Catholic Epidemic

[DDurb33]

I have been trying to enter into a better, stronger relationship with God. I have been reading the bible, studying the doctrine of the church, praying more, saying the rosary, and trying my very best to be the man that God has called me to be. In fact, I have made the decision to study at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in the fall because I want to live that Catholic lifestyle. But something seems to be holding me back.

I feel so fake. I want to do everything that I do for the love of God. Because I love him and that is what I want him to do. But like most people, right now I feel like I am doing this only for myself. I feel like I’m doing it because I want to go to heaven. Because I want to be a good person. Not for the right reason.

And I hate how I feel like myself, and other members of the church are acting. I know that the church teaches correctly, and that the church is God speaking to us and the church is divinely inspired. But I hate how some interpret it. The I-am-holier-than-thou type Catholic, the self-righteous, demeaning stereotype that many people think of when they think of Catholics actually do exist. And that is not what, I think, the church is teaching us to become!

I have read on the forums and elsewhere that some Catholics do not read certain books. For example, the Harry Potter series, The Life of Pi, The Giver, among other books. People say that they are “secular”, and teach things that oppose viewpoints of the bible. Well guess what? Every book besides the bible, if you overthink it enough, will end up with a different viewpoint. I happened to read all those books, and enjoyed them! And they taught me good lessons! The themes in the books, and the underlying messages promote important ideas! Do these books really contradict the bible? I don’t think so. And I know there are certain Catholics who dislike “secular” music. I think that is ridiculous. I love Christian music. My truck’s radio is always on KLOVE. And I agree that certain music, like hardcore rock with terrible messages from bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed, and certain music that talks about drugs and partying and sex, like Nicki Minaj and Kesha and other mainstream artists, will be detrimental to you. But there is “secular” music that I really enjoy! Alternative rock type stuff that sounds like The Fray of The Script or Switchfoot and bands less Christian that talk about the human experience and love and relationships that really mean something to me and I really enjoy. Is there seriously anything wrong with that? It’s a form of art! I believe God’s grace and love can be shown through the talent these artists have.

And, like I said, I hate that there are so many snobby Catholics. People who seem like they hate the gay and lesbian community, the liberal and democratic party, among other groups of people. People who read that the things that these people are doing are wrong (and yes I agree it is wrong) but rather than extend a helping hand we shun them! It seems so hypocritical and I hate it! My sister is a flaming liberal (a weird phase I hope she soon grows out of) and I find myself taking the liberal side of certain issues (nothing radical that would oppose the church’s teachings). And we act like we are the only church that knows the truth! Yes, we are the only church who knows the whole truth and has no flaws in the teaching, but most other Christian churches get 98% of it and agree with 98% of what we teach.

It seems like there is a crisis in the way that we as Catholics live. And I am not saying I do not have these problems. I do. There are parts of the human experience, things that God has put on this earth, that I think we are missing out on because we overly shelter ourselves. I live in a little town close to Utah. If you know anything about the area, you know that LDS people (Mormons) basically run the area. This is how they live, and I have always disliked it. They are great people, and most of my good friends are Mormon, but they are so close-minded and holier-than-thou it disgusts me sometimes. And that is what I feel like many Catholics act like sometimes.

I don’t really know if I explained myself well. I don’t feel like I did, but I don’t really want to delete all this and start over so I hope that you get what I am saying. Sorry for the rant. I hope I didn’t offend anyone. If I did I am truly sorry and I didn’t mean to do that. But I have so many questions that I really need to have answered.

 

[JReducation]

I have been trying to enter into a better, stronger relationship with God. I have been reading the bible, studying the doctrine of the church, praying more, saying the rosary, and trying my very best to be the man that God has called me to be. In fact, I have made the decision to study at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in the fall because I want to live that Catholic lifestyle. But something seems to be holding me back.

I feel so fake. I want to do everything that I do for the love of God. Because I love him and that is what I want him to do. But like most people, right now I feel like I am doing this only for myself. I feel like I’m doing it because I want to go to heaven. Because I want to be a good person. Not for the right reason.

