How come so many Catholics don't follow Church Teachings?

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Passing the buck. But usually those in authority decline.
 
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CilladeRoma said:
How about the sin of pride?
You seem to think that only your opinion on this subject is correct, so…
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Seems like you might be trying to admonish here.

Believing something and standing by it doesnt necessarily mean pride and sin
 
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MagdalenaRita said:
Seems like you might be trying to admonish here.
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No, (s)he asked the question. I gave a possible answer.

Now, if I would have, just out of the blue, said he was being prideful because he felt that his interpretation of what “fraternal correction” is was the only correct interpretation and anyone who disagrees is wrong, well, that would be admonishment.

Hopefully this illustrates the subtleties that are involved with the topic.
 
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CilladeRoma said:
(s)he asked the question. I gave a possible answer.
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In all charity, I think we will have to agree to disagree here. Standing by one’s beliefs isn’t necessarily prideful or a sin.

God bless.
 
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Are you are accusing the Church of “passing the buck” when it comes to how to apply fraternal correction?
 
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I didn’t say it was. What are you talking about?
 
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…I’m referring to your answer that he was sinning with pride because he believed he was correct
CilladeRoma said:
How about the sin of pride?
You seem to think that only your opinion on this subject is correct, so…
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I was not the only one with the opinion that admonishment is in many times a duty of all Christians, and that it is an act of mercy.

Several posters seem to attempt to discourage the work, or claim only those in authority should do so.

I havent described how to admonish at all, except that it should be done out of brotherly love. There can be a wide range of situations and methods to warn someone of offence towards others.
 
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Ammi asked a question. I suggested an answer. I even gave an example of why I came to that conclusion.
I did not accuse Ammo of anything. If he did not want answers to his question, why ask it?
 
Ammi said:
…except that it should be done out of brotherly love. There can be a wide range of situations and methods to warn someone of offence towards others.
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Yes, I agree. There are definitely times when we need to say something. As you say definitely with discernment and love.
 
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None of which I, or as far as I know anyone else, has denied.

No one has said fraternal correction is not important, or that it is not a duty of all Catholics to help each other.

However, the Church, in her wisdom, says we should proceed with caution lest we cause more harm than good. And that is what I don’t see in many of the opinions on the topic.
 
In this case, as I believe I have already said, yes, a spouse has a right and a duty to admonish the spouse.

ETA: Remember though, just as the grieved spouse has a duty and right to admonish the other, the spouse does not have to change, nor care how the other feels. One always has to be willing to accept that, and not push further. You have done what you can.
 
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The example that you’ve given isn’t a good representation of how fraternal correction can be justified. It would be a very uniquely holy person who could correct a cheating spouse with the detachment and empathy that signifies brotherly love. So if that is what you think fraternal correction means, I would advise you even more strongly not to pull the devil card on such a person thinking you are going about things in the way Christ meant.
 
Actually, I think it’s a legitimate question. The Church has changed so much as old traditions fall by the wayside. People get confused about what is right/correct and what isn’t. It’s not trying to “police” others actions. There was no judgement being made.
 
Thanks for your opinion. But I will follow Scripture and the Church. Jesus and St Paul encourage admonishing. I am humble to receive admonishing when I am wrong. I am willing to go before the Church with whomever cares for me and the faith. When someone who is in conflict with another Christian refuses to resolve the issue within the Church, they are acting like a devil, because they keep to the shadows and perpetuate harm.
 
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Ammi said:
Struggling with accepting a Teaching, while learning about it is normal.

Rejecting, disobeying, or telling others that it’s wrong is not ok.

There is a big difference
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It’s not about what is “OK” or not “OK.” Every person must follow their conscience. Where a Catholic’s conscience conflicts with the Church’s teaching, that person has an obligation to try to make sure they understand the teaching and to reconcile the conflict. If a person understands the teaching and still cannot reconcile with their conscience, they must follow their conscience. That does not mean they are not Catholic any more. A conflict in conscience may eventually lead someone to leave the Church, but generally they do not. Many Catholics, the vast majority in my view, have some conflict or issue with one Church teaching or another.

I agree that it is wrong to misstate Church teaching or to try to convince Catholics that the Church teaches differently than it does. If you look at my posting history over the many years I have been here, you will see that is probably the thing I comment on the most. It is not wrong to discuss Church teachings among Catholics, including discussing one’s own doubts or concerns with Church teaching. How else do we learn, grow and develop?
 
I dont really disagree.

When a Catholic, who is sincere and receiving Eucharist from the hands of the Catholic Church, has conflict in conscience, they should be searching the truth within the Church.

I have disagreements about how many Catholics, in many positions of authority or not in authority, interpret Church Teachings or laws.

I am willing to discuss these things with clergy. But I dont automatically assume clergy is a final judgment either. They are not the Church.

For example, I’ve been advised to use condoms and poke holes in them by a priest! I kindly asked him if this was permissible for him to advise and to show support. He was unable, so I wrote the diocese. I received an answer from the diocese that contradicted the priest, and I showed the priest.

That is a mature and healthy way to resolve conflict. Not to merely trust ourselves over clergy, but to take it to a higher level.

I agree we need to listen to our conscience, which may be our proper conscience compelling us. But it may be our own ignorance or personal opinion.

I have a Spiritual advisor. He is very respected within the Church. He has encouraged me twice to report priests to the Bishop!

As for lay Catholics, when I’ve been in conflict with them over Teachings, I ask to meet with a pastor or someone respected in the Church. They usually refuse. And if you tell a priest, they will not even invite that person to talk! They just shrink away. So this is why we have so many Catholics with various beliefs and rejection of Teachings. We dont raise the issues with the Church in order to resolve them.

It’s not about blame or judgment, but having one mind and agreement over what we believe, and not containing closet Protestants within the Church.
 
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Ammi said:
As for lay Catholics, when I’ve been in conflict with them over Teachings, I ask to meet with a pastor or someone respected in the Church. They usually refuse. And if you tell a priest, they will not even invite that person to talk! They just shrink away. So this is why we have so many Catholics with various beliefs and rejection of Teachings. We dont raise the issues with the Church in order to resolve them.
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But, this is not your job.
Why would you take it upon yourself to bring someone else’s issue to a priest, especially when that person already told you they don’t care to discuss it further with you?

I would not do anything either, if I were a priest.

This is not “fraternal correction”.
 
How do you know?

If it directly harms me, another person, or scandalizes others . . . it is my right and duty!

This supersedes . . . attempts to discourage Catholics from practicing an act of mercy.
 
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