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KC91
Guest
How do you know? Have you met her? And your assumption has no basis in facts.
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stayathomemommy
Guest
I cant read all the posts so if this might have already been said but there are two thoughts…
First off I have more crazy fun with my Catholic friends then anyone. The best part is because we share a faith we dont do or say things we regret. And they are truely like brothers and sisters that i know care for and love me. So i would say find new friends!
Second, I have met too many people that left the Church only to figure out way later the truth and come back wishing that they had not needed to journey away in order for their eyes to be opened. Just because you join another religion does that mean that the Gods laws are different. The way He calls to conduct ourself does not change just because we go to a different church. So i guess your problem would be the same no matter where you go.
For those who want to worship “protestant style” you can go home and crank up the music and shout with joy to God as much as you want. But the solem time at Mass allows us to give thanks and worship as the first Christians did. The Eucuristic meal is such an amazing time i just cant see where in that i would want to be distracted from the miricle being preformed in front of me. There are different ways to worship at different times and places. but if your heart calls you to dance and sing do it, you dont have to leave the church for that!! its what we do in the livingroom the rest of sunday!
First off I have more crazy fun with my Catholic friends then anyone. The best part is because we share a faith we dont do or say things we regret. And they are truely like brothers and sisters that i know care for and love me. So i would say find new friends!
Second, I have met too many people that left the Church only to figure out way later the truth and come back wishing that they had not needed to journey away in order for their eyes to be opened. Just because you join another religion does that mean that the Gods laws are different. The way He calls to conduct ourself does not change just because we go to a different church. So i guess your problem would be the same no matter where you go.
For those who want to worship “protestant style” you can go home and crank up the music and shout with joy to God as much as you want. But the solem time at Mass allows us to give thanks and worship as the first Christians did. The Eucuristic meal is such an amazing time i just cant see where in that i would want to be distracted from the miricle being preformed in front of me. There are different ways to worship at different times and places. but if your heart calls you to dance and sing do it, you dont have to leave the church for that!! its what we do in the livingroom the rest of sunday!
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CountrySinger
Guest
Wait wait wait, you are kidding right?
waits for sarcasm to appear
HA HA HA HA takes breath HA HA HA HA HA
I could be wearing a cheerleader uniform, giving away beer, and smell like steak, and the guys would just take the beer and walk away.
Oh my gosh, I feel uncomfortable around handsome men because I feel unworthy in front of them. If men couldn’t resist me, then I wouldn’t be single.
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rayne89
Guest
He was teasing, KC. Being funny you know?
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KC91
Guest
Why do you think those you are recenvt converts are more strong in their zeal? I personally know of recent converts who have been lazy, not attending Sunday Mass, and using Aritifical Birth Control. Fortunately they went to confession though.Ahh…I looked back on your posts after this one made me wonder about your age. You are a high school student, and since you state Tiber Swim team 2010 in your signature, a recent convert. This explains your zeal and prideful attitude. As well as your quick condemnations. CountrySinger don’t be too offended by this young person’s attitude -there’s a lot about life and living the faith he has yet to learn.
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rayne89
Guest
Well, many times converts are so excited about their new found faith they share that a bit forcefully. And there’s often a “honeymoon period” where there’s very strong emotional feelings going on, a deep feeling of connection to God and his church. They haven’t experienced dry spells, or disappointments & losses while living their faith yet. Coupled with the fact that you are a young person -young people are sometimes less nuanced, don’t have as much life experience to empathize with the different challenges people face.
And the fact that you find fear of hell a perfect way to evangelize CS makes sense. Your just coming out of stage in life where you’ve been under your parents rule. Punishment for misdeeds goes hand and hand with a parent/child relationship. Fear of punishment is still reason enough for you to do or not to do certain things. When we become adults and move away from that other factors usually play into why we do or do not do certain things.
CS is not a high school student, she is a grown woman and “scaring the hell out of her” is not the what she needs right now. Ask the holy spirit to help you. If you want to share your faith effectively and show people the beauty of the church and the gift God has graced you with you will need more than follow these rules or burn in hell. Congrats on coming home to the Church.
