Can I still call myself Catholic?

[PJM]

=Contarini;Does your priest say you can’t receive communion? Who is telling you this?

Of course the folks on this board will tell you that you’re not really Catholic. But if you don’t agree with them about what is true, why do you agree with them about what counts as Catholic? Why are you even asking them? It makes no sense.

There are plenty of Catholics who don’t accept all Catholic teaching. No one is likely to bother you. Go on, seek the truth as you understand it, study and learn about your rich and wonderful Catholic tradition and humbly consider the possibility that you might be wrong. And don’t let the fussbudgets on this forum or anywhere else get to you.

Edwin

***Dear friend in Christ Edwin;

May I humbly suggest that if you wish to “PONTIFICATE,” become a Catholic We are oh so very much more experienced and good at it. "Sufficent numbers of fallen away catholics are hell bound, without being told by a non-Catholic, that’s it’s “OK.” CLEARLY GOD DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOU

Heaven and hell are REAL. The 2008 PEW Report confirms your understanding of falled-away; former Catholics. Indeed are the second largest christian denomination, next to REAL CATHOLICS in number.

You and in a very specific way; THEY ought to heed these words from God.

Matt.7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy,* that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Heb. 6: 4-8 "For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift [Jesus Christ in Catholic holy Communion!], and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned. **

Love and prayrs,
Pat

 

[Fran65]

Thank you for the link to Mark Mallet’s blog. He also has a website. Both highly recommended! I especially found his article called ‘Jesus “The Myth”’ very powerful.

 

[char1963]

I am now ready to answer the question ‘how do I know if my revelation of is satan or my own desires ?’ Because my revelations led me straight back to the 10 Commandments! How did I recieve these revelations? By asking God to help me find answers to my questions. Now I have a question for all of you. Which day is the first day? Everydone I ask says Sunday. So which day is the 7th day? Logically, its Saturday. Which day do the Jews ( of whom Jesus was one) regard as the Holy Day? Saturday. Why is the Catholic Church encouraging us to set aside Sunday as the Holy Day? I have read some things on this and the Church’s answer to the Protestants was always " Why do you set aside Sunday as a Holy Day?" The answer to that is glaring obvious. The Protestants get their roots from the Catholic Church! In spite of that, many Protestant Churches are beginning to observe the sabbath on Saturday. There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person. A coincidence ? I doubt it. I am not saying that is the only reason, but it is part of it. Now , if my revelation leads me to obey all of the 10 commandments , surely none of you can object to that?

 

[HelenRose]

I am now ready to answer the question ‘how do I know if my revelation of is satan or my own desires ?’ Because my revelations led me straight back to the 10 Commandments! How did I recieve these revelations? By asking God to help me find answers to my questions. Now I have a question for all of you. Which day is the first day? Everydone I ask says Sunday. So which day is the 7th day? Logically, its Saturday. Which day do the Jews ( of whom Jesus was one) regard as the Holy Day? Saturday. Why is the Catholic Church encouraging us to set aside Sunday as the Holy Day? I have read some things on this and the Church’s answer to the Protestants was always " Why do you set aside Sunday as a Holy Day?" The answer to that is glaring obvious. The Protestants get their roots from the Catholic Church! In spite of that, many Protestant Churches are beginning to observe the sabbath on Saturday. There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person. A coincidence ? I doubt it. I am not saying that is the only reason, but it is part of it. Now , if my revelation leads me to obey all of the 10 commandments , surely none of you can object to that?

Your original question was: Can I call myself a Catholic?

You and you alone can answer that. I certainly do not have and neither does anyone here have the right to dictate your decision. If you believe that the Seventh Day Adventists have the answer then call yourself a Seventh Day Adventist. If you believe that some other church has the answer then by all means follow that path.

If your revelation leads you to the Seventh Day Adventist, then … no one is stopping you.

I certainly will pray that you will find your way back home to the Catholic Church but this is your journey. You don’t need our permission to make this decision but do not expect approval either. My friend who is a Saturday Adventist prays for me and I pray for her but we do not engage in pointing out how wrong our respective beliefs are.

 

[char1963]

I think I have actually answered my own question. No, I cannot call myself a true Catholic. And I have made my peace with that. Perhaps I will take my last question to another thread. Thank you all for your (name removed by moderator)ut and prayers.

