Devout Catholic and a punk

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Regardless of background, personal wants or desires I have always felt it important to project an image to others that would not classify me in any particular category that would be considered non-Catholic; not that I go for a particular ‘lay’ Catholic look if there is such a thing.

I resist the occasional desire to get tattoos because though it may fit in with my lifestyle, it does not fit in with my heart.

Since I think our hearts will ultimately be fully revealed to God for the intent of our actions now, I cannot personally justify some of my desires as they are contrary to what I am trying to project to others what I feel in my heart. It is hard enough to live it at times which can be observed by others, much less give an impression without any other action to preceed it. By our actions we will be known, and our actions include the non-verbal of appearance.

This is not to say I think the goth, punk, or tattoos are wrong in either a moral or social way. I am not a fan of either look, or too many tattoos on a person, but I do not feel it unreasonable that I draw a conclusion about the people who do present themselves like that whether or not I have direct contact with them.

I know many more tattoed people than goth or punks, but can say with some confidence that most living those lifestyles do not share my Cathoilic faith- but some do as noted by this thread. :twocents:
 
I’d like to qualify my comments with my thoughts apply to people over the age of about 20. Before that age I think we are still trying to figure out who and what we are or want to be, and just from my own personal experience I know much less in my 40’s as I knew in my teens. 😉
 
A consecrated virgin is a laywoman that marries Christ in a Catholic Church and wears a wedding ring to symbolise that union. She does her usual daily work and self-styled spirituality and will have a spiritual director. A record of all the consecrated virgins is kept by the Pope in a record book.

I thought I’d explain what it is. I don’t see anything evil about dressing punk, so long as it does not clash with the Catholic faith and does not clash with modesty. The only question I’d have is how does dressing punk convey humility? I would think it would be lacking in that area. At the same time, modest Catholics do tend to stick out as well. So my question may not even be relevant.

At the same time, you may be accidentally giving the wrong viewpoint to others. You will not look like a bride of Christ. It really will seem weird. At the same time, it might actually be nice if its an “attire phase”.

I hope I am helping you ponder over all this. It really is important to convey the proper image without conforming to the world. Otherwise, you may have difficulty pursuing such a lay vocation.

You’re in my prayers and you can contact any of us at anytime. We’re all here for you.
 
I’m just wondering what everyones thoughts are about being a devout Catholic and a punk at the same time.
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You are a Catholic Punk…lol

I don’t see the problem with it at all. I never really got into the punk scene that much, in fact musically wise I thought it was junk and just ignored it. The statement that “punk” wanted to make was anarchy, anti-establishment and anti-socialism. But it has even become part of the establishment etc via clothing lines and accesories.

I was into death metal, grindcore and the likes. I felt that these were groups that were anti-christian as I was at one time. That is why I would not or have removed my self from that scene due to the blatant attack on all that is Sacred to me.

As for you and your punkiness, I would just be you and when you feel a need for change just make sure that you are the reason for that change.

Just my opinion.
 
I say your fine the way that you are as long as you are upholding the values of the Catholic faith. You being a good example to your friends and what not. I have found that those who are true to themselves and are being themselves seem to not have issues talking to others about their faith and beliefs. God will bless you for staying on the straight and narrow the way you are right now and for the rest of your life. Just remember when you are older that you want to have no regrets.

Keep doing what you are doing as long as you are headed in the right direction.

Oh, I like to listen to Christian Metal…You know like As I Lay Dying, Destroy the Runner, Norma Jean, and Underoath just to name a few. I would call myself devout as well. I do my best to read the Gospel daily, go to confession, prayer, and I attend Mass at least once or twice a week.

May God Bless you for staying on the straight and narrow.😃
 
In the examination of conscience I believe one of the venial sins listed is excessive tattoos.

Another of the venial sins listed is attention-seeking.

What is your real motive in dressing this way? The real motive without the rationalizations?

It’s tough to have the courage to dress appropriately for occasions. You sound like a very young person to me and also like you’re still searching and exploring different personalities so as to eventually discover your true self.

I hope and pray you keep God first during your travels and investigations and know that if you stray you can return to Him immediately. That’s what has been my experience, so far.

Many blessings to you.
 
Nino said:
when I taught in a catholic (small c) high school I would inform the students that we have a dress code to encourage inner spirituality and class…that clothes…ie fashion is just a whim of the ruling class and its fashion industry! Your note is like the comments I would say 30 years ago…dont judge folks…if your daughters new boy friend comes a visiting on a motorcycle,wearing a leather jacket with a swasticka on the back,etc…so what…at least he’s not a red sox fan etc etc…of course clothes matter…your note sounds like a ‘in your face’ bit…holloween is on just one day of the year…it takes guts to not be pc and dress in a neat but not a …hey look at me,this is all I have to offer …try growing up… Nino
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Trying being a little less rude. I am grown up and mature. I also believe in accepting people by who they are not by how they dress, you should try that.
 
I think some of you are reading me the wrong way. I am not dressing like this for attention, period. I like these clothes, and I feel their much more modest than what most ‘normal’ girls my age dress like (mine skirts and tank tops are not my thing). I’m not an attention seeker in the least, I hate attention to be quite honest.
Also, some people were saying that I sound very young. Actually I’m not. I’m 22 and in college.
 
Good for you. Your a few years older then me (I’m 16). We seemingly have the same view on clothes, although I love my miny skirts and spaghetti straps, just not immodestly, layers are my best friend:D
 
I used to be much of the above.In fact, I considered myself pretty “deathrock” (think punk + goth…Misfits, Cinema Strange, AFI, Pornography-era Cure, etc.) Looking back, a lot of those bands are pretty anti-God anyway.

But hey, I really think it was all a life phase.
 
