Everyone thinks they're right, and its damaging my faith

[Lookingforanswers1]

Hey everyone,

I have posted on this site a number of times and people have been super helpful. My faith has taken a dip over the past month and I want to repair it.

I was big into new age a few years ago. They were convinced they had all the answers and were in the right. I never felt fulfilled by their teachings. I have since been told that new age is the enemy in disguise which made me super paranoid about being tricked again.

I found Catholicism and everything made sense. I respect all ‘branches’ of Catholicism but it has been Opus Dei who have helped me along most. Other ‘branches’ of Catholicism tell me to stay away from them with wishy-washy arguments, such as claiming Opus Dei are a cult (which makes no sense to me). There seems to be so much judgement by some Catholics on others. There has been so much slander and untrue allegations made against Opus Dei, and much of that is by fellow Catholics. Opinions of Catholics differ extremely. I never know who is right, and who is wrong. An old priest told me recently that he didn’t believe in the enemy.

I have watched videos by fellow ‘new agers’ who found Christianity. Many of these ‘new agers’ became Protestants and have been very critical of Catholics and praying to Mary and the saints. One woman claimed it was satanic. This again further confused me and made me question my faith. So many sects of Christianity criticize each other and claim they are following God’s word.

I decided to read the bible a few months ago. I am a good chunk of the way into the Old Testament. I find the teachings so barbaric and confusing, compared to the New Testament that I wonder how God in the Old Testament could ever love me or consider me one of his. None of it makes sense, and I don’t feel ‘at home’ or a connection when I read it. God in the Old Testament and God in the New Testament seem like two different Gods.

I was advised today by a sedevacantist online to watch videos of the Vatican and popes. I know this is further criticism which will further damage my faith by throwing a spanner in the works. I am not going to watch it. Again, somebody convinced that their knowledge is the correct knowledge.

On top of that, I feel disappointed by the countless sexual allegations made against priests recently, especially in Ireland. I wonder am I being fooled by men in frocks who are not men of God (apologies if this statement is offensive). I need to see supernatural goodness again.

I am still saying the rosary every day and going to mass on Sunday, but my faith was so strong up until a month ago. I need to know that I am following the correct path. Can anyone advise or counsel me?

Thank you

 

[Dovekin]

Certainty is elusive. The only proper response is faith, to accept what you do not know.

The way to do that is to look to Christ. Pray the Our father, and remember God is your father as well as ours. Trust that God will be with you, and with those who pray with you.

 

[steve-b]

Hey everyone,

I have posted on this site a number of times and people have been super helpful. My faith has taken a dip over the past month and I want to repair it.

I was big into new age a few years ago. They were convinced they had all the answers and were in the right. I never felt fulfilled by their teachings. I have since been told that new age is the enemy in disguise which made me super paranoid about being tricked again.

I found Catholicism and everything made sense. I respect all ‘branches’ of Catholicism but it has been Opus Dei who have helped me along most. Other ‘branches’ of Catholicism tell me to stay away from them with wishy-washy arguments, such as claiming Opus Dei are a cult (which makes no sense to me). There seems to be so much judgement by some Catholics on others. There has been so much slander and untrue allegations made against Opus Dei, and much of that is by fellow Catholics. Opinions of Catholics differ extremely. I never know who is right, and who is wrong. An old priest told me recently that he didn’t believe in the enemy.

I have watched videos by fellow ’new agers’ who found Christianity. Many of these ‘new agers’ became Protestants and have been very critical of Catholics and praying to Mary and the saints. One woman claimed it was satanic. This again further confused me and made me question my faith. So many sects of Christianity criticize each other and claim they are following God’s word.

I decided to read the bible a few months ago. I am a good chunk of the way into the Old Testament. I find the teachings so barbaric and confusing, compared to the New Testament that I wonder how God in the Old Testament could ever love me or consider me one of his. None of it makes sense, and I don’t feel ‘at home’ or a connection when I read it. God in the Old Testament and God in the New Testament seem like two different Gods.

I was advised today by a sedevacantist online to watch videos of the Vatican and popes. I know this is further criticism which will further damage my faith by throwing a spanner in the works. I am not going to watch it. Again, somebody convinced that their knowledge is the correct knowledge.

