Why Does It Seem That Protestants Get All The "cool" Christi

[Maggyie]

Am I the only one who finds the "bible for teen girls, bible for middle-aged men, bible for skaters, bible for teachers, bible for cyclists, bible for runners, bible for people who have too much ear wax" thing annoying? I have seen special study bibles for swimmers. What exactly is in this swimmer's bible that you can't find in a regular copy of God's Word? Irritating.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Groo the Wanderer' post='1880196' date='Jun 1 2009, 08:51 AM']Personally, I think the 'cool' Bibles are those with ALL the books in them.....[/quote]

[rose wrought of iron]

[quote name='buzzoff1031' post='1880116' date='Jun 1 2009, 02:28 AM']No. It isn't. But for someone who, like myself until recently, is fairly impressionable, these "cool things" make for a very compelling magnet. I mean, the "cool" Bibles, music, and people one the protestant side of the isle make things easy to be "Christian" without necessarily having the Truth. The only group in the world that has the fullness of the Truth is the Holy Catholic Church. We should have at least as much "cool stuff" as the "other guys."[/quote]
Then get out there and help make some of the cool stuff! We gotta represent, right?

But I know what you mean. Matt Maher is Catholic, though, and his music (Christian contemp) is awesome.

Can't think of many other popular artists that are blatantly Catholic, though.

I don't mean that I'd rather have that other more material stuff than our Catholic faith, just that you shouldn't complain, you should do something to fix it.

Edited June 1, 2009 by rose wrought of iron

[MissScripture]

[quote name='prose' post='1880238' date='Jun 1 2009, 09:50 AM']This is easily solved in two ways:

1. Pray for more.

2. Get involved in what you feel inspired to get involved in.

"Cool" celebrities in the Church do not create youth groups. People who go to church create youth groups. And I don't mean to pee on the parade or anything, but many protestant churches that I know of struggle with these areas also. The ones that have the huge successful youth groups are few and far between, and many times (not all) those groups are not focused on helping the elderly (that isn't 'cool' enough to attract teens), or in depth bible studies.

The grass may seem greener on the other side, but it is just marketed better sometimes. When you get over there, some of that green is simply food coloring.[/quote]
My parents are doing youth ministry at our parish --they get so irritated, because there are a few kids who come only for the "fun stuff" (trips to amusement parks) and bring along friends who go to a protestant church, where they normally attend "youth group." The parents of these kids have complained that there isn't enough for them to do at our parish --that is, just fun stuff without all that religion mixed in! Essentially, the only reason those kids go to anything is because it's fun. It doesn't matter to them if it's Catholic, protestant or what, just so long as it's fun, and they don't need to pay attention to that whole religion aspect of it.

[quote name='Maggie' post='1880453' date='Jun 1 2009, 03:50 PM']Am I the only one who finds the "bible for teen girls, bible for middle-aged men, bible for skaters, bible for teachers, bible for cyclists, bible for runners, bible for people who have too much ear wax" thing annoying? I have seen special study bibles for swimmers. What exactly is in this swimmer's bible that you can't find in a regular copy of God's Word? Irritating.[/quote]
It reminds me of those Chicken Soup for the Soul books...how many can they really come up with??

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' post='1880193' date='Jun 1 2009, 08:49 AM']The Church doesn't play to target audiences - it offers the same deal to everyone - the church and sacraments founded by Christ.[/quote]

True, but since JP the Great, it is doing a better job reaching the youth. I think what buzz is trying to get at is that we should keep going with JP's vision for the New Evangelization

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1880598' date='Jun 1 2009, 08:52 PM']My parents are doing youth ministry at our parish --they get so irritated, because there are a few kids who come only for the "fun stuff" (trips to amusement parks) and bring along friends who go to a protestant church, where they normally attend "youth group." The parents of these kids have complained that there isn't enough for them to do at our parish --that is, just fun stuff without all that religion mixed in! Essentially, the only reason those kids go to anything is because it's fun. It doesn't matter to them if it's Catholic, protestant or what, just so long as it's fun, and they don't need to pay attention to that whole religion aspect of it. [/quote]

Good point Miss! I definitely concur. It's alright to have fun, but after a while, you got to give Jesus His props and try to strengthen your relationship with Him. A lot of people in my youth group are the same way. But that's why we Catholics got to be creative in spreading the Gospel and have to be really fired up about doing it!