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monicatholic
Guest
over therse past few days, country singer, i’ve read every word of and pondered this thread a lot.
in charity, here’s what i think: you suffer from, what we call in AA, “terminal uniqueness.”
it is a form of spiritual pride. nothing fits because you are so unique. so ‘not typical’, so cynical, so ‘not a good catholic girl’ so not a cath-bot, so unworthy, etc.
country singer, would you give a second look to a guy who had 3 kids, all from differnet mothers, trailing behind him almost everywhere he went? a guy who was on welfare? a guy who dressed like something left over as a cast extra from Road Warriors? a guy who smoked cigarettes? a guy who was sober only 3 years?
i wouldn’t either. but my handsome-- smart, hardworking, steady, balanced, husband did. he married me.
he could see the conversion that happened in me. he could ***see ***it. part of that conversion-- and this is sooooo real and important-- was that i began to stop comparing myself to others-- esecially other women. part of my early conversion was that i had to STOP putting limits on what God was able to do for me and with me. those limits were mine, not HIS. i had to become willing to give up whatever it was about me that prevented me from following HIS plan for me. i had trust God-- I worried that when HE was done with me, I would be unrecognizable-- that I would be like them. i had to trust God and surrender that. I had to say, “whatever YOU want, God.”
it was so hard because it was so much pride.
but here’s what’s miraculous-- on the outside, none of those changes had even happened yet, CS. it was all on the inside. but my husband saw it.
that was 22 years ago.
my friends still think i’m the biggest smart a** they know. they still vote me class clown-- all the time. and here’s what’s funny, CS, most of my friends work in the 2 parishes where i work-- they work right along side of me.
i’m class clown in 2 catholic parishes.
go figure.
let go of the terminal uniqueness. let God do what HE wants with you. you will be so much more FREE when you do. yep. life is hard. stuff gets weird. but you belong to HIM and HE has plans for you.
in charity, here’s what i think: you suffer from, what we call in AA, “terminal uniqueness.”
it is a form of spiritual pride. nothing fits because you are so unique. so ‘not typical’, so cynical, so ‘not a good catholic girl’ so not a cath-bot, so unworthy, etc.
country singer, would you give a second look to a guy who had 3 kids, all from differnet mothers, trailing behind him almost everywhere he went? a guy who was on welfare? a guy who dressed like something left over as a cast extra from Road Warriors? a guy who smoked cigarettes? a guy who was sober only 3 years?
i wouldn’t either. but my handsome-- smart, hardworking, steady, balanced, husband did. he married me.
he could see the conversion that happened in me. he could ***see ***it. part of that conversion-- and this is sooooo real and important-- was that i began to stop comparing myself to others-- esecially other women. part of my early conversion was that i had to STOP putting limits on what God was able to do for me and with me. those limits were mine, not HIS. i had to become willing to give up whatever it was about me that prevented me from following HIS plan for me. i had trust God-- I worried that when HE was done with me, I would be unrecognizable-- that I would be like them. i had to trust God and surrender that. I had to say, “whatever YOU want, God.”
it was so hard because it was so much pride.
but here’s what’s miraculous-- on the outside, none of those changes had even happened yet, CS. it was all on the inside. but my husband saw it.
that was 22 years ago.
my friends still think i’m the biggest smart a** they know. they still vote me class clown-- all the time. and here’s what’s funny, CS, most of my friends work in the 2 parishes where i work-- they work right along side of me.
i’m class clown in 2 catholic parishes.
go figure.
let go of the terminal uniqueness. let God do what HE wants with you. you will be so much more FREE when you do. yep. life is hard. stuff gets weird. but you belong to HIM and HE has plans for you.
C
ComputerGeek25
Guest
Well, many times converts are so excited about their new found faith they share that a bit forcefully. And there’s often a “honeymoon period” where there’s very strong emotional feelings going on, a deep feeling of connection to God and his church. They haven’t experienced dry spells, or disappointments & losses while living their faith yet. Coupled with the fact that you are a young person -young people are sometimes less nuanced, don’t have as much life experience to empathize with the different challenges people face.
And the fact that you find fear of hell a perfect way to evangelize CS makes sense. Your just coming out of stage in life where you’ve been under your parents rule. Punishment for misdeeds goes hand and hand with a parent/child relationship. Fear of punishment is still reason enough for you to do or not to do certain things. When we become adults and move away from that other factors usually play into why we do or do not do certain things.