Penitus said:
I used to be much of the above.In fact, I considered myself pretty “deathrock” (think punk + goth…Misfits, Cinema Strange, AFI, Pornography-era Cure, etc.) Looking back, a lot of those bands are pretty anti-God anyway.
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Would you believe Jerry Only started a Christian power metal band called ‘Kryst the Conqueror’? I still can’t 😦
 
Mirdath said:
Would you believe Jerry Only started a Christian power metal band called ‘Kryst the Conqueror’? I still can’t 😦
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Yes, but it’s a complete twisting of Christianity. Jerry Only should take his comb-over Devilock and retire.
 
Zerith said:
…I am first and foremost a Catholic, and a Metalhead (or as I like to say, simply “A Catholic Metalhead” 😛 ). So now we have the third style!..

…wearing an Opeth t-shirt…

…I, as a Catholic, am certainly willing to defend my faith whenever it is needed, though I do tend to be a little too cautious (ie, I try my best not to be too pushy, or to offend, not just with other metalheads, punks, goths or rockers, but with anyone, I’m afraid they’ll be offended, or think I’m a boring religious nut 😦
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I just wanted to second what you were saying, and express my pleasure at finding another Opeth fan at Catholic Answers. Music and metal is my passion, but sometimes I still wonder if it’s a path of God’s. I came to the conclusion a bit ago that I want to ‘defy stereotypes’ so to speak. Listening to metal (while not looking ‘metal’) and being Catholic appear at first close-minded glance to be exclusive, and I hope that by living my faith and listening to my music I can show by example any lost metalheads (or lost Catholics!) that there’s a better way out there.

Perhaps this is for another thread, but I’m curious Zerith of your opinion of musical lyrics. Can we comfortably listen to lyrics promoting that which we do not believe? As long as it doesn’t offend me, I generally don’t have a problem with it - but the concern lurks in the back of my mind on occasion.

Child_of_God85, I applaud you for your devotion to the faith, and for refusing to follow the societal norm. I’m 19 and in college as well - and I see what you see everyday. Even if you stop dressing as you do, I hope you carry on your skepticism of today’s conventional views and avoid blind sheep-ism.
 
crenfro said:
In the examination of conscience I believe one of the venial sins listed is excessive tattoos.

Another of the venial sins listed is attention-seeking.
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Is there a Church source for this? Tim
 
Child of God 👋

well ya like U2, so your alright in my book 😃

Im 45 and most days Im wearing jeans and a tshirt, possibly a U2 one? I even said to my hubby when I pass on just put me in that. So I dont wanna argue with growing out of things cause some do, but then again 😃

I was thinking about punk dress etc and thought about bikers. There is christian bike clubs, they have their own colors and jackets. They do alot of witnessing at biker events.

I remember passing this burly looking guy at Strugis, and heard him witnessing to another. You wouldnt want to meet either in a alley, to look at them. Not saying they wouldnt but generally a biker would not respond to anyone in a suit. You will find yourself in the same situation.

There is even a bar that has church in it there, the Pastor gets on the mike and its broadcast throughout the bar and the front street. The barmaid probably never had anyone tell her that Jesus thought she was worthy.

People from all walks are hurting in this world, and need people from all walks to talk to. We are not all alike, but we can be alike through Christ. 🙂
 
I did the “black” clothes bit when I was 16. Because I felt dark inside I reflected that in what I wore.

I did not have Jesus in my life.

Jesus is the light and we should bathe ourselves in His light. And maybe then we will reflect the light of Jesus. And I don’t see that I could have done that wearing black.

Most people see black and think evil.

But bravo on being modest!

I tell my daughters to think of the Virgin Mary when getting dressed. How much skin is she showing?
 
Hi there Child of God and Goth,
I’m going to feel like an old granny saying this but I was a punk in the late 70s in London, when it was all happening! I think I hooked into the punk thing because pop music was so bland and dull in the mid 70s, and then these exciting new groups like the sex pistols and the damned came along. The way of dressing was new and exciting as well. We didn’t have to spend hours putting huge rollers in our hair, or making sure our tights didn’t ladder - you could wear what you wanted - I got most of my stuff from jumble sales and charity shops because I didn’t have much money, being still at school and it was liberating to wear old jeans and a big holey jumper (sweater) and dye my hair.
At the age of 48 I still wear black a lot, and still admire young people who are working out a style of their own.
God bless you both!
 
fellowChristian said:
Most people see black and think evil.
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Yeah, most people definitely think of evil when seeing a black cassock or habit 😃
Of course, no offense intended. This seems to be a cultural issue, I’ve heard of an American “Satanist-Phobia” if young people start wearing many black clothes. You couldn’t go far with this opinion here, otherwise 80% of the students at my (catholic) university should be expelled or something like that :rolleyes:

But… should we really care and cater to such an opinion that stresses even such things as the COLOUR of clothes???
And I do not have the impression that Goth/Punk must mean black only. Burgundy and white are also very lovely colours 😛
 
Sad isn’t it. Black is a very beautiful color, anything and everything created by God is. Red is associated with lust and evil and anger, does mean most people think of that when they see red (no pun intended)? Black is not the color of evil. Darkness, yes. But light is strongest in darkness.
Cran said:
But… should we really care and cater to such an opinion that stresses even such things as the COLOUR of clothes???
And I do not have the impression that Goth/Punk must mean black only. Burgundy and white are also very lovely colours 😛
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It doesn’t. You should see the white corset I got yesterday. It has really cool black stitched flowers and designs. I have a pair of black pants with white stitching and I can’t wait to wear them together.
 
Besides, everything goes with black. I think as a punk, while some of the items I wear are black, I mix brighter colors with it. I don’t like wearing all black, because I look sick in all black. I like to mix up the colors a bit.
And thumbs up to you kitty. U2 rocks my world!
 
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