Am I still Catholic if I don't always agree with the church?

[jedpatrickdatu]

I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby and until now I’m a dedicated believer of Christ. However, while I abide with most of the practices of the church, like attending Sunday mass, there are a few of their teachings I’m having doubts with, like the concept of Purgatory. If I don’t agree with all Catholic traditions, does that mean I can’t be called one? I wish I could still be a member.

 

[Ophelia23]

Even if you leave the Catholic Church to become a Buddhist Monk in the mountains, you bare the marking imprinted on your soul through Baptism that maintains you are Catholic. It isn’t as if your “membership” has been revoked. Be at peace.

Now, in terms of the real question here, it isn’t whether you can be Catholic while disagreeing with some of the tenants of the Church. It is really, as a Catholic who disagrees with some of the tenants of the Church, why do you disagree, and what learning and investigating have you undergone to remedy it?

 

[clem456]

I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby and until now I’m a dedicated believer of Christ. However, while I abide with most of the practices of the church, like attending Sunday mass, there are a few of their teachings I’m having doubts with, like the concept of Purgatory. If I don’t agree with all Catholic traditions, does that mean I can’t be called one? I wish I could still be a member.

Rather than applying a membership label, I like to think of Catholicism as being in union with God through his Church . Being Catholic implies a communion with the whole Church and it’s teaching. We are all striving to come more into communion, we all understand imperfectly in this life. Having trouble understanding or having doubts does not disqualify one from being Catholic. Obstinately questioning and intentionally doubting the Church might be a different story. Ask yourself: “Do I give my assent, trust, and obedience to the Church despite my troubles with faith?” (we all have them). Giving your good-faith assent, obedience, trust, to the Church is key to being Catholic. Give God the best you can in trust, he will bring you to understand in his time.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby and until now I’m a dedicated believer of Christ. However, while I abide with most of the practices of the church, like attending Sunday mass, there are a few of their teachings I’m having doubts with, like the concept of Purgatory. If I don’t agree with all Catholic traditions, does that mean I can’t be called one? I wish I could still be a member.

I would urge you to question why you think of the Church as “them.” You’ve obviously put yourself outside of the faith, at least in your own mind. Yet, technically, you are a baptized Catholic and you have all the obligations of a Catholic. The practice of the Church are one aspect of our faith, but Jesus in the Eucharist is the most critical aspect. If you believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, how could you be anything but a Catholic?

Purgatory is based on Scripture, did you know that?

I urge you to go and speak to a priest about your doubts. Are you attending Mass now? Have you received your First Holy Eucharist, or just baptism?

 

[jedpatrickdatu]

Thanks for the answers. I must confess that the reason I asked this question is my family is Catholic, and they said I can do anything but move to another religion. I don’t want to break their hearts or get in a fight with them.

It’s wasn’t because I hate the church, in fact I admire them and follow their sacraments(I believe in the Eucharist too). I just had a lot of questions about salvation according the Bible so I do plenty of research that lead me to answers conflicting with a few things in traditional Catholicism.

 

[Boswell]

I urge you to talk with a priest about your doubts. Don’t do it in Confession because time there is limited. Make an appointment, sit down and pour out your doubts and concerns. Many Saints had the same issues as you. I will pray for you.

Boswell

 

[aemcpa]

Thanks for the answers. I must confess that the reason I asked this question is my family is Catholic, and they said I can do anything but move to another religion. I don’t want to break their hearts or get in a fight with them.

It’s wasn’t because I hate the church, in fact I admire them and follow their sacraments(I believe in the Eucharist too). I just had a lot of questions about salvation according the Bible so I do plenty of research that lead me to answers conflicting with a few things in traditional Catholicism.

Then they aren’t answers. Catholicism is the only religion that is in full conformity with the Bible, because the Church wrote the Bible. The Church is also the only entity that was given the authority and the grace to teach all truth in the name of Christ, so I don’t know why you would think that it needs to measure up to your limited understanding and intellect before it can be judged correct. If your interpretation of the Bible disagrees with the Church’s, the only reasonable explanation is that you’re wrong.

 

[bzkoss236]

Thanks for the answers. I must confess that the reason I asked this question is my family is Catholic, and they said I can do anything but move to another religion. I don’t want to break their hearts or get in a fight with them.

It’s wasn’t because I hate the church, in fact I admire them and follow their sacraments(I believe in the Eucharist too). I just had a lot of questions about salvation according the Bible so I do plenty of research that lead me to answers conflicting with a few things in traditional Catholicism.

Considering there are around 30,000 non-Catholic Christian denominations worldwide, you are probably more likely to stumble upon their theology online.

I would request that in your research that you try to look at things without bias. If you have doubts and you find something that supports your doubt, you are more likely to hold onto it rather than what may be the real truth.

So, look up some good Catholic resources (from Catholic sources) on understanding salvation from a Catholic point of view to get an even distribution of views. I stress getting it from Catholic sources, because who knows better what Catholics believe than good, strong, Catholic apologists. This forum is a good place to start with your research and questions.

