Have you explored other religions?

[Cinette]

Cinette, that is quite a generalization to say Protestants say we are evil.

And just seems to me we share a unity in our belief in a Risen Christ and in professing Him Lord and Savior with our Protestant brothers and sisters. Which we don’t quite share with our Jewish friends. But if you feel more of a special affection for our Jewish friends than for our fellow Chrsitians, then that’s how you feel I guess. God bless us all. Peace.

*I learn a lot from Protestants and I acknowledge they are always challenging us and keep us on our toes - or have I not said that on this thread??

*

 

[Julia1996]

*I learn a lot from Protestants and I acknowledge they are always challenging us and keep us on our toes - or have I not said that on this thread??

*

Then could it be said that it is a good thing that some people have a different opinion than the one you hold. And it is good that there are people who do not believe that the Catholic Church is not the one true church? Because without these people challenging you, you would never explore, or at least not to the extent that you do now?

I think that the whole point of making non-Catholics welcome on CAF is that they keep the Catholics on their toes. Or was the point to try to convert people like me?

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Julia1996,

What an interesting point…

I think that the whole point of making non-Catholics welcome on CAF is that they keep the Catholics on their toes. Or was the point to try to convert people like me?

I do not see these elements as mutually exclusive… The very fact that you are here and posting says that you have an interest in what is going on here. And, honestly, I see that as healthy.

God bless

 

[Cinette]

Then could it be said that it is a good thing that some people have a different opinion than the one you hold. And it is good that there are people who do not believe that the Catholic Church is not the one true church? Because without these people challenging you, you would never explore, or at least not to the extent that you do now?

I think that the whole point of making non-Catholics welcome on CAF is that they keep the Catholics on their toes. * I think you are being facetious.* Or was the point to try to convert people like me?

*What would you prefer - to embrace the Church Jesus founded and the graces of the Sacraments or to stay on the outside?

Faith is not a matter of opinion. I do seriously appreciate many Protestants and their (name removed by moderator)ut (many of them convert or haven’t you noticed?) They make great Catholics.

Cinette*

 

[Julia1996]

*What would you prefer - to embrace the Church Jesus founded and the graces of the Sacraments or to stay on the outside?

Faith is not a matter of opinion. I do seriously appreciate many Protestants and their (name removed by moderator)ut (many of them convert or haven’t you noticed?) They make great Catholics.

Cinette*

I would like to be part of a Church that teaches the truth. I would like to be part of a Church that doesn’t change its mind. I hope I don’t offend any Protestants by saying so, but I don’t think that my Church (Episcopal) is right in blessing gay marriages. That is why I came to CAF. I would like to find out more about Catholicism. That said, I am not yet entirely convinced that the Catholic Church is 100% right.

I know that Faith is not a matter of opinion. That argument can be used in any direction. Even though many, many Catholics believe that their Church is the one true church, they might be wrong. I am glad that you appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut of Protestants, however flawed you consider their views. I have noticed that many Protestants who convert make very good Catholics (my uncle for one).

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Julia1996,

I, too, would like you to be part of a Chruch that not only teaches the Truth but was established by Christ as His Church (Matt 16:18).

Now, maybe others may disagree with me, but I do not not know if it is possible to convince you about “…the Catholic Church is 100% right…” in the same sense that convincing you about 2 + 2 = 4 is the right mathematical answer. Ultimately, we either have Faith that Christ is leading us to His Father in Heaven through the Church He founded on Peter and Peter’s Successor (Benedict XVI latest successor to the Chair of St. Peter)… or we don’t.

Seriously, if you look at the consistency of teaching doctrine - for example, the Catholic Church has consistently preached against homosexual activities for 2,000 years.

If the Catholic Church were of human origin - it would have fragmented into the tens of thousands of denominations you see with present day protestantism… But, this is not the case - same doctrine (Baptism necessary for salvation, Real Presence, a consecrated priesthood, delegated Power of God to forgive men’s sins, etc.) for 2,000. Those are the facts.

Just a suggestion, you may be able to get a solid response from your uncle - both with regards to his life’s beliefs before he converted to the Catholic Faith and now that he has been faithfully following Catholic teachings as he lives his Faith.