On top of that, I feel disappointed by the countless sexual allegations made against priests recently, especially in Ireland. I wonder am I being fooled by men in frocks who are not men of God (apologies if this statement is offensive). I need to see supernatural goodness again.

I am still saying the rosary every day and going to mass on Sunday, but my faith was so strong up until a month ago. I need to know that I am following the correct path. Can anyone advise or counsel me?

Thank you

Opus Dei is a great order of priests. Avoid New Agers, and Sedevacantists. Keep praying the Rosary daily, and add if possible, daily Mass.

 

[Lara]

In regards to the Pope, it is in fact good to read an opposing view. Never be afraid to read something. When people are that afraid, it’s called mind guarding. How can you find the truth when you are mind guarding? I’m not a sedevacanist mind you.

There’s nothing wrong with Opus Dei. But you don’t have to join it if you don’t want to.

Protestants are wrong about Mary. Of course branches of Christianity disagree with each other. That’s the crux of the Protestant Reformation. But we still love them and try to learn what we can from Protestants.

I’ve never gotten into the Old Testament. I just forget about it and I’m glad Jesus came to reveal the New Covenant.

As for the sexual abuse, it makes all Catholics very angry. I guess we need to pray for the men who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

I wouldn’t worry. Catholicism is the one true faith. If by some chance it’s false, the next logical step is atheism. Even then, the New Age would appear loopy.

I’m not much online here these days because viruses keep coming if I access this site from home.

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Thank you Agatha Sicily. Do pray for me.

 

[BartholomewB]

Just a few very brief answers.

There’s nothing wrong with Opus Dei. It’s certainly not a “cult.” It’s not to everybody’s taste, but Opus Dei people are undeniably good Catholics. Very good Catholics, I might say.

Forget what Protestants say. When they’re not quarreling with Catholics, they’re quarreling with one another. It’s what they do.

When you read the OT, remember the books were written at different times acrosss a history of many centuries. It’s not like the NT, where all the books were written, from start to finish, within the space of fifty years or so. Moses lived a thousand years before Daniel. You have to make allowance for things like that.

The sex scandals. You’re right, it’s terrible. I couldn’t agree more.

 

[FCS]

I decided to read the bible a few months ago. I am a good chunk of the way into the Old Testament. I find the teachings so barbaric and confusing, compared to the New Testament that I wonder how God in the Old Testament could ever love me or consider me one of his. None of it makes sense, and I don’t feel ‘at home’ or a connection when I read it. God in the Old Testament and God in the New Testament seem like two different Gods.

I think it is important to have someone interpret it for you. If I had just read the Bible, I would have thought the same thing. However, my religion teacher was able to explain to me these things.

 

[BenYosef]

While nobody wants to do what is wrong or hurtful, damaging to oneself or another, there isn’t always a “one-size-fits-everybody” approach to religion that is approved of or “right” with God.

True, Satanic rituals that murder and kill and cults that mindwash and lead astray are definitely not “the Truth” as they often claim to their followers that they are, but often religious denominations or groups that aren’t necessarily harmful but are just divided from others by theological differences that claim themselves “right” and others “wrong” merely account of others “being on the other side”–well, if you use a little critical thinking, that just cannot be so.

Why not? Simple. If you look back in human history, each and every time humans have divided themselves off from others this way for any reason, religious or secular, they’ve always been wrong and done damage too others and themselves.

From Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple cult that committed mass suicide and killing people who tried to escape immediately before the tragedy to Hitler’s hatred of the Jews that ended up in killing so many Jews that people had to create a new name for his systematic way of murder (“genocide”), the “we’re right and they’re wrong” approach always, always ends up bringing destruction and sorrow in its wake.

There may be a right way to think or a correct way to worship, but people themselves are not in possession of it. God is, not people. God can judge people, but leave that in the hands of humans and you will get criticism that will be damaging to those who hear it and base their faith on it.

 

[BenYosef]

People often like to think they are right because psychologically people have been taught that to be “correct” is the same as being “morally good.” Along the same line of thought they equate being “wrong” as being “morally bad” or “evil.”

