A relationship with Christ

[mrs_abbott]

Mrs Abbott,

I fully understand what you are talking about, please humor me for this post.

I was born and raised Catholic, Catholic camp from ages 9-11 years old. Catholic Schools from 6th grade through senior year and high school. Was never really super into my faith and after I got married my home parish was pretty dead.

Me, wife and kids left the Catholic Church. Kinda felt the same way as you and through some kid activities a couple came into our lives and gave us a hard self for an Evangelical Church. You know the type, they are everywhere these days, modern music, little skits, etc, “fellowship”. It was great, for a while, but then the novelty wore off…

What I found (and what a number of other people on this board and in my life have found) the only way to receive the fullness of the Christian faith is in the Catholic Church.

The grass always looks greener on the side I could also point you to some articles that show the Evangelical or “seeker friendly” crowd also feels like they are missing something. The something, IMO, is the sacraments and fullness which is provided within the Catholic Church. I speak from my own personal experience.

I would be happy to share more info and will pray for you.

God bless

Thank you and prayers are always welcomed and needed.

 

[peary]

I never said it was easy. It just seems more attainable when I read the bible than when I hear the CC’s rules and regulations to get to heaven. Not trying to be mean, it’s just how I understand it to be.
The message in the bible to love another as Christ has loved us is TOUGH! He died for our sins and he didn’t even know us. I don’t think any of us would die for a complete stranger. I know I wouldn’t, willingly. But that’s how much he loved us and I don’t know if I could ever love another as Christ has loved me. It’s definitely something to aspire to and work on for the rest of my days on this earth.

And what’s so hard about it??? Christ left His Church to preach and offer salvation to all people. There is nothing in Church teaching that goes against “Love others as I have loved you” or "If you love me, keep My commandments. I’ve been in this world long enough to know that there are five priorities in life - get your relationship with God right, take care of your family, take care of your friends, have a charity, and take your Faith in your work. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing in Catholicism that goes against these principals. Never once did I ever think that Christ did not or does not love me.

 

[mrs_abbott]

And what’s so hard about it??? Christ left His Church to preach and offer salvation to all people. There is nothing in Church teaching that goes against “Love others as I have loved you” or "If you love me, keep My commandments. I’ve been in this world long enough to know that there are five priorities in life - get your relationship with God right, take care of your family, take care of your friends, have a charity, and take your Faith in your work. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing in Catholicism that goes against these principals. Never once did I ever think that Christ did not or does not love me.

I didn’t say that the CC won’t help you get into heaven. I believe in most of the teachings of the CC. It’s just that in order to get to heaven, you must believe EVERYTHING the CC says as a Catholic and I’m having a hard time doing that because there are some things that I just don’t believe are correct.
If the Protestants are right and the message of salvation is believing in Christ and following His commands, then why does the CC make things more complicated?
I’m not trying to pick a fight here. I just wanna hear more information to help answer my question.

 

[Lee]

Thank you, Peter, for answering. The lives of the saints are great role models to go by but they seem few and far between now and they lived in different times than we do now. I guess it just seems like no matter how hard you would try, there would always be something keeping you from getting it right. It just seems like there are so many rules and teachings that it’s impossible to keep up with them all.
I get wrapped up in thinking about all that and I lose sight of what’s most important: my relationship with Christ. I guess that’s what I’m trying to get at.
I’m probably not making much sense, am I?

Sorry, I guess I just have to ask this question. What are all the rules everyone keeps talking about. I just dont get it. I dont feel overburdened by rules and regulations. I dont ever remember priests talking about rules and regs during their homilies, its always about Jesus. If your talking about adultry, lying, robbing, sorry but those come FROM the Bible. Guess I am just tired of the statement. As a Catholic you should obviously know that you are receiving JESUS CHRIST in the Eucharist every Sunday, and everyday if you choose to do so. WHAT COULD BE MORE A MORE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP THAN THAT??? As far as the Bible, read what Jesus says about the Church. He came and founded the Church. The bible as you know it didnt come until after the Church. She is my mother. Yeah, my Mom had rules I needed to obey because she wanted me to grow up right. So does the Church. I just think now days its everyone for themselves and if someone has a rule that tries to help their soul, they find it restrive and legalistic. Good luck in Heaven trying to get God to do things your way and not his.

