[QUOTE]Originally posted by allkingz
My girlfriend is Catholic, but I am not. Out of respect for her and her family, I kneel.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by allkingz
My girlfriend is Catholic, but I am not. Out of respect for her and her family, I kneel.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
I avoid churches whenever possible.

 

Actually, I think going to church with the wife is very romantic . Is it not?

 

I dream of S - It sounds like you may be feeling uncomfortable or may have some conflicts. Don't let this become a source of conflict between your wife and yourself. Your relationships with god should be a source of strength, peace and love between the two of you in your marriage.

Most Catholic Churches have an Inquiry Program where you can learn about the beliefs of the church. Many of the folks in the program will move into the RCIA program to become Catholic, but the inquiry program is there just to answer questions. You will find that many of the congregation do not know all the questions, let alone the answers. A faith un-questioned is no faith at all.

Remember that the church is the people, a community sharing faith. No one is there to judge you, they are there to share their beliefs, faith and love in God. The traditions and cusotms during the ceremony are tools for learning and a vehicle for participation. Kneeling is one way of showing reverence to a very important part of the Mass. There are many customary ways to show reverence none of which are mandatory (including kneeling).

All that said, people are people, all have faults. Some people will judge you if you do not kneel, drive the right car, wear the right clothes, etc. That is their cross to bear, not yours.

Don't let your faiths come between you. Satisfy what is in your heart. You should feel comfortable at your wife's side.

 

I'm a recovering Catholic.

 

My wife and I are just the opposite- I feel weird going to her church too. From being on the other side, I can say many people are right when they say "when in Rome..." If you feel uncomfortable kneeling, then just remain seated as normal- people aren't going to judge you, and if they do, then they need to take a look at themselves. It's a part of tradition during the Mass. If all else doesn't satisfy you, you can take the time kneeling to say a quiet prayer.

I accompany my wife to her church because I support her, not the church. We have a little problem since the churches near our new home are not like the ones we grew up in- I went to a contemporary Catholic church that was a lot more in touch with real people (hence I couldn't understand why so many people had issues with it until I moved away from home), and she to a warm Baptist one. We haven't found one yet that suits our needs, but we're still going to try.

My suggestion: find out a little more about the faith (try Catholicism for Dummies- it does exist) to answer your questions (such as why kneel) or go through the church. Read up on some history- when and why the different churches split gives some good insight into the religion.

 

Wow, 'smyroad and Patdeisa, you answered my question and then some. Thanks for all the info, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything disrespectful. Of course God knows I mean no disrespect, so I guess that's all that matters. Thanks guys

 

Hey JonBoy - How's that Halliburton gig

I'm still waiting on witnessing a miracle. I appreciate you position. I'm sort of that spiritual without the organization and ritual...

Good Luck, I dream of S - you've got to be a good person at heart to do what you're doing for you wife...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
Hey JonBoy - How's that Halliburton gig

I'm still waiting on witnessing a miracle.