Doubting Catholicism

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SacredHeartFan

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I have been struggling with this recently. I mean, flat out, it’s boring. Doesn’t God want us to be happy and have fun? I just sit through mass and I’m bored. I spent the night at my friend’s house last weekend and he goes to a non-denominational church in Baton Rouge. It was awesome!! I learned alot and it was alot of fun! Catholics are always talking about making sacrifices too. That just doesn’t work for me. It sounds depressing. I just don’t get alot of other things that go on with the Catholic Church. Why is the pope so filthy rich?? Doesn’t make sense. Also, gay people. Why not? Slavery was not condemmed in the Bible, but we say its bad now. Why can’t homosexualtiy also change? I like gay people. They are nicer than most heterosexual people. Also, most Catholics are not into it. Everyone at that church I went to was participating and loving it! healingplacechurch.org/about.php
I am seriously doubting and the only reason I feel a little guilty is because I come from a strong Catholic family.
 
It is true that the catholic mass isn’t as lively as nondenominational evangelical services. But the mass isn’t a social gathering. It’s a place to meet Christ. remember, those churches don’t have Christ in the Eucharist.

The Pope, filthy rich? well, he is arrayed in fine garments, but that is because he is the Successor of Peter, shepherd to 1 billion people worldwide. If youactually look at what he does, he isn’t so ‘filthy rich’. His apartment is very, very simple (a bed, desk, and maybe some other things) and he works 16 hours a day leading the Church).

Slavery in the OT was never said to be good. It was, however a reality in the ancient world. God set guidelines to make sure that slaves were treated well, and there were many oppertunities for them to urn their freedom. Homosexuality, however is directly condemned in scripture ((Ezek. 16:50, Gen. 19:8–9, Lev. 18:22, 20:13, to name a few).

I beg of you, do not make a rash decision. Pray.

Here is one site to go to for more info.
catholic.com/library/faith_tracts.asp

You are in my prayers.
 
My question is, how are you a Senior Member on “Catholic” Answers and just now doubting your faith? Aren’t there already a million posts on here that answer the trite little complaints you have about Catholicism?

…or is this just some sort of sick joke?
 
God dose not promse us happiness in this life but in the world to come. And the more we suffer now, the more will we be happy in Heaven. If we do not bear our crosses patiently, we waste graces from God, and Jesus won us those graces by His death on the Cross. And we can strengthen our souls by meditating on His Passion, and we can offer up our crosses to Him, in union with His sufferings on the Cross (and such a union makes our offerings infinite in value), for whatever good intentions in our hearts.

Not only this, but Catholic life is an adventure. We, the knights of Christ, must fight many battles with the dragon, who tries to tempt us against God, and we must bear many trials and tribulations on our journey to Paradise, the trials and crosses fleshing out our character, chipping away at our old selves so that what is left is in us is Jesus Christ. And truly, when we feel weak and weary, we only must look to the Cross, our banner, and think of Jesus, and He will strength and freshen us. More then that, we have many devotions with which to battle the dragon, yes many swords and knives and other such weapons - and the greatest of these is the Holy Rosary. (But not all are called to weild the Sword of Our Lady). Moreover, we are allowed to meet our Lord whenever we wish - and are obligated to meet Him every Sunday - and in the communication He communicates to us many graces, strengthening our armor and purifying our souls, making us more holy, more ready to do battle and win souls for Him. Furthermore, we do not venture and fight alone, but have many friends in high places, who are always happy to use their power to aid us in battle and in darkness, and we can call on them at any time, and they are more eager to help us then we are eager to ask for their aid. Finally, when we come so close to Paradise that we will be able to taste it in our souls, our souls will fight one last battle against the dragon, and the Lord Jesus Christ will come to rescue us and lead us to Paradise, scooping our souls up and holding us close to His beating Heart - looking lovingly into our eyes - as He ascents back into Paradise.
 