And I hate how I feel like myself, and other members of the church are acting. I know that the church teaches correctly, and that the church is God speaking to us and the church is divinely inspired. But I hate how some interpret it. The I-am-holier-than-thou type Catholic, the self-righteous, demeaning stereotype that many people think of when they think of Catholics actually do exist. And that is not what, I think, the church is teaching us to become!

I have read on the forums and elsewhere that some Catholics do not read certain books. For example, the Harry Potter series, The Life of Pi, The Giver, among other books. People say that they are “secular”, and teach things that oppose viewpoints of the bible. Well guess what? Every book besides the bible, if you overthink it enough, will end up with a different viewpoint. I happened to read all those books, and enjoyed them! And they taught me good lessons! The themes in the books, and the underlying messages promote important ideas! Do these books really contradict the bible? I don’t think so. And I know there are certain Catholics who dislike “secular” music. I think that is ridiculous. I love Christian music. My truck’s radio is always on KLOVE. And I agree that certain music, like hardcore rock with terrible messages from bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed, and certain music that talks about drugs and partying and sex, like Nicki Minaj and Kesha and other mainstream artists, will be detrimental to you. But there is “secular” music that I really enjoy! Alternative rock type stuff that sounds like The Fray of The Script or Switchfoot and bands less Christian that talk about the human experience and love and relationships that really mean something to me and I really enjoy. Is there seriously anything wrong with that? It’s a form of art! I believe God’s grace and love can be shown through the talent these artists have.

And, like I said, I hate that there are so many snobby Catholics. People who seem like they hate the gay and lesbian community, the liberal and democratic party, among other groups of people. People who read that the things that these people are doing are wrong (and yes I agree it is wrong) but rather than extend a helping hand we shun them! It seems so hypocritical and I hate it! My sister is a flaming liberal (a weird phase I hope she soon grows out of) and I find myself taking the liberal side of certain issues (nothing radical that would oppose the church’s teachings). And we act like we are the only church that knows the truth! Yes, we are the only church who knows the whole truth and has no flaws in the teaching, but most other Christian churches get 98% of it and agree with 98% of what we teach.

It seems like there is a crisis in the way that we as Catholics live. And I am not saying I do not have these problems. I do. There are parts of the human experience, things that God has put on this earth, that I think we are missing out on because we overly shelter ourselves. I live in a little town close to Utah. If you know anything about the area, you know that LDS people (Mormons) basically run the area. This is how they live, and I have always disliked it. They are great people, and most of my good friends are Mormon, but they are so close-minded and holier-than-thou it disgusts me sometimes. And that is what I feel like many Catholics act like sometimes.

I don’t really know if I explained myself well. I don’t feel like I did, but I don’t really want to delete all this and start over so I hope that you get what I am saying. Sorry for the rant. I hope I didn’t offend anyone. If I did I am truly sorry and I didn’t mean to do that. But I have so many questions that I really need to have answered.

I believe that you’re describing Catholic Triumphalism. This is a mindset that the Church has tried to correct. Unfortunately, some still hold on to it.

It is important to understand that the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church to its fullness, but not through any merit of our own. We Catholics have made great effort to blow ourselves off the face of the earth. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit keeps the church alive and running, even if she’s on crutches.

We have to be very humble in our assessment of ourselves and admit that we are very small indeed, that we are very sinful people and unworthy of the gifts that have been given to us, that it is not we who are righteous, but Christ who is righteous. Humility requires full honesty about ourselves. We have to admit that despite our inadequacies the one thing that we do right is being Catholic. At the end of the day, God does not force us to be Catholic. He invites and we accept the invitation.

I’ve always liked the expression, “Practicing Catholic”. Many people take it to mean one who practices the Catholic faith. I see it differently. God did not write a poem. He wrote a play and he left it in the hands of the actors and producers, so as not to interfere with their freedom. We have certainly messed it up. We keep practicing until we get it right.

