Constantly second guessing faith

[D0UBTFIRE]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone else goes through this. I’m in a state where I constantly second guess the things I want to believe. I’ve read a million things, both for and against belief in God, and belief in Jesus. Ultimately I’ve decided it’s not provable but I’m swayed by the argument for faith and the beauty of it enough that I want to embrace it. But when I try, I am bombarded by thoughts of “it’s probably not true” “God probably doesn’t exist” “Jesus probably didn’t resurrect” “I probably got it all wrong” …

This sends me into a panic. I’ve also been struggling with some mental health issues but I hope to resolve my faith crisis nonetheless.

 

[Vico]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone else goes through this. I’m in a state where I constantly second guess the things I want to believe. I’ve read a million things, both for and against belief in God, and belief in Jesus. Ultimately I’ve decided it’s not provable but I’m swayed by the argument for faith and the beauty of it enough that I want to embrace it. But when I try, I am bombarded by thoughts of “it’s probably not true” “God probably doesn’t exist” “Jesus probably didn’t resurrect” “I probably got it all wrong” …

This sends me into a panic. I’ve also been struggling with some mental health issues but I hope to resolve my faith crisis nonetheless.

It is important to increase sanctifying grace as much as you can, especially since faith is bestowed by the Holy Spirit through it.

Baltimore Catechism:119. What are the chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace?

  The chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with  sanctifying grace are the three theological virtues and the seven gifts  of the Holy Ghost.

120. Why are these virtues called theological virtues?

  These virtues are called theological virtues because they have God for their proper object.

121. What are the three theological virtues?

  The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.[INDENT]       *So there abide faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Corinthians 13:13)*

122. What is faith?

  Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God  has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive  nor be deceived.       *Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29)*

123. What is hope?

  Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is  all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us  eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.       *But hope that is seen is not hope. For how can a man hope for  what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with  patience. (Romans 8:24-25)*

124. What is charity?

  Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.       *If I should speak with the tongues of men and angels, but do not  have charity, I have become as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.  And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I  have all faith so as to remove mountains, yet do not have charity, I am  nothing. (I Corinthians 13:1-2)*

125. Which are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost?

  The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.       *And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him; the spirit of  wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of fortitude, the  spirit of knowledge and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the  spirit of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)*

126. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?

  The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to discern and more ready to do the will of God.

catholicity.com/baltimore-catechism/lesson10.html
[/INDENT]

 

[D0UBTFIRE]

It is important to increase sanctifying grace as much as you can, especially since faith is bestowed by the Holy Spirit through it.

Baltimore Catechism:119. What are the chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with sanctifying grace?

  The chief supernatural powers that are bestowed on our souls with  sanctifying grace are the three theological virtues and the seven gifts  of the Holy Ghost.

120. Why are these virtues called theological virtues?

  These virtues are called theological virtues because they have God for their proper object.

121. What are the three theological virtues?

  The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.[INDENT]       *So there abide faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Corinthians 13:13)*

122. What is faith?

  Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths God  has revealed, on the word of God revealing them, who can neither deceive  nor be deceived.       *Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29)*

123. What is hope?

  Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, who is  all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us  eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.       *But hope that is seen is not hope. For how can a man hope for  what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with  patience. (Romans 8:24-25)*

124. What is charity?

  Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.       *If I should speak with the tongues of men and angels, but do not  have charity, I have become as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.  And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I  have all faith so as to remove mountains, yet do not have charity, I am  nothing. (I Corinthians 13:1-2)*

125. Which are the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost?

  The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.       *And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him; the spirit of  wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of fortitude, the  spirit of knowledge and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the  spirit of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)*

126. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?

  The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to discern and more ready to do the will of God.

catholicity.com/baltimore-catechism/lesson10.html
[/INDENT]

How do you increase this? Sorry, I really need it spelled out for me.

 

[Vico]

How do you increase this? Sorry, I really need it spelled out for me.

