Family discrimination........leaving my families church

[GreenEyedLady]

I have been struggling with this for awhile now. Since I left the RCC my family has not been happy with me at all. I am sure this is true for many other people who leave a religion and accept Christ. I think about the Jewish people that i have met who have accepted Christ and the ridicule they go though from thier families. We have alot of people who are from India in our church who are born again out of Hinduism whose families have shunned them also.
I have "lost my mind" "gone crazy" "wacked out" because I am now a bible belieing soul winning skin walking born again saved by the blood of Jesus christian!
I think that is just MAD! Why would you NOT want your loved one near Christ? I just don't get it?
My parents died knowing that I had left the church. My aunt mocked me and my beliefs the entire time while my mother was dying. WHY can we NOT talk about the Lord? I mean, if we are all suppose to be on the same side here, WHY do they freak out if I want to talk about Jesus or what God has done in my life? WHY not talk about HEAVEN??????? Its not like this world is really anything to get jazzed up about anyway!

I used to carefully speak about the Lord as to never offend anyone. But its to the point that no matter what you say these days, someone is offended. I think the reason is that the Gospel message is OFFENSIVE to start out with!
We have to look at our stinking lustful flesh in the mirror as our jaw drop in discust and think "NO WAY, that is SO NOT ME!"
Lord have Mercy!
If you ask someone, have you ever been born again? THAT is offensive? NO?
Wouldn't you do WHATEVER it takes to help your loved ones to see Christ so that when you are both at the Judgement seat, you can look at each other and know.........it was worth it?
I feel like the world is putting me in a box and taping me shut. There is nothing wrong with soul winning, its scriptual, there is nothing wrong with talking about GOD, there is nothing wrong with asking someone if they have been born again! Its in the bible, that is what they did, that is what we should be doing!
Christ made it oh so crystal clear. He said, "YE MUST be born again" There is nothing wrong with asking that question, its out of Love, not hate. Don't let the world make you think any less!
GEL
Ps. Sorry, just had to vent some feelings. tommorrow is my little twins birthday, please say a pray for me for long suffering. I have to try to be happy for my son, its his birthday too you know.:(

[Stormy]

:prayer: You are in my heart and prayers. May God bless you with his peace and keep you close.

Hugs :hug:

[theseed]

I will pray that you and your family are able to stay in harmony despite your differences. :prayer:

[Iollain]

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

[FreeinChrist]

Sorry that you have to deal with that, GEL, especially when dealing with a death of one you love.

I will be praying for you.

[Iollain]

I ran into this little list

A Christian is........
One who is Saved (2 Tim. 1:9) One who is Sealed (Eph. 1:13) One who is Seated (Eph. 2:6) One who is Sanctified (1 Cor 6:11) One who is Secure (John 10:28) One who is Separated (John 17:16) One who is Sustained (2 Cor. 9:8) One who is a Son of God (Rom. 8:14) One who is a Saint (1 Cor 1:2) One who is a Servant (Col. 3:24) One who is a Supplicant (1 Tim. 2:1) One who is a Soldier (2 Tim. 2:3) One who is a Stone (1 Peter 2:11) One who is a Sheep (1 Peter 2:25) One who is a Steward (1 Peter 4:10) One who is a Sufferer (1 Peter 4:16-19) One who will See the Lord (1 John 3:2)

[Cary.Melvin]

I have been struggling with this for awhile now. Since I left the RCC my family has not been happy with me at all. I am sure this is true for many other people who leave a religion and accept Christ. I think about the Jewish people that i have met who have accepted Christ and the ridicule they go though from thier families. We have alot of people who are from India in our church who are born again out of Hinduism whose families have shunned them also.
I have "lost my mind" "gone crazy" "wacked out" because I am now a bible belieing soul winning skin walking born again saved by the blood of Jesus christian!
I think that is just MAD! Why would you NOT want your loved one near Christ? I just don't get it?
My parents died knowing that I had left the church. My aunt mocked me and my beliefs the entire time while my mother was dying. WHY can we NOT talk about the Lord? I mean, if we are all suppose to be on the same side here, WHY do they freak out if I want to talk about Jesus or what God has done in my life? WHY not talk about HEAVEN??????? Its not like this world is really anything to get jazzed up about anyway!