Now, if you have some specific questions, just ask - I think you will be very impressed with the knowledged and wisdom given in response to your inquiries. This is a very focused group - and I think you will find it to be a source of inspiration and reverance.

God bless

I would like to be part of a Church that teaches the truth. I would like to be part of a Church that doesn’t change its mind. I hope I don’t offend any Protestants by saying so, but I don’t think that my Church (Episcopal) is right in blessing gay marriages. That is why I came to CAF. I would like to find out more about Catholicism. That said, I am not yet entirely convinced that the Catholic Church is 100% right.

I know that Faith is not a matter of opinion. That argument can be used in any direction. Even though many, many Catholics believe that their Church is the one true church, they might be wrong. I am glad that you appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut of Protestants, however flawed you consider their views. I have noticed that many Protestants who convert make very good Catholics (my uncle for one).

 

[Julia1996]

Hi, Julia1996,

I, too, would like you to be part of a Chruch that not only teaches the Truth but was established by Christ as His Church (Matt 16:18).

Now, maybe others may disagree with me, but I do not not know if it is possible to convince you about “…the Catholic Church is 100% right…” in the same sense that convincing you about 2 + 2 = 4 is the right mathematical answer. Ultimately, we either have Faith that Christ is leading us to His Father in Heaven through the Church He founded on Peter and Peter’s Successor (Benedict XVI latest successor to the Chair of St. Peter)… or we don’t.
Most of the Catholics I have talked to could not convince me that the Catholic Church is 100% right. That said, I could not convince them that my Church is 100% right, either. So the Catholic Church is founded on Peter and Peter’s Successor? If that is the case, is it still possible that the Church has changed over time and is no longer as right as it was?
Seriously, if you look at the consistency of teaching doctrine - for example, the Catholic Church has consistently preached against homosexual activities for 2,000 years.
But they changed their mind about eating meat on Fridays for the whole year.

If the Catholic Church were of human origin - it would have fragmented into the tens of thousands of denominations you see with present day protestantism… But, this is not the case - same doctrine (Baptism necessary for salvation, Real Presence, a consecrated priesthood, delegated Power of God to forgive men’s sins, etc.) for 2,000. Those are the facts.
The Catholic Church can also be seen as fragmented, after all, the Protestants split from the Catholic Church. What is “Real Presence”? What is meant by consecrated priesthood?
Just a suggestion, you may be able to get a solid response from your uncle - both with regards to his life’s beliefs before he converted to the Catholic Faith and now that he has been faithfully following Catholic teachings as he lives his Faith.

Now, if you have some specific questions, just ask - I think you will be very impressed with the knowledged and wisdom given in response to your inquiries. This is a very focused group - and I think you will find it to be a source of inspiration and reverance.
I am already impressed with how straightforward and convincing the answers to my questions have been.
God bless

What do people who are trapped between religious denominations usually do? What should they do? What I mean is, for someone like me, who with my family is Protestant and has been baptized in a Protestant Church, but agrees with some of the Catholic teachings, yet not all, wouldn’t it be unwise for them to decide to join the Catholic Church without believing everything? Wouldn’t it be better to stay with Protestantism and not create a rift within the family?

 

[Cinette]

I would like to be part of a Church that teaches the truth. I would like to be part of a Church that doesn’t change its mind. I hope I don’t offend any Protestants by saying so, but I don’t think that my Church (Episcopal) is right in blessing gay marriages. That is why I came to CAF. I would like to find out more about Catholicism. That said, I am not yet entirely convinced that the Catholic Church is 100% right.

I know that Faith is not a matter of opinion. That argument can be used in any direction. Even though many, many Catholics believe that their Church is the one true church, they might be wrong. I am glad that you appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut of Protestants, however flawed you consider their views. I have noticed that many Protestants who convert make very good Catholics (my uncle for one).

*If you seek truth you are looking in the right place. Some people look at fellowship (may not be as you are familiar with), culture (this will vary from parish to parish) - you may not feel comfortable as the CC challenges you (many Cafetaria Catholics do their own thing!!) - I agree with Tom that you should consult your Uncle. At the end of the day pray and let the H Spirit lead you - your response to the Holy Spirit is everything.

