Confused, and I guess I am not a real Catholic..

[laneo]

I was raised in a Catholic/Christian household. To this day I accept Christ as my savior and my redeemer. Being on this forums I have seen a lot of things that I never encountered in my days. All this talk of the “one true church” and going over how we have to abide by all things in Canon Law and the Catechism to be Catholic.

That was never brought up to me. I even went to Catholic School for about 3 years when I was younger and it was never like this. My mother, priests, nuns, etc, they never really brought up a lot of what I have read on here. It kind of startles me. In reality, I guess I am not a Catholic then, because I don’t agree with certain doctrines. Maybe its ignorance. I am certainly not REJECTING it, and down right saying its wrong, but it just doesn’t click with me.

Like confession, I am almost 22 years old. I have been to confession maybe 3-4 times my whole life. In the Bible it claims that… For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). So If I am truly sorry for my sins and ask for forgiveness, it’s futile? I just go to hell if i don’t go to confession…?

Moreover, I understand the concept or mortal and venial sins, but it just doesn’t hit me. Let’s say I go to confession and right after I see a woman and have lustful thoughts, If I die, I just automatically go to Hell? I cant be going to confession every single day because in reality I probably commit mortal sins every day; At least in my thoughts. I lose my salvation in the blink of an eye? Christ only died for venial sins??? Okay…

Also, the Apostles were sinners they weren’t perfect beings. When they were at the last supper, did they go to a priest and confess before receiving the body/blood of Christ? As I have read, we must confess mortal sins before receiving the Eucharist. I am sure the Apostles had a few of them under their belt. What about the good thief (Dismas) he accepted Christ right on the spot and was received in Heaven. He never went to confession. I know the CC says he was “baptized” with desire, but still he didn’t go to confession. Maybe I am just a bit crazy, I don’t know. What shall I do?

Honestly, I know I am a sinner and accept Christ and plead for his forgiveness, but that’s not good enough I guess.

So I really don’t know where I stand? Am I going to Hell? I am sure lots of you think so.

 

[jmcrae]

Like confession, I am almost 22 years old. I have been to confession maybe 3-4 times my whole life. In the Bible it claims that… For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). So If I am truly sorry for my sins and ask for forgiveness, it’s futile? I just go to hell if i don’t go to confession…?

Jesus mediates for us in the Confessional. That’s what the Sacrament is all about. We make a Sacramental Confession in order so that Jesus will be there, in the person of the priest, to forgive us of our sins.

Keep in mind, it is through the Sacraments that Jesus comes to us.

Moreover, I understand the concept or mortal and venial sins, but it just doesn’t hit me. Let’s say I go to confession and right after I see a woman and have lustful thoughts,

If you don’t do it deliberately, there is no sin. And why would you come out of Confession and then right away deliberately commit a sin? It makes no sense.

If I die, I just automatically go to Hell? I cant be going to confession every single day because in reality I probably commit mortal sins every day; At least in my thoughts. I lose my salvation in the blink of an eye? Christ only died for venial sins??? Okay…

The Blood of the Cross pours through the Sacraments, and into our lives, to save us from our sins and make us holy. The Cross is the source of the grace that we receive through the Sacraments.

Also, the Apostles were sinners they weren’t perfect beings. When they were at the last supper, did they go to a priest and confess before receiving the body/blood of Christ? As I have read, we must confess mortal sins before receiving the Eucharist. I am sure the Apostles had a few of them under their belt.

We are not the Apostles. We live in our own time, and under our own circumstances. The Apostles established the Church, and gave us the Sacrament of Confession, so that we could go to Confession before receiving the Eucharist.

What about the good thief (Dismas) he accepted Christ right on the spot and was received in Heaven. He never went to confession.

Yes he did - he confessed his sins to Jesus (just as we do when we go to Confession), and shared in the suffering of Jesus on the Cross in a very literal way. Again, we are not Dismas. We are ourselves. Jesus tells us what we are supposed to do - listen to the Church!

 

[laneo]

I guess, I don’t know. I am just confused.

On another note, I don’t deliberately sin after confession, but lets say if I see a woman on the street that may look attractive, sure I may think impure thoughts. That’s just natural at times. Furthermore, Dismas may have confessed, but it was directly to Christ, he was allowed, but I am not? I have to go to a priest or it’s just useless?

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I was raised in a Catholic/Christian household. To this day I accept Christ as my savior and my redeemer. Being on this forums I have seen a lot of things that I never encountered in my days. All this talk of the “one true church” and going over how we have to abide by all things in Canon Law and the Catechism to be Catholic.

That was never brought up to me. I even went to Catholic School for about 3 years when I was younger and it was never like this. My mother, priests, nuns, etc, they never really brought up a lot of what I have read on here. It kind of startles me. In reality, I guess I am not a Catholic then, because I don’t agree with certain doctrines. Maybe its ignorance. I am certainly not REJECTING it, and down right saying its wrong, but it just doesn’t click with me.