 

[PJM]

=char1963;6142486]I am now ready to answer the question ‘how do I know if my revelation of is satan or my own desires ?’ Because my revelations led me straight back to the 10 Commandments! How did I recieve these revelations? By asking God to help me find answers to my questions. Now I have a question for all of you. Which day is the first day? Everydone I ask says Sunday. So which day is the 7th day? Logically, its Saturday. Which day do the Jews ( of whom Jesus was one) regard as the Holy Day? Saturday. Why is the Catholic Church encouraging us to set aside Sunday as the Holy Day? I have read some things on this and the Church’s answer to the Protestants was always " Why do you set aside Sunday as a Holy Day?" The answer to that is glaring obvious. The Protestants get their roots from the Catholic Church! In spite of that, many Protestant Churches are beginning to observe the sabbath on Saturday. There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person. A coincidence ? I doubt it. I am not saying that is the only reason, but it is part of it. Now , if my revelation leads me to obey all of the 10 commandments , surely none of you can object to that?

***Hi again

***Indeed Sunday is the day of the SUN and of the SON:thumbsup: So by all means go to Mass on Sunday.

Those who choose to go on Saturady do no wrong and fulfill ones Weekly Obligation for Mass. My wife and I go on Saturday as there are fewer people and she has some health issues. I attend Mass everyday I have the transportation to do so, and watch EWTN daily when I am unable to go to church.

Friend, I have been giving your situation careful and prayerful consideration and am now of the opinion that indeed you should take Holy Communion so long as you are in the State of Grace [not including your issues that you are working through] and feel comfortable doing so.

Like so many others I strongly suggest if you are not dialoging with a priest, that you really ought to consider doing so.

Keep a very active prayer life. How often ones prays daily may well be more important than what we pray or how long we pray, as praying brings us into intimate contact with our God.****

The Sacramnets most especially Holy Communion and Confesion will be of GREAT Spiritual benefit to you.

Love and prayers,

Pat**

 

[jmcrae]

I am now ready to answer the question ‘how do I know if my revelation of is satan or my own desires ?’ Because my revelations led me straight back to the 10 Commandments! How did I recieve these revelations? By asking God to help me find answers to my questions. Now I have a question for all of you. Which day is the first day? Everydone I ask says Sunday. So which day is the 7th day? Logically, its Saturday. Which day do the Jews ( of whom Jesus was one) regard as the Holy Day? Saturday. Why is the Catholic Church encouraging us to set aside Sunday as the Holy Day?

Because Christ sanctified Sunday by rising from the dead on it - and if bringing one’s own dead body to life isn’t an Act of Creation, then I doubt I know what that phrase even means. But, it was an Act of Creation, which puts Sunday as the last day of Creation - the Holy Day of the Lord.

I have read some things on this and the Church’s answer to the Protestants was always " Why do you set aside Sunday as a Holy Day?" The answer to that is glaring obvious. The Protestants get their roots from the Catholic Church!

Yes; it’s one of the features of the Apostolic Tradition that they didn’t throw away, during the rebellion.

In spite of that, many Protestant Churches are beginning to observe the sabbath on Saturday.

Ask yourself, why are they only starting now? Why didn’t the Apostles put a stop to Sunday worship, when they had the chance to? Why didn’t the first generation of Christians notice that they were doing something wrong, by not worshipping on Saturday, but by worshipping on Sunday, instead?

Perhaps the Apostles really did know what they were doing, and the first generation of Christians really had a good reason, given to them by Christ, for changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.

There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person.

Catholics who attend daily Mass and receive Holy Communion every day tend to live into their 100s, as do Orthodox Jews who practice every tenet of their faith. What of it? It simply means that a well-regulated lifestyle leads to a longer life.

 

[tbcrawford]

Because Christ sanctified Sunday by rising from the dead on it - and if bringing one’s own dead body to life isn’t an Act of Creation, then I doubt I know what that phrase even means. But, it was an Act of Creation, which puts Sunday as the last day of Creation - the Holy Day of the Lord.

Yes; it’s one of the features of the Apostolic Tradition that they didn’t throw away, during the rebellion.

Ask yourself, why are they only starting now? Why didn’t the Apostles put a stop to Sunday worship, when they had the chance to? Why didn’t the first generation of Christians notice that they were doing something wrong, by not worshipping on Saturday, but by worshipping on Sunday, instead?

Perhaps the Apostles really did know what they were doing, and the first generation of Christians really had a good reason, given to them by Christ, for changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.

