Christianity and Catholicism

[Kevin42]

responses like this make me want to run out the door instead of walking

I think what this user was trying to say (and if I am wrong, feel free to correct me), was that faith is not about feeling. Our feelings fluctuate constantly, due to numerous changes in our environment and hormones. However, faith is action. Faith is when you continue to do something even when the feeling is not there. Many times I pray, and I feel nothing, my mind wanders, and I don’t feel like I come away with anything. Yet I do so nonetheless, why? Because I have faith in God. One may not feel the graces that are being granted, I know I certainly don’t. Yet, as I look back over the past few years since my first conversion, I clearly see spiritual growth from all of this prayer.

Also, if you truly want to cling to Jesus, you will indeed stay in the Church. Why can you not leave? Because you know this is true. You love the Most Blessed Sacrament, and you know that in leaving the Church, you would be leaving that. “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” The Church is the only place where your thirst for God can be quenched.

There is indeed alot of doctrine, dogma, rules, and rubrics in the Church. Sometimes we can get distracted by these when we lose focus on Christ. However, everything in the Church in some way points toward Jesus and towards the Glorification of the God. Keep in mind that the Church is not a human institution. It is a divine and holy institution set up by Jesus, that is run by the Holy Spirit through humans. It is not perfect in the respect that humans are in it, but running to another denomination will get you knowwhere.

My suggestion when you feel the urge to run to Jesus and to answer to him is to go and adore the Blessed Sacrament. Use the words of Simon Peter when Christ asked if they too wanted to leave and pray in front of His presence saying, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

You and the original poster will be in my prayers. Peace be with you!

 

[boppaid]

How can this be? You would have a conscience wouldn’t you? Why join another church? After all you know? There are 1.5 billion Catholics for a reason. I think you people are just looking for a way out of authority and strict doctrines.

Not every Catholic who leaves is looking for an easy way out. I am Catholic, but have seriously praying and researching because I have been question if the CC is the correct one. Being on this board has pushed me away even further. And it’s not about my search for an easy way out. All this research, struggle, tears, and praying has not been easy. I also have been going to a Baptist church in addition to my Catholic one. Baptists do not take the easy way out … trust me. At least the individual Baptists I’ve met compared to the individual Catholics I’ve known. For example, the Protestants I’ve met truly LIVE their faith everyday. Their faith is on their sleeve. When a new person comes to their church, they recognize they are new, greet them warmly and love and minister to them. The Catholics I have known tend to keep to themselves and worry solely about their own salvation.

Not only that, but I just think the Protestant doctrine makes a lot of sense.

However, I’m not sure where I belong or 100% WHAT I believe. It’s a continuous struggle. And, no, it is not the devil leading me to this point because I can say with certainty that I have NEVER been closer to the Lord than I have been lately.

 

[santaro75]

At least the individual Baptists I’ve met compared to the individual Catholics I’ve known. For example, the Protestants I’ve met truly LIVE their faith everyday. Their faith is on their sleeve. When a new person comes to their church, they recognize they are new, greet them warmly and love and minister to them. The Catholics I have known tend to keep to themselves and worry solely about their own salvation.

.

everyone at my church looks so miserable.

 

[calchiquita]

I used to know basically nothing about the Catholic Church. Only started reading about it on the internet because I met someone who talked to God as he went about his daily life. Just would stop in the middle of playing his guitar and say “thank you Lord for this day”.
I read lots of conversion stories, and looked up stuff that confused me on Catholic.com and NewAdvent.org. Found it interesting.
What happened, though, is while reading about the Eucharist, which led me to John 6, I was convicted about the truth of the real presence. At that time I knew that though I had never been a Catholic, I was one now in my heart. I knew that communion in the Protestant churches was just a shadow of what God was calling us to do.
At this same time (moment) I was freed from a sin I had been struggling with for quite some time.
I started attending Mass and came into full communion with the church last Easter Vigil.
It is true that people in the Catholic church aren’t all chatty at Mass. I found that strange at first, but actually I like being able to focus on the liturgy. I think in the Catholic church you need to find groups to join, not easy I know. We converts have a little help coming through RCIA.
Anyway, I think you should stay. I have never been more at peace or more able to deal with setbacks and such in life.

