Enjoying the world?

[ResoluteSheep]

This is an issue I’ve been pondering over the past few months. As Catholics, are we allowed to enjoy this world, or are we to despise it completely? e.g refusing to even go to an amusement park just because it would make us happy here

I’ve had this view for quite sometime ever since I got serious about my faith this year, it first started with that we cannot have anything fun apart from reading the Bible and Prayer and though my opinions have changed overtime, I still remain that view.

Are we allowed to enjoy this world?

 

[CactusVsBaloon]

This is an issue I’ve been pondering over the past few months. As Catholics, are we allowed to enjoy this world, or are we to despise it completely? e.g refusing to even go to an amusement park just because it would make us happy here

I’ve had this view for quite sometime ever since I got serious about my faith this year, it first started with that we cannot have anything fun apart from reading the Bible and Prayer and though my opinions have changed overtime, I still remain that view.

Are we allowed to enjoy this world?

Of course we can enjoy this world.
We must just remember the hands giving us these gifts.
I find it to be a good rule to remember that all pleasures or joy that I cannot thank Christ for isn’t worth being thankful for either.

 

[PassingSoul]

This is an issue I’ve been pondering over the past few months. As Catholics, are we allowed to enjoy this world, or are we to despise it completely? e.g refusing to even go to an amusement park just because it would make us happy here

I’ve had this view for quite sometime ever since I got serious about my faith this year, it first started with that we cannot have anything fun apart from reading the Bible and Prayer and though my opinions have changed overtime, I still remain that view.

Are we allowed to enjoy this world?

I think God would be disappointed if you didn’t enjoy his World. He would be disappointed if you didn’t enjoy his people’s ’ talents whether it be in shows, movies and sports.

 

[1neophyte]

This is an issue I’ve been pondering over the past few months. As Catholics, are we allowed to enjoy this world, or are we to despise it completely? e.g refusing to even go to an amusement park just because it would make us happy here

I’ve had this view for quite sometime ever since I got serious about my faith this year, it first started with that we cannot have anything fun apart from reading the Bible and Prayer and though my opinions have changed overtime, I still remain that view.

Are we allowed to enjoy this world?

Yes.

 

[Adonia]

We can enjoy this world for all the good things it has to offer, but we must keep everything in it’s proper perspective. Put God first and then go on from there.

 

[Rosebud77]

moderation, balance…old wisdom… God first, others second, self last …

 

[seagal]

God created the world and everything in it and declared it all 'good". He also gave us the capacity for enjoyment. As another poster said, moderation is the key. Going to amusement park because it makes you happy is a good thing. Going there all the time to escape your responsibilities in the real world is not.

 

[Reuben_J]

We can enjoy this world for all the good things it has to offer, but we must keep everything in it’s proper perspective. Put God first and then go on from there.

Mt 6:32-33
For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.

Seek His Kingdom first and everything else will fall into place.

 

[Bookcat]

This is an issue I’ve been pondering over the past few months. As Catholics, are we allowed to enjoy this world, or are we to despise it completely? e.g refusing to even go to an amusement park just because it would make us happy here

I’ve had this view for quite sometime ever since I got serious about my faith this year, it first started with that we cannot have anything fun apart from reading the Bible and Prayer and though my opinions have changed overtime, I still remain that view.

Are we allowed to enjoy this world?

Yes in an ordered and good way. Not as the real meaning of life or our end or something - God is that - but yes we can enjoy things and events in life - certainly.

Understand too that the Scriptures etc use the word “world” in various senses. Take care not to misunderstand or confuse those senses.

Is there also a place for self-denial? Yes that too. But that does not mean one cannot enjoy life.

“… nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy.”

~ Saint Paul - 1 Letter to Timothy 6:17

RSV CE

Yes we are to enjoy…and yes in an ordered way as God has given.

This along with the rest of the what Jesus and Paul ( et al) teaches … about love and self -denial, giving to the poor, being content -etc etc etc

Yes let us* give thanks*.

 

[pwlj_christ87]

with the amusement park example you gave, i dont think theres anything wrong with enjoying the world by going there in that sense, you are enjoying that us humans built massive rides for us to have a good time on, but if you enjoy them without acknowledging God that he comes first and giving thanks to him,

for example, when i play video games, im enjoying the world, but i give thanks to God that i am enjoying something that is created, just plray for it all

 

[ajcstr]

We can enjoy the world - but not its temptations that may cause us stray from God’s will.

 

[GEddie]

Despite being the Man of Sorrows, don’t you think our LORD did?