Catholics who attend daily Mass and receive Holy Communion every day tend to live into their 100s, as do Orthodox Jews who practice every tenet of their faith. What of it? It simply means that a well-regulated lifestyle leads to a longer life.

Good post just wanted to add that ‘this life’ is not the most important one.
Eternal life is our goal to acheive. Whether we live for half an hour or
a 100yrs in this life is of no real relevance.Our chance of eternal life
is what we seek and live this life for.
char you are in my prayers.

 

[Della]

I am now ready to answer the question ‘how do I know if my revelation of is satan or my own desires ?’ Because my revelations led me straight back to the 10 Commandments! How did I recieve these revelations? By asking God to help me find answers to my questions. Now I have a question for all of you. Which day is the first day? Everydone I ask says Sunday. So which day is the 7th day? Logically, its Saturday. Which day do the Jews ( of whom Jesus was one) regard as the Holy Day? Saturday. Why is the Catholic Church encouraging us to set aside Sunday as the Holy Day? I have read some things on this and the Church’s answer to the Protestants was always " Why do you set aside Sunday as a Holy Day?" The answer to that is glaring obvious. The Protestants get their roots from the Catholic Church! In spite of that, many Protestant Churches are beginning to observe the sabbath on Saturday. There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person. A coincidence ? I doubt it. I am not saying that is the only reason, but it is part of it. Now , if my revelation leads me to obey all of the 10 commandments , surely none of you can object to that?

Two points here: firstly, the Church fully supports and teaches the 10 Commandments. The Catechism goes into great depth on each one, including the Sabbath obligation. That is what you should be looking to, not your personal interpretation which you are not at all qualified to do. I mean no offensive when I say that–it’s simply that you have no education, no authority, no understanding that gives you that right. No one has the authority to determine doctrine/dogma except those to whom Christ gave it–the Apostles and their successors, the bishops of the Church.

Secondly, the Sabbath is God’s domain, not ours. He is the one who determines what it is and how/when we should be observing it. Since you look so much to the Bible, read this passage from the NT:

Matt.12 [1] At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.[2] But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.” [5] Or have you not read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?[8]** For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath."** [10] And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him.[11] He said to them, “What man of you, if he has one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? [12] Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.”

We see here that Jesus claimed authority over the Sabbath. He passed on his authority to Peter and the Apostles. This is why the Church can determine which day of the week the Sabbath is to be kept.

 

[FCEGM]

Because Christ sanctified Sunday by rising from the dead on it - and if bringing one’s own dead body to life isn’t an Act of Creation, then I doubt I know what that phrase even means. But, it was an Act of Creation, which puts Sunday as the last day of Creation - the Holy Day of the Lord. . . .[etc.]

Although I wouldn’t normally recommend a wikipedia article, this one might be a bit helpful to Char as it presents the thought of the early Christians who saw Sunday as not just the first day of the week, but also - and as tellingly - the Eighth Day:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_eighth_day_(Christian

And this, from a Lutheran church site, shows how the above is carried-over into the preferred (octagonal) shape of baptismal fonts:

stmarkalaska.org/baptisms.htm

 

[Fox]

You’re only required to receive communion once a year and during the Easter time. You do need to go to Mass every Sunday though. I don’t see why you couldn’t call yourself a Catholic if you do that. One still obtains many graces from Mass alone and you might want to attend outside Sundays as well. Or just visit Church and pray. Or just pray alone or with others. You sound solid to me.

I don’t know how you can call this person a Catholic. He/she doesn’t believe in most of the core beliefs in which the Church is.

 

[Salonika]

char1963:

I think I have actually answered my own question. No, I cannot call myself a true Catholic. And I have made my peace with that.

Dear Char

I am glad you have made a decision whether you are or are not a true Catholic and that you are at peace with your answer.

I suspect you may be having a range of feelings - at peace because you have made the decision, regrets that your relationships with some people will change because of it, and also excited to be setting out on a new past taking the best things of the past with you.

What I noticed after I made the decision to leave the Church was that I had more energy to investigate the reasons I had left and to explore new apects of spirituality.

Hope this happens for you too.

Best wishes on the next step along your faith journey and on the journey as a whole.

Salonika

 

[Della]

Dear Char

I am glad you have made a decision whether you are or are not a true Catholic and that you are at peace with your answer.

I suspect you may be having a range of feelings - at peace because you have made the decision, regrets that your relationships with some people will change because of it, and also excited to be setting out on a new past taking the best things of the past with you.