But in reality, being correct doesn’t imply any moral value. Do you know what 1 + 1 is? The sum is 2, right? Having the correct answer did not make you a moral person, someone righteous, or anymore holy than someone who had the wrong answer. Having the incorrect answer to that math problem did not make you bad or evil either.

But we tend to award people who get things right and shame people who do things wrong in society. Children who get As in school get awards. Kids who get failing grades get punished, even though this might mean they need help, not pain. Kids who get passing grades might cheat, but we tend to overlook that. The system we have created is two-dimensional and doesn’t judge things fairly all the time.

It is the same with theology and religion. We sometimes want to belong to the “right” religion or a religion that teaches “correct” theology. But does right or correct make it morally good or approved by God?

Because we tend to believe that, cults often sell off their religion as “the Truth.” People in those religions often offer testimonies of how “true” it is, and how they can “feel the truth” burning in their bones. But “truth” doesn’t make a religion “real.” God makes the religion real.

Nobody wants to say they are in the wrong religion because just about everybody has been raised to believe that they will be morally “good” if they have “the Truth.” Not too many go about searching if what they teach or believe is “real.”

There is no moral quality to being “real” or having “empirical evidence” or a “critical argument” that stands up to examination by disinterested parties. There are no rewards for that. But only those things prove your religion is real, genuine, authentic, correct.

People who have faith that their religion is true base their views of themselves and the world on that faith. If you attack that faith, they will dig their heels in further because their view of themselves in the world is based on that belief. The belief can be credulity, and nothing more, but people can have false concepts about themselves and the world. We see it all the time. It’s called it being in denial. It can be about religion and oneself too.

Stop listening to people who think they’re right. Learn what’s real and adopt that. Then you’ll have a faith that’s based on reality, not credulity. Stop listening to everyone else. It’s time to start listening to yourself.

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Thank you Dovekin. I am trusting that Jesus will restore my faith.

 

[Hodos]

What specifically are you reading in the Old Testament that is troubling you? Perhaps talking about it within a community of faith will help.

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Thank you for respecting Opus Dei priests Steve-B. They are the ones who initially sparked and strengthened my faith. They are full of unbounded goodness. I will try to go to mass more often.

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut Lara.

Yes I am mind guarding. I believe in Jesus and the bible, absolutely, but puts a different spin on Jesus, it throws me. Sometimes I think - how do I know I’m right and they are wrong.

I am happy many people on this site accept that Opus Dei are good.

I have probably focused too much on the Old T. I thought it would strengthen my faith but it is too big a book for me to interpret alone.

Yes I feel bad for all Catholics dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse scandal. My heart goes out especially to innocent priests who have devoted their lives to a cause only to have to try clean up a mess left by some evil individuals.

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Forget what Protestants say. When they’re not quarreling with Catholics, they’re quarreling with one another. It’s what they do.

Lol I find this funny!

When you read the OT, remember the books were written at different times acrosss a history of many centuries. It’s not like the NT, where all the books were written, from start to finish, within the space of fifty years or so. Moses lived a thousand years before Daniel. You have to make allowance for things like that.

This is a good point.

I think it is important to have someone interpret it for you. If I had just read the Bible, I would have thought the same thing. However, my religion teacher was able to explain to me these things.

Absolutely. I think I have taken on more than I can chew. The message is totally lost on me. I think I will just concentrate of the NT.

 

[fhansen]

I am still saying the rosary every day and going to mass on Sunday, but my faith was so strong up until a month ago. I need to know that I am following the correct path. Can anyone advise or counsel me?

The reason for the Christian faith is to establish a relationship-a communion- between YOU and God. Man was made for that communion. The message is right regardless of the messengers, so-called or otherwise. And regardless of the behavior of any members for that matter. At some point you have to listen to your own heart. As Augustine put it: "I found thee not, O Lord, without, because I erred in seeking thee without that wert within."

In the end, you’re the only one who can be right about God, because He created and resides within you. But it takes time, to gain the personal “knowledge of God” that was lost to man at the Fall. As we do, we grow in faith, hope, and, most importantly, love, for Him-and the rest of the world can believe what they want as that treasure is realized in us.