 

[mab23]

lead by example

and educate and help correct your Catholic brothers and sisters

 

[YoungTradCath]

I don’t actually experience much of this in Catholic circles, in any of the parishes I have been in. A great meekness seems to be a characteristic of Catholic people, at least in parish life and connected things. Perhaps your diocese is different.

 

[SaintPatrick333]

I have been trying to enter into a better, stronger relationship with God. I have been reading the bible, studying the doctrine of the church, praying more, saying the rosary, and trying
And I hate how I feel like myself, and other members of the church are acting. I know that the church teaches correctly, and that the church is God speaking to us and the church is divinely inspired. But I hate how some interpret it. The I-am-holier-than-thou type Catholic, the self-righteous, demeaning stereotype that many people think of when they think of Catholics actually do exist. And that is not what, I think, the church is teaching us to become!

I have read on the forums and elsewhere that some Catholics do not read certain books. For example, the Harry Potter series, The Life of Pi, The Giver, among other books. People say that they are “secular”, and teach things that oppose viewpoints of the bible. Well guess what? Every book besides the bible, if you overthink it enough, will end up with a different viewpoint. I happened to read all those books, and enjoyed them! And they taught me good lessons! The themes in the books, and the underlying messages promote important ideas! Do these books really contradict the bible? I don’t think so. And I know there are certain Catholics who dislike “secular” music. I think that is ridiculous. I love Christian music. My truck’s radio is always on KLOVE. And I agree that certain music, like hardcore rock with terrible messages from bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed, and certain music that talks about drugs and partying and sex, like Nicki Minaj and Kesha and other mainstream artists, will be detrimental to you. But there is “secular” music that I really enjoy! Alternative rock type stuff that sounds like The Fray of The Script or Switchfoot and bands less Christian that talk about the human experience and love and relationships that really mean something to me and I really enjoy. Is there seriously anything wrong with that? It’s a form of art! I believe God’s grace and love can be shown through the talent these artists have.

And, like I said, I hate that there are so many snobby Catholics. People who seem like they hate the gay and lesbian community, the liberal and democratic party, among other groups of people. People who read that the things that these people are doing are wrong (and yes I agree it is wrong) but rather than extend a helping hand we shun them! It seems so hypocritical and I hate it! My sister is a flaming liberal (a weird phase I hope she soon grows out of) and I find myself taking the liberal side of certain issues (nothing radical that would oppose the church’s teachings). And we act like we are the only church that knows the truth! Yes, we are the only church who knows the whole truth and has no flaws in the teaching, but most other Christian churches get 98% of it and agree with 98% of what we teach.

It seems like there is a crisis in the way that we as Catholics live. And I am not saying I do not have these problems. I do. There are parts of the human experience, things that God has put on this earth, that I think we are missing out on because we overly shelter ourselves. I live in a little town close to Utah. If you know anything about the area, you know that LDS people (Mormons) basically run the area. This is how they live, and I have always disliked it. They are great people, and most of my good friends are Mormon, but they are so close-minded and holier-than-thou it disgusts me sometimes. And that is what I feel like many Catholics act like sometimes.

I don’t really know if I explained myself well. I don’t feel like I did, but I don’t really want to delete all this and start over so I hope that you get what I am saying. Sorry for the rant. I hope I didn’t offend anyone. If I did I am truly sorry and I didn’t mean to do that. But I have so many questions that I really need to have answered.

