Any recommendations?Experiences?Looking at Google Maps of my neighborhood and found a lot of options. Mostly Catholics and Protestant denominations.Been to one service for a denomination so far but it was singing time for old people and wasnt my vibe tho my fuck up for not going to the actual service. Considering going back for the main service or checking out a Quaker service.Any advice on finding a church that aligns with my values or should i align myself with the church?
>>34187970There are so many options. I grew up Catholic and still follow it. It's probably the most ritualistic and formulaic with the most history. Its good if you like rules and hierarchy. Its kind of cool to walk into a Catholic church especially if its older it feels ancient and holy. There are two different kinds of mass and the one you'll see most common is the modern mass Novus Ordo spoken in common language but there is TLM (traditional latin mass) which I sometimes go to and it's spoken in ancient Latin. There are other differences but thats the main one. Orthodox is very similar to Catholicism for the most part. Catholics were traditionally Western Europe and Orthodox Eastern Europe. There are so many flavors of Protestantism so you can dive into that on your own. They use the Bible as their sole source disregarding church history and the early Christian fathers. They are more about a personal relationship with God. I cant speak much to Quakers but I think they take what Protestants do and go even further. They only care about a personal relationship with God and seem to be quite liberal in their interpretation of the Bible. They don't seem to have service like Protestants do or mass like Catholics. Sorry that was kind of long, but that's pretty much it. Maybe try some different denominations out and see what clicks with you. I like being Catholic but I see the benefit in other denominations that put more emphasis on a developing a closer bond to God by yourself.
>>34187970Church-shop. Go to a different one each week until you find one you like. It is a perfectly legitimate thing to do, and you can even tell them that's what you're doing.
Thanks bros.Started late on new year resolution to visit 1 church per week and need to make up few days on holidays.>>34187970Will mention the church shopping thing when I go as it seems like a good conversation starter. Somehow thought people would take offense it.>>34188400Any tips for prejudice? Sort of opposed to the non-denominationals but I suppose faith is faith. Catholics and Orthodox are foreign to me. Fortunately lot of Mexicans around me and some Macedonias so those are covered.
>>34187970I'd suggest Independent Fundamental Baptist churches, they're independent so it can vary greatly between them. The positive side of that is when one church goes apostate, it doesn't affect thousands of other churches like what happens with denominational churches. Think of it, which is the easier target for an adversary? A few leaders of a church denomination which then ripples down to thousands of churches? Or a bunch of independent churches which stand firm on the Word of God, where toppling one doesn't affect others? A house built on sand or rock? Man's traditions or God's Word?No church is perfect, no pastor is perfect, no Christian is perfect. We're not Jesus. But if we have the right salvation doctrine of being saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, then we can set the standard where God sets it which is perfection and we're not hypocrites claiming our own righteousness like the Pharisees who Jesus rebuked. One thing to look out for would be "stealth Calvinism" where Calvinist theologians take a pastoral position at churches by lying to those that aren't Calvinist, then over the years subverting the church. John MacArthur admitted to that and despite what some say he's roasting in hell right now because he believed in works-based salvation (self-righteousness and hypocrisy).>finding a church that aligns with my values or should i align myself with the churchRather than either, you should align with God according to His Word and find a church that does that too. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)No matter where you go, you're supposed to validate everything (even what I say) according to the Word of God. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep's clothing, it's up to you to make sure you're not being lied to and to make sure of your salvation (Acts 17:11, Philippians 2:12).
>>34188428>>34190898whoops sorry breh I meant to include (you)>>34190993If I understand correctly, the church is meant to be "fun" in a community sense and the Bible, God and I are the faith?Fun might not be the right word. Being around people whom feel similar to me? idk. I get the vibe tho. At the end of the day it's me and God.
>>34191061No, church is meant to be educational and edifying. You should find a church that will preach even against your sin and make you feel uncomfortable during the sermon.It's not meant to be some fun community meaningless nothing. All these "community churches" that remove the Word of God should just shut down and make a club instead. If all you want is some fun community thing, just join some club or sport or sowing circle. What's the point in calling yourself a church if it's just to entertain people with a little rock show and a feel-good sermonette that teaches nothing while taking three verses out of context to tell some story about nothing, just something to pull on the heart-strings of the congregation and no hard preaching against sin because that might offend people and the offering plate won't get as many donations. They won't even practice church discipline which calls for active fornicators, drunkards, and adulterers to be kicked out until they repent then they can be restored. All those bastards, and it's correct for me to call them bastards (Hebrews 12:8), with their bastard churches that don't preach the Bible but instead preach "community" bullshit and whatever is the prevailing social justice garbage of the day are going to hell in a handbasket, and they're dragging the country down with them. Church is the assembling of saved believers. Faith is the noun of believe, that's how the Bible uses it. Having faith in the Biblical context means you believe the gospel of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Church can be fun, I guess, but that's not the purpose of assembling saved believers.