 

[peary]

I didn’t say that the CC won’t help you get into heaven. I believe in most of the teachings of the CC. It’s just that in order to get to heaven, you must believe EVERYTHING the CC says as a Catholic and I’m having a hard time doing that because there are some things that I just don’t believe are correct.
If the Protestants are right and the message of salvation is believing in Christ and following His commands, then why does the CC make things more complicated?
I’m not trying to pick a fight here. I just wanna hear more information to help answer my question.

**Your first order of business that needs to be addressed is the question: is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church the Church founded by Christ Himself through His apsotles? If you have difficulty with answering ‘Yes’, everything else becomes a doubt.

The Protestants are not right - mere believing does not assure one’s salvation.**

 

[Flopfoot]

A reminder of a forum rule that relates to at least one post made by the OP in this thread. The particular post has been reported, though I assume the rest of the thread may go on as normal.

Banned Topics List

Catholic Answers has an obligation to protect our members and assure that the Forums remain a respected discussion environment in which members feel secure in participating.

To achieve this, it is necessary to ban certain topics, content, and posting techniques. If you are unsure whether or not something falls within the scope of this list, inquire of a moderator privately, *before posting

8.* Proselytizing Catholics** or encouraging them to leave the Church.

You can read the full rules here
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=162027

 

[Janet_S]

I didn’t say that the CC won’t help you get into heaven. I believe in most of the teachings of the CC. It’s just that in order to get to heaven, you must believe EVERYTHING the CC says as a Catholic and I’m having a hard time doing that because there are some things that I just don’t believe are correct.
If the Protestants are right and the message of salvation is believing in Christ and following His commands, then why does the CC make things more complicated?
I’m not trying to pick a fight here. I just wanna hear more information to help answer my question.

You say “if the Protestants are right.” I have to ask, which Protestants? There is no uniform Protestant voice just as there are no uniform Protestant beliefs.

No, Protestantism is more complicated that Catholicism. There are 10’s of thousands of varieties, and no sure way of knowing which is the right one.

The Catholic Church defines and clarifies her doctrines for our benefit. I don’t know about you, but I prefer clarity to vagueness. I prefer consulting a road map rather than wandering aimlessly.

 

[mrs_abbott]

You say “if the Protestants are right.” I have to ask, which Protestants? There is no uniform Protestant voice just as there are no uniform Protestant beliefs.

No, Protestantism is more complicated that Catholicism. There are 10’s of thousands of varieties, and no sure way of knowing which is the right one.

The Catholic Church defines and clarifies her doctrines for our benefit. I don’t know about you, but I prefer clarity to vagueness. I prefer consulting a road map rather than wandering aimlessly.

Some say that the road map is the bible, the Word of God.

 

[mrs_abbott]

A reminder of a forum rule that relates to at least one post made by the OP in this thread. The particular post has been reported, though I assume the rest of the thread may go on as normal.

You can read the full rules here
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=162027

My intention was not to try and tell anyone not to be Catholic. In fact, I am Catholic (born and raised). I apologize if that’s how you interpretted it. I’m simply seeking answers from a Catholic perspective to help me better understand so that I may continue growing in knowledge in my relationship with Christ.

