Question:

Going to both a Catholic AND Baptist Church?

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I've recently become a member of a Southern Baptist Church (grew up in PA and went to a non-denominational church) and I've been dating a man for 4 years. He's looking into joining the Catholic Church (he does not agree with the behaviors of some Baptists he's encountered so he won't join my church). He's gone through many ups and downs through the years and I think that him going to a Catholic Church would be good for him. I was thinking about going to mass with him as well to show my support (and get in some extra time with God too, ha ha). So I guess I was wondering, can I go to both (but not take communion at the Catholic Church since I'm not "Catholic") without it conflicting with the beliefs of either church?

By the way, I don't think I could fit two services into one day, so I was thinking of going every other weekend or go to Saturday mass and regular service at my Baptist Church on Sunday. Probably irrelevant information, but I just thought I'd say that for inquiring minds.

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  1. As a Catholic I can tell you you are very welcome to come to any Mass or service at the Catholic Church, you know that you cannot take the Eucharist and the reasons. There is no reason why you cannot do this contrary to a fellow Baptists answer on here!.


  2. Church is always good - but Catholic and Baptist - Night and day and if you are a true baptist you will not like the Catholic church at all.

  3. Yes, you could go to both, but I think you're setting yourself up for confusion.  Though both are Christian, they have differing doctrines, and I think this will wear on you after a while.  It's great that you're so supportive of him, but after a while you will have to stick with one or the other.  Personally I would whole-heartedly encourage you to learn about the Catholic faith.  I converted to Catholicism three years ago, and it was utterly life changing.  I learned God's truth like I'd never known it before.  My hope is that you would discover the same treasures that I did.  Look into it, if you like.

    God bless.

  4. You are welcome to attend a Catholic church at any time as a Baptist as far as we are concerned and thank you for understanding about communion. I do believe however that you need to speak with your Baptist minister about how he feels about you attending Mass but surely he will not have an issue either.

  5. Oh my good luck with that.

    Catholics believe that anything other than Catholicism is considered to be a polluted form of Christianity.

    No reason you can't go to both I just wouldn't admit it to the congregation.  The baptist will whoop and holler while the Catholics will think you're silly.

    Be prepared to raise your kids Catholic too.

  6. You can go to both but can't be a member of both. Catholics will be glad to have you visit. You may get flak from the Baptists that you know regarding attendance of a Catholic Church. Baptists are usually severely anti-Catholic. You will get to see first hand that the accusations are not true. Catholics are usually very tolerant of all other forms of Christianity. You do not have to kneel during the Liturgy (Mass) if you object. You will find there is a lot more scripture in the "service" than any other form of Christianity but it is also much more formal. I hope you enjoy you visit, and wish you all the best!  

  7. There is nothing wrong with going to different church's but it may be a little hard because it is a baptist and a catholic church. They are no were near the same. Pray and ask God what he would have you do. How can to walk together except they be agreed.

  8. Katy,

    Southern Baptist and Catholics are a night and day difference.

    Now I am not a Church goer at all right now because of circumstances. But I can tell you that Southern baptist are as doctrinally sound a Church as you can get..Now Catholics on the other hand are the exact opposite. No doubt I will get thumbs down for this but I personally don't even consider them Christians as their doctrine is fatally flawed . And they practice things the bible strictly forbids...Your husband not liking the baptist Church might be an indication that he has spiritual issues. I would pray for him.. Hope this helped...God bless you !

  9. You can do whatever you want, you can attend whatever church service you want.  However, I advise you to be very careful about Catholicism.  As for him not approving of some Baptist's behaviors, there are hypocrites and idiots everywhere.  They can call themselves whatever religion they want.  You don't choose a religion based on the behavior of people, you choose a religion based on its spiritual content and its meaningfulness to you.  As far as Catholicism goes...do you support the church's condemnation of ANY birth control?  do you support the inability of women to have clerical positions?  do you support the concept that the pope is INFALLIBLE?  do you support the idea that if a pregnant woman is in a health crisis, and either the baby lives or she lives, that, according to Catholic dogma, you must sacrifice the woman in favor of the baby? (yes, that's you they're talking about).  I was raised Catholic, and I think it is a very misogynistic, abusive religion.  It is not a spiritual path, it is a dogma.  Find a spiritual path you both can follow.  It will make your relationship stronger.

    P.S. Note the answers that have received thumbs downs and reflect on that.  Everything I've told you in this answer about Catholicism is true, and I think it is something to consider seriously.  Catholics cannot take any criticism or questioning of their stance.  Do you find that spiritual?  GL

  10. I do that! I go to my Baptist Church in the mornings and then I go to one of the evening masses at my dad's Catholic church every Sunday. I don't know how the churches you go to are set up, but it is possible if you really want to do it. And you necessarily don't need to follow Catholic belief, just be there to support your bf. That's why I go to the Catholic church, to support my dad even though my mom & i are baptist.  

  11. As long as you openly discuss this with your man and you realize that it's about Jesus is why you go to church in the first place. I think you will be allright.

    Time will eventually lead him to the right church as yourself also.

    Remember it should be about Jesus first!

  12. You can attend both without a problem. Catholics will be glad to have you. Depending on how your particular Baptist preacher and church views the Catholic Faith you may get some flack from them.

    Our Catholic Church is right next to the Southern Baptist Church and the preacher at the Baptist church preaches that we are a cult and that his congregation should have nothing to do with us. He wont come to our church to talk and wont let our priest go to his to talk. Its a very chilly existence.  

  13. I will not speak for the Baptist Church but, yes, you will always be welcome at the Catholic Church.

    With love in Christ.

  14. You are welcome to attend Mass any time (refraining from communion, as you noted), and your boyfriend is welcome to attend the Baptist church any time (as long as he doesn't take communion there or miss Sunday Mass).

    Saturday Vigil Mass (after sunset, usually) fulfills his Sunday obligation, so there is no problem with the two of you going to Mass together on Saturday night and then to your Baptist service on Sunday morning. In larger cities, there is sometimes Sunday Mass at all hours of the day, so you might also be able to go to the Baptist church in the a.m. and then to Mass in the p.m.

    Every-other weekend is not a good long-term solution, as Catholics are obliged to go to Mass weekly (and on Holy Days -- there are six of those at different times of the year).

    You might also consider taking the instruction course with your boyfriend, not to convert but to learn what he is learning so that you understand where he's coming from with Catholic teaching.  

  15. I don't see Baptists having a problem with it. I'm not Catholic, so I'm not sure about them.

    If the main issue is that he specifically doesn't like the Baptist denomination, but isn't at issue with protestant beliefs both of you might consider Lutheran. They seem more formal in their worship style, but still have protestant beliefs.

  16. Why not go to an evangelical church too - cover all your bases just in case.

  17. Well I am a Catholic and I think it would be good for you to go to a Catholic Mass. And it's a good thing you are going to show your support. Yes, you are also right that you are not allowed to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ or the Eucharist. Might I also suggest going to a Latin Mass, it would be a great experience also.  

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