What I noticed after I made the decision to leave the Church was that I had more energy to investigate the reasons I had left and to explore new apects of spirituality.

Hope this happens for you too.

Best wishes on the next step along your faith journey and on the journey as a whole.

Salonika

It seems to me that Char is leaving without understanding what the Church teaches–a grave mistake. I doubt Char has even read the Catechism, but rather is being influenced by others. When I became a Catholic I did so with full knowledge of my former faith community’s beliefs and practices. I don’t see that with Char. I cannot say why Char wants to leave the Church, but it’s not for theological reasons since s/he doesn’t have a firm enough grasp of theology to understand what s/he is leaving behind.

 

[chessmane4e5]

Isnt the most important thing that I believe Jesus died to save us from our sins? What does the rest matter? I am actually in line with the majority of the Church’s moral teachings , its the dogmas that I am having trouble with.

That is the most important thing, but what does that mean?

To me it means being a part of the Catholic Church which Jesus founded.

Other Christians have used that same line to justify creating their own “personal” Jesus. This is not what Jesus wanted.

Jesus wants us to have a personal relationship with him, and the best way to get to know Jesus better is through the teachings of His Holy Catholic Church.

Do some research on the points of faith you are struggling with. Learn about why the Church teaches what it does.

 

[Apryl]

I am having some major problems with the Catholic faith. I thought my problem was with opposing gay marriage, women priests and priests not being allowed to get married. When I started looking into what I am supposed to believe , I realized I had much bigger issues. The Pope is infallable, Mary was a virgin the rest of her life, Purgatory? I have never believed any of that. I have always gone to Church to hear the word of God, not for any of the sacrements. If I keep going to the Catholic Church but dont go to communion, can I still say I am Catholic? I am certainly not in communion with the Church. I am sure some of you will say that I shouldnt be going to a Church I dont believe in, but where am I going to go?

’

Wow… based on what you are posting, I would have to say that I agree that you shouldn’t be going to a church where you don’t believe in what they are saying, and you most def should not be participating in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

But why do you not agree with the things you mentioned you don’t agree with?

That’s like someone looking at a bumblebee, and seeing how it’s made, say, ‘it shouldn’t be able to fly’… and letting it go at that. That bee FLIES!

There are so many reasons to believe and accept and follow the teachings of the church… but if you don’t WANT to believe, well, how can you?

If you did like so many others and had other children and uninformed ‘teaching’ and leading you, you’re bound to have some skewed messages.

“The Pope is Infallible” is a common one. There is NOTHING that says the Pope is infallible! But so many people repeat that until it becomes what is believed as the teaching. It is not. The Pope is infallible WHEN IT COMES TO DECISIONS OF THE CHURHC (ok, not the correct terminology, but if the Pope says it’s snowing and it’s 100 outside, then he’s fallible! The Pope can’t say ‘the lottery number tomorrow will be XXYZ’, since he probaly won’t be)

Please, take a few minutes, and rather than resist, fight, ,or try to shoot holes in the teachings of the church, first, learn what ARE the teachings of the church, and how on earth the Church has been saying that these things are true for the last 2000 years.

If you were to go somewhere else, to some other church, I would hope you would want to learn about them, too

 

[jmcrae]

It seems to me that Char is leaving without understanding what the Church teaches–a grave mistake. I doubt Char has even read the Catechism, but rather is being influenced by others. When I became a Catholic I did so with full knowledge of my former faith community’s beliefs and practices. I don’t see that with Char. I cannot say why Char wants to leave the Church, but it’s not for theological reasons since s/he doesn’t have a firm enough grasp of theology to understand what s/he is leaving behind.

Nor getting into, either. It seems as if she is leaving the Catholic faith over issues of feministic equality and gay rights, to join the Seventh Day Adventists - but as far as I can tell, the Seventh Day Adventists are far stricter against women than the Catholic Church is (and without the redeeming feature of considering Mary the mother of all, and Queen of Heaven, and giving women roles of dignity reflecting the role of Mary in the plan of salvation) and they would certainly never allow homosexuals to marry in their buildings, nor even knowingly allow them to set foot in them (unlike Catholics, who welcome chaste persons of every kind to full holy communion in the Church) - although one can see the hand of God in this, too - it’s kind of like the rebellious boy who can’t stand to clean his room, so he runs away from home and joins the military, or the girl who can’t stand that her father won’t let her have any boyfriends, so she runs away and joins a convent …