 

[Verita]

I need some (name removed by moderator)ut on this. Everytime I think about being just a Christian, I get a good feeling inside and am just happy. But, since I was born and raised Catholic, my mind always gears toward that path but then I’m not happy when I think about the Catholic Church. Why is that? Any thoughts?

When I first decided to become Catholic, I felt very unhappy about it. It’s ALOT easier to be a non-denominational protestant than it is to be Catholic. I still struggle with wanting to go to Mass every sunday (and often fail miserably), I had to stop using birth control (and consequently got pregnant), and I have to deal with my mother thinking I’ve been trapped by “the Deceiver”. Truthfully, I didn’t want to become Catholic. But I knew I had to.

On a side note, I don’t think I could be anything but Catholic because it’s what I know. I’ve been trying to be a better Catholic than what I have been but can’t seem to get over some ever-looming hurdles (a.k.a. sins). It seems hopeless at times and I get down on myself because of it.

Some people accuse Catholicism of being all about guilt. To some extent I’ve found this to be true. Specifically, since deciding to convert and immersing myself in Catholicism, I’ve become more aware of my sins and I feel more guilty of them. (I’ve found I just can’t lie like I used to. It makes me feel horrible.) But is that a bad thing? No. It’s a fantastic thing. Because along with the awareness and the guilt, I’ve found it’s also easier now than before to resist those sins. I think the awareness and the guilt have both enabled that. I find myself wishing I could confess often. (Easter Vigil seems like it will never come!)

Why does it seem so easy to be a Christian but such a hard task to even pursue being Catholic? Shouldn’t the two be hand in hand for me, especially since I was born and raised Catholic?

I wish I had my copy of Mere Christianity with me, but in it C.S. Lewis says something to the effect that it’s ridiculous to expect Christianity to be simple or easy. It was never meant to be that way. It isn’t easy to be a Catholic, it’s an everyday struggle, as I have learned. And that very hardship is a sign that Catholicism is the true Christianity. I’ve come to truly appreciate all of the rules and practices and doctrines that at first seemed like they were just needlessly complicating things. Why would you think that a religion that explains the very nature of existence would be simple or easy? The complexity of Catholicism is beauty.

 

[Loginus]

lol,

Why not go out in garden and worship a head of lettuce? If there is no God then all religion is a waste of time and I can go have a drink to escape reality. Why the Buddhism recomendation verses say hinduism or new age?

-D

Why dont I go praise my omlett as i think there is a picture of jesus in it? Honestly, why must you have a God to define your life for you? Are you that desperate for authority?

I recommended buddhism because unlile Christianity, islam, and sometimes Judaism, it doesnt obsess if its right or not. All it does is promote personal growth and doesnt concern itself trying to frighten others into believing it.

Hinduism is another good option as theologically speaking its superior to Christianity. (Thou to be fair christianity is become more ‘hindu’ in its understanding of God and Jesus). Except hindu can get tricky at times, prolly not the best for someone new to non-Christian religions

 

[mrs_abbott]

However, I’m not sure where I belong or 100% WHAT I believe. It’s a continuous struggle. And, no, it is not the devil leading me to this point because I can say with certainty that I have NEVER been closer to the Lord than I have been lately.

Keep searching! I was where you were not too long ago. After searching, I found that I can only be Catholic. That’s just me though and might not be you.
I’m struggling to be happy with being Catholic. I know I’m a Christian and I’m happy with that but when I think about being Catholic, I’m not happy.
Life is such a struggle and it takes a toll on a person, especially a weak and vulnerable one like myself.
Hang in there, boppaid! Hopefully you will find out where you belong soon!

 

[scylla]

I look miserable at Church too Santaro, I feel so sad for the people there who don’t notice that Jesus is right there.

I love to be there, but I want to share with everyone there that Jesus is there and people don’t seem to notice.

