Would you attend to a church which is different from what you believe in?
By arlene05kang
@arlene05kang (277)
South Korea
May 27, 2008 9:59am CST
Here in korea, there are only few Catholic church. Specially here in country side. That's why I'm only attending the nearest church in our place which is a Christian church, although I can't understand fully (because they are using korean and not English). As all we know, christian don't believe in Mother Mary as the mediatrix of all grace or the instrument of God and Jesus. Would you attend to a church which is different from what you believe in?
5 people like this
25 responses
@vonkristoffer (833)
• Philippines
28 May 08
Christians.. does not worship saints and mary because they are all humans and we are all equal.. they have sin also.. Romans 3:23 "for all have sin and fall short to the glory of God." They are the one who said not to worship them.. read Acts or Just start with the New Testament, but to worship Jesus Christ.. for He is the only way the truth and the life no comes to the Father but trough Him (John 14:6).. God bless!
1 person likes this
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
As a catholic, i would say that I don't worship saints and mary. They are just human like us. But they are also the instrument of God. The witness of his graces. These people have some significant ways of praising God. By following their example, it encourages me how to pray and talk to God. But, i do respect your idea. Thanks for sharing.
@ruby222 (4847)
•
28 May 08
The answer is yes...i like to go to the Baptist church when i go..but there isnt one in our nearest little town...but last christmas I so wanted to go and sing some christmas carols that I went to the local Pentecostal church..where I must say I was treated with love and kindness...and the carol singing was casual and lovely...but ive recently..well a year ago!!been to a catholic church...my daughter was married in her local catholic churh...and to be honest as long as I can go into the church and do what I want to do im not too worried what church it is.
@chryss (658)
• Philippines
28 May 08
there is no wrong with that attending church which is different from what you believe in,god is only one.and the priest is the one used as instrument as god to tell and spread the words of god.but for me i will just stick to my beief.i will just pray inside the house and talk to jesus if there is no existing church in a place where i am.sorry arlene05kang..im just saying my side/my opinion.god bless!
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
27 May 08
I have tried attending different churches in the past and for me it's ok as long as you will continue to live with great values and attitude. What matter for me is I will put into action what I believe and never to step or hurt other feelings. But, when I can't understand the service, I will not continue attending not until I will learn the language!
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
27 May 08
ahh ok, that's good and for sure in the long run, it will help you learn more. I have also two roommates in College who got married there and living happily!
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
27 May 08
I do understand maybe 70-80 percent of the service. That's why , the remaining minutes, i just read the translated version of the reading for that sunday and I pray silently. Thanks for commenting.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
Really? That's good to hear. I'm happy that not all women who got married to a korean men lives a miserable life. There are also some who are happy and contented like me and your friends. I hope to meet them. Thank you!
@eihdra (3115)
• Philippines
28 May 08
Hey arlene.. I was born Catholic but am now a Christian. Yes, we don't believe in Mary as the mediatrix as you have said. But being a Catholic by birth, I have formal educations when it comes to issues like that..and believe me I have nothing against that..I would attend any church which believes in God,the almighty, whether it's catholic, christian, protestant or some others..What is important to me is,we are worshiping ONE GOD and ONE GOD alone..But let's not forget those persons who stood/stands beside Him. There is one lesson that my father taught me..He said "if I cannot go to church because of some reasons, all I have to do is go to a quiet place, kneel down and start praying". That I don't have to be inside the church to be able to pray. God is everywhere and it doesn't matter to Him, wherever we are. What matters is the sincerity of your prayers..
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
We are praying to one God. As long as our heart is genuine, I guess there's nothing wrong in attending the service of other church. The essence of prayer is the content of the soul. Thanks for the comment. By the way, I like your profile picture. I love Angelina too!
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
I respect your opinion. Sometimes there are things we have to do to survive. In this community where i belong in right now, I need to go there to belong with in the group. I just need to understand more the teaching of their church and maybe somehow I will learn to appreciate and be a devotees.Thanks for sharing.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
28 May 08
i don't think i will... i am a christian and i will feel weird if i have to go to a catholic church as the teachings will be completely different... take care and may God bless you...
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
I respect your belief. Thanks for joining the discussion.
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
27 May 08
i have gone to other churches because i was invited but not because there are no other churches for me to go to. going to other churches of course is kind of out of my idea because that would only confuse me, unless i would be thinking of knowing more about the church itself.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
If I have the chance, I would do same thing. The only problem is the situation I have now. When I was in the Philippines, I also go visit some churches whenever someone's inviting me.Thanks for the comment.
@Dreamweaverr (131)
• United States
27 May 08
I have attended churches. mosques etc. I am interested in all people. There are, not such surprising similarities between many of the major religions. Yes I have my own beliefs, but I don't shut the door and refuse to listen to how other people in the world live, even neighbours. We can learn from and teach each other.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
We have same outlook. I'm also interested to know any types of people's beliefs. Just last month , a woman knocked on my door. She's a Mormone. I welcomed her in and let her preached about her religion. We become friends . But, she was assigned to other place now, but she calls me sometimes.Thanks for the comment.
