I am Confused and Overwhelmed by the Faith

[jesusalright4me]

Hello everyone! A little bit of a background, I am a sophomore in college. I got serious about my faith around junior year of high school. I was really deep in sin and one night I just opened the Bible and came to Christ. Back when I was really serious about my faith, I was so excited. Everything was so simple, I simply read my Bible, prayed my Chaplet of Divine Mercy (for some reason that became a favorite of mine), and just believed in Christ as my savior. Plus, I was learning so much new stuff about the faith, so it was an exciting time for me.

After a few years of constantly consulting Catholic Answers on nearly everything and surrounding myself with many different Catholic books (much of which I have yet to read), I feel slightly exhausted. I have read so much on the Church that at times I seem to find different contradictions, which makes me want to research more, which makes me more exhausted. There is also so much that I still don’t understand. What’s worse is that after all this time researching theology, I seem to have actually lost my prayer life with God.

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

 

[StPio]

Hello, I understand how you feel, I go through the same motions, I have a lot of Catholic books still to read which I bought in a hurry as I thought I should learn as much teaching from the Church as possible.
I found it too much and more often than not stick to a few tried and tested methods. If you wish for some advice from me - I would say, stick with the chaplet and the Bible which helped you those years ago to come to Christ (sorry if I have got my timings wrong - I’m English and junior high and sophomore are unknown words to me). If studying, or analysing, is making you feel confused then try memorising a small sentence or phrase from a book, or word, which you could call on during the day as a kind of prayer focus for your mind? if that makes sense…
Also other options including finding a prayer book you are comfortable with and feel inspired to use, which includes a few devotions which are varied enough to expand your prayer life if you wish for that, but repetitive enough so you don’t feel you are always reading or taking on ‘new ideas’ all the time?
I like a missal for following the readings of the day, that is probably one of my main daily
devotions, however I find if I don’t pick up my missal or Bible, as I spend too much time of the web!!, I like the Angelus prayer, a decade of the Rosary and the Divine Praises dotted through out the day and evening.

I hope some of this has helped.

 

[Sarcelle]

Hello everyone! A little bit of a background, I am a sophomore in college. I got serious about my faith around junior year of high school. I was really deep in sin and one night I just opened the Bible and came to Christ. Back when I was really serious about my faith, I was so excited. Everything was so simple, I simply read my Bible, prayed my Chaplet of Divine Mercy (for some reason that became a favorite of mine), and just believed in Christ as my savior. Plus, I was learning so much new stuff about the faith, so it was an exciting time for me.

After a few years of constantly consulting Catholic Answers on nearly everything and surrounding myself with many different Catholic books (much of which I have yet to read), I feel slightly exhausted. I have read so much on the Church that at times I seem to find different contradictions, which makes me want to research more, which makes me more exhausted. There is also so much that I still don’t understand. What’s worse is that after all this time researching theology, I seem to have actually lost my prayer life with God.

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

Hmm, I suggest you go back to the basics. The Catechism of the Catholic church for starters.

If at all possible you might want to get yourself a spiritual advisor, preferably a priest that you respect and like. You may also want to get involved in retreats or bible studies in your local parish.

 

[tawny]

Does your Parish offer an RCIA Program? RCIA is not only for those wanting to enter the Church; but is offered to anyone who wishes to learn more about their faith. Also, do they offer a Bible Study Program lead by a Priest or Deacon? Both are good places to start. Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your time of need.

 

[AKDee]

Hello everyone! A little bit of a background, I am a sophomore in college. I got serious about my faith around junior year of high school. I was really deep in sin and one night I just opened the Bible and came to Christ. Back when I was really serious about my faith, I was so excited. Everything was so simple, I simply read my Bible, prayed my Chaplet of Divine Mercy (for some reason that became a favorite of mine), and just believed in Christ as my savior. Plus, I was learning so much new stuff about the faith, so it was an exciting time for me.

After a few years of constantly consulting Catholic Answers on nearly everything and surrounding myself with many different Catholic books (much of which I have yet to read), I feel slightly exhausted. I have read so much on the Church that at times I seem to find different contradictions, which makes me want to research more, which makes me more exhausted. There is also so much that I still don’t understand. What’s worse is that after all this time researching theology, I seem to have actually lost my prayer life with God.

