confused with belief

I posted this on the Catholic board but also wanted the views of fellow Baptists...

I was raised Baptist and believe everything the religion teaches. However, throughout my entire life Ive been drawn to Catholicism. Im not sure if its a "calling" to convert or just an interest. The most important fact to all this is that growing up a Protestant, I really dont think I believe Mary and the Saints are Holy.

I have 2 main questions: For the last 15 years Ive had some serious issues that no matter how much I pray and believe... they are not answered. I understand that sometimes God just says No. But the last few months Ive become interested in praying to Mary as well. Now, does this mean I believe She really is Holy?? Or am I just hoping that She is and therefore using a prayer to Her as a way to hopefully benefit myself by maybe having it answered? And thats why I havent done so because I dont want to pray to Her if thats the case. But Im not sure if it is or not. Ill also admit Im afraid of angering God since I am a Baptist.
The 2nd question is... Ive ALWAYS had the urge to cross my chest (dont know what its called) in certain situations. Again, is this something that is ok for a non-Catholic to do? I think your religion is pretty strict with things like that. But if it is ok.. how is that done appropriately? I used to do it as a child when I felt close to God or thankful and I would get in trouble. Ive had the urge so many times since, but dont because I feel it is a very spirtual act and wanted to understand it first.

Since I am and most likely always will be Baptist, do these desires affect my religion at all?? I know the whole Mary issue DOES go against the Baptist believe, however I learned Catholics pray THRU Her not really to Her.

Also another issue I want to bring up here is that I ahve never liked attending church. I do have a bad case of ADD and it is difficult to pay attention. But I really dont like being preached to. And Baptist/Protestant preachers tend to have the same preaching qualities (they all talk slowly and at a certain pace) and honestly, it drives me nuts. When I do attend church I just cant wait to get out. I also dont like singing either. Although I do sing to non-christian music. What does this mean? It really bothers me. I know I believe in God, but why am I so against the things I SHOULD be doing? Is this normal?

thank you!

is there another site i can ask my question since no one seems to know here?

look the bible your likly going to get an answer that came from it anyway

I believe in studying all religions and It's not a sin to do so. It broadens your understanding. I see nothing wrong with praying through Mary or crossing yourself. I think we all have our own individual personal relationship with God. I think it is perfectly all right to do whatever you feel like doing along your spiritual path. Have you ever visited a Catholic Church? There is nothing wrong with that. We are all on a path and you said you have been praying. Trust where are lead. If where you are lead is not harmful and sinful, then no problem. Feel free to explore and try different things. It is what's in your heart that is important. Trust that your prayers have been answered. Also take action. We have to make things happen. You know the old saying God helps those who help themselves.

1. I am a Baptist that find myself drawn to Catholocism as well.

2. DO NOT pray TO Mary, not even Catholics pray TO her, they ask her to pray for them.

3. Crossing yourself is fine, I do it all the time, infact pretty much every time I pray as well as other occasions.

And Baptist/Protestant preachers tend to have the same preaching qualities (they all talk slowly and at a certain pace) and honestly, it drives me nuts. When I do attend church I just cant wait to get out. I also dont like singing either. Although I do sing to non-christian music. What does this mean? It really bothers me. I know I believe in God, but why am I so against the things I SHOULD be doing? Is this normal?

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I would suggest that if you cannot stand the monotone/speed preaching(I understand this) that you find a chruch with a more energetic preacher. Also, don't worry about singing.

2. DO NOT pray TO Mary, not even Catholics pray TO her, they ask her to pray for them.
BINGO!!! That is something that sometimes makes me upset because everyone I talk to always say "Well, I just can't pray to Mary" Catholics do not pray to Mary but we ask her to pray for us. It also goes the same way with the saints.

I go to mass sometimes twice a weekend and attend daily masses almost every day, unless I'm in school. But I love going to mass, because it is relaxing, comforting, I don't feel alone, and it is renewing. Plus I'm really good friends with our priest, I hang out with him almost every day. I am also a curious person and even though I am a Catholic and will always be one I love going to other churches around my county. I love seeing how other things are done, and I never feel like I'm an outsider because most people are welcoming and I know someone every where I go. I urge you, lb2525, to do that too. Research, find out, and have fun on your spiritual journey!