I have gone to an evangelical church and I am with you on that, Catholics will never beat an evangelical church for friendliness or openess. That is not what Catholicism is about it is about following Jesus, picking up your cross and following Him.

It drives me nuts to see Catholic Churches try and be like the Protestant Churches, PM me and I will explain why.

We go to Church for Jesus, yes sometimes we do fail to even notice that so many just sit there grumpy that they are going to Church, because the Church service is supposed to be focused on God. That is why it is ok to have a crummy sermon, bad singing, etc. God is the center.

mrs_abbott sometimes you do need to take a break from these forums, all the bickering about beliefs and just go to Mass for Jesus. Look at what it really is, us at the foot of the cross worshipping God.

I spend my time during the week talking to pastors from different denominations here in my town.
Calvary Baptist
Southern Baptist
The community church
Calvary Chapel
etc…
and it does wear on me, but I want to share the love of Jesus that they have with me, but most think that Catholicism is crazy. (not exactly there are varying opinions)
But I think it is that most don’t see what it really is, even Catholics who go to Mass all the time don’t see how beautiful it is.

These type posts make me a little sad because I want to just go over and share how beautiful it is with you, but I am stuck here behind another computer somewhere else. So all I can do is pray that you will see how beautiful it is to be a Catholic Christian, Jesus is there for you.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[mrs_abbott]

MY GOODNESS!!! that is EXACTLY how I feel! I think I could give myself to Jesus completely and not answer to any institution or human office. And church would just be a gathering of the faithful.

But then back to Mass I go. I smile and say Hi to people who look like they could care less to even know who I am.

I don’t know why I can’t leave.

I think you’re supposed to remain a Catholic too, like me. We just have to figure out some way to like being Catholic and being proud to say that we are.
The second two sentences that you wrote would be a good starting point. Focus on Jesus and see where that leads you. I think that if you keep searching, you’re bound to find Truth.
It’s a weary road to travel, lemme tell you. I’m stuck in a rut and am neither moving forward to going backwards. Just stuck and I’m trying to get out.

 

[scylla]

Why dont I go praise my omlett as i think there is a picture of jesus in it? Honestly, why must you have a God to define your life for you? Are you that desperate for authority?

You have inspired me…

I am off to eat breakfast, except instead of an omelett I will probably use a Carl’s Junior coupon my friend gave me to buy a breakfast sandwich.

The reason for Christianity is, since there is a God then we must submit to Him, if there isn’t a source of existence, then Buddism does make sense, as you described it as self worship. But then ultimate self worship means hedonism which is far more enjoyable than Buddism, unless you are not successful at hedonism then Buddism might be ok.
This makes for a very empty existence but if existence has no meaning then filling it with a made up belief of self improvement does give us some goals and a search of fullfillment.

Search for God and then you find ultimate fullfillment as that means you have a reason for existence and happiness.

It is a much better wager to search for God unless one does not have the bravery to have to submit to any other superior existance other than self.

In Christ
Scylla

 

[water]

So all I can do is pray that you will see how beautiful it is to be a Catholic Christian, Jesus is there for you.

God Bless
Scylla

That is one of many best things Catholics have - prayers - praying with the whole Heaven for intercession while other Christians think people in Heaven are “dead” - they can’t hear us.

 

[mrs_abbott]

mrs_abbott sometimes you do need to take a break from these forums, all the bickering about beliefs and just go to Mass for Jesus. Look at what it really is, us at the foot of the cross worshipping God.

These type posts make me a little sad because I want to just go over and share how beautiful it is with you, but I am stuck here behind another computer somewhere else. So all I can do is pray that you will see how beautiful it is to be a Catholic Christian, Jesus is there for you.

The forums don’t get to me anymore. I more just post for guidance, support and to see if others share my viewpoints.
I know the Mass is a great thing but I am having troubles focusing on what’s important. Too often I get side-tracked, then that leads to frustration, which leads to sadness. It’s a vicious cycle, really, but I think I’m called to be Catholic. Now it’s just a matter of getting on track. It’s easier to type all of this than to just do it, though, and I’m not quite sure why it’s such a struggle.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Mrs. A. I wish there was a big ‘hugging’ smiley for you–and santaro too.