Like confession, I am almost 22 years old. I have been to confession maybe 3-4 times my whole life. In the Bible it claims that… For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). So If I am truly sorry for my sins and ask for forgiveness, it’s futile? I just go to hell if i don’t go to confession…?

Moreover, I understand the concept or mortal and venial sins, but it just doesn’t hit me. Let’s say I go to confession and right after I see a woman and have lustful thoughts, If I die, I just automatically go to Hell? I cant be going to confession every single day because in reality I probably commit mortal sins every day; At least in my thoughts. I lose my salvation in the blink of an eye? Christ only died for venial sins??? Okay…

Also, the Apostles were sinners they weren’t perfect beings. When they were at the last supper, did they go to a priest and confess before receiving the body/blood of Christ? As I have read, we must confess mortal sins before receiving the Eucharist. I am sure the Apostles had a few of them under their belt. What about the good thief (Dismas) he accepted Christ right on the spot and was received in Heaven. He never went to confession. I know the CC says he was “baptized” with desire, but still he didn’t go to confession. Maybe I am just a bit crazy, I don’t know. What shall I do?

Honestly, I know I am a sinner and accept Christ and plead for his forgiveness, but that’s not good enough I guess.

So I really don’t know where I stand? Am I going to Hell? I am sure lots of you think so.

First of all…it’s not up to any of us to say that anyone is going to hell. For most of us…the Church has provided a sure path for salvation. Is that the ONLY path…no one knows. Christ will save whom He saves. But…for me…I’m going with the sure way. How do I know? Well…I’m been in other churches. And yes…I’ve had confession just direct to direct…problem is…for me…didn’t matter as much. I didn’t really look at what I was doing or if I was sinning…I figured just the big ones were all that mattered. But what about pleasing God by following his commandments? Sure…I’ve never murdered anyone…but I have had hate in my heart. It connects A LOT more for me by going to confession…I don’t know how many times lately where I’ve caught myself or kept my mouth shut because I was more aware of the nature of sin and what I was about to do or say. I’m starting to go every couple of weeks…to have a closer walk with the Lord…to be able to hear his voice…to keep me on the straight and narrow.

I know it doesn’t really compare…but it’s kind of like when you are trying to lose weight and you weigh or measure everything and you are doing good…but once you start losing track of what you are eating…saying…oh yeah…that’s only about a cup when it’s more like 2…then you are deceiving yourself and it doesn’t work.

Oh course I’ve only recently come back to the Church so I have a lot of catching up to do and I have to go through RCIA.

 

[laneo]

We are always in a state of sin though. I mean, nobody is perfect. I just get the impression that If you are not catholic or if you don’t agree with everything the CC, Canon Law, Catechism says, you are destined for hell. So what happens to all the protestants, and non-denominational Christians, they are going to be turned away? That’s how some people make it appear to be.

 

[LDNCatholic]

I guess, I don’t know. I am just confused.

On another note, I don’t deliberately sin after confession, but lets say if I see a woman on the street that may look attractive, sure I may think impure thoughts. That’s just natural at times. Furthermore, Dismas may have confessed, but it was directly to Christ, he was allowed, but I am not? I have to go to a priest or it’s just useless?

Christ gave His Apostles the power to forgive sins. If praying to Jesus was sufficient why would He even bother to grant His Apostles this power?

Through Apostolic Succession this gift has been passed down to His priests.

 

[twopekinguys]

We are always in a state of sin though. I mean, nobody is perfect. I just get the impression that If you are not catholic or if you don’t agree with everything the CC, Canon Law, Catechism says, you are destined for hell. So what happens to all the protestants, and non-denominational Christians, they are going to be turned away? That’s how some people make it appear to be.

First, we have no way of knowing who is in Hell. The Catholic Church does not specifically teach that anyone is in Hell. That is for God to determine, not us mere humans.

Second, I would suggest that you research some of the topics you have concerns with. See where the Church comes up with it’s positions. Going with your “impressions” is not very sound.

It is OK to question, or struggle with a teaching, but if you are struggling or questioning, it is up to you to research it, and come to a better understanding. This would include reading the Catechism, Bible, Early Church Fathers, and speaking to a priest.

You have to take responsibility for your own understanding of an issue.

 

[jmcrae]

I guess, I don’t know. I am just confused.

On another note, I don’t deliberately sin after confession, but lets say if I see a woman on the street that may look attractive, sure I may think impure thoughts. That’s just natural at times. Furthermore, Dismas may have confessed, but it was directly to Christ, he was allowed, but I am not? I have to go to a priest or it’s just useless?

The priest is the “face-to-face-ness” of Christ - the technical term is “in persona Christi.” When you are in the Confessional, it is Christ’s Person to whom you are making your confession. The words spoken by the priest are Christ’s words to you, spoken through the priest. This is as close as we can ever get to the experience that Dismas had. Keep in mind, Dismas was not praying to an invisible presence - he was physically in the presence of the human person of Christ.

