Catholics/non-Catholics and sin

[steve_b]

OK, those are two very different questions.

1. What got me into Christianity was the fact that the crucifixion of Christ is, by every serious historian, accepted as a real event in history (Islam denies the crucifixion altogether). Moreover, there were things about Muhammad that I had a tough time explaining. For one thing, he said that all apostates should be killed. He also had nine wives at a time, even though the Qur’an allows only a maximum of four at a time. I look back on that and now I realize that it was the Holy Spirit guiding me to the truth of the matter; Muhammad was addicted to violence and sex.
2. Before I was a muslim, I was an atheist.

Thanks for your answer.

 

[Peter_J]

OK, those are two very different questions.

1. What got me into Christianity was the fact that the crucifixion of Christ is, by every serious historian, accepted as a real event in history (Islam denies the crucifixion altogether). Moreover, there were things about Muhammad that I had a tough time explaining. For one thing, he said that all apostates should be killed. He also had nine wives at a time, even though the Qur’an allows only a maximum of four at a time. I look back on that and now I realize that it was the Holy Spirit guiding me to the truth of the matter; Muhammad was addicted to violence and sex.

 

[MartinJordan]

I find myself greatly moved when I picture Him on the cross because it was my sin that nailed Him to the cross in the first place.

Drac, sorry I snipped off most your words but just to focus on the above, do you now keep a crucifix as a reminder to help you avoid sin or just the thought of him (visualize in your mind) ?

MJ

 

[drac16]

Drac, sorry I snipped off most your words but just to focus on the above, do you now keep a crucifix as a reminder to help you avoid sin or just the thought of him (visualize in your mind) ?

MJ

I don’t have any icons or crucifixes, but that will probably change in the near future. There’s a christian bookstore near my house and they sell all kinds of cool looking icons. I have a picture of the Ka’aba and a sticker that says “I Love Allah”, but since I am no longer a muslim, I will take them down.

To make a long story short, I am OK with icons and crucifixes, but only to a small degree. I don’t think I necessarily need icons to help me focus during prayer, but it might help. However, I think it can be dangerous to put a lot of emphasis on paintings, artwork, crucifixes and icons. God is far more glorious than a mere crucifix can portray. When you have an idea in your head that God is a white-skinned brunette with blue eyes, it can be a problem.

If you have such a rigid view of what God looks like, it can be hard to see God in a prostitute, a loner, a widow or a homeless person. You should see God’s creative work in everything; we are made in His image.

 

[MartinJordan]

I don’t have any icons or crucifixes, but that will probably change in the near future. There’s a christian bookstore near my house and they sell all kinds of cool looking icons. I have a picture of the Ka’aba and a sticker that says “I Love Allah”, but since I am no longer a muslim, I will take them down.

To make a long story short, I am OK with icons and crucifixes, but only to a small degree. I don’t think I necessarily need icons to help me focus during prayer, but it might help. However, I think it can be dangerous to put a lot of emphasis on paintings, artwork, crucifixes and icons. God is far more glorious than a mere crucifix can portray. When you have an idea in your head that God is a white-skinned brunette with blue eyes, it can be a problem.

If you have such a rigid view of what God looks like, it can be hard to see God in a prostitute, a loner, a widow or a homeless person. You should see God’s creative work in everything; we are made in His image.

Thanks Drac. I like what you wrote.

Peace be with you.

MJ

 

[MaryT777]

I don’t have any icons or crucifixes, but that will probably change in the near future. There’s a christian bookstore near my house and they sell all kinds of cool looking icons. I have a picture of the Ka’aba and a sticker that says “I Love Allah”, but since I am no longer a muslim, I will take them down.

To make a long story short, I am OK with icons and crucifixes, but only to a small degree. I don’t think I necessarily need icons to help me focus during prayer, but it might help. However, I think it can be dangerous to put a lot of emphasis on paintings, artwork, crucifixes and icons. God is far more glorious than a mere crucifix can portray. When you have an idea in your head that God is a white-skinned brunette with blue eyes, it can be a problem.

If you have such a rigid view of what God looks like, it can be hard to see God in a prostitute, a loner, a widow or a homeless person. You should see God’s creative work in everything; we are made in His image.

Your last line is so eloquent I had to repost it.

God Bless and well said,

Mary.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

I don’t have any icons or crucifixes, but that will probably change in the near future. There’s a christian bookstore near my house and they sell all kinds of cool looking icons. I have a picture of the Ka’aba and a sticker that says “I Love Allah”, but since I am no longer a muslim, I will take them down.

To make a long story short, I am OK with icons and crucifixes, but only to a small degree. I don’t think I necessarily need icons to help me focus during prayer, but it might help. However, I think it can be dangerous to put a lot of emphasis on paintings, artwork, crucifixes and icons. God is far more glorious than a mere crucifix can portray. When you have an idea in your head that God is a white-skinned brunette with blue eyes, it can be a problem.

If you have such a rigid view of what God looks like, it can be hard to see God in a prostitute, a loner, a widow or a homeless person. You should see God’s creative work in everything; we are made in His image.

Wow last line is very well put.

Thank you

 

[peter26]

When I first converted (about 18 months ago), I was very diligent about going to confession every week, I attended Mass as much as 5 days a week, and was more diligent about avoiding sin because of the desire to recieve Communion. And did this reduce my sinfulness? Yes it did. It also made me slightly scrupulous, self-righteous and obsessive. I was heavily involved in my parish. Unfortunately I suffered a lot of abuse from a few parishioners and I cut back on my activities in the parish and attended less as a result.

 

[steve_b]

When I first converted (about 18 months ago), I was very diligent about going to confession every week, I attended Mass as much as 5 days a week, and was more diligent about avoiding sin because of the desire to recieve Communion. And did this reduce my sinfulness? Yes it did. It also made me slightly scrupulous, self-righteous and obsessive. I was heavily involved in my parish. Unfortunately I suffered a lot of abuse from a few parishioners and I cut back on my activities in the parish and attended less as a result.

Don’t let a few in the parish discourage you from being focused on who you are focused on

 

[Lenten_ashes]

When I first converted (about 18 months ago), I was very diligent about going to confession every week, I attended Mass as much as 5 days a week, and was more diligent about avoiding sin because of the desire to recieve Communion. And did this reduce my sinfulness? Yes it did. It also made me slightly scrupulous, self-righteous and obsessive. I was heavily involved in my parish. Unfortunately I suffered a lot of abuse from a few parishioners and I cut back on my activities in the parish and attended less as a result.

Hi, thanks for sharing.

I keep in mind that except for the grace of God, there go I…prisoners, drug dealers, people enslaved by horrible sins…could be all of us if it weren’t for God’s grace. Applies to Catholics or Protestants, really.

So self righteousness has not been a problem of mine, thankfully. What has been a problem is racking my brain trying to determine if it’s mortal or venial. But I have essentially came to the conclusion that losing a state of grace is not like losing our car keys. We really have to be fully aware of the gravity and situation for this to happen. And in addition to the Sacrament I still confess directly to God before going to confession…

 

[Peter_J]

Hi, thanks for sharing.

I keep in mind that except for the grace of God, there go I…prisoners, drug dealers, people enslaved by horrible sins…could be all of us if it weren’t for God’s grace. Applies to Catholics or Protestants, really.

So self righteousness has not been a problem of mine, thankfully. What has been a problem is racking my brain trying to determine if it’s mortal or venial. But I have essentially came to the conclusion that losing a state of grace is not like losing our car keys. We really have to be fully aware of the gravity and situation for this to happen. And in addition to the Sacrament I still confess directly to God before going to confession…

Why did you rack your brain?