 

[mrs_abbott]

Sorry, I guess I just have to ask this question. What are all the rules everyone keeps talking about. I just dont get it. I dont feel overburdened by rules and regulations. I dont ever remember priests talking about rules and regs during their homilies, its always about Jesus. If your talking about adultry, lying, robbing, sorry but those come FROM the Bible. Guess I am just tired of the statement. As a Catholic you should obviously know that you are receiving JESUS CHRIST in the Eucharist every Sunday, and everyday if you choose to do so. WHAT COULD BE MORE A MORE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP THAN THAT??? As far as the Bible, read what Jesus says about the Church. He came and founded the Church. The bible as you know it didnt come until after the Church. She is my mother. Yeah, my Mom had rules I needed to obey because she wanted me to grow up right. So does the Church. I just think now days its everyone for themselves and if someone has a rule that tries to help their soul, they find it restrive and legalistic. Good luck in Heaven trying to get God to do things your way and not his.

I understand what you are saying, I really do, believe it or not. I’m just having issues believing it in my heart. Does that make sense?

 

[mrs_abbott]

**Your first order of business that needs to be addressed is the question: is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church the Church founded by Christ Himself through His apsotles? If you have difficulty with answering ‘Yes’, everything else becomes a doubt.

The Protestants are not** right - mere believing does not assure one’s salvation.

You’re right and I used to believe it to be true but I just don’t know anymore. I feeled pulled to stay true to Catholicism but I guess I don’t know how with all the doubts I’m having. Would it be better if I searched elsewhere?

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

Hello mrs. abbot, the catholic church is the most simple of Faith. Our whole faith is stated in the Nicene Creed, and or the apostles Creed.

What makes it look very wide and deep, is because of its 2000 years in existance, No other christian sect or protestant denomination can make such a claim, not to mention the Catholic faith has the fullness of Truth in Jesus.

The idea of the Catholic church volumes of teachings, is due to the fact that she has been under persecution since Jesus died and resurrected, and has documented for all ages to come how to defend the Catholic faith handed down to us by the apostles themselves. These are the volumes of what you have been mis informed are not all teachings, but clarifications to each age of peoples who have questioned Jesus teachings, and or have come against them.

Read the nicene Creed, all our Catholic faith is summed up on one page.

Now if you want to get theological on the doctrines you read from the creed, and learn how the already believed oral Tradition from the apostles became doctrine due to the fact that they came under attack, now your getting into volumes of work.

As far as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, valid baptised christians are in the body of Jesus Christ. We become intimately personally with Jesus himself, when we consume his body and blood in the Eucharist. IF you want to experience Jesus intimately that exceeds a personal relationship, go to adoration, or get a brush up on course on the Eucharist. Read John 6…, 1Corinthians 11…

I have not only a personally relationship with Jesus, I have an intimate union with Jesus both body and Spirit, where I rest in God in his blessed sacrament the Eucharist, where God is all and in all.

Peace be with you.

 

[peary]

You’re right and I used to believe it to be true but I just don’t know anymore. I feeled pulled to stay true to Catholicism but I guess I don’t know how with all the doubts I’m having. Would it be better if I searched elsewhere?

It’s not either/or but both/and, to answer your initial question. If you need answers, I would strongly suggest making an appointment with your pastor or a priest at your parish who could explain it better to you. Everyone has doubts, but Faith carries us through with God’s grace.

 

[wisdomseeker]

You’re right and I used to believe it to be true but I just don’t know anymore. I feeled pulled to stay true to Catholicism but I guess I don’t know how with all the doubts I’m having. Would it be better if I searched elsewhere?

It would help us to help you, if you tell us what kind of doubts are getting you into all this confusion…

---

Authority…

“***I should not believe the Gospel except as moved by the authority of the Catholic Church.”
Saint Augustine (354-430), Against the Letter of Mani, 5,6, 397 A.D… ***

 

[mrs_abbott]

It would help us to help you, if you tell us what kind of doubts are getting you into all this confusion…

---

Authority…

“***I should not believe the Gospel except as moved by the authority of the Catholic Church.”
Saint Augustine (354-430), Against the Letter of Mani, 5,6, 397 A.D… ***

I wish I could but I don’t know what to say anymore without getting into trouble with someone here. I guess my days on these forums are numbered.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

A relationship with Christ is key to being a Christian and I think most would agree on that.
What if that relationship leads you away from the CC?