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

Except for our age difference, I could have written this post!

I’m a new Catholic and did the same thing- tons of books, started reading so much about the Church and watching videos on it that I would literally even have dreams on the topic. I would wake up exhausted because even in sleep it was the same stuff. I began saying a daily rosary and chaplet of divine mercy, praying the 3 o’clock hour, etc. But what I have found is that I feel less close to God. Before becoming Catholic, I spent time every night reading scriptures. But now that time is spent praying the Rosary and while I know that the Rosary leads me to Christ…I miss the scripture reading. My time is finite, so it’s like I can’t do it all.

I am in the process right now of trying to find a more balanced approach- one that keeps me from burning out, but also an appropriate amount of time dedicated to worship of our Lord and learning about Him and His Church.

 

[Buck_Crosswhite]

Hello everyone! A little bit of a background, I am a sophomore in college. I got serious about my faith around junior year of high school. I was really deep in sin and one night I just opened the Bible and came to Christ. Back when I was really serious about my faith, I was so excited. Everything was so simple, I simply read my Bible, prayed my Chaplet of Divine Mercy (for some reason that became a favorite of mine), and just believed in Christ as my savior. Plus, I was learning so much new stuff about the faith, so it was an exciting time for me.

After a few years of constantly consulting Catholic Answers on nearly everything and surrounding myself with many different Catholic books (much of which I have yet to read), I feel slightly exhausted. I have read so much on the Church that at times I seem to find different contradictions, which makes me want to research more, which makes me more exhausted. There is also so much that I still don’t understand. What’s worse is that after all this time researching theology, I seem to have actually lost my prayer life with God.

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

I’ve noticed a lot of people sweat over things that are hard to understand or explain. It’s better to forget studying theology and just go to Mass and say your rosary daily. Leave theology to the theologians and just concentrate on being a good Catholic.

 

[Bookcat]

now that time is spent praying the Rosary and while I know that the Rosary leads me to Christ…I miss the scripture reading. My time is finite, so it’s like I can’t do it all.

I am in the process right now of trying to find a more balanced approach- one that keeps me from burning out, but also an appropriate amount of time dedicated to worship of our Lord and learning about Him and His Churc
.

Not saying “do not pray the rosary”…

But balance things out as you suggested.

Follow that “missing” …doing so will please Our Lady and is what the Church and the Popes (ie Benedict XVI…Pope Francis etc) recommends - exhorts!

Scripture is so so important to read daily. Even if but a small part of one of Paul’s letters.

But yes “balance” – make a “simple” schedule for yourself…

 

[Bookcat]

Any advice?

Rest in the reality of the Church …and know that you do not need to “understand everything yesterday!”…

and come to Jesus in simplicity, faith, hope and love…in prayer…spend more time in prayer and in terms of Scriptures - less study for a while and more prayerful reading - in a simple lectio divina…

 

[Virga]

I have to laugh because that sounds like me!

Sometimes it’s necessary to take a break from CAF, but I keep coming back.
It usually starts with thinking about something…

Then going back and forth about it in my head :frighten:… and my go-to solution…

:newidea: … :compcoff: … :takethat: … :banghead: … :crying:

I hope you can find a good spiritual director to help you.
When overwhelmed with too many thoughts, take a breath and pray an Our Father while taking time to meditate on the words. It summarizes up everything we need for our daily spiritual growth. Jesus taught us this prayer for when we don’t have the right words… and for when we have too many. Stay strong!

 

[Dorothy]

I’ve noticed a lot of people sweat over things that are hard to understand or explain. It’s better to forget studying theology and just go to Mass and say your rosary daily. Leave theology to the theologians and just concentrate on being a good Catholic.

I agree!

For many, there is no need to be too intellectual. We all have different gifts. I know that if I read too much intellectual stuff I feel like my brains have been run over with a steamroller.

And, remember that it is important to have good recreation to rest body, mind, and spirit.

