So in that spirit I'd like to list 5 things that I think American Protestant Christians have right. Feel free to add to the list.
1. A deep love of scripture and knowledge of the bible. Most of the Christians that I know have many verses committed to memory and can find their way around the old and new testaments without breaking a sweat! We Catholics are getting there, but we have much to learn from our separated brethren when it comes to bible study.
2. Fellowship. One of the reasons my sister originally left the church was that she was made to feel so welcome at her local Protestant church. Folks came up and introduced themselves and included her into their church community right away. I think this is something that some local parishes do well, but a lot of us could improve in this area as well.
3. Singing. My Church of the Brethren relatives can sing any book in the hymnal from memory in four part harmony. It's awesome!
4. Spontaneous prayer. Being able to come up with a beautiful prayer on the spot that is appropriate and moving is a true talent.
5. Keeping Sunday special. Especially in the black community, folks REALLY dress for church, they are at church most of the day and then back at night! And Sunday dinner is really something special!
3 comments:
I really have to agree about the fellowship issue. We have been attending a new parish since last fall and no one, icluding the priest who sees my family sitting in the front of church, has ever spoke a welcoming word. I'm at a lose as to what to do...I love attending mass but I'm certainly not enjoying any of the fellowship I have so longed for. blessings, Kim
As a protestant, I have never felt that this was an anti-protestant blog! I have really appreciated this blog and all the information that you all give. My oldest son is actually dating a beautiful, catholic, homeschooled girl and I/we (as in dh and I) feel alot less freaked out about this, because of all we have learned from YOU. I don't know why protestants tend to spout so much ill-will and error regarding catholics, but they do. So thank you for refuting these errors! Both of us have actually felt at times recently that we wish we were catholic. You have such a rich heritage of traditions with deep meaning - it's beautiful!
Both of us have actually felt at times recently that we wish we were catholic. You have such a rich heritage of traditions with deep meaning - it's beautiful!
Well kozimom, that is possible, you know! :)
Thank you so much for your kind compliment. I love to hear that we're making a difference for some people.
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