CS is not a high school student, she is a grown woman and “scaring the hell out of her” is not the what she needs right now. Ask the holy spirit to help you. If you want to share your faith effectively and show people the beauty of the church and the gift God has graced you with you will need more than follow these rules or burn in hell. Congrats on coming home to the Church.
I think the best way to evangelize is not to tell people they are “going to hell.” That is above my pay grade.
However, what we can do is give Country Singer encouragement, prayers, support, and answer her questions to the best of our ability.
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Shadark
Guest
Country Singer perhaps you should shack-up with KC91. He’s made it rather clear to everyone he’s a decent Catholic guy. 
Reading all these pages just goes to show how a lot of people on here care a lot about how you are doing. Additionally, a good majority of the Catholics on here are people you could go out and party with.
Reading all these pages just goes to show how a lot of people on here care a lot about how you are doing. Additionally, a good majority of the Catholics on here are people you could go out and party with.
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KC91
Guest
Hell scripture for rejecting or leaving the body of Jesus Christ, his Catholic Church
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PaulinVA
Guest
Yes, we all know.
Jonathan Edwards gave his famous (or infamous) “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” sermon in 1741. Not sure how it went over then. If that’s the extent of your faith, well, good luck.
Apologetics and the art of winning people for Christ should not, however, rely on threats of eternal damnation. Most people do not respond well to those threats, Most people respond well to the love and kindness of people they respect.
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rayne89
Guest
Do you think any of the Catholics on the thread debates the fact that hell exists or that one could lose their soul by leaving the church? You can stick to facts and black and white answers and being ultra-Catholic or you could humble yourself and realize people are in all different stages of their faith walk and ask the Holy Spirit to help you be God’s vessel. Do you want to win an argument or win souls for Christ?
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KC91
Guest
Well there is always a ‘carrot and stick’ treatment needed by the Church.
Time for the carrot then - CS do you find any enjoable activities at your parish such as groups, refreshments, etc? Since one of my favourite activities at my parish is eating brekfast (provided by the parish) with my mates in the parish hall after morning mass.
Time for the carrot then - CS do you find any enjoable activities at your parish such as groups, refreshments, etc? Since one of my favourite activities at my parish is eating brekfast (provided by the parish) with my mates in the parish hall after morning mass.
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KostyaJMJ
Guest
What kind of faith does that lead to? Do you think that making a wager is the kind of dishonest self-serving faith that God is interested in?
I think that Calvin expresses the sentiment behind that kind of belief best.
http://imgsrv.gocomics.com/dim/?fh=ecfc63d904e42c2ec9d21df7014ae414
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doanli
Guest
Hang in there, I know what you’re going through.
Say plenty of Hail Marys and “Jesus, help me!” I find that helps me in times of crises.
God bless you, I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time right now, but it won’t last. Keep close to our Lord and Blessed Mother always.
Say plenty of Hail Marys and “Jesus, help me!” I find that helps me in times of crises.
God bless you, I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time right now, but it won’t last. Keep close to our Lord and Blessed Mother always.
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NoAvailableName
Guest
deleted
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Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
No.For the last month and a half. I’ve been having doubts, I mean serious doubts about my faith (like I have issues with most, if not all, of the Church’s beliefs). I’m just tired of defending it against other people, including my own family (I’m the only Catholic left after my mother died). It would be easier to give up and go back to my old life, I had a lot more friends, men, and fun. I guess I’m just tired, I’m tired of being the crusader, I just want to be a 28 year old woman, find a husband, and raise a family.
So my question is: has anyone else felt this way? Or am I just a weirdo? ** Or is this a sign from God that I should switch religions? **
I see your siggy line and I have to remind you that no one is ‘average.’ I guarantee you every single one of us is unique. Perhaps this is something you should think about.
I sometimes experience some of the problems you stated in your OP. And as a convert, I have my hissy fits. This Dark Night stuff, ack! It’s tough, so tough, but I KNOW this is the right place.
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Nec5
Guest
The rapid decline of Christianity (completely in Europe and halfway here in the States) over the last several decades would disagree with you. The luvvy-dubby, non-judgmental only approach has proven a failure.
