Christianity and Catholicism

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mrs_abbott said:
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?
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Being Catholic is both difficult and easy, at the same time.

Difficult, because Catholicism has a two thousand year history … just think of all the devout and accurate Catholic writers who have set down millions of words to attempt to describe God and their relationship with God. Difficult because God is Infinite AND you and I are extremely finite… God is Infinite and humans are no bigger than fly specks. How can we understand Infinity??? It’s all just too much.

Read some of Avery Cardinal Dulles’ writing. Or Father Benedict Groeschel’s writing or listen to Fr. Benedict on EWTN Sunday Night Live.

EASY. Because Jesus said that “My yoke is easy and My burden is light”. “Pray always.”

Be like a child, but also as cunning as a fox.
 
bella5110 said:
Because it is easy being another denomination. I love my Catholic faith because it isn’t easy. Some people don’t want to put the effort into it. I am not a perfect Catholic as you know, but I could never change. That would be denying the one true faith started by Jesus himself. Jesus said it wouldn’t be easy entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Why is sin such a hurdle? Or is it the guilt you may feel from other people? Why not do Pennance and refresh your soul?? To leave the faith would be a grave mistake. Perhaps you need to join another parish. I know some Catholic charismatic parishes and that may be for you. But don’t leave, The Blessed Mother wants you to pray to her for guidance.
The Catholic churches doctrines are not easy to follow, but bound by your Catholic faith, you must adhere to them. If everyone disagreed with the church, there would be no authority.
Just remember our history.
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That’s true. It isn’t easy.

Being a Protestant sounds easy. And I think it is easier than being a Catholic. But I know some Protestant people who are also hard on themselves because of their sin. They try to love others and they do indeed love Jesus. If you think “just” being a Christian would be easier, then you don’t know some good God-fearing Christians who love the Lord. I know, they make it sound so easy when all you have to do is “accept Jesus as your Lord & Savior” but I think we all know that is not all it takes and these Christian people that I know, know very well that is not all it takes.

Believe me mrs abbott, you have it easier on this side of the Tiber. You have Grace giving Sacraments. Those are Gifts from Jesus Christ! If things get hard, go to Confession and receive Sanctifying Grace. Then receive Jesus and you are in a State of Grace! Can’t get any better than that! :yup:

If things are still rough, offer up your sufferings. Combine your sufferings to Jesus’ and you will get Graces to help you get passed those hard times. Make sacrifices and offer them up to Jesus through Mary!

Wow, our Catholic Faith is so beautiful, I can go on and on. I have my Protestant brother to thank for that. We are both cradle Catholics and he challenged me. So I started learning about my faith and the rest is history. I am here now and I am never leaving.

But I ask that you please pray for my brothers. I have two of them. One has Cancer and the other has Cancer of the Soul. 😦 Please pray for them. :gopray: Thank you.
 
bella5110 said:
Most of the time when I am at Mass, I cry. Not enough so others can see, but we sing The Our Father and I always tell God, please don’t let me cry. I cry at communion, I cry when they say I am not worthy to receive you…etc…it just comes over me. Some tell me it’s the Holy Spirit, others say because of my calling through Padre Pio, I always think of The Passion. I can’t help it.
Although I am not a depressed person, tears always come to me at Mass. If I had my way, I’d probably wail like a baby.
Maybe it’s because of Our Mass and you are always reminded too of His Passion…just a guess…🙂
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Oh my goodness, you sound like me. :o I hear sometimes, it is the Holy Spirit and I hear from non-believing people that it is just my hormones over reacting. Could be a little of both? :o I know one thing, I am not depressed. 🙂

I cry when I look at the Crucifix at Mass. 😦 I watched “The Passion” and I balled like a baby. Then I remember what Jesus said, not to cry for Him but to cry for ourselves and for our families. He is so right because it is because of MY sins that He was crucified. 😦 And that is why we are to Love one another. But at the same time, not be pushovers and to admonish the sinner. I love Father Corapi too. He is no pushover! 👍
 
bella5110 said:
Geez…you shouldn’t feel terrorized in the Catholic faith. I don’t think she has fear of her sins.
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I agree. But at the same time we are to feel guilt when we sin. Otherwise how will we know that we have sinned? We shouldn’t feel so much guilt that it terrorizes us and not trust in Jesus to forgive us. But we should know that we can go to Confession and Jesus will forgive us. We cannot then dwell on our sins. We have to go on.
 
