"Agnostic" -- what to do?

[NoahLuck]

I converted Catholic about seven years ago from cradle evangelical Protestantism and have never regretted it for a moment.

However, for about a month now I’ve been sinking deeper into doubt about whether God is real. I realized a few days ago that I’d definitely crossed the threshold into “agnosticism”. By that I mean simply “I don’t know” – I don’t buy into the “No one can ever know” stuff that Wikipedia tells me is what the word really means. OK, so lots of people go through phases like this, and it’s nothing new under the sun. It’s new to me, though, and I’m very confused emotionally.

Intellectually, I know exactly what two months ago I would have told someone in my position: Don’t give up going to mass (but wait to receive the Eucharist until you recognize that God is there). Pray to God to ask for the gift of faith. Request prayer from others. Be open to philosophical and historical evidences that show faith is reasonable.

Can you recommend anything I’ve missed? It seems sensible to me that I should not receive the Eucharist in this state, though I might be wrong because it’s not really a sin in the usual sense – does anyone have clarification there?

I didn’t get to this point based on arguments. If I can psychologize myself accurately (which science says I probably can’t), I feel like it’s because of a fairly constant social situation over the years of thoughtful kindness being shown me by atheist friends while from fellow parishioners I generally get something between a cold shoulder and verbal hostility. (I don’t think it’s intended – it’s just that culture is slow to change and conservative Catholics haven’t figured out how to “love the sinner” with their LGBT brethren. I have thick skin, fortunately, and ultimately I’m there for Christ, not for other people.)

Obviously, prayers would be appreciated as well as practical ideas.

 

[TheDoors]

Don’t dispair. We all have our times of doubt. God’s light is there, even in your time of darkness.

It seems to me that you are looking at people, rather than God. Your athiest friends may indeed be very nice people who lead good lives. And that’s fine. But remember, noone feeds, shelters or clothes more than God’s Church.

A few months ago I was having a dark time in faith, and I prayed “God, let me feel your presence” in church. As I looked up, the priest was holding up the Body and Blood. God is with us.

I will pray for you. Don’t worry, and do not fear. God’s love is upon you.

 

[wcknight]

I think many people go though stages of doubt similar to you. I did so for about 10 years… it usually occurs between high school and young adulthood at least it did for me, and for all of my kids.

I would recommend reading as much as you can about the saints and mystics. It helped bring me back to the Church. My kids are still trying to find thweir way. I send them books on the lives of the saints for CHristmas, and I write a few letters now and then to remind them of the faith they once had, and of course I pray for them always.

Buy yourself a green scapular, have it blessed and say the prayer daily, " Most immaculate heart of Mary pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen."

Seek God with a sincere heart and open mind and He will never let you down. Pray always, even if you don’t believe it fully.

Remember St John Vianney says, people who alwasy pray will undoubtedly go to Heaven. People who never pray, will probably go elsewhere.

I hope and pray you find your way home. It took me around 10 years, some take a lot longer.

 

[bilop]

I converted Catholic about seven years ago from cradle evangelical Protestantism and have never regretted it for a moment.

However, for about a month now I’ve been sinking deeper into doubt about whether God is real. I realized a few days ago that I’d definitely crossed the threshold into “agnosticism”. By that I mean simply “I don’t know” – I don’t buy into the “No one can ever know” stuff that Wikipedia tells me is what the word really means. OK, so lots of people go through phases like this, and it’s nothing new under the sun. It’s new to me, though, and I’m very confused emotionally.

Intellectually, I know exactly what two months ago I would have told someone in my position: Don’t give up going to mass (but wait to receive the Eucharist until you recognize that God is there). Pray to God to ask for the gift of faith. Request prayer from others. Be open to philosophical and historical evidences that show faith is reasonable.

Can you recommend anything I’ve missed? It seems sensible to me that I should not receive the Eucharist in this state, though I might be wrong because it’s not really a sin in the usual sense – does anyone have clarification there?

I didn’t get to this point based on arguments. If I can psychologize myself accurately (which science says I probably can’t), I feel like it’s because of a fairly constant social situation over the years of thoughtful kindness being shown me by atheist friends while from fellow parishioners I generally get something between a cold shoulder and verbal hostility. (I don’t think it’s intended – it’s just that culture is slow to change and conservative Catholics haven’t figured out how to “love the sinner” with their LGBT brethren. I have thick skin, fortunately, and ultimately I’m there for Christ, not for other people.)

Obviously, prayers would be appreciated as well as practical ideas.

It sounds simplistic, but, believe. Have faith. Pray to the Lord “Lord, I believe. Heal my unbelief.”

God Bless

 

[masondoggy]

I don’t have much advice but I think that occasional doubts are completely normal. Don’t let it scare you into completely giving up on God. I think if you pray for God to guide you right now, He will. Even if you are having trouble believing, what harm does it do to “take a chance” and pray?

I will pray for you.

 

[wcknight]

IF you want to find friendlier Catholic company, when you re-establish your faith, join the Knights of COlumbus and get active going to the meetings and events.

We do require “'practicing Catholics” so you will need to be attending mass and abiding by Church rules before you can join.

It’s a shame some Catholics can’t be a bit more Christ-like, but it takes all kinds.

Some of the nicest people are atheists BUT it doesn’t make them right. Some of the nastiest folks may be Catholic or even priests or nun, but this is not indicative of how Catholics should act, and it certainly does not mean that Catholicism is wrong.

You would think a sign should be posted on Church doors, “No jerks allowed, but that is not the case”, at least not yet.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

IF you want to find friendlier Catholic company, when you re-establish your faith, join the Knights of COlumbus and get active going to the meetings and events.

We do require “'practicing Catholics” so you will need to be attending mass and abiding by Church rules before you can join.

It’s a shame some Catholics can’t be a bit more Christ-like, but it takes all kinds.

Some of the nicest people are atheists BUT it doesn’t make them right. Some of the nastiest folks may be Catholic or even priests or nun, but this is not indicative of how Catholics should act, and it certainly does not mean that Catholicism is wrong.

You would think a sign should be posted on Church doors, "No jerks allowed, but that is not the case", at least not yet.

Then I’d be shut out!

The Church is a hospital for sinners!

Sheesh.

 

[po18guy]

I heartily advise you to go to the Source: Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Spend time before our Lord at adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you. You might be amazed sooner, or you might be amazed later, but you will be amazed. Once you know He is there, you will be changed.

 

[Elizium23]

I am glad that you don’t buy into the stuff on Wikipedia. I would lose my faith too, if Wikipedia were the only thing I could read. Good advice has been given above. I recommend reading good things like Church documents, the Catholic Encyclopedia, and the Catechism, and the Bible.