Everyone Has An Excuse For Not Wanting To Become A Catholic.

[HashemEchad]

Today, we went to spend some time with a Cambodian Buddhist family we have known for many years (they were our longtime neighbors from 1979 to 2002). The father of the family had died.

The family are very devout Buddhists, and they are fully accepting of all religions, because Buddhists feel there is truth to be found in all spiritual paths. The inner peace and gentleness of these people, many of whom lost all their family members to the Khmer Rouge, never ceases to astound me.

I met some of the Buddhist monks also…very peaceful men, and their chanting was hypnotic.

I sat there, and reflected on all the back and forth religious debating that has gone on on this forum, much of which I also took part in, and I wondered what we’re really all doing this for.

Few of us seem to have any true peace, like I saw in these humble Buddhist people. Maybe there is something to be said for religions that do not try to convert others, but just encourage all religious people to find the God within them, and be at peace with that. I see now why so many are drawn to religions such as Buddhism, Quakerism, Unitarianism and the like. I don’t agree doctrinally with them, but they do seem to have a serenity the rest of us often lack.

I am just so…desperately…exhausted from the religions that arrogantly and proudly assert, “OUR way is the right way, and everyone else is wrong!”

 

[rinnie]

The best reason Ive found from reading this thread for the last year is AUTHORITY.They dont want anyone telling them what to do, If they read the bible they want to tell us what the Bible says, they are right the Church is wrong. Jesus didnt leave us the Church they will tell you, Jesus left us the bible. Even though the Church was here long before the bible. We need to step out of the box they tell us, think for ourself, dont let that Pope, tell you what to do, You do whatever you want. After all why did Jesus leave us the Pope? You know I never did get a answer for that one. Well one thing is for sure if you want to do things your way and not Gods way, you sure dont want to belong to the RCC. Because you wont change the RCC. THANK GOD!

 

[wisdomseeker]

The best reason Ive found from reading this thread for the last year is AUTHORITY.They dont want anyone telling them what to do, If they read the bible they want to tell us what the Bible says, they are right the Church is wrong. Jesus didnt leave us the Church they will tell you, Jesus left us the bible. Even though the Church was here long before the bible. We need to step out of the box they tell us, think for ourself, dont let that Pope, tell you what to do, You do whatever you want. After all why did Jesus leave us the Pope? You know I never did get a answer for that one. Well one thing is for sure if you want to do things your way and not Gods way, you sure dont want to belong to the RCC. Because you wont change the RCC. THANK GOD!

AMEN to that! everyone wants to have God at their own terms. but noone wants obey God and His commands.

 

[HashemEchad]

AMEN to that! everyone wants to have God at their own terms. but noone wants obey God and His commands.

My religion is traditional (“Orthodox”) Judaism, and trust me when I say we have more rules and more authorities than Catholicism!

So my rejection of Catholicism has nothing to do with rejecting AUTHORITY, because if it did, I would reject Orthodox Judaism ALSO!

 

[rinnie]

My religion is traditional (“Orthodox”) Judaism, and trust me when I say we have more rules and more authorities than Catholicism!

So my rejection of Catholicism has nothing to do with rejecting AUTHORITY, because if it did, I would reject Orthodox Judaism ALSO!

I dont know about more rules HashemEchad, I love ya my brother but Roman Catholic is pretty strict. Now more authoroties, you may have more of them than us. We only have One and that is Jesus Christ, In the RC house he is the only authority we have there. But I cant say much about traditional Judaism, I know nothing about it but RC. I have a hard enough time living in the faith,and trust me its a hard one to live by. But I feel if i can do it the best I can i got a good shot. God Bless

 

[po18guy]

Been there done that and your right BIG difference
I ask myself that–defending the faith I suppose—but originally I came here to check out catholocism. My hubby and family and MANY friends are catholic(allbeit–name only),so I figure why not learn about it. Always good to know what other churches teach.

And you

PLEASE get to know a well-catechized, orthodox Catholic for exposure to the deepest, most profound faith you could ever imagine. Ask about “Adoration” at your nearest parish. I suggest that you simply go and sit in the presence of Christ. He will speak to your heart as you never thought possible. This is absolutely the best kept secret in all of Christendom.

