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obvious_ron
Guest
Have you ever been tempted to leave the Catholic Church? If so, what helped you to overcome this temptation? What keeps you anchored in the Church today?
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Shakuhachi
Guest
I am loyal to the family no matter how dysfunctional.
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Irishmom2
Guest
Never tempted.
I have no reason to leave.
I have no reason to leave.
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obvious_ron
Guest
What about the Church keeps you loyal?
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obvious_ron
Guest
What reasons keep you there, though?
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Irishmom2
Guest
I stay because I believe what the Catholic Church teaches. I stay for the Real Presence in the Eucharist. The Catholic Church feels like being home to me. I have never had any reason to look elsewhere.
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obvious_ron
Guest
What best in the Catholic Church helps you to strengthen your faith in Christ and your relationship with Him?
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obvious_ron
Guest
What of all this helps you most in your faith in Christ and your relationship with Him?
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Talitha712
Guest
You know, I never had that temptation. I was raised in such a way that I regarded God as a member of my family and the saints as my friends. I was also blessed with amazing priests and grew up practically next door to a powerhouse of prayer (aka the headquarters of a province of Carmelite friars). I know I had times when I wondered “what if there is no God? What then?” but those thoughts never lasted longer than a few minutes at a time. And God’s Love also seemed very real, even when I couldn’t feel it. This is what prevented me from ever considering being anything but a Catholic, and the more I learn about God and the Church, the more reasons I find to stay.
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obvious_ron
Guest
Thank you. This is the sort of answer I hope to continue to get.
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ConstantLearner
Guest
Yes, I’ve been tempted because of the hypocrisy I’ve encountered. What keeps me in the Church is Christ. Knowing it is the church he founded and being able to receive him in the Holy Eucharist.
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obvious_ron
Guest
What convinced you that the Catholic Church is indeed the church Christ founded? When did you start believing it on your own rather than just because it’s what you were told to believe it as you grew up? When did you first choose this faith for yourself?
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Irishmom2
Guest
I am sorry you did not find my answer up to your standards, but my answer remains the same.
Why do you keep challenging everyone’s answers?
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ConstantLearner
Guest
It is the church descended directly from St. Peter, about whom Jesus said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church.”
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obvious_ron
Guest
I’m looking for deeper answers, or at least some reasons behind your answers. If you believe the Catholic Church is the true faith, I’d like to know when you decided this for yourself.
Anyone can say things like, “I believe this because this is what the Church teaches.” I’m looking for when you decided for yourself that this is true and what helped you to make that choice for yourself.
Anyone can say things like, “I believe this because this is what the Church teaches.” I’m looking for when you decided for yourself that this is true and what helped you to make that choice for yourself.
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Entwhistler
Guest
I’ve had doubts if that’s what you mean. But I’ve never seriously considered leaving. Where would I go? Protestantism doesn’t make any sense to me once Catholic. The early Church was Catholic. Eastern Orthodox? Possibly, but the Orthodox are basically treading water since they have no Pope and can’t call serious councils.
That leaves non-Christian religions. Personally, I would become Orthodox if Catholicism isn’t true. Or Jewish. But probably Orthodox.
But Jesus existed, and he said He was God. And He started a Church. And he told us to eat His flesh and drink His blood. And that wasn’t merely an allegory.
Besides, I would have to give up the moniker Papist if I left Catholicism.
That leaves non-Christian religions. Personally, I would become Orthodox if Catholicism isn’t true. Or Jewish. But probably Orthodox.
But Jesus existed, and he said He was God. And He started a Church. And he told us to eat His flesh and drink His blood. And that wasn’t merely an allegory.
Besides, I would have to give up the moniker Papist if I left Catholicism.
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Shakuhachi
Guest
The rituals that have been meaningful to me and gave me direction as a young man. I appreciate the question and think we all can look deeper.
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Jeanne_S
Guest
i was convinced that the Catholic Church was the One True Church after spending thirty some years being a lazy lukewarm Catholic.My husband and I even attended a Lutheran Church for about three years.After trying to convince myself it was " almost" like the Catholic Church. I realized I was missing the Eucharist and began my journey back home.My husband converted to Catholicism 13 years ago and as his sponsor I relearned and gained a new appreciation for my Catholic Faith. I am so grateful th have been a Catholic since birth and am on fire for my faith now.
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Reuben_J
Guest
Am a cradle Catholic. There was a short period of time where I was slacking in my spiritual life. Even then, I could not see any alternatives that were better than the Catholic Church.
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joeybaggz
Guest
And He said to them, “unless you shall become as one of these little children you shall not see God, for such as these is the kingdom of heaven made.”
I might suggest that looking for deep and philosophical answers to questions such as yours, might not be the right way to go. It is in the simplicity of the belief of others that truth is often found. Just ask a five year old, or a child with Down Syndrome who accompanies his parents to Mass every Sunday who Jesus is and what church means. You’ll probably get the best answer you will ever encounter. Thing is, from your posts, I doubt you’ll appreciate it.
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