I would recommend leaving Mary out of it. Having her involved is way to close to associating partners with God. I understand Catholics say they ask Mary to pray for them, but people need to pray for themselves. The whole "Mary mother of God" is ridiculous as well. God having a mother means she was here before God which cannot be. I recommend reading the bible and the Quran. They hold the secrets to the universe. Read with an open mind. But pray to the One God for protection from the lies of the wicked ones before you read anything related to Paul or written by Paul, he teaches many lies. Remember you need patience. God is the best of planners. Before you believe in the trinity, remember that no prophet of God has EVER taught it, it was developed by Paul, the self proclaimed apostle.

john313 said:

I would recommend leaving Mary out of it. Having her involved is way to close to associating partners with God. I understand Catholics say they ask Mary to pray for them, but people need to pray for themselves. The whole "Mary mother of God" is ridiculous as well. God having a mother means she was here before God which cannot be. I recommend reading the bible and the Quran. They hold the secrets to the universe. Read with an open mind. But pray to the One God for protection from the lies of the wicked ones before you read anything related to Paul or written by Paul, he teaches many lies. Remember you need patience. God is the best of planners. Before you believe in the trinity, remember that no prophet of God has EVER taught it, it was developed by Paul, the self proclaimed apostle.

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I ask this with a kind heart, which scriptures are you referring to about paul?

I attend a Baptist church- but we preach ONLY the Bible. Praying to Mary and crossing yourself do not necessarily go against what Baptists believe, but they DO go against what the BIBLE teaches. Crossing yourself is a religious practice and religion is dangerous. The bible warns against following the tradition of men. Mary herself is not singularily holy- the Bible teaches that anyone who has accepted Christ as his personal saviour is a saint- that means sanctified and holy- set apart by Jesus's blood. Mary does not pray for us, even when people ask her to. she is in heaven enjoying being with her saviour and glorifying God. It is Jesus who intercesses for us to the Father, no one else. It is the Holy Spirit that helps us pray because He can understand our innermost thoughts even when we dont' know what to pray. As for your ADD, have you ever asked God to help you with it? Concerning answer to prayer- you say God hasn't answered two of your prayers. The Bible teaches that God does not hear the prayers of the lost- have you accepted Jesus Christ as your saviour, who died on the cross and rose again 3 days later? You must make sure that you have. If you are saved, it is most likely God laying down a firm "NO" as to your desires to practice Catholic traditions- Satan is a great deceiver and he will lie to you in anyway to keep you from serving God.

http://www.catholic-convert.com/DesktopDefault.aspx

This is a site that you must go to before making any decisions. You need not to follow any ones beliefs if you are not sure of but you must look for the truth and that must be done on your own. One can only plant the seed you must be the one in charge of letting it grow to what God is calling you to do it. Good luck and I really hope you find what you are looking for in this site.

I would suggest you go to a Mass.

I`m an atheist who every so often finds occasion to go to Mass and find the ceremony beautiful.

keevelish said:

The Bible teaches that God does not hear the prayers of the lost- have you accepted Jesus Christ as your saviour, who died on the cross and rose again 3 days later? You must make sure that you have.

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I am a student of religion. I am curious to know where in the Bibel there is reference to this quote above. Also, I ask, if the quote above is true then why does it say in James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to ALL men liberally...? Please help me with my questions. Thanks.

Actually Keevilish, the Bible warns about substituting the traditions of men for God's will. There is no fault in following a tradition that does not conflict with God's will.

If you read about the "Great Cloud of Witnesses" that we are surrounded by (Hebrews, 11 & 12), and if you don't have an issue asking a brother or sister to pray for you, then why the reticence in asking a saint to pray for you? I would also suggest that when we don't even know what (or how) to pray, that the Spirit of God intercededs on out behalf.

praying to Mary does conflict with God's will.

I am an ordained Baptist minister and I will address the following questions:

But the last few months Ive become interested in praying to Mary as well. Now, does this mean I believe She really is Holy??

I think that you should talk with No*s about this. No*s and I were in college together. I remained a Baptist, and he converted to Eastern Orthodoxy, which is similar to Catholicism in views concerning Mary, but does not share the history that caused Protestants to split from Catholics. In other words, they have a "pure" theology. If you want to pray through the saints, I would go with the EO.