MrDickerson said:
My question is, how are you a Senior Member on “Catholic” Answers and just now doubting your faith? Aren’t there already a million posts on here that answer the trite little complaints you have about Catholicism?

…or is this just some sort of sick joke?
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thanks for your help! :rolleyes:
 
P.S.

Sacred Heart Fan, that “church” whose website you posted looks like a stage set up for a Britney Spears concert; no wonder you had “fun” there!
 
MrDickerson said:
P.S.

Sacred Heart Fan, that “church” whose website you posted looks like a stage set up for a Britney Spears concert; no wonder you had “fun” there!
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now i found out why you are so helpful!!! just look at your signature! :doh2: It’s really people like you that make people like me go through this!
 
SacredHeartFan said:
narrowpath;4837720:
yes. but they do have him in their spirit and souls which is alot more than I can say for most catholics

Have you seen his car?!?!? and his shoes?!?!!?!?! he could wear walmart shoes and he doesn’t need a new car every year.

Why can’t the church at least update itself for those who do want it. Why can’t it just be flexiable?
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Why would the Pope wear Walmart shoes? I wouldn’t even wear Walmart shoes. Most of the things the Pope has are gifts that were freely given to him…if I were a cobbler and could make beautiful, high quality shoes, it would be an honor to make shoes for the Vicar of Jesus Christ. I wasn’t aware that the Pope had a new car every year…yes I can just picture Pope Benedict cruisin’ around Rome in his Lamborghini with rims. :rolleyes: GIVE ME A BREAK!!

The Church DID try to “update” about 40 years ago and so far it has been a complete disaster. I hope the Church goes back to her traditions and takes pride in her glorious past, and I think this is slowly beginning to happen. And I would love to see the Pope wearing this again:
piusxiipope.info/pope18.jpg
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SacredHeartFan said:
now i found out why you are so helpful!!! just look at your signature! :doh2: It’s really people like you that make people like me go through this!
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I’m glad you like it; it’s Ann Coulter. Are you one of her fans too? 😉
 
Just for the record, people like SacredHeartFan are the reason I have a problem with the “JP2 Generation” and all the surrounding hooplah. (I’m only 22 myself, btw). It just proves that when you try to make Catholicism “cool” and “fun” and dumb it down for the teenie boppers, it may spark an interest in the faith for a while…until they find something that’s even more fun…like that heretical funchurch Sacred Heart Fan is attending now.
 
The Mass is prayer. Prayer is reverent, not fun. There is a time for reverence and there is a time for fun. God is the Lord of Time, so ask Him for a time for both.
 
Have you tried going to a Catholic Charismatic Mass? Or gone to a Newman Center Mass, or even a life teen mass? You might find more of the feeling you’re looking for. Also, if you like the stuff you get at the non-denominational church, bring some of it to the Catholic Church in the right time and place. Obviously the Mass isn’t the place for some of it, but start your own bible study, or small group and meet outside the mass, and have the music and fellowship you’re looking for. You don’t need to leave the Catholic Church to have fun, bring those elements you like into it! 👍
 
also, if you decide to leave the church, kiss the Rosary and a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goodbye, I can’t see a non-denominational church supporting anything not directly found in scripture, I could be wrong.
 
Thanks for your immense help, Mr.Dickerson:rolleyes:

Sacred Heart fan, many catholics do fall short. so do many protestants. You must realize, that the Church is made up of sinners. All have sinned, and fallen short. So, forgive them, I beg you, and pray for them.

They may have something similar in Spirit, but they don’t have Him really physically present as He is in the Mass.

The reason the Church can’t be so ‘flexible’ is because God will not permit it. Society may change its values. God and His Church will not. Think about this. Every church stood against contraception until 1930. Now, it is only the Catholic church. if those Churches were wrong then, then how can they be sure they are right now. If they were right then, though, they are wrong now. Only the Catholic Church has Christ’s divine protection (the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it).
 
