I created a thread to discuss what sin is. And I found that my understanding of sin was vague. But now I have a clear understanding. With that I have grown beyond some churches. I watch Catholic mass online and sometimes attend the parish down the road. But they don't have married clergy so I find them not following biblical teachings.
That lead me to the protestants. But I'm wondering how they differ from the Catholics. I'm somewhat familiar with the Catholic denomination and don't accept all of it. Would I fit better in a protestant denomination?
Devin,
The one thing that I found, is to come as you are, in entering a new to you church. That doesn't mean crawling out from under a car covered in grease but rather don't try to hide any blemishes that people will freely judge you by.
There are many beautiful buildings that have gatekeepers to make sure that only someone that is perfect enough can be welcomed in.
Not all are welcome in many churches.
"So you have (name anything), come let us study God's word together!" Churches just like men talk the walk but do not walk the talk.
Then study the scriptures trying to let the HOLY SPIRIT, enter and guide you. There are very welcoming churches that the Holy Spirit guided me away from. Yes they were welcoming but the message wasn't there, the Holy Spirit in on my heart said not here.
And then churches change, a new pastor, a new elder, someone whose bank account controls the church. All these things by themselves are tripping points that effect the church. Not always negatively but they effect the church and its message to its core.
I will not claim anyone denomination of church above another. You can very literally drive down the same road or highway to get from one church of an denomination to another church of the same denomination and find that the next church is one hundred and eighty degrees apart from it's sister church. Whether it is the message, attitude or personal strivings and resulting conflicts the results are very startling.
Let the Holy Spirit in love guide you.
Alfredthefifth