Both approaches are required. And yes, people are fairly selfish creatures. Notice that Christ constantly explained the goodness that awaited people who followed him and the damnation that awaited those who were of this world. He recognized our inherent self-interest and addressed it repeatedly.
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masha
Guest
I’ve been reading the thread, though I may have missed a few, so forgive me if I repeat, and I had just a few thoughts for Country Singer and KC91:
Country Singer,
I think that you need to have other reasons besides “the Church says no” for the changes you’ve made in your life. Obedience is good and holy, but the Church really prefers obedience with understanding. If you can recognize and convice yourself that being chaste and modest actually benefits you in your life, not just in eternity, then you’ll probably have an easier time sticking to it, and explaining it to others. I’m not going to give you a whole list of the whys, other posters have, and I’m sure you know them, but focus more on those reasons. If you just tell yourself that your have to be chaste because the Chruch insists it will be harder to stay chaste than if you remind yourself that the Church is insisting on it because unchastity tears down the person, is unhealthy, and often comes from and leads to a low self-image.
Also, and believe me I do know how hard this is, remember that you are not alone against the world. It’s hard being single, with non-religious friends. You definately have my prayers, I’ve been in similar situations - the artistic world is not always kind to Catholics. Remember that there really are a lot of guys of various faiths who will respectfully refrain from sex prior to marriage if that is your choice!
I know you love your city, and I’m sure your job is great too, but honestly, seriously consider moving. Your free and the world is at your feet. I must have lived in a dozen places while I was single: you meet new friends (Catholic and non), you see different people, you experience life in a whole new way on the road and it is an experience you can carry with you forever. When your married, settled, and old, you can tell tales of your single freedom and look back with a hint of longing at those travelling days. (can you tell, I do, and I’m not even very old!)
KC91,
I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. I would recommend going to see Italy and Malta before deciding to raise your large, Catholic family there. They are Catholic, but there is a huge difference between Italian Catholicism and the sort of 1950s Catholic-Puritain hybrid that you seem to enjoy
Read the Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, I think you’ll enjoy them, and I think they’ll do you good.
Country Singer,
I think that you need to have other reasons besides “the Church says no” for the changes you’ve made in your life. Obedience is good and holy, but the Church really prefers obedience with understanding. If you can recognize and convice yourself that being chaste and modest actually benefits you in your life, not just in eternity, then you’ll probably have an easier time sticking to it, and explaining it to others. I’m not going to give you a whole list of the whys, other posters have, and I’m sure you know them, but focus more on those reasons. If you just tell yourself that your have to be chaste because the Chruch insists it will be harder to stay chaste than if you remind yourself that the Church is insisting on it because unchastity tears down the person, is unhealthy, and often comes from and leads to a low self-image.
Also, and believe me I do know how hard this is, remember that you are not alone against the world. It’s hard being single, with non-religious friends. You definately have my prayers, I’ve been in similar situations - the artistic world is not always kind to Catholics. Remember that there really are a lot of guys of various faiths who will respectfully refrain from sex prior to marriage if that is your choice!
I know you love your city, and I’m sure your job is great too, but honestly, seriously consider moving. Your free and the world is at your feet. I must have lived in a dozen places while I was single: you meet new friends (Catholic and non), you see different people, you experience life in a whole new way on the road and it is an experience you can carry with you forever. When your married, settled, and old, you can tell tales of your single freedom and look back with a hint of longing at those travelling days. (can you tell, I do, and I’m not even very old!)
KC91,
I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts.
I would recommend going to see Italy and Malta before deciding to raise your large, Catholic family there. They are Catholic, but there is a huge difference between Italian Catholicism and the sort of 1950s Catholic-Puritain hybrid that you seem to enjoy Read the Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, I think you’ll enjoy them, and I think they’ll do you good.
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PaulinVA
Guest
You misunderstand. I am never, ever, going to sing Kumbya again.
I can interact with someone with love and respect and still tell them things they do not want to hear. However, because of the respectful tone of the relationship, the person will be open to hear what I have to say.
Only a very ineffective speaker resorts to the, “If you don’t believe me, you’re going to Hell!” line of debate. Yes, people need to hear the Truth, but it doesn’t have to be wrapped in hellfire and damnation.
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