My sister left the Catholic Church because she needed people. :confused: She left for other reasons of which I cannot say here. But anyway, she left because she wasn’t “being fed” in the Catholic Church and she needed people. Who needs people more than they need Jesus Christ in their lives? That just doesn’t make sense to me. She depends on people to make her happy. When anyone does that, they will always end up hurt and unhappy. And sis is depressed because of that and for other reasons. 😦 Not good.

In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the couple is to put God FIRST before their spouse. This way they can love each other entirely. If we put “people” first we will be disappointed. If we keep looking for that person to talk to us before Mass we will be disappointed. Look to Jesus! He will NEVER disappoint you! 👍
 
mrs_abbott said:
I have a set-back that I know the devil is using against me and it’s what’s keeping from just skipping back into Church. I need some more questions answered and that stumbling block eliminated. Once it is gone, the path is clear for re-entry into the Catholic community whole-heartedly. Isn’t it amazing that one little sin can keep a person from experiencing that much joy?
Prayer is definitely what is keeping me sane these days!!! 😉
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Do you have a Priest you can talk to? A Spiritual director? Have you confessed whatever it is that is keeping you from the Church wholeheartedly?

God prunes people in different ways. Perhaps this is what’s happening to you right now. Go to the Blessed Sacrament and pray there with Jesus. He will give you what you need to jump that hurdle.

I also think we have to remember that we are not to be totally happy and cheerful 24/7. That is not what the Catholic Church is all about. Polly Anna’s we are not. Nothing wrong with laughing though. I laugh a lot. And I also cry happy tears and sad tears too. I want to believe that I have a sense of humor although a wee bit warped and/or strange at times. 😛 I love to laugh. I am happy most of the time. Pope John Paul the Great had a great sense of humor. 😃

I Love my Catholic Faith! 👍 I love all of you! ❤️ okay, here comes a happy tear. http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i85/Alegre-Fe/Emoticons/CryHappytear.gif how 'bout a hug? http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i85/Alegre-Fe/Emoticons/hug.gif Okay, okay, I’ll stop. It’s getting late for me. I haven’t even gone to bed. But it’s almost time for Mother Angelica on EWTN and her Chaplet of St Michael. So gotta go. http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i85/Alegre-Fe/Emoticons/yawnwave.gif
 
Verita said:
Can I ask you what exactly you mean by being “just a Christian”? And what about it makes you happy?
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No organized religion, just be a follower of Christ. The idea of that made me happy due to its simplicity. Before I get jumped on by anyone for saying that, remember, these are just my thoughts. 😉
 
Damascus said:
We all want what is best for you Mrs. Abbott. You are worthy.
There is no sin that Jesus can not handle. He did it all already. Nothing, not one thing could any human be capable of that he did not handle. He is not the one that wants you to feel this way. People, humans with the mark of sin do this to each other.(make us feel so unworthy) You can relax. This is how you let go and let God.
You stop worring or doubting that Jesus cant handle things. He has.
Please come to him and dont let flawed humans anywhere in your life get in your way.
Much Christian Love
And Prayers:)
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I know I must seem like a hopeless case but I want to thank those of you who have tried to offer advice and listen to me express my feelings and thoughts. Sometimes expression brings clarity and truth. Thanks again for your encouraging words. 🙂
I think the prayers might be working because I’m feeling more peace ever-so-slightly day by day. 😉
 
Mrs. Abbot, I just wanted to say I’m very happy for you, that you’re becoming happier in your Faith. From where I stand, you’re blessed to be Cradle Catholic. I know I’ve not really contributed anything towards your OP, but it just makes me happy to see you growing into the Faith that you’ve been so blessed to be part of since birth. It’s a blessing to those like me who are newly coming to the fullness of the Faith to see Christ help someone persevere against all odds, and against any initial unease or unhappiness, against any doubts…so I guess I’m trying to say: Thanks persevering, and for being a blessing! 😃
 
