Former Questions Please share with us why?

[Todd520]

I think you misunderstood. I think the compliment was for being true to oneself, not being a hypocrite.

The message did not say anything about wanting to have a “good time”. He clearly was seeking a more authentic and meaningful worship experience.

We should let Katrina respond - I’m confident her reply was dripping with sarcasm. Here is her sentence again

It is more important for many people to have a good time and be entertained.

 

[Steven_John]

I simply came to the realization that I do not believe all of the essential tenets of the Catholic faith.

peace and blessings Br Ted, if i may ask what does the spirit have you do since?

 

[ImReallyNice]

I went to Catholic Mass for a year and attended RCIA to the point of Baptism, but without going through to the Baptism. I found that I could not agree with the church’s stances on Abortion, Gay Marriage, Priestly Marriage, Contraception, and child abuse.

 

[guanophore]

I simply came to the realization that I do not believe all of the essential tenets of the Catholic faith.

Can you elaborate? What constitutes “essential”?

Also, why are you on CAF?

 

[guanophore]

While I joined the Catholic Church from an evangelical protestant background, a friend of mine left the Church. He was getting married to a non-catholic who had been previously married. She was in the process of joining the Catholic Church when they felt the questions they were being asked by the priest were becoming “too personal”. They decided that the “invasion of privacy” was too much. Now, they don’t go to any church although they allow their kids to sometimes attend a United Methodist Church.

Having gone through the anullment process myself, I understood how uncomfortable the questions can be, but it’s sad that someone who was raised Catholic would walk away from the faith because of that.

This is really just a symptom of a deeper problem. When a person erects barriers against God, they are not willing to let Him be the Lord of their whole lives and hearts. When I hear people say “I want the pope out of my bedroom!” I realize that they do not want to submit their sexual lives to God. They want to be called “catholic” without being obedient to the commandments of God.

We need to pray for people who suffer like this. I used to be one of them. It is curable.

 

[guanophore]

We should let Katrina respond - I’m confident her reply was dripping with sarcasm. Here is her sentence again

I am not sure that was sarcastic. I think it is very true. Many Catholics have lost sight of the reason for the Sacrifice of the Mass, and are suffering from itching ears and want to stimulate themselves, rather than be present at the foot of the cross.

 

[guanophore]

I went to Catholic Mass for a year and attended RCIA to the point of Baptism, but without going through to the Baptism. I found that I could not agree with the church’s stances on Abortion, Gay Marriage, Priestly Marriage, Contraception, and child abuse.

Let me see if I understand you correctly…

You think that the Church should approve the taking of life from the one place on earth that the child should be safest, the mothers womb?

You think that the church should re-define marriage, changing it from what Christ taught (one man and one woman) to suit modern social customs?

You think the Church should cease her preference to choose for the priesthood from among those called to celibacy?

You think the church should support child abuse?

I hope you will correct me if I misunderstood.

 

[BernadetteM]

Let me see if I understand you correctly…

You think that the Church should approve the taking of life from the one place on earth that the child should be safest, the mothers womb?

You think that the church should re-define marriage, changing it from what Christ taught (one man and one woman) to suit modern social customs?

You think the Church should cease her preference to choose for the priesthood from among those called to celibacy?

You think the church should support child abuse?

I hope you will correct me if I misunderstood.

At least she/he has picked the perfect church and for those same reasons and others many Episcopalians are leaving and entering the Catholic Church. As I recall the Holy Father stated something like “he would rather have a purer Church and smaller”. I agree with this and although it is sad when people leave the Church, if all the liberals who want to change the Church would leave, it would make the Church stronger and much more united. The reason I am Catholic is because the faith stands for truth and doesn’t give way to whatever society wants, but stands up for truth and must then take all the discrimination from the media and society in general.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[Steven_John]

At least she/he has picked the perfect church and for those same reasons and others many Episcopalians are leaving and entering the Catholic Church. As I recall the Holy Father stated something like “he would rather have a purer Church and smaller”. I agree with this and although it is sad when people leave the Church, if all the liberals who want to change the Church would leave, it would make the Church stronger and much more united. The reason I am Catholic is because the faith stands for truth and doesn’t give way to whatever society wants, but stands up for truth and must then take all the discrimination from the media and society in general.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

Peace and blessings Sister,
smaller stronger and united is hard where i live.

we have a large diocese physically.

It gets real hard for some folk when they grew up in Catholic communities and now live as the only Catholics in their community.

Smaller makes it hard for them. It makes it hard on those around them, when one family shows this is the way to go and lots of others are going a different good - seeming way, it really is hard for the one family to help the spirit build in others.

Bless ya

 

[danonwaveland]

I went to Catholic Mass for a year and attended RCIA to the point of Baptism, but without going through to the Baptism. I found that I could not agree with the church’s stances on Abortion, Gay Marriage, Priestly Marriage, Contraception, and child abuse.

I have to say that your screen name brought a smile to my face. I’m not sure how you mean it, but it’s cute.