Saying other “churches” get it 98% is a huuuuge over estimation. .5%-1% is more accurate. The Catholic Church is the only Truth because it is Christ’s Truth. Anything else is a man made cheap knock off. I might “appear” holier than thou, but that is simply not the case. I am often the first to point to my many and constant failings. I just go after the heretical ideologies of the countless false man made protestant “churches”. Not because I hate them. Far from it. I love them. Their fire for Christ is wasted in those man mDe communities where they are led astray. If they put that zeal towards doing Christ’s will, instead of their own, just think where Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church would be. And how much ground we’d regain against islam and secularism through unification. Protestants (most of them) seek unity, but in the “separate but equal” sense. This is not possible. Christ created One Church. He calls “all” who would follow Him to His Church to receive Him in His Sacraments. Anything outside of the Catholic Church is not God’s will. It is “man’s” interpretation of God’s will. Why wear the label of Christian when you can become Catholic and become an authentic Christian? That, my friend, is why I am so strongly Catholic and anti-protestantism. They have the potential if being some of the greatest Catholics in the world and satan blinds them just enough to walk away from Christ “just enough” to not see what He is calling them too. Add to that the self ordained “ministers” who preach conflicting messages and it’s no wonder protestantism has descended into chaos. Protestantism will not survive in this world. It does not have the protection or guidance of the Holy Spirit. It does not have the Real Presence of Christ, in any way shape or form. Only Christ’s Catholic Church can stand against this world and all it’s evil. Only the Church can be a beacon of light to Truth. This is Christ’s will.

 

[Used2beSherryG]

Saying other “churches” get it 98% is a huuuuge over estimation. .5%-1% is more accurate. The Catholic Church is the only Truth because it is Christ’s Truth. Anything else is a man made cheap knock off. I might “appear” holier than thou, but that is simply not the case. I am often the first to point to my many and constant failings. I just go after the heretical ideologies of the countless false man made protestant “churches”. Not because I hate them. Far from it. I love them. Their fire for Christ is wasted in those man mDe communities where they are led astray. If they put that zeal towards doing Christ’s will, instead of their own, just think where Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church would be. And how much ground we’d regain against islam and secularism through unification. Protestants (most of them) seek unity, but in the “separate but equal” sense. This is not possible. Christ created One Church. He calls “all” who would follow Him to His Church to receive Him in His Sacraments. Anything outside of the Catholic Church is not God’s will. It is “man’s” interpretation of God’s will. Why wear the label of Christian when you can become Catholic and become an authentic Christian? That, my friend, is why I am so strongly Catholic and anti-protestantism. They have the potential if being some of the greatest Catholics in the world and satan blinds them just enough to walk away from Christ “just enough” to not see what He is calling them too. Add to that the self ordained “ministers” who preach conflicting messages and it’s no wonder protestantism has descended into chaos. Protestantism will not survive in this world. It does not have the protection or guidance of the Holy Spirit. It does not have the Real Presence of Christ, in any way shape or form. Only Christ’s Catholic Church can stand against this world and all it’s evil. Only the Church can be a beacon of light to Truth. This is Christ’s will.

Amen!

 

[PeterJohn]

Thank you for your interesting post. Great questions/concerns!

I can see hypocritical holier then thou Catholics is if look hard enough around, but, these people are sinners just like me and you and their sin happens to be showing up to you in a vivid way. I’d say, just take it easy on these people, the may very well mean well. Perhaps God is showing you these people so you can learn something from them.

IMO, Mano Protestant denominations are zeroed in on basic teachings of Jesus. Love, forgiveness, and avoiding sin, are a few good examples of this. But as far as 90% of the denominations I’ve learned about, they start departing on many aspects of the Gospel message. I’d say that IMO they have about 50-75% of the truth. For example, our differences are, the REAL presence of Christ’s body blood soul and divinity, the sacrements, priests, the pope, one holy catholic and apostolic church, how we are to attain forgiveness of sin(confession), mortal sin, salvation assurance, divorce, infant baptism, and contraception are a few of the many more aspects of importance. It’s a shame that they miss out on these awesomely powerful aspects of a gods plan. “If they reject you, they reject me, if they reject me, they reject the one who sent me”

So my humbly corrupt human advice is learn from the hypocrites, but don’t do as they do, and study apologetics. Not for the reason of starting arguments, but in order to know how to explain to these brothers of ours the truth of Christ. Be the change you’d like to see. The Church belongs to you, or in other words, you are the Church, so be the Church well! You are called to evangelize, for love of God, and others!

 

[thunderboom]

I have been trying to enter into a better, stronger relationship with God. I have been reading the bible, studying the doctrine of the church, praying more, saying the rosary, and trying my very best to be the man that God has called me to be.