 

[char1963]

First of all, I havent left the Catholic Church to become a Seventh Day Adventist. I went to the Catholic Church today, Saturday. I did not partake of communion, not because anybody told me not to, but because my own conscience told me not to. My issues are NOT about the Church’s moral teachings anymore. I was fine with the Catholic Church until I discovered what I am supposed to believe in regards to dogma. I have asked several Catholics if they believed that the virgin Mary stayed a virgin. All of them said no or that they had never thought about it. Now, I am not saying that she did or she didnt. How is that an 81 year old woman , who was raised way more Catholic than I am didnt know she was supposed to believe that? I am not sure why I am bringing that up except to show that many Catholics are going to Catholic Churches and have no clue why. Jesus taught simple fishermen who had no knowledge of theology. Why should I need someone with a degree in theology to understand the bible? I asked God to show me the truth and he did. “Ask and it shall be given”. Where did He lead me? Back to the 10 commandments. Do I need a theologist (sp) to explain those to me?

 

[PJM]

=Salonika;6147975]Dear Char

I am glad you have made a decision whether you are or are not a true Catholic and that you are at peace with your answer.

I suspect you may be having a range of feelings - at peace because you have made the decision, regrets that your relationships with some people will change because of it, and also excited to be setting out on a new past taking the best things of the past with you.

What I noticed after I made the decision to leave the Church was that I had more energy to investigate the reasons I had left and to explore new apects of spirituality.

Hope this happens for you too.

Best wishes on the next step along your faith journey and on the journey as a whole.

Salonika

Please excuse my bluntness; BUT how does one find peace, living a lie?

**Heb. 6: 4-8 appliest PRECISELY to former Catholics:**blush:

Heb.6 Verses 4 to 8

[4] For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift,[Catholic Holy Communion ’ Jesus Himself!] and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned".

I’ll keep praying for you.

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[jmcrae]

First of all, I havent left the Catholic Church to become a Seventh Day Adventist. I went to the Catholic Church today, Saturday. I did not partake of communion, not because anybody told me not to, but because my own conscience told me not to. My issues are NOT about the Church’s moral teachings anymore. I was fine with the Catholic Church until I discovered what I am supposed to believe in regards to dogma. I have asked several Catholics if they believed that the virgin Mary stayed a virgin. All of them said no or that they had never thought about it.

All this proves is that people don’t pay attention. We say that we believe she was “the virgin Mary” (ie: that she died in the state of virginity) every time we recite the Creed, which is at least every Sunday Mass, and every time we recite the Rosary, hopefully more than once a week.

Now, I am not saying that she did or she didn’t. How is that an 81 year old woman , who was raised way more Catholic than I am didnt know she was supposed to believe that? I am not sure why I am bringing that up except to show that many Catholics are going to Catholic Churches and have no clue why. Jesus taught simple fishermen who had no knowledge of theology.

they may have started out that way, but we see just by reading the Bible (they wrote it, you’ll recall) that they certainly learned it as they came to know Jesus more and more, and as they listened to His teachings more and more. They didn’t remain ignorant of all these things.

Why should I need someone with a degree in theology to understand the bible?

Why would you consult an uneducated person, instead, when you have the choice?

I asked God to show me the truth and he did. “Ask and it shall be given”. Where did He lead me? Back to the 10 commandments. Do I need a theologist (sp) to explain those to me?

Maybe you just need to examine the plain text of them, without taking on any preconceived ideas, and without adding what isn’t actually there. For example, where in the Ten Commandments does it explicitly state that the Sabbath has to be Saturday?

 

[Norseman82]

Char,

You may help yourself if you take a step back, take a breath, and take one or two issues at a time. Also, are you a Catholic, or a protestant thinking of becoming a Catholic? I cannot tell from what you have posted, and it would help us to understand where you are coming from.

Here is a good place to start:

I should point out that I am not rejecting Jesus’s teachings at all. Not the ones found in the Bible.

OK, if you are saying that everything has to be in the Bible, let me ask you this: where in the Bible does it say everything has to be in the Bible?

Isnt the most important thing that I believe Jesus died to save us from our sins? What does the rest matter?

It’s important, but not sufficient. The rest matters because Jesus did say that other things matter. The prime example is John 6 where He says that if we do not eat His Body and drink His Blood, we have no life in us.

Additionally, maybe this thread belongs in apologetics subforum?