@Elixiress (3878)
•
27 May 08
No I wouldn't. I am not a religious person, so I would not go to church as it would be hypocritical of me as I don't believe in what church is about. So if you are going to a church, especially one that worships a different god then that would be hypocritical too in my eyes, but if that church's religion worships the same God as yours then I don't think it is that bad.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
christians pray to Jesus. I also believe in Jesus, so I guess they are somehow the sam. Thank for the comment.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
Nice and safe. You're very accomodating friend. Respect is really important. Thank you!
@sk66rc (4250)
• United States
27 May 08
Bible teaches us to treat our bodies as a church. "Church" is where God resides... Even though it's good to practice fellowship, breaking bread together, Jesus constantly did that with his followers, it doesn't have to be in any certain building... Church is where 2 or more believer's get together & praise & worship the Lord & share his words, & break the bread... Don't feel obligated to go to a "church" but instead, make a church for yourself... If you know of anyone who shares your belief, get together & designate a place... Just a thought...
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
Your right, church is a building where christian go to pray.
what's important is the intention of your heart.Thanks for your comment.
@baleleng2008 (917)
• United States
29 May 08
yes i attend church even it's different from what i believe.theres nothing wrong with it as long as you know wo GOD is!:-)
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
That's true leng. God knows what's in our heart. Thanks for sharing.
@msulli22 (32)
•
28 May 08
Yes, I would. I believe that most sacred places (churches, temples) feel sacred to the people in them, whether or not their beliefs are exactly the same as the religion of the church. A sacred place helps me feel closer to God, the energy, whatever (I'm somewhat agnostic at the moment)... it doesn't matter if it is a pretty scenic overlook, a Hindu temple, or a Catholic chapel; I can get something out of all of them.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
29 May 08
I agree with you. It's not the place where you are praying, but the content of your heart. Thanks so much.
@magikrose (5429)
• United States
27 May 08
I would for educational purposes to learn about that religion and be able to make my own opnions based on education and not what others say about it. In my hme there are 2 diffrent religions. My kids go to a christian church every sunday and are learning that religion. My self and my roommate are Pagan and feel it is important for the kids to learn both so that later in life they can decide which path to follow based on education.
There is nothing wrong in learning about other religions as long as you do it with an open mind. it will only make you a well rounded person.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
27 May 08
That's so true. I'm glad that you are not the type of parent wherein they decide on what religion would their children should embrace. My husband is also a pagan and I respect him for what he believes in. Thanks for commenting. Goodluck! keep on blogging!
@wayz12 (2059)
• United States
27 May 08
Why attend church at all would be my question. If it does not meet what you are looking for, I won't even bother.
I haven't gone to church in years, and I'm pretty fine with it. I gave up organized religion a few years ago and I have never regretted my decision.
As for going to a church that teaches something that I do not believe in, I might do that once, say to accompany a friend or having been invited and can't say no. But to go to it regularly, no. For me, it would simply be a waste of time. There are better ways for you to spend your Sunday.
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
27 May 08
Here in korea, they're still living in old fashion style. Wherein they still follow a certain norms in the neighbourhood. My mother in law is a christian. Most of our neighbors are also practising the same. That's why I do attend regularly same with my in law. Thanks for commenting.
@ryshawneo (405)
• Philippines
27 May 08
Yes.. It help me learn more about the religion.. I'm a muslim but, i do attend sunday mass with my husband's family (they are catholic).. :)
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
27 May 08
I'm also open to learn some beliefs from other religion. I would like to know the different religious practices. Thanks for the comment.
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
27 May 08
Christian based churches are not THAT different from the catholic church. It's all still based on the service to and worship of God. And that's all that counts, isn't it?
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
27 May 08
Really? Actually , what i only knew is that christians prays directly and don't believe in Saints and Mother mary, other than that I have no idea. I wanted to ask our Minister but he don't speak english only korean. Thanks for the comment.
@setroc (853)
• Philippines
27 May 08
i dont attend masses anymore, i cant even remember the last time that i went into one, im also a catholic, im inactive though, by the way catholics are also christians, i dunno but the way you use the words catholics and christians sounds like you believe they are two diferent religion, theyre not they are both christians, belonging to diferent denominations
@arlene05kang (277)
• South Korea
28 May 08
Is it? Are Christian and(Roman) catholic just the same? I do respect where you believes in. Thanks for the comment.
@Allie_xoxo (1063)
• Canada
27 May 08
I would just for curiosity sake. I'm a believer in learning as much as I possibly can. There is so much information out there and so much to learn and discover, why miss out on any of it?