confused catholic

[ruberina]

I want some advise. I have been attending catholic mass ever since I can remember until recently I always tought that I was in the right religion, but I always wonder if other religions will be saved if they were tought by their parents that that was the rigght religion. Recently I have been studing the bible with the jeohova witnness and its like my family is turning against me for doing that. I just want to start a meaninful relationship with God. In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me. I feel that I have this thirst to know GOD more. Please, help me. I have always felt loved by GOD because I have been given so much, but I feel that I have to give him something back and I want have my family in the right path.

 

[Miles_Mariae]

Keep going to Mass, ignore heretical groups, and learn the Faith by reading the Catechism and the works of the Saints and Fathers of the Church.

 

[IrishDude45]

perhaps you could talk to your parish priest? I am sure he would have some advice for you and be able to lead you closer to God.

Pax Vobiscum

 

[FCEGM]

I want some advise. I have been attending catholic mass ever since I can remember until recently I always tought that I was in the right religion, but I always wonder if other religions will be saved if they were tought by their parents that that was the rigght religion. Recently I have been studing the bible with the jeohova witnness and its like my family is turning against me for doing that. I just want to start a meaninful relationship with God. In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me. I feel that I have this thirst to know GOD more. Please, help me. I have always felt loved by GOD because I have been given so much, but I feel that I have to give him something back and I want have my family in the right path.

Welcome to CAF, Ruberina. It’s good that you are moved with a desire to know and love God more. Attempting to do so through the Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, will take you down a blind alley. (Use the link “ThisRock” at the top of the website and do a search for information on the Witnesses to help you better inform you about the wisdom of studying with them). Consider that their organization was founded, not by Christ, but by men in the 1800’s. Now is the time for you to study Catholicism - not just what the One Church that Christ founded teaches, but why. Leave behind your study with the witnesses for a study of the truth. CAF is a wonderful resource to begin your study. I bet if you look closely at your parish or neighboring parishes you will find bible studies and other programs that will help you better live according to your true desire.

If you truly want to worship God in all fullness, leaving the Church is not the answer as the Mass is the pinnacle of the worship human beings can offer to Him as it is the participation in the Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ. Do not sell your Catholic birthright for a mess of JW pottage.

 

[Apryl]

Welcome to CAF, Ruberina. It’s good that you are moved with a desire to know and love God more. Attempting to do so through the Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, will take you down a blind alley.

I was raised in a home where people from various backgrounds and faith traditions and beliefs were welcome.

This didn’t make me any less Catholic, and I am glad it made me tolerant and respectful of others. Every one has a belief, and it’s not ‘nice’ to push them down because of it (Ok, a strange analogy, but it makes my point)

One would never learn to be a great football player by practicing basketball. One would never try to improve their spanish by watching and listening to a french television channel.

If you want to become a better Catholic, you can’t do it by using any other means than being around and studying from Catholics.

I also would never suggest learning anything about another religion if you don’t, even in your naivete, believe you have a good footing in the religion you are trying to secure for yourself.

I hope this makes sense to you.

 

[Wintersdemise]

Beware the Witnesses. They are notorious for destroying families. They have nothing to do with Christianity.

Go here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_and_congregational_discipline#Disfellowshipping

 

[stayathomemommy]

The Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins

wonderful bible study and 100% Catholic. get your info from Catholic resources there is so much out there.

 

[Wailing_Woman]

You might want to look into joining some prayer groups in your parish - it is good to be with others and to get to know them. Then you have people to share your concerns and confusion with instead of going it alone. You will be surprised to find others as confused as you or who have been in the past. The “saint” from Mass that seems so sure in their faith may not have been at one time. Just remember to never measure your faith level to anyone else’s. God leads us down the path at His own design for us. Just because one person is ripping down the path bucked naked and in joy doesn’t mean that is His plan for you. The faith you fight for is more lasting and enjoyable that the one that comes so easily. And be wary of “feel-good” religions that “feed” your emotional needs of the moment - you want a faith that sustains you in all things at all times. And that is the Holy Roman Catholic Faith. God bless!

 

[Ame]

My mother learned a great deal about Catholicism and gained a deeper understanding of how the Catholic church can bring you closer to God by sponsoring someone on the local RCIA program. If the OP is a confirmed Catholic and is eligible to sponsor someone, participating in RCIA is a great way to get back to your roots and hear the answers to some of those basic questions.

My experience with Jehovah Witnesses is that they do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. If you would like to draw near to God, loving His Son is a great start!