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='saintwannabe 777' post='1880610' date='Jun 1 2009, 09:08 PM']True, but since JP the Great, it is doing a better job reaching the youth. I think what buzz is trying to get at is that we should keep going with JP's vision for the New Evangelization[/quote]

Since the [i]motu proprio Summorum Pontificum[/i] ecclesiastical authorities have been doing a better job of reaching out to the youth than they ever have in the last forty years.

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='princessgianna' post='1880320' date='Jun 1 2009, 11:46 AM']TOTALLY! Birettas are totally cool!





[img]http://img.timeinc.net/time/time100/2007/images/pope_benedict.jpg[/img]

Besides not to meantion countless of saintly friends in heaven cheering us on and intereceed on our behalf.
[img]http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v141/25/47/5605547/n5605547_33747464_795.jpg[/img]
[img]http://atcc-torcc.org/St_Michael.gif[/img][img]http://www.geocities.com/francischinchoy/ignatius4.jpg[/img]

How many protestants get to read cool stories bout saints from the Early Church to present! Poor Protestants-they only have a mere 500 years of history! Though we as catholics - we have 2,000 years and counting.

Not to mention our Lovely Mother~
[img]http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980701.GRAPHICS/coronation.jpg[/img]

And above all

(drum roll)
[img]http://www.archstl.org/worship/images/stories/monstrance_blk_a_fr._h_ed.jpg[/img]
WE have the True Presence of Christ!

We as Catholics have the fullness of God's revealed Truth!

That's pretty darn cool in my book! [/quote]

Amen Princess!!!

[LouisvilleFan]

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1880598' date='Jun 1 2009, 09:52 PM']My parents are doing youth ministry at our parish --they get so irritated, because there are a few kids who come only for the "fun stuff" (trips to amusement parks) and bring along friends who go to a protestant church, where they normally attend "youth group." The parents of these kids have complained that there isn't enough for them to do at our parish --that is, just fun stuff without all that religion mixed in! Essentially, the only reason those kids go to anything is because it's fun. It doesn't matter to them if it's Catholic, protestant or what, just so long as it's fun, and they don't need to pay attention to that whole religion aspect of it. [/quote]

I can see why it's frustrating, but look at the awesome opportunity for growth! The role of a minister is to take people who are unformed and immature in their faith and help them grow into developed and mature Christians. Your parents have a responsibility to help those kids see the value of faith and making a personal commitment to Christ and the Church, and if it has to start with field trips, then so be it. We did the same stuff in my church youth group... looking back, I was there was a more intentional focus on prayer and some sort of faith sharing as part of those trips. Frankly, I think too many ministers are either lazy or afraid... it's not a kid's fault they pay no attention to religion; it might be the minister's fault if that doesn't change.

Edited June 2, 2009 by LouisvilleFan

[MissScripture]

[quote name='LouisvilleFan' post='1880698' date='Jun 1 2009, 10:28 PM']I can see why it's frustrating, but look at the awesome opportunity for growth! The role of a minister is to take people who are unformed and immature in their faith and help them grow into developed and mature Christians. Your parents have a responsibility to help those kids see the value of faith and making a personal commitment to Christ and the Church, and if it has to start with field trips, then so be it. We did the same stuff in my church youth group... looking back, I was there was a more intentional focus on prayer and some sort of faith sharing as part of those trips. Frankly, I think too many ministers are either lazy or afraid... it's not a kid's fault they pay no attention to religion; it might be the minister's fault if that doesn't change.[/quote]

Well, they're irritated with the whole set-up, too (as far as diocese wide activities go, there is little focus, even on RETREATS on faith sharing and such --it's gone downhill really fast). Part of the problem is, the parents of these kids don't really care if their kids are getting anything of substance --hence why their children are doing things with whatever protestant church they are. And while my parents have no problem with field trips, it would be nice to see something somehow incorporated that is religious. However without the support of the parents of the kids attending, that's not really going to happen, because, for one, they won't get any help with these activities and two, the kids just aren't going to show up.

