Fearing for Catholicism

[TheOne33]

For a while now I’ve been having some fears as to the future of Catholicism and religion all together. To me it seems like the secular society is pushing this too far and soon enough it’ll be either illegal to practice religion, or they’ll just convince most people to be atheist/nonreligious. Can anyone console me on this issue? Am I just being paranoid?

 

[louisak]

I don’t think you’re being paranoid; the things you describe are plain to see. But the Church has been persecuted many times during her history, in different ways and in different places. Although we should not wish for persecution or try to bring it on, in some ways it is necessary for the life of the Church, hence Tertullian’s oft-quoted saying “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church”.

All the same we should pray to be spared persecution, since it would be prideful to place confidence in our own courage and steadfastness.

 

[jmcrae]

For a while now I’ve been having some fears as to the future of Catholicism and religion all together. To me it seems like the secular society is pushing this too far and soon enough it’ll be either illegal to practice religion, or they’ll just convince most people to be atheist/nonreligious. Can anyone console me on this issue? Am I just being paranoid?

The Catholic faith was illegal, and practice of it resulted in the death penalty, for the first three hundred years of our existence. No one wants to go back to that, but we did survive it, and if need be, we will again. I also admire those who kept and are keeping their faith in Communist countries and in Islamic countries, where it is greatly frowned upon to practice any religion at all.

 

[grasscutter]

When in fear and doubt, remember Jesus’ promise that Hades will not prevail…

 

[JRKH]

Many perils can befall the Church but there WILL be still be faithful alive when Jesus returns…Seek to be among that faithful.

Peace
James

 

[JaredR]

God is the author of history. No matter what men do to try and frustrate His plan, it is always accomplished. He takes everything into account and makes it work for good.

The Church survived in a pre-Christian world, and it will outlast the post-Christian world. Be not afraid but watch and pray!

 

[BListon]

For a while now I’ve been having some fears as to the future of Catholicism and religion all together. To me it seems like the secular society is pushing this too far and soon enough it’ll be either illegal to practice religion, or they’ll just convince most people to be atheist/nonreligious. Can anyone console me on this issue? Am I just being paranoid?

Just remember that the gates of hell will NEVER prevail against Christ or His Church… that’s a Biblical promise.

 

[Julia_Mae]

For a while now I’ve been having some fears as to the future of Catholicism and religion all together. To me it seems like the secular society is pushing this too far and soon enough it’ll be either illegal to practice religion, or they’ll just convince most people to be atheist/nonreligious. Can anyone console me on this issue? Am I just being paranoid?

More prayer; less fear. The Church cannot be destroyed. It might change shape, somewhat, though.

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Joseph Cardinel Ratzinger (Benedict XVI), from his book Faith and the Future

 

[The_Reginator]

The Catholic faith was illegal, and practice of it resulted in the death penalty, for the first three hundred years of our existence. No one wants to go back to that, but we did survive it, and if need be, we will again.** I also admire those who kept and are keeping their faith in Communist countries and in Islamic countries, where it is greatly frowned upon to practice any religion at all.**

Indeed.

Even though God has promised that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church, this does not mean that the Church will not be allowed to go through hard times. One person I have been following on line suggests that the Church may continue to shrink in the coming years, especially with the number of “Catholic in name only” members.

What concerns me most is all the lost souls during times when the Church is under that kinds of attacks we have been experiencing since the protestant revolution.

 

[FaithInTheSon]

side note- Christianity is underground in China.

Refer to my post about being called crazy by a priest today. It is getting very bad.

 

[TuAutem]

I recommend reading the story of Elias (Elijah) to hear God’s word on this; his story is told from 3 Kings 17 to 4 Kings 2 in Catholic Bibles, which is 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2 in modern translations.

I’m thinking in particular that moment in the middle of the story, when he prays with desperation, “With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant: they have destroyed thy altars, they have slain thy prophets with the sword, and I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.” (3 Kings 19:14)

 

[bmonk]

The Catholic faith was illegal, and practice of it resulted in the death penalty, for the first three hundred years of our existence. No one wants to go back to that, but we did survive it, and if need be, we will again. I also admire those who kept and are keeping their faith in Communist countries and in Islamic countries, where it is greatly frowned upon to practice any religion at all.

Such conditions have happened in other times and places. Mexico had a severe anti-Church regime in 1926-34–lest than 100 years ago, in North America. There have been martyrs in ever century and every nation. We do not pray for persecution to come. The best approach is perhaps the advice of Jesus from Mark 14:38: “Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (also in Mt 17, Lk 22)

 

[The_Reginator]

Such conditions have happened in other times and places. Mexico had a severe anti-Church regime in 1926-34–lest than 100 years ago, in North America. There have been martyrs in ever century and every nation. We do not pray for persecution to come. The best approach is perhaps the advice of Jesus from Mark 14:38: “Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (also in Mt 17, Lk 22)

Our Lord spoke like this a lot.
He told us to be ready (for) “a thief in the night” … The parable about those who did not bring oil for their lamps, etc. We must always be ready and awake.

I have never studied much history, so I was quite shocked to find out how the French revolution resulted in attacks on the Church and has given us saints and martyrs.

 

[Crescentinus]

We aren’t called the “Church Militant” for nothing.

 

[The_Reginator]

We aren’t called the “Church Militant” for nothing.

Yes indeed.
I haven’t heard it mentioned in my parish, but when you are confirmed you become a ‘soldier of Christ’.