I am not Catholic

[Curious]

How many are just visiting and/or looking for more information?

I picked the first option as well, because it’s the closest. I wouldn’t say “I hope to become Catholic,” but I would say, “I have a very intense interest in the Catholic church right now and am trying to figure some things out, but sometimes it’s hard because my schedule is so phycho and i can’t always pursue this intense interest of mine like I’d like to.”

LOL…how’s THAT for a poll option?

 

[Rhubarb]

I’m not a Catholic.

I use these forums is because I’m a big fan of truth (in a non-spiritual sense) and from what I’ve been able to decipher from the various tools and resources at my disposal is that as far as Christianity is concerned, Catholicism is just that. And so, I guess I feel compelled to defend Catholicism when I hear different groups attack it in various ways.

I guess religion is my hobby.

 

[Catholic4aReasn]

Rhubarb:

I’m not a Catholic.

I use these forums is because I’m a big fan of truth (in a non-spiritual sense) and from what I’ve been able to decipher from the various tools and resources at my disposal is that as far as Christianity is concerned, Catholicism is just that. And so, I guess I feel compelled to defend Catholicism when I hear different groups attack it in various ways.

I guess religion is my hobby.

Hi Rhubarb!

How would you describe your relationship with God?

In Christ,
Nancy

 

[Traditional_Ang]

Missa:

I am very interested in converting - however my husband is extremely anti-Catholic! I have gone as far as attending RCIA for a couple of months until he asked me to quit going. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated!

Missa

Missa:

It is your soul, not his, and it’s your responsibility to make sure you that you “Work out your salvation…” NOT his, since he’s abdicated his responsibility. He has NO right to keep you from that salvation simply because he doesn’t want it for himself.

I believe that you should recontact your local parish and redouble your efforts, and ask your husband to join you, because you love him so much that you want to be with him for all eternity.

If he refuses, GO BY YOURSELF, and don’t let him stop you!

As St. Thomas More put it, “When you’ve gone to heaven for doing what you believe to be right, and I to the other place for doing what I know to be wrong, will you join me there, for the fellowship?”

He should be leading you there as the Head of the Household, but that absolutely doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go, even if he doesn’t want to.

This will upset your husband, but you’re not obligated to submit to him to the detriment of your soul.

I suggest that you find a Priest, Deacon or VERY RELIGIOUS Catholic layperson you trust and talk this issue over in detail. If you choose a layperson, choose a MARRIED WOMAN, so that your husband won’t have reason to be jealous.

And, no matter what you do, DO NOT NEGLECT HIM AND THE CHILDREN! He has to see that this makes you a HAPPIER WOMAN and a BETTER WIFE!

I hope this helps.

May God bless you with wisdom, peace and LOVE.

In Christ, Michael

 

[Traditional_Ang]

Rhubarb:

I’m not a Catholic.

I use these forums is because I’m a big fan of truth (in a non-spiritual sense) and from what I’ve been able to decipher from the various tools and resources at my disposal is that as far as Christianity is concerned, Catholicism is just that. And so, I guess I feel compelled to defend Catholicism when I hear different groups attack it in various ways.

I guess religion is my hobby.

So, Rhubarb, what’s keeping you outside the Catholic Church?

I’m an Anglican, and the Church I’m a member of is preparing for our “Swim” across the Tiber. So, I just waiting for the word in Holy Obedience.

But, what’s keeping you on the other side of the door? or, Is it the Baptismal Font?

I’m sure you’ve found a way to get God’s Grace, but it’s available over here by the truckloads!

In Christ, Michael

 

[Rhubarb]

Ehm… I’ve been baptized. It’s a Lutheran baptism, sure. In fact, I’ve been confermed in the Lutheran church too.

As with my relationship with God?

I’d say… mutual cohabitation.

 

[MichaelLewis]

I would say that I’m “not catholic and unlikely to become catholic” but I’m open minded. An apparent direct revalation from God, Mary, or some such person would probably do the trick.

 

[Scullinius]

BlessedBe13:

I prefer to think of my creator in a male and female aspect, I don’t believe that I need to “go through” someone (i.e. priest, bishop, pope) to have a relationship with god or to confess my sins (i don’t believe that is between anyone but me and god), partially because of attitudes of people and the fact that it was pushed upon me constantly, etc.

Religious truth is not a matter of “preference.” How are other peoples’ attitudes relevant, anyway?

 

[4_marks]

I am a Roman Catholic with a generic non-denominational Christian heart.

 

[bajolyn]

Melchior:

I checked the first option because there was not one that represented me. I am not Catholic but I am trying to give the church a fair hearing.
Mel

That pretty much sums it up for me too…

 

[Jodi]

My husband is converting to Catholisism. I am trying to hear the Lords voice so I can know if I am supposed to covert as well or stay where I am.

 

[Redlady]

I am still an Episcopalian, but seriously considering “swimming.” Forums like this are so helpful. I am a little jealous of you Traditional Ang, since you state that your entire parish will be joining you. How wonderful it must be to have your friends and family with you as you get ready to take this huge step.