Check out the main section of this site (Catholic.com) and check out the various tracts it has to offer, or use the search feature to find something more specific. Also, look into the Early Church Fathers and read their stuff to see what the early Church believed.

Good luck on your journey.

p.s. Just as an aside. I fell away from the church in my teen years, still believing in God, but doubting Jesus, and then in college I joined a non-denom Christian ministry with my brother. Then, through their questions about Catholicism, led me to do research and it led me back. Joining me in my research, my now wife (protestant) is now having many doubts about Protestantism.

 

[markomalley]

I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby and until now I’m a dedicated believer of Christ. However, while I abide with most of the practices of the church, like attending Sunday mass, there are a few of their teachings I’m having doubts with, like the concept of Purgatory. If I don’t agree with all Catholic traditions, does that mean I can’t be called one? I wish I could still be a member.

As others have said, you are Catholic through baptism. You cannot be un-baptized, so therefore “once Catholic, always Catholic”

As for being a “good Catholic,” yes, you are supposed to believe what is definitively proposed by the Magisterium.

As for purgatory, you may wish to ponder I Cor 3:11-15

[11] For other foundation no man can lay, but that which is laid; which is Christ Jesus. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: [13] Every man’ s work shall be manifest; for the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire; and the fire shall try every man’ s work, of what sort it is. [14] If any man’ s work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man’ s work burn, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thanks for the answers. I must confess that the reason I asked this question is my family is Catholic, and they said I can do anything but move to another religion. I don’t want to break their hearts or get in a fight with them.

It’s wasn’t because I hate the church, in fact I admire them and follow their sacraments(I believe in the Eucharist too). I just had a lot of questions about salvation according the Bible so I do plenty of research that lead me to answers conflicting with a few things in traditional Catholicism.

It’s okay to have questions. That doesn’t make you a non-Catholic. It is not uncommon to encounter teachings we don’t quite understand. The key is in how we respond. Do we abandon the faith? Or do we look for explanations and seek understanding?

If you’re having difficulty with the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, then you owe it to yourself to investigate exactly what the Church teaches and why. Look in the Catechism (CCC 1030-1032). Read some apologetics tracts (like the one here at Catholic Answers). Look at other articles. Listen to Catholic biblical theologians explain the Catholic teaching.

Purgatory is one of the perennial stumbling blocks for Protestants with regards to Catholic teaching. Thus there is tons of apologetics material that is out there. Investigate. And feel free to ask questions.

 

[aemcpa]

I should add that your “research” isn’t research at all if it doesn’t include primary sources on what the Church believes and teaches. If you haven’t read the Catechism of the Catholic Church cover to cover, then you haven’t researched Catholicism. There are literally hundreds of references to Scripture on virtually every page, plus hundreds of other references to the teachings of the Ecumenical Councils, the Popes, and the writings of Saints and Doctors of the Church.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Thanks for the answers. I must confess that the reason I asked this question is my family is Catholic, and they said I can do anything but move to another religion. I don’t want to break their hearts or get in a fight with them.

It’s wasn’t because I hate the church, in fact I admire them and follow their sacraments(I believe in the Eucharist too). I just had a lot of questions about salvation according the Bible so I do plenty of research that lead me to answers conflicting with a few things in traditional Catholicism.

It’s not “them” and “their;” it’s “us” and “our.” You’re a baptized Catholic or hasn’t anyone made the clear to you yet?

Have you had your First Eucharist? You’re not on the outside, you’re one of us!

 

[jedpatrickdatu]

Thanks again for the support, I’ll keep in mind what you said. Hopefully my doubts will be cleared.

 

[Gorgias]

Thanks again for the support, I’ll keep in mind what you said. Hopefully my doubts will be cleared.

You know… our forums here are a great place to ask questions and have conversations about the doubts you are having! If you’ve done research and read what others are saying, that’s a good start. However, have you given the Catholic Church an opportunity to respond to those things you’ve read? Bring them here – we have forums about apologetics (i.e., defending the faith), Sacred Scripture, morality – and see what Catholics have to say about the exact issues that you’ve encountered!

Blessings,

G.

 

[jedpatrickdatu]

Thanks, I will. I’ve asked several questions in the Ask an Apologist section but they didn’t get answered, so I’ll share my concern here.

My main trouble with Catholic teachings is it says that for one to be saved, it is not enough for him to believe that Jesus paid for our sins past, present, and future. We must do rituals and sacraments, and then there is the concept of mortal and venial sins, and that we must die without mortal sins to be saved using the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It’s like Jesus’s sacrifice wasn’t complete, as people who believe they were saved by Him yet sinned mortally are still not saved when they pass away. But it’s next to impossible to always be free from sin, isn’t that why Jesus died for us? I’ve read some Catholic responses about this, such as we can choose to throw His gift of salvation away by mortally sinning. But what if that person who mortally sinned genuinely loves God and feels sorry, he just couldn’t help himself? Some people say you don’t really love God if you keep sinning seriously, but, based on experience and reading some articles, you can still have a genuine love for God even when you sin.