Reception of any of the Holy Sacraments either restores or increases sanctifying grace. Also avoiding venial sins is helpful, and the four general practices by which one receives indulgences are helpful in avoiding sin:

1. 
   *]Raising the mind to God with humble trust while performing one’s duties and bearing life’s difficulties, and adding, at least mentally, some pious invocation.
   *]Devoting oneself or one’s goods compassionately in a spirit of faith to the service of one’s brothers and sisters in need.
   *]Freely abstaining in a spirit of penance from something licit and pleasant.
   *]Freely giving open witness to one’s faith before others in particular circumstances of everyday life

 

[D0UBTFIRE]

Reception of any of the Holy Sacraments either restores or increases sanctifying grace. Also avoiding venial sins is helpful, and the four general practices by which one receives indulgences are helpful in avoiding sin:

1. 
   *]Raising the mind to God with humble trust while performing one’s duties and bearing life’s difficulties, and adding, at least mentally, some pious invocation.
   *]Devoting oneself or one’s goods compassionately in a spirit of faith to the service of one’s brothers and sisters in need.
   *]Freely abstaining in a spirit of penance from something licit and pleasant.
   *]Freely giving open witness to one’s faith before others in particular circumstances of everyday life

1. 
   Hmm. I tried going to confession today but can you believe it, the line was too long, like 5 of us didn’t get in because the priest had to start mass.
   
   I’m amazed at how you pull up the info so fast.
   
   Thanks

 

[Soib]

For me, I struggle with it now more than before. But for me it comes down to a quote I have heard. A man with an experience is not at the mercy of a man with an opinion {argument}*
Since I had a real experience with Jesus at a young age and nurtured it for some time. I am constantly reminded of the Reality of how real Jesus was to me and always will be to me. Whether I am active in my Christan walk or roaming around like a living corpse.

Read good books St Padre Pio would say.Great advice. The lives of the saints would always reignite me in my walk. And topical books would help clarify any misunderstanding or just a difficult teaching.

Prayer and Reflection.

• I have heard it used with the word argument as well as opinion

 

[Vico]

Hmm. I tried going to confession today but can you believe it, the line was too long, like 5 of us didn’t get in because the priest had to start mass.

I’m amazed at how you pull up the info so fast.

Thanks

You are welcome. Well, I just know where to look from searching for years. It happened to me too, that the line was too long, and even once I drove miles in the snow to make a confession, and the priest was not there, and asked me what I was doing there! Then he told me confessions were cancelled that day!

If you have a mortal sin, and could not confess it, and have perfect contrition, then you can confess it to God on your own, although you will still need to confess to a priest for absolution. Forgiveness of mortal sin restores sanctifying grace, and of venial sin increases it. The Catechism states:Contrition

1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again."50
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51

 

[D0UBTFIRE]

You are welcome. Well, I just know where to look from searching for years. It happened to me too, that the line was too long, and even once I drove miles in the snow to make a confession, and the priest was not there, and asked me what I was doing there! Then he told me confessions were cancelled that day!

If you have a mortal sin, and could not confess it, and have perfect contrition, then you can confess it to God on your own, although you will still need to confess to a priest for absolution. Forgiveness of mortal sin restores sanctifying grace, and of venial sin increases it. The Catechism states:Contrition

1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again."50
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.51

I’m really such a jumbled mess I’m not even sure what I was going to say to him. I went in there crying which is probably good I didn’t get to see him because I don’t know if I could have maintained my composure.

And here I am crying again because in another thread there are people accusing me of mocking Catholics and looking for loopholes and just general stuff treating me like I’m a troll and not a person. It’s so upsetting. Something is wrong with me because it’s not normal to cry about what some strangers say in a forum but it’s really hurtful.

Thank you guys for being nice to me despite my doubts.

 

[Bookcat]

Ultimately I’ve decided it’s not provable but I’m swayed by the argument for faith and the beauty of it enough that I want to embrace it. But when I try, I am bombarded by thoughts of “it’s probably not true” “God probably doesn’t exist” “Jesus probably didn’t resurrect” “I probably got it all wrong” …

.

(to re post an older post of mine)

All sorts of thoughts can happen to us out of the blue…

The fact that a though happened to one- does not mean per se there was any sin.

And for mortal sin one needs grave matter, full knowledge and deliberate (complete) consent…

---

Now…

For the next few moments --try real hard NOT to think of an Apple.

then scroll down.

What did you think of?

An apple.

Even though your will was against it -you did not want to think of an apple.