I used to carefully speak about the Lord as to never offend anyone. But its to the point that no matter what you say these days, someone is offended. I think the reason is that the Gospel message is OFFENSIVE to start out with!
We have to look at our stinking lustful flesh in the mirror as our jaw drop in discust and think "NO WAY, that is SO NOT ME!"
Lord have Mercy!
If you ask someone, have you ever been born again? THAT is offensive? NO?
Wouldn't you do WHATEVER it takes to help your loved ones to see Christ so that when you are both at the Judgement seat, you can look at each other and know.........it was worth it?
I feel like the world is putting me in a box and taping me shut. There is nothing wrong with soul winning, its scriptual, there is nothing wrong with talking about GOD, there is nothing wrong with asking someone if they have been born again! Its in the bible, that is what they did, that is what we should be doing!
Christ made it oh so crystal clear. He said, "YE MUST be born again" There is nothing wrong with asking that question, its out of Love, not hate. Don't let the world make you think any less!
GEL
Ps. Sorry, just had to vent some feelings. tommorrow is my little twins birthday, please say a pray for me for long suffering. I have to try to be happy for my son, its his birthday too you know.:(
You going to have to understand your families point of view. Leaving the Catholic Church is gravely sinful and wrong in their eyes. It shouldn't be suprising that they show their disaproval. I have heard of families forbiding children that have fallen away from the Catholic Faith from even discussing their beliefs in their housholds.

[ShirChadash]

I send hugs and prayers and kudos your way, GEL. I too have been in your exact position... the road out is narrow and can be a difficult one. To me, it was this very situation that Yeshua (Jesus) referenced when He said He came to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law' (Matthew 10:35). The tension between my family and me over this issue lessened to a great degree within a couple of years of us having left the RCC for many reasons.
Many blessings :prayer:

~Z~

[Mary_Magdalene]

im with you GEL! My dad (catholic) pulled me aside and told me i needed to stop "talking about Jesus so much". i was freaking my family out! Well, i told him (respectfully) i didnt think i could do that-Jesus is the love of my life! Remember how the Word speaks of the narrow road and how the truth can divide families.

I was thinking about you and your baby the other day. :cry: I dont really know what to say as i cant even imagine. I will pray that the Lord will continue to comfort you. I guess you posted yesterday so today (Tuesday) is your little ones b-day. i will pray right now for you...

:prayer:
"Father, God. i come to you today and just lift GEL up to you Lord. You know her pain. You know her heart. Father I just pray that you continue to heal her and love on her the way only You can. Hold her in Your arms and keep her secure and allow Your Holy Spirit to remind her of the peace You have given her since she came to know You. Thank you Father for the wonderful blessings You have given each of us mommies. We love You Lord. In Jesus' sweet name I pray, AMEN." :prayer:

[Mary_Magdalene]

You going to have to understand your families point of view. Leaving the Catholic Church is gravely sinful and wrong in their eyes. It shouldn't be suprising that they show their disaproval. I have heard of families forbiding children that have fallen away from the Catholic Faith from even discussing their beliefs in their housholds.


i have bolded and underlined a few words in this post just so we can understand that leaving the catholic church is not a sin.

[Cary.Melvin]

i have bolded and underlined a few words in this post just so we can understand that leaving the catholic church is not a sin.
That would not just be their oppinion. This is taught by the Church that for a Catholic leave the Church it is gravely sinful. And that is not a new teaching by any stretch.

So you can see what you are up against. It may seem harsh to you, but they probably believe that they are doing what is best for you. I would not take it as a sign that they do not love you. If they didn't love you they probably wouldn't care.

Peace,

[KristiXP]

You going to have to understand your families point of view. Leaving the Catholic Church is gravely sinful and wrong in their eyes. It shouldn't be suprising that they show their disaproval. I have heard of families forbiding children that have fallen away from the Catholic Faith from even discussing their beliefs in their housholds. See, I don't understand this at all. It's a shame that a church would shun a member for finding another denomination that better suits them and their relationship with Christ. What matters most is their relationship with CHRIST, not their relationship with the church. The church should be more focoused on the fact that this person has not left Christ, but has found a way to have a stronger relationship with Christ. HE is what matters. It shouldn't matter what denomination you fall into and what church you go to, it's your relationship with Christ that is most important. (I cannot stress this enough).

GEL, I am very sorry you are being treated this way. Just know that in Heaven there will be no more "you're this," "you're that," " you should believe this, not that." In Heaven we'll all be one big family and there will no longer be any pain. :hug:

Happy Birthday to your little boy! :clap:

[P_G]

Kristi: Your new color is almost unreadable on Netscape (FWIW)


GEL: Hey that Baby has green eyes! How did that happen?

