The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Caught between worldviews

AC,

Some, perhaps most of the examples you gave are a matter of personal judgment. Taking the easiest set first, "weddings and other events" where the atmosphere is less than acceptable, you might consider making an appearance at these events. Say your 'hellos', etc., and then leave. As far as what your extended family does on the Lord's Day, that is their decision and not yours. Not knowing how you and your immediate family fit into the festivities of those days, which btw are NOT "holy days"; days sanctioned by Scripture to be kept. They are days each individual can choose to recognize for the purpose of giving extra meditation and devotion to Christ and the redemption procured for us. If you were asked to attend a RCC mass on those days, then your conscience would have to be your guide. Jesus, Paul, Peter, et al all attended worship at their local synagogues without giving approval to what went on in them nor to the individuals who were in charge. On the other hand, it might be a better witness to God and your faithful commitment to His revealed will if you abstained and stated why you could not attend. When my mother-in-law died, the service was held in a Catholic church, and despite our misgivings, we attended out of respect to the family who are all Catholic. Yes, there are some churches who would excommunicate us for attending a Roman Catholic service. But the way I perceive it, those churches wouldn't be ones I would want to be a part of either.

That's my