Also, I’m divided in the concept of mortal and venial sin. The Bible does not explicitly mention mortal or venial sins, but it does mention that some sins will be punished greater than others. However, it also says that it only takes one sin - no mention if it’s mortal or venial - for one to be damned. Which is which?

I’m sorry if I offended anyone, I know my thoughts are very anti-Catholic and that’s why I want advice. What is your take in this?

 

[marymary1975]

I agree with Ophelia. What is that you don’t agree: with your perception of a catholic teaching or with the actual church teaching? I have found many Catholics that say I don’t agree with x teaching and when they proceed to explain why, I notice they don’t know the actual teaching and when they receive an explanation of the actual thinking is eye opening for them. As others have said baptism makes you catholic. Is ok to have questions, make sure you look for vanesets in the right source. You can asi questions in here or talk with your local priest if you need clarifications.

 

[eamonnroma]

I would urge you to question why you think of the Church as “them.” You’ve obviously put yourself outside of the faith, at least in your own mind. Yet, technically, you are a baptized Catholic and you have all the obligations of a Catholic. The practice of the Church are one aspect of our faith, but Jesus in the Eucharist is the most critical aspect. If you believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, how could you be anything but a Catholic?

Purgatory is based on Scripture, did you know that?

I urge you to go and speak to a priest about your doubts. Are you attending Mass now? Have you received your First Holy Eucharist, or just baptism?

I would be interested to know where the Catholic understanding of Purgatory is found in Scripture

 

[aemcpa]

My main trouble with Catholic teachings is it says that for one to be saved, it is not enough for him to believe that Jesus paid for our sins past, present, and future.

Even the Devil believes that, or rather knows it to be true.

You are clearly reading anti-Catholic rubbish. That is not research, it is propaganda. Read the Catechism.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thanks, I will. I’ve asked several questions in the Ask an Apologist section but they didn’t get answered, so I’ll share my concern here.

My main trouble with Catholic teachings is it says that for one to be saved, it is not enough for him to believe that Jesus paid for our sins past, present, and future. We must do rituals and sacraments, and then there is the concept of mortal and venial sins, and that we must die without mortal sins to be saved using the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It’s like Jesus’s sacrifice wasn’t complete, as people who believe they were saved by Him yet sinned mortally are still not saved when they pass away. But it’s next to impossible to always be free from sin, isn’t that why Jesus died for us? I’ve read some Catholic responses about this, such as we can choose to throw His gift of salvation away by mortally sinning. But what if that person who mortally sinned genuinely loves God and feels sorry, he just couldn’t help himself? Some people say you don’t really love God if you keep sinning seriously, but, based on experience and reading some articles, you can still have a genuine love for God even when you sin.

I’m sorry if I offended anyone, I know my thoughts are very anti-Catholic and that’s why I want advice. What is your take in this?

The distinction between mortal sins and venial sins is one that is already evident in Scripture: 1 Jn 5:16-17.

With regards to how we are saved, Catholics do not subscribe to the “saved by faith alone” doctrine as no where in Scripture does it say we are saved by faith alone. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions.

I like how the Catechism defines sacraments in paragraph 1116:

Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are “the masterworks of God” in the new and everlasting covenant.

Yes, Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is complete, but even St. Paul indicates that it is not the whole story when he says he “makes up for what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ” (Colossians 1:24).

The sacraments are inseparable from the Paschal Mystery – from the Cross and Resurrection. Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice is like the battery that powers the sacramental machine. And the battery never needs to be replaced or recharged.

But simply because Christ’s sacrifice was completely efficacious doesn’t mean that all Christians everywhere can skate through life contributing nothing of consequence. God wants us to work with Him. He wants our cooperation with the Cross because we need to cooperate.

And, yes, we sin. It is possible for us to turn our backs on God. If it were not, then we would not have free will. Or we would only have free will up until we say “I believe” for the first time, after which we would be on auto-pilot. Hence the great importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus gave the Church the tools to tap into the saving power of the Cross and wipe away those sins and bring us back to the state of grace. How awesome is that!?

 

[marymary1975]

I would be interested to know where the Catholic understanding of Purgatory is found in Scripture

Purgatory in and of itself is not in the scripture. It is inferred from the scripture. What it is in the scripture is that Jesus said only souls in perfect state of grace will enter into the kingdom of heaven and what is also in the scripture is that souls condemned will.enter hell. So the logical question is what happens with a soul who dies but is not in perfect state of grace and has not died in mortal sin or repented before dying? That soul can’t go to heaven because is not in perfect state of grace and would be extremely unfair to send that soul to heaven. Another point to remember, you need to interpret the scriptures in the totality of its message, I mentioned this because the totality of the message in the scripture is that God is justice and God is love so if God is justice God would not send that soul to hell because that would be an injustice, and because God doesn’t contradict himself we know that soul can’t go into heaven. So there must be a place in which souls who are not in perfect state of grace go to in which they can purify themselves. If purgatory doesn’t exist then the entire bible doesn’t make sense because the lack of purgatory means that everybody goes to hell which makes no sense again because if everybody is going to hell then there is no salvation and then why Jesus came. Remember things don’t have to be specifically stated in the bible.