Do you love Christ enough to follow him wherever He leads you? (I hope I know your answer…)

The peace of Christ be always with you.

 

[HashemEchad]

I dont know about more rules HashemEchad, I love ya my brother but Roman Catholic is pretty strict. Now more authoroties, you may have more of them than us. We only have One and that is Jesus Christ, In the RC house he is the only authority we have there. But I cant say much about traditional Judaism, I know nothing about it but RC. I have a hard enough time living in the faith,and trust me its a hard one to live by. But I feel if i can do it the best I can i got a good shot. God Bless

I’m a “sister” but anyway…

Orthodox Judaism is INCREDIBLY strict…I’ve often joked that its the perfect religion for someone suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)…more rules (large and small) than you can shake a stick at, and it permeates every minute aspect of your life.

I’m not complaining, just saying that if strictness is what somebody wants…!

 

[Madaglan]

HashemEchad:

I’m a “sister” but anyway…

Orthodox Judaism is INCREDIBLY strict…I’ve often joked that its the perfect religion for someone suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)…more rules (large and small) than you can shake a stick at, and it permeates every minute aspect of your life.

I’m not complaining, just saying that if strictness is what somebody wants…!

Do many of these laws come from the Talmud?

Also, are there any instances when certain laws may be overlooked, depending on individual circumstances?

 

[HashemEchad]

Do many of these laws come from the Talmud?

Also, are there any instances when certain laws may be overlooked, depending on individual circumstances?

Yes, many do come from the Talmud and other rabbinical teachings, and you can sometimes get a “heter” (dispensation, as you guys would call it), depending on the situation and the rabbi.

But in general, there are a LOT of little rules! The reason why the rabbis developed these rules was to protect people from accidentally violating the laws that actually are in the Written Torah. The rabbinic rules are called “fences” around the Torah.

The rabbis felt that if the people accidentally broke one of THEIR (rabbinic) rules, at least they did not break the laws of the Torah that were directly given by God (just as a fence serves to protect the house, the Torah being the house, and the fence being the rules of the rabbis.)

 

[rinnie]

I’m a “sister” but anyway…

Orthodox Judaism is INCREDIBLY strict…I’ve often joked that its the perfect religion for someone suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)…more rules (large and small) than you can shake a stick at, and it permeates every minute aspect of your life.

I’m not complaining, just saying that if strictness is what somebody wants…!

hey who knows maybe there is more our Religions have in common after all. Sorry im a sister too. But just because we are different doesnt mean we cant get along!

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by HeshemEchad:

Yes, many do come from the Talmud and other rabbinical teachings, and you can sometimes get a “heter” (dispensation, as you guys would call it), depending on the situation and the rabbi.

But in general, there are a LOT of little rules! The reason why the rabbis developed these rules was to protect people from accidentally violating the laws that actually are in the Written Torah. The rabbinic rules are called “fences” around the Torah.

The rabbis felt that if the people accidentally broke one of THEIR (rabbinic) rules, at least they did not break the laws of the Torah that were directly given by God (just as a fence serves to protect the house, the Torah being the house, and the fence being the rules of the rabbis.)

Interesting. In Eastern Orthodoxy, in my experience of it so far, prayer, fasting and asceticism are the means by which one keeps the commandments. But even here, most people sin, if not in open act, in their heart. In Orthodoxy, there is a strong sense that we as humans easily trespass the commandments and need to be restored to health.

I don’t know enough about contemporary Orthodox Judaism to make a sound judgment, but I wonder: is it following the little rules itself which keeps one from trespassing the Torah, or does it have more to do with a person’s proper inward disposition–a circumcision of the heart? I’ve read some Jewish documents in the past (Jewish Fax! ) which expound on the interior following of the Law, but I forget most of that, as it was several years ago.

Btw, what’s a good book on Orthodox Judaism?

 

[po18guy]

I am just so…desperately…exhausted from the religions that arrogantly and proudly assert, “OUR way is the right way, and everyone else is wrong!”

Catholicism, requires no such presentation. It often is put forth in just such a manner, but that merely reflects our human limitations. Many conversions have occurred in cases of those who simply spent time with Christ in the Tabernacle, knowingly or not. May He speak to your heart of peace.