 

[Cluny]

In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me.

---

Is there no adult education in your parish?

Have you tried going to your priest–he’s the VERY person who could teach you.

Have you tried looking for a spiritual director?

Have you tried going to adult education groups in other parishes?

 

[Seeking12]

I want some advise. I have been attending catholic mass ever since I can remember until recently I always tought that I was in the right religion, but I always wonder if other religions will be saved if they were tought by their parents that that was the rigght religion. Recently I have been studing the bible with the jeohova witnness and its like my family is turning against me for doing that. I just want to start a meaninful relationship with God. In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me. I feel that I have this thirst to know GOD more. Please, help me. I have always felt loved by GOD because I have been given so much, but I feel that I have to give him something back and I want have my family in the right path.

**
Hello,

I know if you read the Psalms you will find many of the answers to your thoughts. I was once told that if you want to know the God whom one serves, then read the Psalms. The longest is Psalm 119 and one of my favorite because of the delight the Psalmist shows in God’s word. **

 

[ppasa316]

I want some advise. I have been attending catholic mass ever since I can remember until recently I always tought that I was in the right religion, but I always wonder if other religions will be saved if they were tought by their parents that that was the rigght religion. Recently I have been studing the bible with the jeohova witnness and its like my family is turning against me for doing that. I just want to start a meaninful relationship with God. In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me. I feel that I have this thirst to know GOD more. Please, help me. I have always felt loved by GOD because I have been given so much, but I feel that I have to give him something back and I want have my family in the right path.

I too left the Catholic church 10 yrs ago because i wanted to know more about God’s Word. I also didn’t have anyone to teach me the bible. I prayed that God would lead me to a bible based church which happened to be Calvary Chapel. My relationship with Christ is stronger now than ever before. We study the bible book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. I attend Calvary Houston which you can hear on the internet. I would stay away from JW. Their bibles have had to be rewritten several times because of false prophecies. If I can help just let me know.
God Bless

 

[Lainey63]

I want some advise. I have been attending catholic mass ever since I can remember until recently I always tought that I was in the right religion, but I always wonder if other religions will be saved if they were tought by their parents that that was the rigght religion. Recently I have been studing the bible with the jeohova witnness and its like my family is turning against me for doing that. I just want to start a meaninful relationship with God. In the catholic church that I go to I don’t have anyone that could teach me. I feel that I have this thirst to know GOD more. Please, help me. I have always felt loved by GOD because I have been given so much, but I feel that I have to give him something back and **I want have my family in the right **path.

Ruberina right now I think that you need to get on the right path. I work with a JW and what they believe is not what your Catholic faith teaches you. They do not believe in the Holy Trinity…because it doesn’t say that in the Bible…they do not celebrate the birth of Christ or anybody elses birthdays. They do not believe that Jesus is God and they do not believe in the Ascension of Jesus. The woman I work with is very kind and I consider her my friend…but we cannot speak about our faiths. I am so glad that you came here…there are many people who will encourage you and you can learn a thing or two here. Right now keep praying for the “Truth”, pray for God’s will to be done. Pray the rosary. On EWTN there is Q&A forum…I read it everyday. There are problably places in your hometown that have the resources you need…but you have to seek them out. I know that I went through some confusion, I think we all do.

 

[LynnGM]

I’ve also had my times of confusion. Please stay away from JW. At all costs.

 

[Apryl]

I’ve also had my times of confusion. Please stay away from JW. At all costs.

I’m sorry, but while there may be many differences in Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses, it seems rather scathing to say ‘stay away from Jehovah’s Witnesses’, when a person is confused about his or her faith.

Any one who is confused, and wants to lean with a certain bent, should concentrate on that bent. It isn’t just JW that would be a distraction to that.

If you want to be Catholic, or want to learn about Catholicism, even if you aren’t pursuing becoming a Catholic, it would make sense to try to learn from Catholics.

Protestants are Protestants… they are NOT Catholic. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormona, and Jews are NOT Catholic.

They may still be very nice people, with very upstanding lives, but if you want to learn about the Catholic church, sit and listen in a Catholic church, not in another church, since they are probably not only not going to know, but they are biased against the Catholic church.

(Just like if someone was trying to join a Protestant church, I would never suggest they come to a Catholic church to prepare to do that)

 

[Apryl]

I too left the Catholic church 10 yrs ago because i wanted to know more about God’s Word. I also didn’t have anyone to teach me the bible.

