Since I was saved 8 years ago, I've attended a Pentecostal Church (Trinitarian, not Oneness.) I've always been cautious of denominations that teach false doctrines, remembering what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21. From this perspective, I've always had an issue with the Catholic Church. I firmly believe in sola scripture, and not tradition. Needless to say, this means I believe that
we're all sinners, including Mary and the Pope
Mary was not born free from sin and needed a savior
We're redeemed by Grace and not works
Jesus is the head of the Church, not the Pope
All Christians are saints as we have the righteousness of Christ through the Holy Spirit, regardless of denomination
The Communion is metaphorical, not the literal transformation into the flesh and blood of Jesus
We shouldn't pray the rosary, because Jesus told us not to pray as pagans by babbling and repeating things
Salvation is in the name of Jesus. We don't need to receive the sacraments to be saved, otherwise that's works and not grace.
Jesus is the only mediator for man, and prayer to saints is blasphemous
I don't say this to insult Catholics, as you'll see by what I say next. I recently stopped attending my Church after some nasty rumors were spread about me. They were so vile, and people believed them so I can't go back. I had four people in my Church that I considered sisters, and the rumors concerned them so they've cut me off. In fact, the only reason they know of the lies that were told about me was because I told them, as my Pastor confronted me in private.
I visited Westminster Cathedral (RCC) , because I love the old London Churches. While there I was just still in the Church and felt a great sense of peace and calm. I went to the rectory to discuss things with a Priest, and he was very soothing. I find that most Catholics tell you that we need to be baptised into the Catholic Church or we're not saved, but he told me to go where I felt comfortable.
I cannot ignore the tenants of the Catholic faith that contradict the scripture, and yet I feel drawn to attend Westminster Cathedral. Would it be ok to attend the Church and reserve my Protestant beliefs? If I view some of the RCC teachings as blasphemous, does that make me hypocritical for attending? And I apologize if I offend any Catholics here, but if I view some of the teachings of the RCC as heretical, does that put me in spiritual danger for attending the Cathedral? (I note again, I'm asking this out of confusion, not to insult or offend any Catholics here)