 

[HashemEchad]

hey who knows maybe there is more our Religions have in common after all. Sorry im a sister too. But just because we are different doesnt mean we cant get along!

I totally agree!

 

[HashemEchad]

Interesting. In Eastern Orthodoxy, in my experience of it so far, prayer, fasting and asceticism are the means by which one keeps the commandments. But even here, most people sin, if not in open act, in their heart. In Orthodoxy, there is a strong sense that we as humans easily trespass the commandments and need to be restored to health.

I don’t know enough about contemporary Orthodox Judaism to make a sound judgment, but I wonder: is it following the little rules itself which keeps one from trespassing the Torah, or does it have more to do with a person’s proper inward disposition–a circumcision of the heart? I’ve read some Jewish documents in the past (Jewish Fax! ) which expound on the interior following of the Law, but I forget most of that, as it was several years ago.

Btw, what’s a good book on Orthodox Judaism?

There are a lot of good books, but I’m partial to ones by Lubavitcher Chasidim, partly because I know they are authentic in their Orthodoxy, but also because their things are usually written for both Jewish laymen and nonJews to easily grasp. I’d recommend checking out their website for more info: chabad.org

PERSONALLY (and this is one reason why I do not really like to label myself as “an Orthodox Jew”, but just “a traditional Jew”) I do not let the letter of the Law get in the way of carrying out the spirit of the Law.

For example, Orthodox Jews are not supposed to do anything on the Sabbath but go to services, or stay home and pray. But sometimes I go to the local abortuary to serve as a sidewalk counselor. I see no harm in this, and I believe it is a perfect way to spend the Sabbath, because it often involves directly saving human life (and you are always permitted to violate the Sabbath, if need be, to save human life.)

 

[Madaglan]

Originally Posted by HashemEchad:

For example, Orthodox Jews are not supposed to do anything on the Sabbath but go to services, or stay home and pray. But sometimes I go to the local abortuary to serve as a sidewalk counselor. I see no harm in this, and I believe it is a perfect way to spend the Sabbath, because it often involves directly saving human life (and you are always permitted to violate the Sabbath, if need be, to save human life.)

Yeah, that’s what I imagined. Good to know.

 

[Jimmy_B]

I have heard over and over again how people here were going to become Catholic but a priest said this, or a priest said that, or someone here said something I didn’t like, or I don’t like this person who is Catholic, therefore I won’t become one, I don’t care for the Mass…etc…there are countless invalid excuses for not wanting to become a Catholic.

What about becoming a Catholic because CHRIST STARTED THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? How about that reason? There will be people here finding fault with this statement as well, but to reject Christ’s one true church because of something someone said is totally absurd and a terrible excuse for not wanting to be with Jesus Christ and His Roman Catholic church.

 

[Danny_OC]

I have heard over and over again how people here were going to become Catholic but a priest said this, or a priest said that, or someone here said something I didn’t like, or I don’t like this person who is Catholic, therefore I won’t become one, I don’t care for the Mass…etc…there are countless invalid excuses for not wanting to become a Catholic.

What about becoming a Catholic because CHRIST STARTED THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? How about that reason? There will be people here finding fault with this statement as well, but to reject Christ’s one true church because of something someone said is totally absurd and a terrible excuse for not wanting to be with Jesus Christ and His Roman Catholic church.

The most common actual reason is probably a disinterest in following Catholic sexual morality, due to weakness. Most, however, find a seemingly more noble reason to cover up for that.

 

[HashemEchad]

Yeah, that’s what I imagined. Good to know.

BTW I was going through some of my books, and I found one that would be really easy for people of all faiths to read, and it is highly recommended too:

“The Committed Life–Principles for Good Living from our Timeless Past” by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis. (c 1998, Harper)

It won’t give you a complete idea of what Orthodox Jews believe, but will give you a good grasp of much of the basics.

 

[HashemEchad]

The most common actual reason is probably a disinterest in following Catholic sexual morality, due to weakness. Most, however, find a seemingly more noble reason to cover up for that.

Those same people would not want to be traditional Jews either then, because much of the Christian morality (against abortion, homosexuality, premarital sex, artificial birth control, etc) came from Judaism…we’ve always been against all of that too for the most part (though secularized Jews can often give people the opposite idea, unfortunately!)