It is rough when everything else in the ‘world’ is pushing ‘happy’ at people. Everything is all about being happy, feeling ‘good about yourself’. Everything is built on appearances (poor santaro, to whom everybody in his church ‘looks miserable’, is especially being bombarded with this, it seems. Possibly even if all those poor solemn souls assured him that, even if they weren’t happy, they were content and doing their best to serve God, it wouldn’t help. If they don’t look happy, well then they simply cannot **be ** happy, and if a person isn’t happy by those criteria, I guess he just isn’t worth knowing, or caring for.)

I think that in the gospel when Jesus tells us that He will bring us a peace which the world cannot give, this is the answer to the false notion that in order to be a good ‘Christian/Catholic/whatever’ we must, we should, nay we deserve to be happy.

Happiness is so multifaceted, so changeable. And the word is so overused. But above all, while it is certainly pleasant for us to be ‘happy’, it is not necessary, and it is certainly not necessary at all times! If we were in a state of constant complacency, there would never be any improvements, any new discoveries, and we would never be able to go above a certain ‘level’ of ‘happiness’ because we never had any times of sadness to measure our happiness against.

We are all looking for true happiness, but that can only come with complete obedience to God. This is going to involve all sorts of situations where we set aside (temporarily for the most part) our ‘happiness’ to serve others. Sometimes we get an unexpected happiness from that; sometimes we get nothing, and sometimes we get active hatred and anger from others. . .but always we will get that ‘peace that passes all understanding’ from God.

I think, Mrs. A, that you already know that while you may not be ‘happy’ as a Catholic, that your obedience to God is pleasing. Our culture does not value sacrifice, it doesn’t value self sacrifice unless of course it is rooted in making a better appearance (i.e., dieting to look ‘gorgeous’ gets lots of praise because it’s all about your appearance; fasting for penance gets you mocked, insulted, and derided as holier-than-thou). So it’s hard to buck the current fads, and trends, and worldly judgments. Take heart–with God all is possible, and your sacrifice greatly pleasing to Him.

 

[KindredSoul]

Why dont I go praise my omlett as i think there is a picture of jesus in it? Honestly, why must you have a God to define your life for you? Are you that desperate for authority?

People who ever make the accusation that we only believe so as to have a deity to define life for us so obviously do not know what Christianity and faith are about at all. You think our faith is only some need that we have for order; considering that you’re Nihilist, that’s to be expected. However, you’re playing around with other people’s souls when you try suggest to them to abandon Christ altogether. The problem? You seem to think all believers are really Nihilist at heart, and so surely we see religion as meaningless as you do and would easily change to whatever “makes us happy”. It shows how little you know about faith, or about the faithful for that matter.

We really believe in our faith. Say you got the desire to do jump off a high cliff, with no parachute or anything to keep you from hitting the bottom. For some reason, you think the jump would bring you happiness, but you don’t want to die, and you hate pain. Would you jump? If not, why? Isn’t it at least somewhat because you honestly* believe *that if you do so, you’ll die or at the very least hurt yourself? Or is it strictly because, for no real reason, you’re just “that desperate” not to jump off a cliff?

That’s how unfair your “desperate for authority” comment sounds.

 

[Loginus]

People who ever make the accusation that we only believe so as to have a deity to define life for us so obviously do not know what Christianity and faith are about at all. You think our faith is only some need that we have for order; considering that you’re Nihilist, that’s to be expected. However, you’re playing around with other people’s souls when you try suggest to them to abandon Christ altogether. The problem? You seem to think all believers are really Nihilist at heart, and so surely we see religion as meaningless as you do and would easily change to whatever “makes us happy”. It shows how little you know about faith, or about the faithful for that matter.