And I wouldn't be too quick to judge a youth minister as being "lazy" or "afraid." It's rather difficult to attract people with everything there is to compete with for their attention. When kids have sports and school and jobs and various other extra-curricular activities, they can't do everything. High school is time consuming. Really, the only reason I was involved at Church in high school is because my parents emphasized it. Many parents don't, so often times, in the competition for time, church related activities are what is sacrificed. Not to mention, there usually isn't a lot of help from parents (at least in my experience, and I have helped with youth ministry since I was in 8th grade). It's a high energy level job, and sometimes it's just not possible for one person (or two) to set everything up and make it all work. It's also difficult to work within the politics of a particular parish --my parents started out by teaching confirmation, and then Fr. convinced them to be the youth ministers. They were ecstatic when they found this wonderful Bible study for youth, that they thought they could use, both for confirmation classes and youth group. The Faith Formation coordinator took one glance at it and told them it didn't cover what they needed, and refused to allow it to be used in the confirmation classes. (In reality, her objections to it only revealed that she hadn't even opened the books). Sometimes, it's like beating your head against a brick wall.

[Norseman82]

[quote name='buzzoff1031' post='1880102' date='Jun 1 2009, 02:13 AM']Okay, my favorite band in the world is Korn. Brian "Head" Welch became a Christian several years ago. Fieldy also became a Christian a few years ago. Also, A lot of the popular Christian music and awesome study Bibles are protestant. This has at times made me want to just be a "non-denominational" Christian. But, of course, I know that the Catholic Church is the TRUE Church. And of course, now that I've found this site, I've found some great music! But what about the celebs and cool Bibles and whatnot?[/quote]

Three words: JP2

[LouisvilleFan]

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1880721' date='Jun 2 2009, 12:00 AM']However without the support of the parents of the kids attending, that's not really going to happen, because, for one, they won't get any help with these activities and two, the kids just aren't going to show up.[/quote]

If you can't get help, then you start out simple. The good thing about taking a field trip is you can build trust, so when you strike up a conversation about going to Mass or praying, they are likely to open up and be honest about what the think and what they're looking for. I went on those trips to Six Flags and Opryland (may she rest in peace) with my youth group and there wasn't much of a faith component there either. We even went to a national Lutheran youth convention with plenty of opportunities to serve and learn, but our chaperones were more interested in touristering. Those are the kind of "leaders" that I feel are either spiritually lazy or afraid to do the right thing.

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1880721' date='Jun 2 2009, 12:00 AM']Not to mention, there usually isn't a lot of help from parents (at least in my experience, and I have helped with youth ministry since I was in 8th grade). It's a high energy level job, and sometimes it's just not possible for one person (or two) to set everything up and make it all work.[/quote]

I have a cousin who was a youth minister for about ten years along with his wife at a nearby parish... and I think the last thing you'd want is help from parents I don't want to get too much into speculating about what works or doesn't work with youth groups... I know it's a demanding and stressful ministry. What I do know is the lower your expectations are on other people and the higher they are on God, the better off your sanity will be. That goes for all of us in whatever we are doing.

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1880721' date='Jun 2 2009, 12:00 AM']It's also difficult to work within the politics of a particular parish --my parents started out by teaching confirmation, and then Fr. convinced them to be the youth ministers. They were ecstatic when they found this wonderful Bible study for youth, that they thought they could use, both for confirmation classes and youth group. The Faith Formation coordinator took one glance at it and told them it didn't cover what they needed, and refused to allow it to be used in the confirmation classes.[/quote]

Which raises some questions: Why show the Faith Formation Coordinator anything? The parish priest hired you to do a job, so he's the one you answer to. Second, if there's no way around this coordinator, then ignore her and do your thing anyway (maybe you can create a different binder that looks like something else with the same material inside... you know, pull the ol' Trojan Horse). Third, maybe taking the coordinator out for a few drinks will ease things a bit

Dealing with these people is just like dealing with people in the office... it's the same power trippin', butt kissin', savin' face, white lie tellin' game playin' that goes on everywhere. In fact, I think there should be a TV show called "The Parish"

Edited June 2, 2009 by LouisvilleFan

[desertwoman]

[MissScripture]