SacredHeartFan said:
I have been struggling with this recently. I mean, flat out, it’s boring. Doesn’t God want us to be happy and have fun? I just sit through mass and I’m bored. I spent the night at my friend’s house last weekend and he goes to a non-denominational church in Baton Rouge. It was awesome!! I learned alot and it was alot of fun! Catholics are always talking about making sacrifices too. That just doesn’t work for me. It sounds depressing. I just don’t get alot of other things that go on with the Catholic Church. Why is the pope so filthy rich?? Doesn’t make sense. Also, gay people. Why not? Slavery was not condemmed in the Bible, but we say its bad now. Why can’t homosexualtiy also change? I like gay people. They are nicer than most heterosexual people. Also, most Catholics are not into it. Everyone at that church I went to was participating and loving it! healingplacechurch.org/about.php
I am seriously doubting and the only reason I feel a little guilty is because I come from a strong Catholic family.
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Sounds like you need a Catholic retreat; back off the battle front and retreat back to the rear and be still and know God.

For sure the Catholic Mass is not a glorified bible study with entertainment. The Mass is where one meets his/her creator personally and in community as one body in Jesus Christ. Please dont compare worship in Spirit and Truth in the Mass with a bible study and entertainment of music and dance, these are not the same.

That is why I would recommend you attend a Catholic retreat. Try the “Cursillo”, talk about singing and dancing in the Spirit, not to mention you get to meet a variety of new friends who are in communion with the body of Jesus Christ.

As far as your gay issues, the Catholic church loves these and accepts these. Dont confuse the sin with the person and pass judgement on the teacher of righteousness Jesus Christ himself.

Peace be with you
 
MrDickerson said:
Just for the record, people like SacredHeartFan are the reason I have a problem with the “JP2 Generation” and all the surrounding hooplah. (I’m only 22 myself, btw). It just proves that when you try to make Catholicism “cool” and “fun” and dumb it down for the teenie boppers, it may spark an interest in the faith for a while…until they find something that’s even more fun…like that heretical funchurch Sacred Heart Fan is attending now.
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If you can possibly reconcile Ms. Coulter’s dreadful quote with anything Jesus said, I’d like to hear it.
 
SacredHeartFan said:
I have been struggling with this recently. I mean, flat out, it’s boring. Doesn’t God want us to be happy and have fun? I just sit through mass and I’m bored. I spent the night at my friend’s house last weekend and he goes to a non-denominational church in Baton Rouge. It was awesome!! I learned alot and it was alot of fun! Catholics are always talking about making sacrifices too. That just doesn’t work for me. It sounds depressing. I just don’t get alot of other things that go on with the Catholic Church. Why is the pope so filthy rich?? Doesn’t make sense. Also, gay people. Why not? Slavery was not condemmed in the Bible, but we say its bad now. Why can’t homosexualtiy also change? I like gay people. They are nicer than most heterosexual people. Also, most Catholics are not into it. Everyone at that church I went to was participating and loving it! healingplacechurch.org/about.php
I am seriously doubting and the only reason I feel a little guilty is because I come from a strong Catholic family.
Click to expand...
Hello SHF;

It sounds to me like you are at a plateau in your personal spiritual life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is (from my own experience) a lot like a marital relationship. The courtship period is really “fun.” Lots of learning about Jesus and who he is, what he did, etc. But after the wedding, as time goes by and the routine sets in, things start to get boring. It’s not that the relationship is bad. It’s because you need to grow in depth. If mass is boring to you, what else do you do to live your faith? Do you live the beatitudes? Do you incorporate your faith into your workplace? Do you look for the face of Jesus in those around you… even the ones you don’t like? Pray the rosary, incorporate the Liturgy of the Hours, or read the bible every day. Join a biblestudy at your parish. Become a Knight of Columbus? Explore the possibility of a vocation. Reach beyond the minimum daily (or weekly) requirement of your faith. Dive in deep and live your faith. If you make a real effort to live your faith more than for one hour on Sunday, you will not be “bored” at mass on Sunday morning. At least, that is my personal experience.

Peace,
Robert
 
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