Before you decided you couldn’t agree with the church’s position on the issues you cited, I hope you understood why the church is against abortion and what a marriage really is (and why that affects our position on “gay marriage,” priestly marriage and contraception). I assume that, by child abuse, you mean the cover-up of the offending priests. I assure you that this bothers all Catholics deeply. Next to the victims themselves, it probably hurts the 95% of the faithful priests more deeply than anyone else.

In any case, may our Lord bless you on your journey and may His Holy Spirit guide you in His Truth, which can sometimes be inconvenient.

God bless,
Dan

 

[maryj]

I went to Catholic Mass for a year and attended RCIA to the point of Baptism, but without going through to the Baptism. I found that I could not agree with the church’s stances on Abortion, Gay Marriage, Priestly Marriage, Contraception, and child abuse.

It always rings a bell when I hear a statment like this…the church’s stance? Again the truth, these are GOD’s stances. Or do people really believe that our Lord and savior would have a different stance on Abortion? Clearly to disagree with the church is to disagree with Christ. It really is as simple as that.

 

[schaick]

Given the number of fallen away [Former “Catholics”], I 'd really like to gain some insight on what caused your departure?

I ask all to apply extreme charity in this dialog.

Love and prayers,
Pat

My spouse was Catholic.

After attending classes at my Church decided that he had never been a Catholic and strongly believes that the majority of Catholics are not true Catholics, believing everything the Catholic Church stands by,

Had always questioned meaness of teacher nuns! lol!, extravagance of the Catholic Church -gold, robes, statues, etc, infallibility of Pope.

Hated that you were not allowed to question anything and named a heretic if you did,

 

[guanophore]

My spouse was Catholic.

After attending classes at my Church decided that he had never been a Catholic and strongly believes that the majority of Catholics are not true Catholics, believing everything the Catholic Church stands by,

This is very insightful of him, and an accurate assessment. Most American Catholics are “nominal” (in name only).

Had always questioned meaness of teacher nuns! lol!,

Yes, I went to Catholic school, and also did not understand why the nuns were so mean.

extravagance of the Catholic Church -gold, robes, statues, etc,

When I read this objection, I alwasy think of Judas scolding Mary for pouring the expensive perfumed oil on Jesus.

infallibility of Pope.

Usually people that object don’t understand what it means.

Hated that you were not allowed to question anything and named a heretic if you did,

This is just a misunderstanding. Catholics question all the time. It is the manner in which the questioning is done that can be problematic. Will one question in doubt and defiance, as Zechariah did to the angel or question from a place of faith and trust, as Mary did?

 

[ImReallyNice]

Well,

A) I do believe in a woman’s right to choose abortion as an option and I believe in any case, it should be legal, really. I think the church disagrees with me on this one. I wouldn’t want to be a bad Catholic.

B) I go back and forth on the issue of gay marriage because I certainly do believe that it should be between one man and one woman…so I don’t think the church should change that policy. I do think gays who repent should be allowed for communion and clergy though.

C) I think that priests should be allowed to marry if they so choose or be allowed to be celibate, should they so choose.

D) I don’t like how many in the church hierarchy worked so hard to cover up the abuse. I know this is something Catholics are not proud of…and I’m sorry…I just don’t want to associate myself with that.

 

[Katrina5]

The OP asked for ‘extreme charity’ in our dialog

I only read the poster changed to build a stronger relationship with God, not have a ‘good time’

“Extreme charity”???

This person joined a church where “a stronger relationship with God” had to come through loud music, lots of social clubs, a good Bible preacher…in exchange for the Eucharist.

How much more of a personal relationship with God can you get than the Eucharist?

What is “extreme charity” anyway?

 

[Todd520]

It always rings a bell when I hear a statment like this…the church’s stance? Again the truth, these are GOD’s stances. Or do people really believe that our Lord and savior would have a different stance on Abortion? Clearly to disagree with the church is to disagree with Christ. It really is as simple as that.

You’ve hit the nail on the head - these people do believe it is the Church’s stance
and not God’s stance.

For if they truely believed it was God’s stance, they would stay put.

 

[ImReallyNice]

Thank you for the questions, to all who asked.

Well, I attended Catholic mass for close to one year. Every Sunday I would hop out of bed and do all that is Catholic. I genuflected, made the sign of the cross, said the “and also with you” to the priest…everything. I knew how the mass went very well and you would have mistaken me for a cradle Catholic really…I knew my way around the place. I went to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This class helps prepare you to enter into Catholicism. We discussed a lot of topics, really.

One thing about me is that I am actually a fairly strong supporter of a woman’s right to choose abortion. I do believe that it should be legal and safe in most cases. It is her right to terminate the pregnancy, I think. I suppose this puts me at odds with the Catholic church. I don’t think the church should necessarily change it’s position, though that would be nice. I just think that perhaps this means that I’m not a good fit for this church. Either that, or I’d be something of a Catholic who dissents on the subject.