God love you
Cinette*

 

[Cinette]

What do people who are trapped between religious denominations usually do? What should they do? What I mean is, for someone like me, who with my family is Protestant and has been baptized in a Protestant Church, but agrees with some of the Catholic teachings, yet not all, wouldn’t it be unwise for them to decide to join the Catholic Church without believing everything? Wouldn’t it be better to stay with Protestantism and not create a rift within the family?

*If you have to choose between your family and Christ who would you choose?

My husband attended Mass with me for 11 years before he converted. In about the 9th year he attended some classes with two other Protestants but did not join them when they were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and he said it was because he could not answer yes to the question “Do you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches?” Someone said to him that if he believed 70% that was enough as he could work through the rest in time - that he should take a leap of Faith. He did that and from that day he found that all the questions were answered - he now is a daily communicant and is enthralled with the Church (he was atheist by the way).

It is a sad truth that you take a risk if you just consult any Catholic as there are many who are not properly catechized. Not many people (including those of other denominations) feel it necessary to really learn about their faith. I am sorry to say this but if I were to prepare a questionaire of 10 basic questions on the CC and hand it to people as they come out of Mass on a Sunday, there might be many who will not be able to respond correctly. Some are just cultural Catholics who just like the “feel”.

Having said that people today are still better informed about their faith than in the past. Its like us who read up on health and medicine. Doctors can no longer prescribe or give an injection and send us on our way. We want questions answered and need to understand why - we need to understand our bodies Doctors know this and some don’t like it!!

Blessings
Cinette
*

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Julia1996,

You have presented an interesting set of questions. Let me offer some ideas and you see what makes the most sense to you…

What do people who are trapped between religious denominations usually do? What should they do?

The idea of being ‘trapped between religious denominations’ sets the stage for how you are feeling - and, this can be very unsettling - both emotionally and intellectually. The very first thing is stop identifying with being in a ‘trap’. God is not trying to ‘trap’ you - but, He is trying to get your attention.

I have no idea what people ‘usually’ do - but, what they SHOULD do is seek the light while it is around - leave no stone unturned in your question for the Truth, and then say the prayer of St. Augustine who wanted more Faith so he could understand - not more understanding so he could have more Faith.

What I mean is, for someone like me, who with my family is Protestant and has been baptized in a Protestant Church, but agrees with some of the Catholic teachings, yet not all,

I think at this point you should provide specific examples and not use generalities. Just what doctrine(s) are you having trouble with to the extent that you can not fully embrace the Catholic Faith. If ever there was a list that can answer your questions, you are on it!

…wouldn’t it be unwise for them to decide to join the Catholic Church without believing everything?

While CAF is an excellent list, Julia1996, this may be the time to make an appointment with the Catholic priest closest to where you live and tell him what you are thinking. I think so actual face-time would be important in helping you resolve the issues that are a real burden on your heart.

…Wouldn’t it be better to stay with Protestantism and not create a rift within the family?

And, it is at this point that we have added another variable into inquiry of yours. Fortunately, Christ encountered an individual who had a similar concern - and the response is recorded in Matthew 10:32-38. Here are Christ’s words:

**32
Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.
33
But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.
34
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.
35
For I have come to set a man ‘against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
36
and one’s enemies will be those of his household.’
37
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
38
and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. **

God bless

 

[Julia1996]

*If you seek truth you are looking in the right place. Some people look at fellowship (may not be as you are familiar with), culture (this will vary from parish to parish) - you may not feel comfortable as the CC challenges you (many Cafetaria Catholics do their own thing!!) - I agree with Tom that you should consult your Uncle. At the end of the day pray and let the H Spirit lead you - your response to the Holy Spirit is everything.

God love you
Cinette*

Thank you, Cinette.

I will pray and see where that leads me.

What are Cafetaria Catholics?

 

[Julia1996]

*If you have to choose between your family and Christ who would you choose?

That is a hard decision, especially for someone my age (I’m 13). I guess if it really came down to that, I would choose Christ. I just wish I could have both.*

My husband attended Mass with me for 11 years before he converted. In about the 9th year he attended some classes with two other Protestants but did not join them when they were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and he said it was because he could not answer yes to the question “Do you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches?” Someone said to him that if he believed 70% that was enough as he could work through the rest in time - that he should take a leap of Faith. He did that and from that day he found that all the questions were answered - he now is a daily communicant and is enthralled with the Church (he was atheist by the way).

