A few questions...

[crenfro]

Hello. I am a confirmed 15 year old boy and I have a few questions regarding faith I would like to ask. Unlike so many of my catholic peers my age, I want to stay as close to the faith as I can.

Yeah Random!!!

First of all, why are so many things associated with sex such a big deal? As a teen in the middle of sexual development, It is becoming harder and harder to control my thoughts and actions. So my main questions associated with lust are: What is the church’s position on impure thoughts or desires? Is it a sin if it so hard to control them?
Why is masturbation such a big deal? It doesn’t seem to cause anyone harm, and would even seem to help one deal with urges (On a side note, I can gladly say I have refrained from this activity.)

Random, I’m 47, and most likely it’s us adults who are answering your questions, and when people are well into adulthood they sometimes forget what’s it’s like to be 15.

I used to think, when I was around your age, all the ruckus over sex was unnecessary. Sometimes I suspected there was a ruckus because the adults just wanted an excuse to talk about it some more. 12 years and some immoral relationships later, I learned why the Catholic church says what it says about sexual matters.

One of my favorite pieces of advice, I think St. Paul said something very close to this, is to RUN! If there’s a situation dealing with the occasion of sin due to lust, RUN, then think about it later.

Impure thoughts and desires are harmful because thoughts lead to words, then words lead to action, and before you know it…your soul is not in a state of grace…

Heck no it’s not a sin if impure thoughts are hard to control! Giving in to them then letting them take over is what’s scary. Can you ask God to help you whenever your impulses start to take over? And there’s always Confession to help you get back on track.

Next, why is church required every week? In order to attend once a week, I would have to turn going out with friends, and skip out on weekend camping trips ect. Why is this such a steep requirement with a lack of exceptions?

You couldn’t do any of these things if God hadn’t created you. How about an hour a week for Him?

And finally, sometimes it feels like catholicism is forcing me into a corner, with so many rules and laws, am I being disrespectful by feeling this way?

Nah. Sounds like you’re a fifteen year old. And you’re not being forced into a corner, but learning what true freedom is. It may take some time, so be patient with yourself.

Also, I wondered if you belong to any of the Catholic youth groups in your parish…might be something for you to check into…

 

[Abbadon]

Isn’t it okay if you go to mass on a wednsday instead? becuase thats what i do… either that or monday… whenever i can really… So if you went on a different day you could go camping and the like…

 

[Magicsilence]

Isn’t it okay if you go to mass on a wednsday instead? becuase thats what i do… either that or monday… whenever i can really… So if you went on a different day you could go camping and the like…

While the Church encourages us to attend daily mass wherever possible,** it does not** allow us to miss Sunday mass and replace it with another mass.

We are called to keep the Lord’s day holy, and are obliged to attend mass on Sunday itself.

I hope that clears things up for you!

Peace and God Bless!