What about God’s Word wasn’t in the Catholic church? Why didn’t you have someone to ask?

Now that it’s been ten years, have you noticed anything that you are being taught today as a reflection of what you had at your fingertips before?

Many times, I believe, people don’t appreciate what they have ‘at home’, but will appreciate it from elsewhere.

 

[ppasa316]

What about God’s Word wasn’t in the Catholic church? Why didn’t you have someone to ask?

Now that it’s been ten years, have you noticed anything that you are being taught today as a reflection of what you had at your fingertips before?

Many times, I believe, people don’t appreciate what they have ‘at home’, but will appreciate it from elsewhere.

Paul said he preached the whole counsel of God. That is what i get at Calvary Chapel not tidbits. After 10 years I have deeper relationship with God than I ever had at the Catholic Church I was attending. I now better understand God’s Word now instead of following tradition or quotes from someone else. It is not me but my whole family feels the same way.
God Bless

 

[Apryl]

Paul said he preached the whole counsel of God. That is what i get at Calvary Chapel not tidbits. After 10 years I have deeper relationship with God than I ever had at the Catholic Church I was attending. I now better understand God’s Word now instead of following tradition or quotes from someone else. It is not me but my whole family feels the same way.

And I’m sure you’re not the only one that felt that they didn’t get that in their church… but did you ask for it? What did you do to get it? How are you different in your new church over what you did in your old.

 

[ppasa316]

And I’m sure you’re not the only one that felt that they didn’t get that in their church… but did you ask for it? What did you do to get it? How are you different in your new church over what you did in your old.

Of course I asked for it. I talked to someone who was a leader in the church and didn’t get much of a response. To be honest with you i have so much to say about how God transformed me through Calvary Chapel that it would take quite a while to write. I do know that I have a love for God’s Word and to be His servant. We no longer follow the family tradition and do our Sunday appearance at church but we honestly enjoy going to our services to learn and serving in our church. You can hear our pastor online through Calvary Houston. Some of the other pastors that I enjoy listening to are David Rosales - Chino Valley Calvary Chapel and Raul Ries - Calvary Chapel Golden Springs. Get back with me and let me know what you think.
God Bless

 

[Snerticus]

Of course I asked for it. I talked to someone who was a leader in the church and didn’t get much of a response. To be honest with you i have so much to say about how God transformed me through Calvary Chapel that it would take quite a while to write. I do know that I have a love for God’s Word and to be His servant. We no longer follow the family tradition and do our Sunday appearance at church but we honestly enjoy going to our services to learn and serving in our church. You can hear our pastor online through Calvary Houston. Some of the other pastors that I enjoy listening to are David Rosales - Chino Valley Calvary Chapel and Raul Ries - Calvary Chapel Golden Springs. Get back with me and let me know what you think.
God Bless

Quite honestly ppasa316, I’m very happy that you found what you were looking for at Calvary Chapel! But I’m afraid I won’t find anything there new or exciting from what I know now in the Catholic Church. I dind’t find Church exciting at all for about 34 years, and then… WHAM!!! God hit me in the head with a 2 by 4!

I guess I wasn’t paying attention to him all those years. And believe me, there were times (although not too many) when I really tried to understand. Nothing. For years and years. That’s why I stopped going to Church, until the above happened and all of a sudden - with no prompting on my part - I started understanding Bible passages like I never did before. I couldn’t believe why I didn’t know this stuff… it should have been obvious. But it wasn’t. It was totally out of reach for some reason. Then that 2 by 4!

Oh well, I’m paying attention now. And let me tell you, my own transformation is a miracle, probably like yours. So I guess what I’m getting at is that we all have different triggers. My family, who part lives across the country in the southeast and the other lives in the northeast, came back to the Church too, so it wasn’t just me. All at different times too. I was the last, but we are all back now. It’s wonderful the amount of history and spirituality we’ve learned and I can’t even imagine leaving it now. I’m glad God brought me back. I learn something new practically everyday and to tell you the truth, I can’t wait for each day to learn more. What amazes me most, is that I don’t even have to be doing anything to learn. I just do normal everyday things and for some reason, God lets something “click” in my head. Then later on when I remember, I look it up in my literature (either the Catechism, Bible, or any number of books and/or online references) and lo and behold, it matches pretty much perfectly. I love my faith, and the One who gave it to me.

And I have my own favorite Catholic apologists, as well as scholars, priests, and of course Mother Angelica to thank for even more insights into the faith.

This much I think we all can agree on, though: His love is AWESOME!!!