, that are understood by Catholic theologians as being in revolt against the Catholic tradition (and that would mean all Protestant and Anabaptist sects) are not permitted to take Catholic Communion.\n\nHere's maybe the simplest way to explain this:  the Catholic Church understands itself to be, in fact, the only apostolic Christian church, the only legitimate successor to the religious movement founded by Jesus and in the Catholic tradition passed on after His death to Peter (whom Catholics regard as the "first Pope," a historically questionable claim to be sure, but important in the theology of the RCC).  The Roman Catholic Church holds that Communion is a sacrament that can only authentically occur within the sanction of that apostolic continuity.  In effect, when Christians from churches not reconciled to the Catholic Church partake of Communion, they are in effect interlopers, inadequately prepared for the miracle of transubstantiation.\n\nAnother way of saying this is that for some purposes, the Catholic Church does not consider Protestant or Anabaptist Christians as true Christians.  If that sounds coarse or narrowminded or shocking, please refer to the reciprocal understanding of Roman Catholicism from the Protestant and Anabaptist perspective, as exemplified in the statement made (I am sure) by an evangelical Protestant on this Yahoo list that the Pope is the antichrist and Catholics aren't Christians.\n\nHope this answer is helpful.
181495
There are alot of confused people in this world. Catholicism IS a Christian denomination, just as Protestant, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc. are.
247230
Roman Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity.\n\nArguably, a religion *is* a way to come to God.
628037
You nailed it!\n\nThe fact that there is more opposition to the Catholic Church, and less opposition towards the other Christian denominations, proves the Divine Origin of the Catholic Church.\n\n"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. \n"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. \nRejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
864145
As long as you believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, as long as you love and follow God, live an honorable and decent life and love your fellow man as yourself. I think you've pretty much got it covered, Each Christian denomination has such varying beliefs about "certain points" of Christianity, it's almost laughable. All you can do is learn all you can about them all, make up your OWN mind, and stick to your beliefs. You pick a Christian denomination to align yourself with based in which one fits your beliefs most closely. You don't have to accept every little picky point of any of them.
347486
YES.  According to the good ol' American Heritage Dictionary, a Christian is one who professes "belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus."  I'm a Catholic, and I know this describes me, as I'm sure it describes you as well.\n\nI have come to understand a bit more about why sometimes Protestants say Catholics aren't Chritistian, however.  Hopefully, these will help you understand your friends' logic:\n\n1. The Saints.  It's thought that by praying to saints, Catholics are worshiping them.  This isn't true, of course, for reasons I won't get into here - I'm sure you know them - but you can see how people might think you're not Christian if they thought this was true.\n2. The Bible.  Because Protestants don't have a Church structure the way Catholics do, Protestants often end up paying a lot more attention to the Bible, memorizing passages etc.  It seems to them that Catholics ignore the Scriptures and so the word of Christ.  This isn't true either, but it's a not-infrequent misconception.\n3.  The Eucharist.  Catholics say that the Eucharist is the essence of Christ, present with us.  We worship Christ in and through the Eucharist.  If you're Protestant, you (generally) think the Eucharist is bread, symbolic of Christ, but not actually Christ.  So if they see us worshiping God in the Eucharist, they think we're bowing down to a piece of bread.  You can see how this would seem sacriligious?\n4. Salvation.  Generally, Protestants believe that salvation can only come from accepting Christ as your savior.  Essentially, no matter how good a person is on their own, because they're not perfect, they wouldn't be able to make it to heaven if it weren't for Chirst's sacrifice.    Catholics believe this is true, but that you also have to 'walk the walk, not just talk the talk.'  Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ as savior combined with good works.  The reason some Protestants have a problem with this is because they're thinking we're discounting the importance of Christ's sacrifice and that we think we could get into heaven on our own. \n\nSo you see, the concept of Catholics not being Christian is generally based on misconceptions.  Try explaining these concepts to your friends (without proselytizing) and try to find out why they think Catholics don't count as Christians.  We all believe in Christ as the source of eternal life.  Maybe you can help them see this.
988624
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: \n\nThe Lord Jesus chose men to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry. \n\nThe Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.\n\nWith love in Christ.