[quote name='LouisvilleFan' post='1881109' date='Jun 2 2009, 11:02 AM']If you can't get help, then you start out simple. The good thing about taking a field trip is you can build trust, so when you strike up a conversation about going to Mass or praying, they are likely to open up and be honest about what the think and what they're looking for. I went on those trips to Six Flags and Opryland (may she rest in peace) with my youth group and there wasn't much of a faith component there either. We even went to a national Lutheran youth convention with plenty of opportunities to serve and learn, but our chaperones were more interested in touristering. Those are the kind of "leaders" that I feel are either spiritually lazy or afraid to do the right thing.[/quote]
There is some "following." I mean there are several kids who show up for the "fun" as well as the "religious" stuff. But if you're going to take field trips, you can only start out so simple. If you have more than a certain number of kids, right away you need more adults, or you can't go. But you can't always do that anyway, and it still doesn't win the "battle" for time, so to speak.

[quote]I have a cousin who was a youth minister for about ten years along with his wife at a nearby parish... and I think the last thing you'd want is help from parents I don't want to get too much into speculating about what works or doesn't work with youth groups... I know it's a demanding and stressful ministry. What I do know is the lower your expectations are on other people and the higher they are on God, the better off your sanity will be. That goes for all of us in whatever we are doing.[/quote]
Again, you need SOME help from parents, because to DO things, you NEED other adults around. It's how it works. To take the kids anywhere off of parish property, you NEED one adult for ever certain number of kids. It's not a matter of expecting a LOT out of the people, it's a matter of getting them to show up, and possibly drive a vehicle.

[quote]Which raises some questions: Why show the Faith Formation Coordinator anything? The parish priest hired you to do a job, so he's the one you answer to. Second, if there's no way around this coordinator, then ignore her and do your thing anyway (maybe you can create a different binder that looks like something else with the same material inside... you know, pull the ol' Trojan Horse). Third, maybe taking the coordinator out for a few drinks will ease things a bit

Dealing with these people is just like dealing with people in the office... it's the same power trippin', butt kissin', savin' face, white lie tellin' game playin' that goes on everywhere. In fact, I think there should be a TV show called "The Parish" [/quote]
They were hired to be the Youth Ministers. The Confirmation classes they volunteered to do, therefore the Faith Formation Coordinator is still technically in charge of those. It's a little more than just ignoring her --for one thing, they're not the only teachers, so all the teachers need to be teaching the same material. Besides, that was merely an example of the parish politics. I was just using it to illustrate the fact that, like in an office, there are many times when you don't really get a chance to do anything, through no fault of your own, and it's highly unfair to label people as lazy, because they are blocked from accomplishing anything.

[jumpfrog]

I think Protestant churches are just more friendly to newcomers. Your typical Catholic parish is pretty large, and based on families, so a newcomer will likely be not noticed or ignored unless they come with someone from that parish. I'll can give an example from my own experience...

When I attended my first mass, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Church. Guess who noticed me? (I was rather noticable, since I wasn't sure about how to follow the service.) A Baptist couple who liked to attend that particular mass. They came charging up to me after the service to introduce themselves and to welcome me...even though it wasn't their church. They then introduced me to one of the volunteers at the parish.

The volunteer welcomed me, and informed me that I was welcome to continue attending the mass, even if I wasn't Catholic. I said I wanted to join. He said "it's OK, you don't have to join, it is OK to just attend." (I should mention that this is an overseas 'mission' parish for expatriate Catholics, and there are postings about who can take communion.) I said "But I WANT to join." The Baptist couple were really excited for me, but the church volunteer was very dubious of me. Finally, I convinced him, and he introduced me to the Sr. who does the adult preparation. If it hadn't been for that couple, I would have had a very tough time approaching anyone.


It seems like the Catholic church has limited interest in converts or new Christians...my impression so far is that those most committed to the church tend to be consumed with internal controversies and rules, and to have a 'us and them' attitude about the 'world' and about 'sinners'.

I have attended (with friends) one of those Protestant gigantic mega-churches, and they still manage to notice newcomers...and there is usually immediate support for newcomers. I had to wait 6 months for my instruction to start, and I never had anyone talk to me in the meantime...I made a couple of appointments with the Fr. to ask questions, but only cause I was brave enough. No one from the church offered anything to me in the way of guidance.

Anyway, I am not exactly a 'cool' person, but I am sure that other seekers who experience similar things...I have been to other Catholic parishes and they were similarly unwelcoming to newcomers.