 

[johnnyc176]

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

I would suggest a Catholic Bible study like this free one…

agapebiblestudy.com/index.html

Just pick a book that interests you, print out the lessons as you go and the only other book you will need is the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This way you will read Scripture within the living Tradition of the whole Church and it might help answer questions that you have. But feel free to email the website with any questions and they get right back to you.

 

[robertmidwest]

Are you active in a parish or Newman Center? There is a lot more to faith than books. I think you have things out of balance. Try some fellowship and service work.

 

[peace2u2]

Except for our age difference, I could have written this post!

I am in the process right now of trying to find a more balanced approach- one that keeps me from burning out, but also an appropriate amount of time dedicated to worship of our Lord and learning about Him and His Church.

How about charity? Works of Mercy…I can’t think of a better way to get to know Him better. And remember, we do works of Mercy not because we think we can earn heaven, but because the love of Christ prompts us by His Holy Spirit.

One more thing, try getting up early and spend an hour in prayer with our Lord - any kind of prayer and it can also be a combination of prayer styles. I start with the opening prayer that is prayed before praying the Liturgy of the Hours but made it my own by adding some of my own words:
Lord, Open my lips so that I may praise your Holy Precious Name, Jesus
Cleanse me of any worthless evil or distracting thoughts
and send me Your Wisdom and Love necessary to pray these prayers with
attention, reverence and devotion.
Amen.

 

[oldgraymare2]

I agree!

For many, there is no need to be too intellectual. We all have different gifts. I know that if I read too much intellectual stuff I feel like my brains have been run over with a steamroller.

And, remember that it is important to have good recreation to rest body, mind, and spirit.

I agree with both you and Buck Crosswhite. I absolutely do advocate reading Scripture, and other spiritual books. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, sometimes I think it is just fine to focus on Mass and prayers.

 

[BlueKnight]

Start a vegetable garden and plant some fruit trees.

You probably need some sun and exercise .

Bk

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

I hope you can Sing,
Because I know a song you could sing whenever your Overwhelmed ,
One Day At a time sweet Jesus, that’s all Im asking of you ,

 

[pianistclare]

Rest in the reality of the Church …and know that you do not need to “understand everything yesterday!”…

and come to Jesus in simplicity, faith, hope and love…in prayer…spend more time in prayer and in terms of Scriptures - less study for a while and more prayerful reading - in a simple lectio divina…

THIS^^^^
Nobody expects you to become a theologian.
Pray sincerely, never miss Mass, and make your life a prayer.
Everything else will come in time. Remember that learning about the faith is a lifelong endeavor. Many people forget that. You’ll always be learning. Enjoy the journey!
I recommend www.sacredspace.ie for a simple morning meditation.
Peace!

 

[Sola_Catholicus]

Hello everyone! A little bit of a background, I am a sophomore in college. I got serious about my faith around junior year of high school. I was really deep in sin and one night I just opened the Bible and came to Christ. Back when I was really serious about my faith, I was so excited. Everything was so simple, I simply read my Bible, prayed my Chaplet of Divine Mercy (for some reason that became a favorite of mine), and just believed in Christ as my savior. Plus, I was learning so much new stuff about the faith, so it was an exciting time for me.

After a few years of constantly consulting Catholic Answers on nearly everything and surrounding myself with many different Catholic books (much of which I have yet to read), I feel slightly exhausted. I have read so much on the Church that at times I seem to find different contradictions, which makes me want to research more, which makes me more exhausted. There is also so much that I still don’t understand. What’s worse is that after all this time researching theology, I seem to have actually lost my prayer life with God.

In short, I feel overwhelmed by my Catholic faith in short.I want to get back to the bare basics, but usually opening up the Bible and trying to read along with it just leads to more overanalyzing and, you guessed it, researching endlessly online for the seemingly endless answers. Any advice?

The Church is so old, so beautiful, so wonderful, and so Divinely-inspired that it is easy to get overwhelmed.

Whenever I feel like “information overload” or something to that effect, I reference the Nicene Creed.

Read the Nicene Creed. Other than the Apostles’ Creed, it’s the shortest summary of Catholic knowledge you can find.