On Marriage, I actually agree with the church teaching. I don’t think a faithful church would allow gay marriage, as that is reserved for one man and one woman. I do think that gay Christians should be allowed to take communion and enter clergy. Once again, I’m not advocating the church change it’s position…I think it would be a nice accommodation for me but what it really means is that perhaps I’m just not a good fit for the church because I’d be a dissenter.

I think priests should be allowed to marry. I’ve been to both and I feel like I can relate more to married priests. They have to experience family life like the rest of us. I think that celibate priests simply don’t get that familial experience. I can tell. It would also help lower the cases of priestly abuses of children.

I do realize that most of the church is against priestly abuses of children. There is a select class within the church, however, that has been diligent in protecting the practice and fostering it. Many of them are in higher power, away from the parishes now. They are high ranking Cardinals, Bishops and Popes. This bothers me to some measure.

One thing I like about the Episcopal church is that it is very patriotic. It has it’s roots in the American Revolution. Freedom, liberty, God, and Country are all deeply felt in my congregation. The church’s strict allegiance to Rome somewhat hinders patriotism because church comes before country. I like the roots of the distinctly anglo-american religions.

That said, my experiences with the Catholic Church have deeply impacted my spiritual life. When it comes to my view on the church, communion, priesthood, and a myriad of other topics, most of my views were formed on a foundation of Catholicism. I currently attend an Episcopal Cathedral. I walk in, Genuflect, make the sign of the cross, say the responses…it’s very much like the Catholic church but more Americanized. I have, however, only attended this church for a month. My views on liturgy, worship, real presence, priesthood, and many other views all have very Catholic foundations. Catholicism has forever impacted the way I view these things. There are, however, certain particular issues that I do disagree on. Most are not theological disagreements but social and ecclesiastical disagreements.

I did not mean to insult the religion it’s self. I love Catholicism. I love Catholics. I just don’t think I’d make a good one. lol

Sorry if I offended anyone. I tried my best to not come off as offensive.

**Edit: (I would like to note that I am not completely sure on this subject. I still retain an open mind to becoming Catholic. I would just need more information and much guidance on how I could reconcile some of my beliefs with the church first, before becoming Catholic. I just wanted to say, however, my mind is still open to the possibility)

To sum it up: I don’t have a problem with becoming Catholic. I would have to work on reconciling our differences though. **

 

[Katrina5]

I am not sure that was sarcastic. I think it is very true. Many Catholics have lost sight of the reason for the Sacrifice of the Mass, and are suffering from itching ears and want to stimulate themselves, rather than be present at the foot of the cross.

I can be sarcastic…

I also know a LOT of people who are in churches that are side shows, in my opinion.
One happens to be my sister, and we have talked this to death. I do not try to bring her back to the RCC, because she “enjoys” (her word) her Sunday morning experience too much.

We have discussed the Eucharist, sola Scriptura, apostolic succesion, etc., but when it comes right down to it, it has NOTHING to do with any of the doctrines or faith, it has EVERYTHING to do with being “bored” in a Catholic mass, and “being entertained” at her pentecostal church.

She has been so “media-ized” that she thinks the mass is not a “good worship style.” Yes, STYLE.

She has tried to understand my point of view, or at least pretends to. She was raised Catholic, by the way. She asked me if saints were “celebrities”, and that was the last straw for me.

The TV evangelists and protestant Gospel singers have stolen her heart from the True Presence. When she was Catholic, she was a very superstitious type of Catholic, with the seeing Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich kind of piety that is superficial.

She has her TV on the protestant preacher channels 24/7, so her mind is stuck there.

This has been very hard for me, and it comes out when I’m writing on here. It offends some, and I’m really sorry.

 

[danonwaveland]

**To sum it up: I don’t have a problem with becoming Catholic. I would have to work on reconciling our differences though. **

Again, may our Lord’s Holy Spirit guide you on your journey. Continue to pray over the differences you have with the RC, asking for understanding and keep the Lord front and center, as we all must do.

The abortion thing. . . that’s gonna be a big problem, as you know. Read up on the issue at priestsforlife.org/ . There’s no logical or scientific way to believe that the life inside of a pregnant woman is anything but a baby. But that’s another issue and another thread.

Keep visiting CAF and keep us in your prayers. You will be in ours’.

God bless,
Dan

 

[ImReallyNice]

Again, may our Lord’s Holy Spirit guide you on your journey. Continue to pray over the differences you have with the RC, asking for understanding and keep the Lord front and center, as we all must do.

The abortion thing. . . that’s gonna be a big problem, as you know. Read up on the issue at priestsforlife.org/ . There’s no logical or scientific way to believe that the life inside of a pregnant woman is anything but a baby. But that’s another issue and another thread.

Keep visiting CAF and keep us in your prayers. You will be in ours’.

God bless,
Dan

Thank you. You seem to genuinely care, rather than just hope to debate.

If I may ask, what I meant by reconcile, is it possible to be a pro-choice Catholic?

EditBTW, that website is quite sickening. ****