KindredSoul said:
Mrs. Abbot, I just wanted to say I’m very happy for you, that you’re becoming happier in your Faith. From where I stand, you’re blessed to be Cradle Catholic. I know I’ve not really contributed anything towards your OP, but it just makes me happy to see you growing into the Faith that you’ve been so blessed to be part of since birth. It’s a blessing to those like me who are newly coming to the fullness of the Faith to see Christ help someone persevere against all odds, and against any initial unease or unhappiness, against any doubts…so I guess I’m trying to say: Thanks persevering, and for being a blessing! 😃
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:o I don’t know what to say to that! 🙂
I do, however, want to wish you luck in your journey of Faith. It’s a bumpy one, that’s for sure. 😉
Romans 12:12 (my signature line) really inspires me to keep at it and not give up. I figure if Jesus didn’t give up when he was persecuted and crucified on the cross, then I shouldn’t be complaining about my life and how things are going. 🙂
 
Kevin42 said:
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.”
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:bowdown:
.
Luke 24: 13-25…they recongnized Him in the breaking of the bread.
John 15: 4-6…abide in me.
How do we abide in Him…
**John 6: 56-58…he who eats my body **and **drinks my blood abides in me **and I in him.
.
 
AlegreFe said:
Jesus said that we should take up our crosses and follow Him. Who ever said that taking up our crosses would be easy? Not I. Especially not the Catholic Church.

Nothing in life is easy. So if you think that being “just” a Christian would be a lot easier then you are misinformed. Being a Christian is being like Christ. And Christ said to pick up our crosses and follow Him. That is not easy to do.

BUT if you want to make that easier for yourself then the Catholic Church is where you should stay. WHY? Because we have Jesus Christ right here substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus will help us become like Him. Nothing or no one else can do that for us except JESUS Christ Himself. Jesus said to ABIDE in Him and He will ABIDE in us. How can we do that? By receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. What could be better than that?

Jesus Christ built this Church on Peter the Rock just for YOU.

I think some people think that the Catholic Church has too many rules. But they are not the “people’s” rules, they are God’s rules. We are to obey God’s Commandments if we want LIFE. And the only way to do that is to ABIDE in Jesus Christ. HOW can we abide in Him? By eating His Flesh & drinking His Blood!

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How
can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to
you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man
and drink his blood, you have no life in you;
54 he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has
eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is
drink indeed.
56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my
blood abides in me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because
of the Father, so he who eats me will live because
of me.
58 This is the bread which came down from heaven,
not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats
this bread will live for ever.”
John 6:52-58

=================================

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes
away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,
that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already made clean by the word which I have
spoken to you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you,
unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides
in me,and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart
from me you can do nothing.
6 If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a
branch and withers; and the branches are gathered,
thrown into the fire and burned.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask
whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit,
and so prove to be my disciples.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you;
abide in my love.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in
my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be
in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:1-11
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Wow…powerful 👍
 
One book that I bought started off with:

“Life is difficult. Once you know that life is difficult, then it is no longer quite so difficult.”

Catholicism is difficult. Once you know that Catholicism is difficult, then it is no longer quite so difficult.
 
Loginus said:
Perhaps Catholiscim isnt for you. Why not check out other churchs or even religions. I recommend Buddhism 😉
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Which Buddhism? Buddhism has too many sects, while we, Christians have only 4 sects, namely Nestorians, Monophysites, Orthodox and Protestants. These 4 sects broke away from the mother Church, the Catholic Church.

Also, Buddhism is not really a religion but an agnostic way of life. You can compare it to the ancient Roman religion.
 