One of the many true beauties of Catholicism is that so much is encompassed in it that you can choose what devotions you’d like to practice, which saints you’d like to ask to petition Christ with you, which areas you want to focus your studies, etc.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s grace alone saves you. Authority is through Sacred Scripture and the Church that Christ himself founded. Say the Lord’s Prayer daily.

Start with the basics, then you can delve into the vastness that is the Church.

 

[InNomineDomini]

Any advice?

Please don’t answer these questions here in the thread, but how often do you go to Mass and to Confession? How much of effort are you making to grow in virtue? How does your prayer life look?

Knowledge about the faith is well and fine, but it often can be just a massive exercise in vanity, and not really be intended in our minds to truly lead us to God. There’s a difference in knowing about God and knowing Him, and the former is intellectual work, while the latter is grace. We don’t acquire grace by being an expert theologian, but by being little.

 

[jesusalright4me]

Are you active in a parish or Newman Center? There is a lot more to faith than books. I think you have things out of balance. Try some fellowship and service work.

I actually am! In fact, I am also involved in FOCUS, and I will be leading a Bible study next semester. johnnyc176 recommended I start a Bible study, so actually I think I might just start reading through the one I will be leading next semester to both liven up my spiritual life and to prepare me to share my relationship with Christ to those in my study next semester.

How about charity? Works of Mercy…I can’t think of a better way to get to know Him better. And remember, we do works of Mercy not because we think we can earn heaven, but because the love of Christ prompts us by His Holy Spirit.

One more thing, try getting up early and spend an hour in prayer with our Lord - any kind of prayer and it can also be a combination of prayer styles. I start with the opening prayer that is prayed before praying the Liturgy of the Hours but made it my own by adding some of my own words:

Awesome advice, thank you I have become quite introspective with my constant curiosity, so perhaps putting my faith into practice by doing some good works would be beneficial and take my mind off of things. I have tried doing LotH in the morning, but usually it felt quite robotic and slightly…meaningless as much as I hate to say it, it didn’t really feel heartfelt…

There’s a difference in knowing about God and knowing Him, and the former is intellectual work, while the latter is grace.

Hit the nail for me there. That is exactly how I feel. Lately, it is almost as if I have been “stalking” God in a sense. That sounds weird, but I compare it to a romantic relationship. If I were to want to date a girl, I wouldn’t simply get to know her by gathering facts via her Facebook, but rather I would try to pursue an actual relationship with her. I have always believed it is the same with God, but I just need to put this into practice.

I would say, stick with the chaplet and the Bible which helped you those years ago to come to Christ…If studying, or analysing, is making you feel confused then try memorising a small sentence or phrase from a book, or word, which you could call on during the day as a kind of prayer focus for your mind?
I like a missal for following the readings of the day, that is probably one of my main daily
devotions, however I find if I don’t pick up my missal or Bible, as I spend too much time of the web!!, I like the Angelus prayer, a decade of the Rosary and the Divine Praises dotted through out the day and evening.

I was thinking of going back to the chaplet and the Bible again just to start to rekindle…I also used to have a daily Saint devotion book that helped me along my spiritual journey as it was just starting. Also, what is the Angelus prayer?

(btw your sense of American timing is correct, junior year is the third year of high school and sophomore is the second year of college, so it has been around a few years I always enjoy how Americans and Englishfolk have different opinions on when to use z as apposed to s; it is “memorizing” not “memorising” jkjk)

Does your Parish offer an RCIA Program?

The one in my college town does. A friend of mine who’s girlfriend just converted said that he attended RCIA with her, and he learned so much new stuff from it even though he is a cradle Catholic just like me. Perhaps I should consider seeing if there will be one next semester…

Leave theology to the theologians and just concentrate on being a good Catholic.

Only thing is, I love theology. However, I think I have just become burned out on it, or overstudied it at least. Have a world wide web at your fingertips can make learning almost addictive, so I am beginning to consider limiting my theology googling time to once a day or maybe even once a week to prevent myself from an overload and to make theology/philosophy more enjoyable to me again.