Expert: Australian International Evangelist Matthew Starrs - 3/23/2007

Question
I have just started to search for the lord again and I have been attending an Assemblies of God church. I grew up within a catholic family.  We werent really practicing catholics it was more along the lines of baptised, received first holy communion, and attend church on funerals and weddings.  I enjoy the assemblies of god church very much and feel closer to Jesus more than ever. But my question is what is the differences between catholic and assemblies of God? My family keeps asking and I guess they are a little concerned. So I just want to be able to explain the differences. I am happy where I am and I just want to explain it to them and maybe they will see and follow. I dont feel as though I know the answer since I didnt really ever follow the catholic church totally.

Answer
Hi Renee,

I suggest you tell your family about the differences in your experience. Once you start getting into the details of the differences on a theological, organisational or political level you can really open up a bag of worms that might lead to an "us and them" type of situation.

I suggest you do some research into the history of both churches, in particular look up the birth of the Roman Catholic Church in the 3rd Century, the Protestant Reformation of the 15th Century, and the Pentecostal Movement of the last century.

Many Protestant and Pentecostal Churches are highly critical of Roman Catholicism because of the many unbiblical and blatantly sinful practices it advocates (such as idol worship - although many catholics claim it is not worship).

Many other protestant and pentecostal churches are happy to overlook the differences in the name of unity.

You really need to take the time to research and see what the Bible says and then decide for yourself.

My strong advice is that with your family you minimise the talk about Church and focus the attention on Jesus.

blessings!

Matthew.