Try this on for size:

Dad is an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon
Son is an ordained Charismatic / Messianic Predenominationalist who carries a membership in the Mennonite church

Got your opening line ready?

Sis this is a battle you cannot win.
The staunchly Catholic are going to tell you that you are going to h3ll for being Baptist.

The Baptists are going to tell the Catholics they are going to h3ll for being Catholic.

:doh:


Here is what I do. I refrain from fruitless discussions. And when I get those that just insist on re-fighting the reformation, I let them know in love that if they start with the path they are going down that I will be forced to go down that path with them. I have made my decision and it is final.

Most of my family loves me regardless
I honor dad for his service and we have agreed not to
discuss theology because we would prefer to have some kind of relationship.

I will not permit him to join in any services in an "ecumenical" fashion that I am the pastor over.

I have not been asked to concelebrate at any Catholic mass nor would I.

Some few of my family have disowned me. So be it their loss not mine.

As for me and my house we will serve the L-rd The one reveiled to Avram - The one crucified - The one who returns in glory.

There is my 2 sheckles!


Blessings

Pastor George :wave:

[GreenEyedLady]

That would not just be their oppinion. This is taught by the Church that for a Catholic leave the Church it is gravely sinful. And that is not a new teaching by any stretch.

So you can see what you are up against. It may seem harsh to you, but they probably believe that they are doing what is best for you. I would not take it as a sign that they do not love you. If they didn't love you they probably wouldn't care.

Peace,
I would like to know what a GRAVE sin is?
What does that mean? A mortal sin? Like, I am not going to heaven now because I am born again in Christ?
GEL :scratch:

[theseed]

According to RCC teaching, one is more likely to lose thier salvation if they are outside of the church--some would say that you won't be saved at all. They say that there is not salvation "outside the church catholic"

[Cary.Melvin]

I would like to know what a GRAVE sin is?
What does that mean? A mortal sin? Like, I am not going to heaven now because I am born again in Christ?
GEL :scratch:
GEL,

I am not going to argue with you.

I'm just telling you what this situation looks like from the Catholic point of view as to why you are feeling discriminated by your Catholic family.

[GreenEyedLady]

Funny, I see all these threads over on the OBOB board stating how there are so many anti-catholics out there in the world. However, I think that the RCC is guilty of the SAME thing!! My family is so.......anti-baptist!!??:scratch:
I don't think all Catholics are guilty of discriminating against other denominations unless I am being played as a fool into thinking that they just tell me that they think I am going to heaven when in thier heart they know the church says I am doomed to hell.
if the church is going to say.......I am not "saved" because I am out of the church and the people are going to tell me somthing else. Who do I believe? The church is saying one thing and the people are saying another.
This is the whole reason why I left in the first place.
:sigh:

I would love to post this question in the OBOB board but I am afraid I will get how do you say..............Flamed?
Anyway, thanks for all of your prayers.
GEL

[Cary.Melvin]

Who do I believe? The church is saying one thing and the people are saying another.

This is the whole reason why I left in the first place.

You left the Church because the "the people" around you were not very informed about their faith? Did you confront them with this discrepancy and ask them why?

[FreeinChrist]

You going to have to understand your families point of view. Leaving the Catholic Church is gravely sinful and wrong in their eyes. It shouldn't be suprising that they show their disaproval. I have heard of families forbiding children that have fallen away from the Catholic Faith from even discussing their beliefs in their housholds.

"You going to have to understand your families point of view."

No, she doesn't. She can recognize the problems AND expect her family to try and understand her position, too.

Leaving the RCC is NOT akin to leaving Christ. It is egocentric to think it is.

[FreeinChrist]

Funny, I see all these threads over on the OBOB board stating how there are so many anti-catholics out there in the world. However, I think that the RCC is guilty of the SAME thing!! My family is so.......anti-baptist!!??:scratch:
Yep. :(



I would love to post this question in the OBOB board but I am afraid I will get how do you say..............Flamed?
GELIt would just cause a problem.

Do you have close friends in your church that can help?

[Job24]

***MOD HAT***

lets stay on task here folks...Cary Melvin was only trying to relate to your situation and not get into a debate about Catholic and Baptist...his point is valid and noted...