Which is more important - the Church, or the Creator & Lord of the Church ? Which has done more for our salvation - Jesus Christ, or the Church which is in constant need of His grace if it is not to cease to be ? Which is God Incarnate: Christ, or the Church ?​

I’ve been doing alot of bible reading lately and taken focus off of particular types of religion (I use Catholicism here because I was born and raised Catholic and that’s all I know). From reading the Bible, the message of salvation seems simple and not as impossible as the CC portrays it to be. I feel like the CC makes it seem like no one is ever going to get to heaven because nothing is ever good enough, you know?

“Good enough for…” ?​

Without knowing the answer to that, the question is impossible to answer.

Does anyone else feel this way or am I talking to the wrong crowd?

 

[Blue_Serenity]

You’re right and I used to believe it to be true but I just don’t know anymore. I feeled pulled to stay true to Catholicism but I guess I don’t know how with all the doubts I’m having. Would it be better if I searched elsewhere?

Search in your heart first and foremost and then go from there. Going to another church outside the Catholic church is something you’re gonna have to decide. Nobody here can tell you what to do. My advice is pray and read your Bible. God will never stear you wrong!

 

[mozart-250]

A relationship with Christ is key to being a Christian and I think most would agree on that.
What if that relationship leads you away from the CC? I’ve been doing alot of bible reading lately and taken focus off of particular types of religion (I use Catholicism here because I was born and raised Catholic and that’s all I know). From reading the Bible, the message of salvation seems simple and not as impossible as the CC portrays it to be. I feel like the CC makes it seem like no one is ever going to get to heaven because nothing is ever good enough, you know?
Does anyone else feel this way or am I talking to the wrong crowd?

Dear Mrs. Abbott:

I would never tell you which church you should belong to. That is your decision under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have no agenda on promoting a denomination. Now everything being equal, I like to see folks stick with the denomination in which they were raised in. But that is just my preference, that is not the Holy Spirit, and I do realize the the Holy Spirit can and does sometimes lead Christians in different paths.

I agree that a relationship with Christ is key to being a Christian.

I agree also that from reading the Bible, the message of salvation seems simple. Read what Jesus said in John. Read the message the apostles preached in the book of Acts. It isn’t rocket science.

I can not and will not comment on whether the CC actually teaches you have to be “good enough” to have eternal life with Christ (and how “good” you would have to be). I will say that Bible is quite clear that “how good you are” is not the basis on whether one has eternal life or not.

 

[mrs_abbott]

Dear Mrs. Abbott:

I would never tell you which church you should belong to. That is your decision under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have no agenda on promoting a denomination. Now everything being equal, I like to see folks stick with the denomination in which they were raised in. But that is just my preference, that is not the Holy Spirit, and I do realize the the Holy Spirit can and does sometimes lead Christians in different paths.

I agree that a relationship with Christ is key to being a Christian.

I agree also that from reading the Bible, the message of salvation seems simple. Read what Jesus said in John. Read the message the apostles preached in the book of Acts. It isn’t rocket science.

I can not and will not comment on whether the CC actually teaches you have to be “good enough” to have eternal life with Christ (and how “good” you would have to be). I will say that Bible is quite clear that “how good you are” is not the basis on whether one has eternal life or not.

Thank you for your reply. The more I’ve been thinking about it since I made the OP, the more I think I’m supposed to stay in the CC but obviously I got a lot to figure out before I can even begin to be a good Catholic again.

 

[peary]

Thank you for your reply. The more I’ve been thinking about it since I made the OP, the more I think I’m supposed to stay in the CC but obviously I got a lot to figure out before I can even begin to be a good Catholic again.

**The Church is for sinners, not the self-righteous. Everyone can start again…just do it. You won’t regret the effort. **