We really believe in our faith. Say you got the desire to do jump off a high cliff, with no parachute or anything to keep you from hitting the bottom. For some reason, you think the jump would bring you happiness, but you don’t want to die, and you hate pain. Would you jump? If not, why? Isn’t it at least somewhat because you honestly* believe *that if you do so, you’ll die or at the very least hurt yourself? Or is it strictly because, for no real reason, you’re just “that desperate” not to jump off a cliff?

That’s how unfair your “desperate for authority” comment sounds.

The analogy can be used for faith as well as it can defy all logic.
As for religions, they are all fundamentally the same, they all the same goal…to make ppl happy.

If you read the rest of my post youll see why intrinsic happiness is almost impossible for a Christian and lets face it, at the end of the day intrinsic happiness is what makes life worth living. its what we all seek.

Scoffing off another religion simply because it doesnt have Christ is plain silly. All that makes religons different are the means and all we have to judge is the results.

 

[runandsew]

MY GOODNESS!!! that is EXACTLY how I feel! I think I could give myself to Jesus completely and not answer to** any institution or human office**. And church would just be a gathering of the faithful.

But then back to Mass I go. I smile and say Hi to people who look like they could care less to even know who I am.

I don’t know why I can’t leave.

The Catholic Church is not just any institution or human office.
It is the Church that Jesus established.
People like Scott Hahn and the other converts say that they had found Christ, but they wanted to find the Church he established.

Can you really give your self completely to Jesus, if you were to reject the church he established?

I have given myself completely to Jesus, and it does bother me that some people in the Catholic Church don’t seem to care or love. But I am called to show them the love and caring of Christ so that they might want to change their lives. I am not called to go to different denotations where everyone seems to be really religiously pious.

And again I repeat being a Christian in not an emotional high, Being a Christian is being crucified in Christ that I may no longer live, but it is Christ that lives in me.

And I would recommend that the OP maybe talk to a spiritual advisor, or maybe listen to up lifting praise music, or read some uplifting spiritual books.

The spiritual life will not always be on a mountaintop, there are a lot of valleys on this path.

 

[mrs_abbott]

Honestly, why must you have a God to define your life for you? Are you that desperate for authority?

That statement made my eyes pop out of my head!
God created humanity so I must strive to know, love and serve Him in this life so I can be happy with Him in the next.
Finding peace with religion is small compared with the big picture of just accepting the fact that God exists.

 

[JMJDevotee]

Ugghh…you are a bunch of whiners…really!! I hate to sound judgemental and we all have our issues but get over yourselves. Catholicism is not about what you want. It is about God, Worshiping Him, Serving Him, Loving Him. It is not about if people are nice to you. Maybe they are having a bad week. Maybe they are struggling with their faith just like you. Here’s what I say:

SUCK IT UP AND OFFER IT UP!!!
If you feel you are struggling with your faith, pray. Go to Jesus, spend sometime in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. He is always there waiting for you. He wants to be the relief of your burdens. He will carry you. You only need to turn to Him.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I lived for 35 years in that Protestant life. I always felt half-full. I was constantly told that I was not good enough when I had doubts about my faith. I did not pray enough, I did not believe enough, I did give enough money so God would not answer my prayers. I got divorced and that was my fault bc I was not a dutiful wife. It did not matter to my church family that my husband had numerous affairs, brought them into my home and expected me to join them, it did not matter that he physically and emotionally abused me. I took it for 6 years and finally, a friend went to his Chaplin (a Catholic priest) and told him what was going on. The priest came to me in the love of Christ and told me I did not have to stay in that marriage. He helped me leave. Years later I completed RCIA and came into the fullness of the Church, had my marriage (a new one) convalidated by the preist who baptized our 4 kids, and gave 3 of them their First Communion, and received the Blessed Sacrament for the first time, I felt full, whole and truly loved by God.