Lets not make this into a debate and keep it straight forward

I am praying that your family understands that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life...no one enters heaven except thru him (John 14:6)

[Carrye]

I don't think all Catholics are guilty of discriminating against other denominations unless I am being played as a fool into thinking that they just tell me that they think I am going to heaven when in thier heart they know the church says I am doomed to hell.
if the church is going to say.......I am not "saved" because I am out of the church and the people are going to tell me somthing else. Who do I believe? The church is saying one thing and the people are saying another.
This is the whole reason why I left in the first place.
Just for clarification, here's what the Church teaches about the salvation of Protestants:



CCC1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all
Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the
Catholic Church: [b]"For men who believe in Christ and have been properly
baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn."

And others:

Lumen Gentium 16: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience [and natural law] -- those too may achieve eternal salvation.

Peace and blessings,
Carrie

[Cary.Melvin]

More of official church teaching about this subject so peolple don't jump to any conclusions that may be unwaranted:

"Outside the Church there is no salvation"

846 How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers? Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body:

Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation; the one Christ is the mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church. He himself explicitly asserted the necessity of faith and Baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, whould refuse either to enter it or to remain in it."

847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church:

Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience, those too may achieve eternal salvation

848 "Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men."

[II Paradox II]

Just for clarification, here's what the Church teaches about the salvation of Protestants: Arguments about the meaning of EENS aside, most of these quotes don't apply here because GEL was in the church and left of her own desire. The church has a different position towards those who were born outside the church and stay out and those who are born in the church then leave at a later time of their own free-will (only a catholic can commit the sin of schism, for example).

This is the reason why, for instance, many Catholics argue that while first generation reformers were in grave sin for leaving the church, their children are in a much less precarious position on account of their being raised outside the church.

ken

[HolyRoller]

Funny, I see all these threads over on the OBOB board I feel dumb... but what is OBOB board?:confused:

I don't think all Catholics are guilty of discriminating against other denominations unless I am being played as a fool into thinking that they just tell me that they think I am going to heaven when in thier heart they know the church says I am doomed to hell.
if the church is going to say.......I am not "saved" because I am out of the church and the people are going to tell me somthing else. Who do I believe? The church is saying one thing and the people are saying another.Finaly,an easy question.... the Bible:clap:
Read Matt 5:10-12, then remember Christ says (mywords not his) you are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost it's flavor, it has no value. You are the salt and you have not lost you flavor.
I hope I don’t ramble on but I hope this will help with your pain.

I was raised an Episcopal, wandered away from the church in my teens and made some very bad choices. In my mid 20’s I was saved. I knew my life had changed so I went back to the Episcopal church. I truly was called there, I knew why and I knew it was temp. Many people had a hard time dealing with me’cause I would say "silly" things like that’s not what the Bible says or where in the Bible does that idea come from. These were problematic ideas for father to deal with. The Bible was meant to be read by more learned people than myself, I was told.:priest:

I told father once Jesus had walked in my life and I knew he was alive today. His answer was "that’s nice but we don’t talk about things like that. I feel sad for him. He is a good man, went into a profession to help people and has no clue about what is coming out of his mouth.

When the time was right I was called to a Baptist church, and I found the words I didn’t know. I found the teaching I needed. My family felt I was in a cult and had great fear for me. It’s been years now and my daughter is saved, married to a Christian man, my sister's kids now are starting to understand Christ is alive. This time will come to you also, if it is God’s will. You plant the seed, it's he'll make it grow.

But love your family, tell them to love you anyway; they can soften their outlook then maybe even open their hearts to Christ. God bless you and give you peace.

[GreenEyedLady]

More of official church teaching about this subject so peolple don't jump to any conclusions that may be unwaranted:

Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, whould refuse either to enter it or to remain in it."

848 "Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men."
I happen to fall under the catagory who refused to remain in the church. Yes I have asked many people in my family about the church and my concerns with it before I made the desision to leave.
I highlighted the point that is unscriptual and frankley NOONE had the right to say expect GOD!
What that statement is saying is that I am not saved because I refused to stay in the church.
So all I can do with my family is show them in truth in what Christ preached, not what ANY church preaches. If they could just open the bible to the verses that state what eternal salvation say, maybe I could get some where.
I understand that you are not debating with me Cary, that is well noted.
I think maybe now you can understand why so many have left the church and thier reasons why.
I was not an uneducated Catholic. I understood the sacraments, the Mass, and the catecism. What I did NOT do was open my bible and read it all the way through. When I did read my bible all the way, that is when God opened my eyes and lead me somewhere else to do HIS will.
cary, thank you for being honest with me,
:kiss:
GEL