Buddhism is actually a world religion. Not until the 1960’s did Buddhism gain a true foothold in this country. A Buddhist who was formerly an Episcopalian priest had made Zen (a form of Buddhism) a household word by that decade.
All of Buddhism’s teachings, collectively called the dharma, deal with one basic goal-how to escape samsara. Samsara is the cycle of rebirths that is known more commonly in the West as Reincarnation. Freedom from Samsara leads to nirvana, which is commonly thought of as a state of complete deliverance from pain and sorrow, a state of bliss–the Eastern equivalent of Heaven.
the dharma’s entire purpose is to teach Buddhists how to progress along the path toward nirvana. this journey is a progression that can be achieved only by following what the Buddha termed his four Noble Truths, also called Pativedhanana, which translated means “the wisdom of realization.” “These “truths” center around: 1. the universality of suffering; 2. the origin of suffering; 3. the overcoming of suffering; 4. the way leading to the suppression of suffering.”
 
In my experience, it is our sins that keep us away from God and the Church. Sometimes we find it difficult to confess so we postpone and postpone and feel more and more alienated. I once went to Church without going to confession…i was thinking within myself that i’ll confess when am “ready” so i’ll not take the Eucharist. Then i saw the priest entering the Confession room, and something “pushed” me LITERALLY to go confess and i found myself unable to keep debating it within myself and i found myself kneeling for confession. Needless to say, i had tears in my eyes during Mass . When Jesus promised us the peace that no one else can give, He was not joking 😉
 
mrs_abbott said:
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?
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What sort of steps have you taken to learn and practice your faith?

Do you go to confession at least once a year?
Do you go to mass every sunday?
Do you pray at least 15 minutes everyday?
Have you read the Holy Bible? Listended to any catholic commentaries?
Do you give alms?
Do you have a devotion to your Guardian Angel?
Do you love Our Lady and ask for her Intercession?
Do you know what a saint is?

These are some questions you should ask yourself and before you make any moves, I would get answers to them.

Read the Parable of the Seeds (Mark 4:13-20) and ask yourself which are you?
 
inJESUS said:
In my experience, it is our sins that keep us away from God and the Church. Sometimes we find it difficult to confess so we postpone and postpone and feel more and more alienated. I once went to Church without going to confession…i was thinking within myself that i’ll confess when am “ready” so i’ll not take the Eucharist. Then i saw the priest entering the Confession room, and something “pushed” me LITERALLY to go confess and i found myself unable to keep debating it within myself and i found myself kneeling for confession. Needless to say, i had tears in my eyes during Mass . When Jesus promised us the peace that no one else can give, He was not joking 😉
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Wow, I feel that too. I love your little story. 🙂 Peace is right. :gopray: I find myself all teary after I have Jesus and I feel such peace and happiness knowing that He is within me and I can take His strength because He gives it so freely to me. :yup:
 
HailMary said:
What sort of steps have you taken to learn and practice your faith?

Do you go to confession at least once a year?
Do you go to mass every sunday?
Do you pray at least 15 minutes everyday?
Have you read the Holy Bible? Listended to any catholic commentaries?
Do you give alms?
Do you have a devotion to your Guardian Angel?
Do you love Our Lady and ask for her Intercession?
Do you know what a saint is?

These are some questions you should ask yourself and before you make any moves, I would get answers to them.

Read the Parable of the Seeds (Mark 4:13-20) and ask yourself which are you?
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Wow, I like your list. :yup:

I think it would be good if we all had this list as a “to do” list on our fridge so that we can be reminded every day. I have pictures of Jesus and Holy Cards on my fridge and of course I have a crucifix by my front door and in every room but it would be nice to have a list of things like this. Thanks! You gave me this idea! 👍

Here’s that parable from St. Mark;
13 Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand
this parable? Then how will you understand any of
the parables?
14 The sower sows the word.
15 These are the ones on the path where the word
is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at
once and takes away the word sown in them.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground
who, when they hear the word, receive it at once
with joy.
17 But they have no root; they last only for a time.
Then when tribulation or persecution comes because
of the word, they quickly fall away.
18 Those sown among thorns are another sort. They
are the people who hear the word,
19 but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the
craving for other things intrude and choke the word,
and it bears no fruit.
20 But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear
the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty
and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:13-20

Oh my 😦 I want to be that last one, but I know I’m not. :nope:
Oh Jesus, I Love you, increase my Love.
Oh Jesus, I have Faith in you, increase my Faith. :gopray:
Oh Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. 😦
 
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