So this is the most important New Covenant prophecy that is fulfilled by the Christian faith, quoted in Hebrews 8 & 10:

“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the LORD.
I will put My law in their minds
and inscribe it on their hearts.
And I will be their God,
and they will be My people.

No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother,
saying, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD.
For I will forgive their iniquities
and will remember their sins no more.” Jer 31:33-34

Seek God for yourself. That’s what this whole thing is about. Pray, study, read Scripture.

 

[Annie]

Do not put your faith in.men, but in Christ and His Church.

 

[Annie]

I meant to include, learn the faith, which is what Christ has taught us, and then it will be easier for you to sort the good things you hear from the bad.

However, never neglect your relationship with God–that should always be your first priority.

 

[jack63]

One thing I will say is that sometimes there will be a struggle to find a local community that is a positive for you in the Catholic church. I converted about a decade ago, and honestly it has been hit of miss in terms of the local community. Sometimes you find a place with loads of activities, people representing all age groups and interests. Both the lay and priests are usually really attracted to this type of community. Other times it is a struggle. I’ve found that it has nothing to do with the “branch” of Catholicism. It has a lot more to do with the priests and deacons of the local parish, and some of the more deeply involved lay members. If you think in terms of “branches” you’ll run into trouble. What has worked for me is to try to accept the entire Catholic church and find the best community for myself depending on where I’m living at the time.

Are there “branches” of Catholicism…yes obviously. I can’t keep track of what different priests in different regions of the US think of this or that order, or what people think of Opus Dei. Do priests and lay actually talk about this type of thing…sure, but I really struggle to care. You’re not required to tell other Catholics what you think of Opus Dei upon meeting them. In fact I don’ t recommend it. If Opus Dei has helped you. That’s great. Keep going with that.

Btw…Opus Dei is cool. I was in Chicago for a concert, and I went to St. Mary of the Angels which is run by Opus Dei. It was a really touching and interesting mass, and you could go pick up info and learn about the founder of Opus Dei and the organization. It was a stunningly beautiful church too.

 

[Magnanimity]

Certainly, if you read the OT as if it’s all just narrative history it will come across as very disturbing. But many church fathers did not read it so—they considered many passages that seem to suggest extreme violence as being indicative of the internal, spiritual struggle that we all face. Check out this video for a good starting point in these regards:

 

[Lookingforanswers1]

Stop listening to people who think they’re right. Learn what’s real and adopt that. Then you’ll have a faith that’s based on reality, not credulity. Stop listening to everyone else. It’s time to start listening to yourself.

Thank you BenYosef. When I listen to myself I feel peace with God and Jesus. I have more belief and confidence lostening to myself certainly.

What specifically are you reading in the Old Testament that is troubling you? Perhaps talking about it within a community of faith will help.

I just don’t see consistency with what God wants - sometimes he is happy when rulers kill whole tribes (tribes who are completely innocent), then he punishes others for murder. Rules such as not eating meat from two hooved animals are enforced - why did Christians change those rules. God in the OT is very quick to punish and I guess I don’t know where I stand with that God.

At some point you have to listen to your own heart.

Seek God for yourself.

In the end, you’re the only one who can be right about God, because He created and resides within you.

Thank you fhansen. This all makes sense to me.

Do not put your faith in.men, but in Christ and His Church.

Amen to that Annie.

What has worked for me is to try to accept the entire Catholic church and find the best community for myself depending on where I’m living at the time.

Thanks jack63. I read that there are 1 billion Catholics in the world, so of course, communities will differ. What inspired you to convert? I guess it is hard to answer that question concisely!

Reply

Certainly, if you read the OT as if it’s all just narrative history it will come across as very disturbing. But many church fathers did not read it so—they considered many passages that seem to suggest extreme violence as being indicative of the internal, spiritual struggle that we all face. Check out this video for a good starting point in these regards:

Thanks Magnanimity. I will watch that tonight!

You’re not required to tell other Catholics what you think of Opus Dei upon meeting them. In fact I don’ t recommend it. If Opus Dei has helped you. That’s great. Keep going with that.

Duly noted!