Now back to unwanted thoughts…

The best thing to do with such thoughts is not to fight them directly --not fear that they will come—simply do not consent and simply and calmly turn to something else…(or it may be best to keep doing the good thing one is doing…like they come out of the blue when your at work …keep working…keep praying …etc)

(one can gently - conversi ad Dominum - turn towards the Lord -perhaps with a look of love or a short prayer which is a very ancient practice - pm me if you if you need more).

Ignore such unwanted thoughts like one would ignore a hissing goose or a barking dog. One does not stop to argue with a hissing goose or a barking dog does one? No one keeps on walking…

(as noted above the image there comes from a Carthusian Monk from centuries ago…)

 

[Bookcat]

Hold fast to Jesus of Nazareth the Christ and Risen Lord! He loves you! He is the Way the Truth and the Life! Even in difficulties and even in darkness – he is the Good Shepherd.

Temptations against Faith can thus come or annoying thoughts…the best way to fight against such is more by flight then by fight. (such is the age old advice --same with the temptations against the virtue of chastity).

In fact most “temptations of thought” are are better to “ignore”…

And the great Catholic Philosopher Josef Pieper noted sometimes one has to even to simply stand fast as a kind of martyr in silence holding fast to ones Faith…in the midst of temptations against faith…even in the the midst of ones own involuntary feelings or thoughts --that assail one like arrows…(not consenting).

or as St. Therese did… simply say or write “Credo” (I believe).

Or silently make the sign of the cross…(as ones profession).

Hold fast to Jesus of Nazareth

In him is true life!

 

[D0UBTFIRE]

Hold fast to Jesus of Nazareth the Christ and Risen Lord! He loves you! He is the Way the Truth and the Life! Even in difficulties and even in darkness – he is the Good Shepherd.

Temptations against Faith can thus come or annoying thoughts…the best way to fight against such is more by flight then by fight. (such is the age old advice --same with the temptations against the virtue of chastity).

In fact most “temptations of thought” are are better to “ignore”…

And the great Catholic Philosopher Josef Pieper noted sometimes one has to even to simply stand fast as a kind of martyr in silence holding fast to ones Faith…in the midst of temptations against faith…even in the the midst of ones own involuntary feelings or thoughts --that assail one like arrows…(not consenting).

or as St. Therese did… simply say or write “Credo” (I believe).

Or silently make the sign of the cross…(as ones profession).

Hold fast to Jesus of Nazareth

In him is true life!

The thing is… I’m not talking about periodically doubting. I’m saying constantly. Whenever I try to pray, over the course of just one minute I’ll have my prayer interrupted by these thoughts at least 7 times. Or at least that is what it feels like. It practically sends me into a panic.

I don’t know. Maybe it’s just my anxiety issues I’ve been dealing with.

 

[Bookcat]

The thing is… I’m not talking about periodically doubting. I’m saying constantly. Whenever I try to pray, over the course of just one minute I’ll have my prayer interrupted by these thoughts at least 7 times. Or at least that is what it feels like. It practically sends me into a panic.

I don’t know. Maybe it’s just my anxiety issues I’ve been dealing with.

Same answer Such applies not only to periodic difficulties with thoughts but even more persistent.

And yes I would address it too in terms of that last idea you note there.

 

[spedteacherita]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone else goes through this. I’m in a state where I constantly second guess the things I want to believe. I’ve read a million things, both for and against belief in God, and belief in Jesus. Ultimately I’ve decided it’s not provable but I’m swayed by the argument for faith and the beauty of it enough that I want to embrace it. But when I try, I am bombarded by thoughts of “it’s probably not true” “God probably doesn’t exist” “Jesus probably didn’t resurrect” “I probably got it all wrong” …

This sends me into a panic. I’ve also been struggling with some mental health issues but I hope to resolve my faith crisis nonetheless.

As you can see, I’m not Catholic, but I love the Lord my God with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. I sin and unfortunately will continue to do so.

That being said, I have found that for my life it’s so much more important to surround myself with anything that has to do with God. I don’t read books anymore that counter my faith. I surround myself with Christian music, hymns, and books. I spend time talking about God with other Christians - like on here - despite our differences. This has made a significant difference in what my life is like - I’m no saint but I do center my life around our Lord.

Just a thought

God bless you in your walk with Him,

Rita