That’s what it’s all about it! Good for you.

I feel so fake. I want to do everything that I do for the love of God. Because I love him and that is what I want him to do. But like most people, right now I feel like I am doing this only for myself. I feel like I’m doing it because I want to go to heaven. Because I want to be a good person. Not for the right reason.

Umm…that’s a pretty good reason to me. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a good person! Look at our society - most people really don’t even think about this. You mention that you want “a better, strong relationship with God” and that you’re “trying my very best to be the man that God has called me to be.” This is exactly what you’re supposed to be doing in life! You love God, want to get closer to Him, want to be a good person and go to heaven. This is how you become a saint - it sounds wonderful to me.

And I hate how I feel like myself, and other members of the church are acting. I know that the church teaches correctly, and that the church is God speaking to us and the church is divinely inspired. But I hate how some interpret it. The I-am-holier-than-thou type Catholic, the self-righteous, demeaning stereotype that many people think of when they think of Catholics actually do exist. And that is not what, I think, the church is teaching us to become!

You’re so right: the Church is not teaching us to become these people. You know how you deal with them? You ignore them! Boom, problem solved. You follow God; no one else matters. Remember John 21: 21-22:

"When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”

Obviously not the same context: but you get the point.

But there is “secular” music that I really enjoy! Alternative rock type stuff that sounds like The Fray of The Script or Switchfoot and bands less Christian that talk about the human experience and love and relationships that really mean something to me and I really enjoy. Is there seriously anything wrong with that? It’s a form of art! I believe God’s grace and love can be shown through the talent these artists have.

Again, ignore this bad attitude. This is good music! (BTW - check out Mumford and Sons, fantastic music). I’m going into the seminary, and you’ll never find someone more interested in the secular arts than I am. I love alt-rock, jazz, poetry, painting, etc. Have you ever seen a Rodin nude in person? The beauty of it will blow you away, and there are probably people who rant and rave that it’s a naked body.

They are great people, and most of my good friends are Mormon, but they are so close-minded and holier-than-thou it disgusts me sometimes. And that is what I feel like many Catholics act like sometimes.

Again, what’s the problem? Ignore them. You follow God, live your life well, and don’t worry about anyone else.

You sound like a good and holy man. Keep it up, bro!

 

[opus101]

There are a number of good Catholic colleges, maybe you should look into some other than Franciscan U. In Ohio, there is Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. It is recommended by the Newman Society, and the theology faculty members all hold the mandatum.

walsh.edu/

 

[JReducation]

This is not what the Catholic Church believes. It is what you believe.

Anything else is a man made cheap knock off.

Their fire for Christ is wasted in those man mDe communities where they are led astray.

Why wear the label of Christian when you can become Catholic and become an authentic Christian?

anti-protestantism.

They have the potential if being some of the greatest Catholics in the world and satan blinds them just enough to walk away from Christ “just enough” to not see what He is calling them too.

Protestantism will not survive in this world. It does not have the protection or guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It does not have the Real Presence of Christ, in any way shape or form.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

Catholics do not argue that Protestants are less Christian or not Christians. We do not assume that they have caved in the the snares of the devil. Nor do we consider them heretics, apostates or schismatics, because we cannot charge them with the sins of our common ancestors. Both Protestants and Catholics of that time are equally guilty for the separation that exists.
**
817 In fact, "in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame."269 The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ’s Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism- do not occur without human sin [on both sides.]**

Anything contrary to what the Church says on this matter is a form of triumphalism that is inappropriate for Catholics.
**
819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth"are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements."274 Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. **

There is a difference between the fullness of truth and the absence of all truth.

820 "Christ bestowed unity on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose, and we hope that it will continue to increase until the end of time."

 

[Baelor]

I don’t actually experience much of this in Catholic circles, in any of the parishes I have been in. A great meekness seems to be a characteristic of Catholic people, at least in parish life and connected things. Perhaps your diocese is different.

If you visit some of the most popular traditionalist and sedevacantist forums, you get this in spades. You also get things that are unmentionable to any decent person.