11 years. That is a long time. I am glad that your husband found Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. I am also glad that he is enthralled with the Church. You do have a point there. Maybe I should think about conversion, but I think it would be better to wait until I am 18. If I take a leap in Faith (since I already believe 70%) and then later find out that I can’t work through the rest, and all my questions are not answered, then wouldn’t that make a bigger problem than the one I had to begin with?

It is a sad truth that you take a risk if you just consult any Catholic as there are many who are not properly catechized. Not many people (including those of other denominations) feel it necessary to really learn about their faith. I am sorry to say this but if I were to prepare a questionaire of 10 basic questions on the CC and hand it to people as they come out of Mass on a Sunday, there might be many who will not be able to respond correctly. Some are just cultural Catholics who just like the “feel”.

I know what you mean. When I started to consider the Catholic Faith, I asked my Catholic friends about a lot of the teachings of the Church. Most of the time they couldn’t answer my questions. Then, I joined CAF to find the answers to my questions.

Having said that people today are still better informed about their faith than in the past. Its like us who read up on health and medicine. Doctors can no longer prescribe or give an injection and send us on our way. We want questions answered and need to understand why - we need to understand our bodies Doctors know this and some don’t like it!!


Blessings
Cinette

 

[Julia1996]

tqualey,

That is an interesting point you brought up about having Faith to understand, not having understanding to gain Faith. I will try to remember that. How do you gain Faith without understanding? Then there is no way to prove to yourself that what you believe is correct.

Who is St. Augustine? What is the prayer of St. Augustine?

Some of the things I don’t understand are Real Presence, Communion of Saints and Apostolic Succession.

Some of the things I don’t believe in are Purgatory, Papal Infallibility, Eternal Virginity of Mary and penance for the forgiveness of sin.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will arrange to see a Catholic priest.

Thanks for the quote, it really cleared the issue up for me.

Julia

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Julia1996,

Glad to be of help… Now, let me see if I can point you toward some good links.

tqualey,

That is an interesting point you brought up about having Faith to understand, not having understanding to gain Faith. I will try to remember that. How do you gain Faith without understanding? Then there is no way to prove to yourself that what you believe is correct.

Hold on a minutei, Julia1996, don’t jump to conclusions. While the natural man can come to a realization that there is a God Who created everything - the unaided mind can not come to a Faith that this is a Personal God - and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity took on Flesh and died for This takes a base line level of Faith - without this, there can be no progress. So, if you believe that Christ became man, suffered, died was burried and then rose from the dead - and that He can not deceive or be deceived - then everything we move forward with will enhance our belief in God’s Love for us. Our growing understanding is that the OT is God’s promise of a Redeemer and the NT is that God has fulfilled His Promise to us. We really can push understanding too far - because - we are simply overwhelmed by this Tremendous Love that God has for each of us - and, this is really a mystery.

Who is St. Augustine? What is the prayer of St. Augustine?

Here are a couple of links that you may want to read about this tremendous Friend of God - his mother, St. Monica, had an interestig life, too, and I would recommend you read about her incredible perseverance in prayer.

newadvent.org/cathen/02084a.htm

catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=418

And, these links just scratch the surface - you can spend years just reading the works of St. Augustine. He was an incredibly brillant mind that was a light to the early Catholic Church.

Some of the things I don’t understand are

Real Presence, catholic.com/library/Real_Presence.asp

Communion of Saints and http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1999/9902clas.asp

Apostolic Succession. http://www.catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Succession.asp

Try these links and see how the Church’s teachings on these topics brings the message of Christ and His Salvation to each of us.

Some of the things I don’t believe in are Purgatory, Papal Infallibility, Eternal Virginity of Mary and penance for the forgiveness of sin.

I tell you what, I think I have taught you how to ‘fish’ … you look up these topics for yourself using a Catholic site (you won’t learn much about the Catholic Faith from a protestant source, eh? ) I think you will find a treasure of information at www.catholic.com - but, see what you can find out for yourself.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will arrange to see a Catholic priest.

