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

[JoeShlabotnik]

There are many Catholics who seem to have some sort of modern-day pharisee complex.

I respectfully disagree.
Maybe for some, it is about lovingly walking with your neighbors. But for others it is about judging and pointing fingers.

 

[TMC]

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

Well, this seems like an entirely different thing to me. Certainly many (most?) Church teachings are open to a degree of interpretation - the application of any teaching in any specific situation almost always requires some degree of discretion. But I don’t see why you would be the authority on that interpretation over against another lay person, or especially against clergy. Differences in how to apply Church teaching have always existed, and likely always will.

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 agree with this, but how is one to make that determination? If someone believes in good faith that they are applying their conscience, and are not acting out of ignorance or self interest, who am I (or you) to say differently?

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.

This I cannot agree with. I understand why clergy may not want to investigate every “error” you report to them. And I don’t understand how you can say that your personal judgment that a particular Catholic is in error, or even a “closet Protestant” is not about blame or judgment. I understand that you feel justified in judging those people, but if that is not judgment, what is?

 

[Ammi]

Well, this seems like an entirely different thing to me. Certainly many (most?) Church teachings are open to a degree of interpretation - the application of any teaching in any specific situation almost always requires some degree of discretion. But I don’t see why you would be the authority on that interpretation over against another lay person, or especially against clergy. Differences in how to apply Church teaching have always existed, and likely always will.

I dont have authority. And I dont require anyone to agree with me about interpretations of Teaching. But its healthy for the whole Church to strive for agreement. Some interpret things extremely liberally. This is where Church Fathers, Saints, and Bishops should be studied to come to mutual agreements.

I agree with this, but how is one to make that determination? If someone believes in good faith that they are applying their conscience, and are not acting out of ignorance or self interest, who am I (or you) to say differently?

Sure, as long as it’s not violating Church Teachings to the point of harm to the faithful.

This I cannot agree with. I understand why clergy may not want to investigate every “error” you report to them.

I have personally “reported” only about two matters to my pastors. And these matters were grave, and causing scandal to my children, while the perpetrator refused to stop or meet with anyone else, but receiving Euchatist.

And I don’t understand how you can say that your personal judgment that a particular Catholic is in error, or even a “closet Protestant” is not about blame or judgment. I understand that you feel justified in judging those people, but if that is not judgment, what is?

The purpose is stopping abuse, not judging someone. Judgment, is for the Church. St Paul relates that the Church is to judge those inside the Church. This is for her own protection from corruption within. When this is neglected, corruption develops a stronghold. We are currently under a stronghold of corrupt spirits because that lack of judgment.

There have been times that the Church placed a disproportionate emphasis on judgement and lacked instruction and kindness. Now, we lack conviction, admonishment, accountability, and judgment.

 

[NoelFitz]

Has this post drifted from its original purpose?
Is Humanae Vitae one of the main reasons for Catholics not following Church Teaching?

 

[annem]

find nothing loving or charitable about pointing out the sins of others.

I have sympathy with your response, but the Bible is clear about the need to admonish sinners.

For most of us, praying for the sinner is usually the best.

 

[Ammi]

I think that comment severely lacks an appreciation of how many sins violate other people and the faith in general.

For example, a Catholic mother trying to influence her married daughter to get a sterilization. The husband has a right and duty to say,

“Excuse me, but you are out of line. That is forbidden by the Church. Please dont encourage that to my wife.”

Then mother in law defends position and argues it is justified.

Husband says, “Can we invite the pastor to this discussion?”

This is respectful and responsible admonishment.

Husband has no intention or desire to judge MIL, but only to stop the behavior. He doesnt need to go running to some source of authority before admonishing, or find a holier person. He can say it’s wrong and ask to stop. If its rejected, he can invite others from the Church. If MIL rejects the Church, the Church should say, “Dont come up for Eucharist, you are seriously at odds with the faith.”

 

[Emeraldlady]

Again, some advice. The situation you have described is one that should be being addressed in counselling, not by brow beating and bullying the person. It’s the very situation where the Church would recommend you step away and pray for the other party. You can’t force another person to change using bullying and shame. That does more harm than good to everyone concerned. It’s not unusual for people to re find their faith when a sudden disaster comes into their life, but you cannot use the Church as another tool to control the situation.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.

 

[Ammi]

What!!?? That is not bullying and brow beating at all! You are way off base. That is admonishing (in a respectful manner) a Catholic who is being aggressive towards another Catholic, and encouraging sin, while defending it. What gives you the impression this person is going to go into counselling together? That’s ridiculous.

Sorry, but I’m gonna have to finish my replies with you. I strongly disagree with your adamant intention to discourage admonishment, and distorting it to appear wicked.

 

[Emeraldlady]

A person can take a situation to counselling alone.