Without the priest, you can certainly pray - there’s nothing wrong with that - but without the priest, no Sacrament takes place. It’s just a prayer.

 

[uxordepp]

We are always in a state of sin though. I mean, nobody is perfect. I just get the impression that If you are not catholic or if you don’t agree with everything the CC, Canon Law, Catechism says, you are destined for hell. So what happens to all the protestants, and non-denominational Christians, they are going to be turned away? That’s how some people make it appear to be.

It is being in a state of mortal sin (and yes, that’s scriptural) that breaks our relationship with God. Although it is commendable to confess ALL sin, it’s only the mortal sin that REQUIRES confession.

We are not perfect, but we should be striving to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect.

You are making up the part about being destined for Hell if you are not Catholic or do not believe everything in the Catechism etc…the Church does not teach that.

For Catholics, there are some things to be believed and abided by (most of which are actually covered in the Ten Commandments, in one way or another). One may take the risk of not believing/followng. But the Church does not teach absolutely who will go to Hell. We aren’t the judges. God is. What may appear a mortal sin to us, may be mitigated by certain circumstances known only to God.

 

[phoooiee]

I’m struggling with this right now too… there’s often a real difference between what the Church officially teaches and the way that members of this forum sometimes present Church teaching.

It’s very, very important to research the official sources when something seems a bit off, or it’s easy to get the wrong impression, I think.

 

[twopekinguys]

I’m struggling with this right now too… there’s often a real difference between what the Church officially teaches and the way that members of this forum sometimes present Church teaching.

It’s very, very important to research the official sources when something seems a bit off, or it’s easy to get the wrong impression, I think.

Absolutely Correct!!

 

[laneo]

Well maybe I am a bit lazy and ignorant. I just know that I honestly accept His birth, death and resurrection. My redeemer liveth. If I close my eyes for the last time tonight and I go to hell cause I didn’t go to confession or something, then I guess I am …ya know…

 

[adv1sor]

It sounds to me that you might really benefit from an RCIA program. Check with your Parish and see when they next one if planned. And don’t worry about anything that anyone posts here. This is the internet after all.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

We are always in a state of sin though. I mean, nobody is perfect. I just get the impression that If you are not catholic or if you don’t agree with everything the CC, Canon Law, Catechism says, you are destined for hell. So what happens to all the protestants, and non-denominational Christians, they are going to be turned away? That’s how some people make it appear to be.

I would suggest that you study the Cathechism with an OPEN mind. If you go at it with a closed mind…then you are really not going to find understanding. I honestly don’t know what will happen to protestants or non-demoniational Christians…and I used to be one. Of course those people that are OSAS would say that I was never truly “saved”. I do know that man will always try to look for loopholes to justify doing what they want to do. Who are we TRULY living for? I can tell you that as a protestant I never found the fullness of Christ. And that is just my personal experience.

 

[twopekinguys]

Well maybe I am a bit lazy and ignorant. I just know that I honestly accept His birth, death and resurrection. My redeemer liveth. If I close my eyes for the last time tonight and I go to hell cause I didn’t go to confession or something, then I guess I am …ya know…

But don’t you think your eternal soul is worth a little work on your part?

Adv1sor had a very good suggestion. RCIA might be just the thing for you.

They will be able to help you with many, if not all of your questions.

But then again, it would take effort on your part.

 

[laneo]

I don’t know. I still get the feeling that people here believe Christians of any denomination (other than Catholic) are denied salvation. Plain and simple.

 

[twopekinguys]

I don’t know. I still get the feeling that people here believe Christians of any denomination (other than Catholic) are denied salvation. Plain and simple.

Well, it sounds like you have your mind made up already.

Since you appear to have already made that determination, what exactly can we help you with?

 

[Califman831]

if you are a true christian you are also Catholic. Any other so called “denomination” is a lie, a heresy. Unfortunately brother as you stated you are in your twenties which means you were born after VII and have been exposed to its errors. I was in the same boat until I started looking at books and documents written before the 1960’s. Its sad but true that the immorality of the sixties has not left the church untouched.

 

[JimG]

I don’t know. I still get the feeling that people here believe Christians of any denomination (other than Catholic) are denied salvation. Plain and simple.

No one is denied salvation who wants it. Salvation is through Christ, who instituted the Catholic Church in order that his teachings and his grace and his salvific action will be present to all people in all times.

One need not be formally Catholic to be saved. But whoever is saved, is saved through the Catholic Church.

 

[laneo]

Well, it sounds like you have your mind made up already.

Since you appear to have already made that determination, what exactly can we help you with?

I am not sure. I am just troubled really. I don’t want to burn in hell, but I have a long road to go. If I cant come to terms and accept all the CC tells me, what are the consequences? That’s all I am worried about. I care about my salvation, thats for sure, but I am just kind of thrown off.