Thanks for the quote, it really cleared the issue up for me.

Julia

God bless your efforts - and believe me you are on a road to Jesus Christ like no other road you have been on before!

God bless

 

[Cinette]

Thank you, Cinette.

I will pray and see where that leads me.

What are Cafetaria Catholics?

*Cafeteria Catholics are those who look at the Doctrines of the Church and say "Hmmm…no I don’t like that one, That one is OK, and tick off their likes and dislikes like a Menu and reject for example that abortion is a sin. They will go to communion without going to confession and some of these people are public figures who support many things that the Church rejects. The Bishops in America have had to ask these people to refrain from presenting themselves for Holy Communion because this is a grave sin (1 Cor 11:27 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord”) These are strong and serious words. Imagine, if it were just a symbol it would not require that Jesus would call attention in such a manner.

Cinette*

 

[Cinette]

Julia1996:
*You are a very wise and spirited little girl. At 13 to express yourself in the way you do is extraordinary. I think you have answered your question…to wait until you are 18. Hmmm…wait a minute I am going to make a suggestion. Get the autobiography of St Therese of Lisieux. The Autobiography of a Saint. She is called “The little flower”. You make me think of her. It is 3.25am and I have a huge bookshelf and I just can’t go searching now but if you go to a bookstore they will know.

I will say this Julia. For a 13 year old to decide to take this journey of faith is really wonderful and shows that you are Spirit-filled. Keep praying for the Spirit to guide you and don’t allow yourself to be distracted. At the same time be obedient and loving to your parents. This is important.

God love you
Cinette*

 

[Cinette]

tqualey,

That is an interesting point you brought up about having Faith to understand, not having understanding to gain Faith. I will try to remember that. How do you gain Faith without understanding? Then there is no way to prove to yourself that what you believe is correct.

Who is St. Augustine? What is the prayer of St. Augustine?

Some of the things I don’t understand are Real Presence, Communion of Saints and Apostolic Succession.

Some of the things I don’t believe in are Purgatory, Papal Infallibility, Eternal Virginity of Mary and penance for the forgiveness of sin.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will arrange to see a Catholic priest.

Thanks for the quote, it really cleared the issue up for me.

Julia

*The Catholic priest might tell you to come back when you are 18!

Get yourself a book called “Answer me this” by Patrick Madrid. That is a good start and will answer a lot of your questions. Then come back to CAF and tell us what you think!

God love you
Cinette*

 

[Julia1996]

*Cafeteria Catholics are those who look at the Doctrines of the Church and say "Hmmm…no I don’t like that one, That one is OK, and tick off their likes and dislikes like a Menu and reject for example that abortion is a sin. They will go to communion without going to confession and some of these people are public figures who support many things that the Church rejects. The Bishops in America have had to ask these people to refrain from presenting themselves for Holy Communion because this is a grave sin (1 Cor 11:27 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord”) These are strong and serious words. Imagine, if it were just a symbol it would not require that Jesus would call attention in such a manner.

Cinette*

Hmmm… Is Cafeteria Catholics another word for Protestant Church?

My Church seems to say yes to everything. Abortion is fine, homosexual marriages are blessed by the Church like normal marriages. You get the idea.

 

[Julia1996]

Quoted from tqualey:

Hi, Julia1996,

Glad to be of help… Now, let me see if I can point you toward some good links.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Julia1996 View Post
tqualey,

That is an interesting point you brought up about having Faith to understand, not having understanding to gain Faith. I will try to remember that. How do you gain Faith without understanding? Then there is no way to prove to yourself that what you believe is correct.

Hold on a minutei, Julia1996, don’t jump to conclusions. While the natural man can come to a realization that there is a God Who created everything - the unaided mind can not come to a Faith that this is a Personal God - and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity took on Flesh and died for This takes a base line level of Faith - without this, there can be no progress. So, if you believe that Christ became man, suffered, died was burried and then rose from the dead - and that He can not deceive or be deceived - then everything we move forward with will enhance our belief in God’s Love for us. Our growing understanding is that the OT is God’s promise of a Redeemer and the NT is that God has fulfilled His Promise to us. We really can push understanding too far - because - we are simply overwhelmed by this Tremendous Love that God has for each of us - and, this is really a mystery.