As far as being holy, all Christians are holy, but not in the sense that God is Holy. Nothing can touch the holiness of God, but the saints participate in the holiness of God in a very special way, particularly the dead in Christ. As a Protestant, I confess that the saints cannot give you any more power than the Holy Spirit. As a minister, I know psychologically that many people fell that they cannot approach God on their own in their various weaknesses (including myself) and we need the help of the community. This means that I need to pray with other ministers or Christians, and I understand the urge to pray thorugh Mary or other saints.

Chrsitians have been doing this since the early church. I see no problem with it, but I suggest that you seek pastoral care - talk to your minister about it. If he is too abrasive, find someone else.

Ive ALWAYS had the urge to cross my chest (dont know what its called) in certain situations.

I must say that I think that this urge is from movies and seeing others do it. However, I have no problem with it at all. It is a witness to the cross.

And Baptist/Protestant preachers tend to have the same preaching qualities (they all talk slowly and at a certain pace) and honestly, it drives me nuts. When I do attend church I just cant wait to get out. I also dont like singing either. Although I do sing to non-christian music.

Preaching style drives me nuts as well. You simply need to find a pastor who gives the Word of God faithfully. Hopefully she or he won't drive you crazy with how they preach. If you cannot receive the Word because of this, find someone else.

As far as worship is concerned, try to relax and open your heart up to God. That's the point of worship. If you don't like the music, there are plenty of churches out there that are faithful to God and have every style of music you can imagine. If the music doesn't suit you, just try to offer the words as a confession to God.

Blessings,
AE

OK, praying to saints and Mary works like this:

We believe that those who are in Christ cannot be touched by death. Even in parting, those who have been conformed to Him still live. As Christ said to the Saducees God is the God of the living, not of the dead.

We also believe that the Church is inseparable, and as such, its members can pray to one another. Those having the Eucharist in Russia share the same life as those in America, China, and Zimbabwe. This transcends time, so that the same thing is true that it is with the Apostle Paul, St. John Chrysostom, St. Seraphim Rose, St. Leo the Great, St. Athanasius, the Apostle Peter, and all the others. It's one Church and transcends all boundries.

This eucharistic unity is what enables prayer to and even for the dead. It is all one Church, united by the vivifying power of Christ, and the same principle that lets me ask a friend to pray for me also allows me to ask Mary to pray for me. If the dead are alive, one with the Church here, and by the grace of God can perceive the world, then we also have a powerful witness there and a powerful source of prayer .

I believe all those things, and thus, pray to and for those in Christ.

No*s said:

OK, praying to saints and Mary works like this:

We believe that those who are in Christ cannot be touched by death. Even in parting, those who have been conformed to Him still live. As Christ said to the Saducees God is the God of the living, not of the dead.

We also believe that the Church is inseparable, and as such, its members can pray to one another. Those having the Eucharist in Russia share the same life as those in America, China, and Zimbabwe. This transcends time, so that the same thing is true that it is with the Apostle Paul, St. John Chrysostom, St. Seraphim Rose, St. Leo the Great, St. Athanasius, the Apostle Peter, and all the others. It's one Church and transcends all boundries.

This eucharistic unity is what enables prayer to and even for the dead. It is all one Church, united by the vivifying power of Christ, and the same principle that lets me ask a friend to pray for me also allows me to ask Mary to pray for me. If the dead are alive, one with the Church here, and by the grace of God can perceive the world, then we also have a powerful witness there and a powerful source of prayer .

I believe all those things, and thus, pray to and for those in Christ.

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No*s,

It's beautiful

*sniffles*

angellous_evangellous said:

No*s,

It's beautiful

*sniffles*

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*hands a tissue*

There

Don't do it! It's the Mark of the beast. Revelation 13:16-17, I'm just beginning to disperse this information, which God gave me and confirmed it to me several times since 2001.
again flesh and blood did not reveal this to me. Your impatience in church is likely a devil working in your flesh. You are disturbed by preaching and worship songs. There is an unwillingness in you to surrender so you want to find a place where you don't have to surrender but to belay that order. I'm not saying that your preachers are demanding, but you may need a (vision). a goal a purpose. But please don't go where you said you want to go. The sign you wish to make is the mark of the beast the church you are thinking to join is found in Revelation 17and 18. There's not enough room or time to give you complete details. I just thought it's my responsibility to warn you since I know. (I know some would say I'm wrong) but at least I didn't just say nothing.