>>34190898>Any tips for prejudice? Sort of opposed to the non-denominationals but I suppose faith is faith. Catholics and Orthodox are foreign to me. Fortunately lot of Mexicans around me and some Macedonias so those are covered.Well for non-denominations (and denominationsl) the "conservative" churches that will actually preach about sin and being a better person whereas the "liberal" churches are all "you are perfect the way you are". If I am being honest I don't even know why liberal churches exist and they are fewer of them and more sparsely populated. I'd say after a mass/service or two you should have a pretty good idea of what kind of church it is. But, besides that, if you are conservative, basically avoid churches that have a pride or blm flag anywhere, avoid churches with a woman pastor, avoid churches where the congregation isn't even attempting to dress modestly (or have a ton of tattoos, piercings, etc.)To me the whole point of church is living out the Bible and always becoming a better person (striving for virtue and avoiding sin) and Catholics do a pretty good job at making you always feel guilty lol. Another cool thing about Catholic mass is if I am on vacation like Mexico or Poland I can attend mass and know whats going on because it's the same everywhere no matter where you are in the world. You just wont understand the homily in the local language thats it. But I have absolutely no qualms with other christian denominations and America has so many options to choose from.
>>34187970>>34187970Quaker meetings are great - but they're a lot different than traditional Christian churches. Make sure you actually talk to the members during fellowship after the meeting, since meetings are not like church services. Ask for a copy of Faith and Practice (most meetings will give/lend you a copy). I also recommend reading Four Doors to Meeting for Worship - it's a great Pendle Hill Pamphlet that really explains what a Quaker meeting is about.
I suggest you take an online test to figure out what denomination you fall under and start there. It’s okay to church hop! Go to one for a Sunday or two, if you don’t like it, try another!
>>34194048Are they a bunch of boomer hippies sitting around?I went to a conservative mennonite church for a bit. THAT was a trip. Those are the best people going right now.
>>34191450Thank you. Grew up around community churches so I considered that the standard purpose. Will keep in mind what you have said.>>34194048Looked more into it and turns out a jewish synagogue shares the same grounds and many of the Quaker services are organized or support by a jewish lady. You can probably guess her last name.Decided on going to Presbyterian church. Couldn't figure out a few Methodist church schedules and feel unsure about stepping into Catholicism just yet.
>>34194364>Are they a bunch of boomer hippies sitting around?If you don't understand the Quaker mode of worship, then yes, this is the impression most of 4chan would get from a Quaker meeting. Quakers prioritize practicing their faith in their lives as opposed to rigid creeds or dogmas, so most of what Quakers "believe" happens outside of meeting, which is why if anyone attends one, they should talk to other members during fellowship afterwards to understand what being a Quaker is about.>>34194466Missed your post about finding a faith community that is accepting of prejudice. Quakers are definitely not tolerant of prejudice and will rebuke your beliefs. And yes, there are Quakers from a variety of backgrounds, so if you harbor prejudice you probably won't like them.
>>34194998>If you don't understand the Quaker mode of worship, then yes, this is the impression most of 4chan would get from a Quaker meeting. Quakers prioritize practicing their faith in their lives as opposed to rigid creeds or dogmas, so most of what Quakers "believe" happens outside of meeting, which is why if anyone attends one, they should talk to other members during fellowship afterwards to understand what being a Quaker is about.And what they "believe" happens to look and act like most nonreligious boomer hippies?What great sacrifices or works do they do?>Quakers are definitely not tolerant of prejudice and will rebuke your beliefs. And yes, there are Quakers from a variety of backgrounds, so if you harbor prejudice you probably won't like them."Prejudice" meaning "not being a liberal boomer hippie."Are there for example redneck Trump voters among them? Would they have any negative preconceived feelings toward them?