As a Protestant, I do believe that Christ became man, suffered, died and was buried and then rose from the dead. I believe that he can’t be deceived. What do you mean when you say that he can’t deceive? I thought that God was Almighty?

Who is St. Augustine? What is the prayer of St. Augustine?

Here are a couple of links that you may want to read about this tremendous Friend of God - his mother, St. Monica, had an interestig life, too, and I would recommend you read about her incredible perseverance in prayer.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02084a.htm

catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=418

And, these links just scratch the surface - you can spend years just reading the works of St. Augustine. He was an incredibly brillant mind that was a light to the early Catholic Church.

I read the links you provided, and I must say that I am amazed by St. Augustine. He and his mother are very inspiring.

What are the requirements to become a saint? Some people say that they must perform miracles, while some insist that living a holy life will suffice.

Can saints be decanonized? Someone told me that the Catholic Church decanonized many of the Saints. But the fact that I can’t find any mention of such a movement, and that the word “decanonized” shows up as a mispelled word, makes me wonder if this is true.

Some of the things I don’t understand are

Real Presence, catholic.com/library/Real_Presence.asp

Communion of Saints and catholic.com/thisrock/1999/9902clas.asp

Apostolic Succession. catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Succession.asp

Try these links and see how the Church’s teachings on these topics brings the message of Christ and His Salvation to each of us.

Thank you. I understand these concepts much better now.

Some of the things I don’t believe in are Purgatory, Papal Infallibility, Eternal Virginity of Mary and penance for the forgiveness of sin.

I tell you what, I think I have taught you how to ‘fish’ … you look up these topics for yourself using a Catholic site (you won’t learn much about the Catholic Faith from a protestant source, eh? ) I think you will find a treasure of information at www.catholic.com - but, see what you can find out for yourself.

Good point. A protestant source I found told me that the Pope was the anti-Christ. They backed it up with some sources but I still don’t see how the Pope is the anti-Christ. I will make sure that whatever I look at is a reliable Catholic source.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will arrange to see a Catholic priest.

Thanks for the quote, it really cleared the issue up for me.

Julia
God bless your efforts - and believe me you are on a road to Jesus Christ like no other road you have been on before!


This particular road seems very difficult to travel and very lonely. Thank you, tqualey and Cinette for backing me up on this.
God bless

 

[Julia1996]

You are a very wise and spirited little girl.
Wise? That is the first time I’ve heard that. Thanks.
At 13 to express yourself in the way you do is extraordinary.
Thank you again.
I think you have answered your question…to wait until you are 18.
I think that it might be best to wait until I am 18. But I wanted to hear what other people had to say about it. I don’t really know what is right. And I am worried that I am waiting until I am 18 for the wrong reasons.
Hmmm…wait a minute I am going to make a suggestion. Get the autobiography of St Therese of Lisieux. The Autobiography of a Saint. She is called “The little flower”. You make me think of her. It is 3.25am and I have a huge bookshelf and I just can’t go searching now but if you go to a bookstore they will know.
I have heard of St Therese of Lisieux. I will be sure to read “The Autobiography of a Saint”.
Thank you for posting all this for me even though it is 3:25 in the morning. It is only 12:30 (just after midnight) here and I am already a bit tired.:compcoff:

I will say this Julia. For a 13 year old to decide to take this journey of faith is really wonderful and shows that you are Spirit-filled. Keep praying for the Spirit to guide you and don’t allow yourself to be distracted. At the same time be obedient and loving to your parents. This is important.
Is it that uncommon among 13 year olds to realize that their Faith is flawed? What does Spirit-filled mean? Baptized?
What kind of distractions should I watch out for?
If my parents oppose my belief in the Catholic Faith, yet I still continue to search for answers, then would it be considered to be breaking the commandment about obeying one’s parents? In this case would being obedient to my parents and being obedient to God mutually exclusive?
God love you
Cinette

Thank you once again, Cinette and tqualey for taking the time and patience to explain all this to me. You have been a lot of help.:bounce::hug1:


Julia