The first time I experienced Adoration was a miracle. I am working mom with 4 very active kids, a husband who works in retail and has a varying schedule and my family (parents, siblings) who don’t approve nor try to understand my conversion. I suffer from fibromyalgia, with severe muscle and joint pain & fatigue and stress is my trigger. I know I can’t handle it all by myself. That particular day, I was in a lot of pain, had maxed out on my pain meds and still broke through. I did not know what to do. My dear friend, Colleen, asked me to come to Adoration. She said I would feel better. I went but with trepedation, I was still getting the hang of the Real Presence. When the hour started, I could not even look at the monstrance, I could not raise my eyes to look at our Beautiful Savior bc His presence was so strong, so real. I felt enveloped in His love, His healing, redemptive love. Silent tears of relief poured out of my eyes bc I could not even say the words of prayer but He knew, He understood, He forgave and He loved me. I left there pain free, healed.

Oh, I still have flare ups, and minor pain on a daily basis but by the Grace of God, I am able to suck it up and offer it up. It is not just a saying, it is my mantra. I offer my pain and suffering to God bc it has redemptive power.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, I love you. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I love you. I offer my suffering for those in need of mercy. Amen.

And I make sure to spend time with God in the Blessed Sacrament as often as possible.

Instead of worrying how others treat you and their lack of joy in Mass, find your own. If you are so busy worrying bc MarySue did not offer you the sign of peace, then you are missing the peace of Christ. And maybe nex time you can offer it to MarySue and brighten her day. To paraphrase Ghandi, you must be the change you wish to see in your parish. There is an older gentleman in my parish, he brings little ziplock bags of candy for the parents with younger kids, my 4 y/o DS is one of his favorites. Anyway, he spends the whole Mass with his rosary in his hands repeating the Hail Mary. I know he has health problems, his wife is sick. Yet, he exudes peace and comfort to those around him. He is an example.

I am sorry if I came on strong in the beginning. I am just so appreciative of my faith, my parish family, and my Church. I find so much joy and love in it.

Pax vobiscum

 

[runandsew]

I need some (name removed by moderator)ut on this. Everytime I think about being just a Christian, I get a good feeling inside and am just happy. But, since I was born and raised Catholic, my mind always gears toward that path but then I’m not happy when I think about the Catholic Church. Why is that? Any thoughts?
On a side note, I don’t think I could be anything but Catholic because it’s what I know. I’ve been trying to be a better Catholic than what I have been but can’t seem to get over some ever-looming hurdles (a.k.a. sins). It seems hopeless at times and I get down on myself because of it.
Why does it seem so easy to be a Christian but such a hard task to even pursue being Catholic? Shouldn’t the two be hand in hand for me, especially since I was born and raised Catholic?

mrs_abbott
Let me give you another example of something different but somewhat similar.

Let say that a woman is in a marriage that is not making her happy, there are a lot of arguments, (no physical violence) and disagreements, just generally not a great marriage. At work she find that she seems happy when a male co-worker is around, she get along with him great, he makes her feel happy again.
Should this woman divorce her husband to marry this other man, or should she seek a marriage councilor, maybe read some marriage books and try to make her marriage, happy, in other words work to save her marriage.

There are a lot of people in this world that would say that she should leave her husband and marry the other man if it makes her happy. But really, is that what she should do?

Please try to find spiritual books and music to listen to. And try to talk to you priest about this, and maybe find a spiritual advisor.
Mother Theresa said that she was always in a “spiritual desert” most of her adult life. That she felt that “emotional high” of spiritual life for only a short time, but it wasn’t that way most during most of her ministry.
But she knew what was true, and lived for Christ.

I am sorry if my first post seemed uncaring but it really bothers me when people write about leaving the Church because they are not happy, or they are not being spiritually filled.
Again I recommend listening to that Father Larry Richards MP3 “The Truth”, it is a free download if you register on his site. I listen to it many times when I am feel spiritually “numb”.

ps.
also his cd “confession” is great.

 

[mrs_abbott]

I am sorry if my first post seemed uncaring but it really bothers me when people write about leaving the Church because they are not happy, or they are not being spiritually filled.

I’m not talking about leaving the Church. I’m just frustrated that I can’t be a “happy” Catholic.