Unfortunately, I am alone on this journey. No one from my former Episcopal parish is interested in becoming Catholic. They’ve lost quite a few members since the gay bishop mess erupted, but most seem to have drifted into some of the more Evangelical and non-denominational churches. My husband is so disgusted with this whole thing that he says he just wants to play golf and sleep in on Sundays and not have to worry about all these churches and their “modern” teachings, particularly about sexuality and marriage. He is of the opinion that it is only a matter of time before the Catholic Church also “caves” on this same-sex marriage thing, so why bother to get involved? I don’t necessarily agree with him on that, so this is a very lonely journey for me. Besides there are other reasons than just the gay bishop thing for becoming a Catholic. The more I read about it, the more convinced I am that this is the right step for me. However, the one parish I’ve visited a couple of times has not seemed too welcoming. Any encouragement is most welcome.

 

[alh5184]

I choose I am not catholic, but am considering it. My boyfriend is Catholic and we have been studying together since the beginning of our relationship both recognizing the importance of seeking the truth. I am a Christian, though not Catholic and not Protestant. I disagree with Protestants who believe in faith only and once saved always saved. But I use to think I also believed in sola-scriptura. Now I am not so sure. I am a member of a church of Christ and we do not consider ouselves a denomination. If you know someone who is or have any questions about what that means please ask.

alh

 

[BlessedBe13]

Scullinius:

Religious truth is not a matter of “preference.” How are other peoples’ attitudes relevant, anyway?

I don’t believe I said anything about “preference”. I said that my beliefs do not fit with the Catholic Church’s beliefs and that is why I am not Catholic. I am not going to remold my beliefs just to try and fit in with a religion that claims to be the only “true” religion. Religious truth is also not a matter of claiming that one’s truth is the only truth. A lot of religions say that. The Catholic church’s claim is no different from any of theirs. I believe that all religions hold some truth to them, and that no-one will really find the truth until they have passed from this life. Religion’s purpose is to help people find the best way they can to connect with the Divine.

As for people’s attitudes, I don’t quite remember why I wrote that - it was a while ago. However, the idea that everything outside of the Catholic church is evil, can be an annoying and ignorant thing to hear a lot. That and when one disagrees with a parent, that constitutes as a sin, doesn’t really give a person a very positive outlook on the religion either.

 

[Joseph_Romero]

Participants;

The topic of this thread is, “are you visit visiting/looking for information”.
Please stay on topic or start a new thread.

God Bless,

 

[MaggieOH]

SirShaun:

When I was 16, I said I had three major protests against the Catholic Church, and if someone could provide reasonable arguments for any two of them, I’d take the third on faith.

Since then I’ve gotten married, so I’ve had to amend the challenge a little… but needless to say I haven’t had reasonable answers to any of them, despite years of research and investigation. I was attracted to the Catholic Church for a variety of reasons, but at this time prefer to identify myself as a non-denominational (or, to those who know me well, anti-denominational) protestant who hopes to see the differences between Eastern and Western, as well as Catholic and Protestant, resolved in a universal, loving, and logical way.

I guess part of me hopes to find the answers to those same three questions on here, somewhere, hidden amongst the same old rhetoric, but mostly I like to read the opinions of those who are smarter than me but hold a different opinion, and see if I can make their understanding fit what I observe as truth.

What are these three questions?

 

[MaggieOH]

BlessedBe13:

Point being?

I am secure enough in my faith that I can visit sites and learn about other religions without my own faith being shaken.

So why are you visiting Catholic Forums?

Do you have questions regarding why you have turned away from the One True God?

Do you really think that these other “deities” really exist?

What is the benefit to you of visiting this forum?

 

[BlessedBe13]

MaggieOH:

So why are you visiting Catholic Forums?

Discussion.

Do you have questions regarding why you have turned away from the One True God?

I didn’t turn away from any “one true God”. I know why I turned away from the Catholic faith, but I certainly wouldn’t consider it to be the one true faith just because it claims to be.

Do you really think that these other “deities” really exist?

No need to put the word deities in quotes. When I refer to the Christian God I don’t say “God”, because although I may not believe in/worship him, I choose to be respectful of others’ right to. And of course I believe God and Goddess are real. What would be the point of my worshipping them, if I didn’t think they existed?

What is the benefit to you of visiting this forum?

As I said above, discussion.

 

[crazyage3]

BlessedBe13:

The way I was taught (in Catholic school, in Church, and by my parents) was that hell is a place of eternal damnation/suffereing/etc., i.e. not a nice place to go. If people only went there because they chose to, then being away from God wouldn’t be suffering for them. But I was taught that even if people don’t want to be with god, there is still suffering and torture awaiting them in hell. So the way I see it, there is supposed to be more to it then just “being away from god”.
Ok, so I have Wiccan beliefs, but I accept relationship with god and goddess (still the same god to me just not in the same way that Catholic’s view the divine), I’m not rejecting a relationship with the divine, but yet, I’ve been told that I will go to “hell” because I don’t picture god the same way a Catholic does. Now, according to your description of hell, that doesn’t make sense.

Being away from God for eternity is punishment. Maybe for the unbeliver it isnt!

 

[Nun_ofthe_Above]

I voted for the first option, as it seemed the closest to my actual answer.

I know there are people on this board who will think I’ve gone loopy, but even though I love my Catholic Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I can’t yet say I believe fully in the Catholic Church as the only true Church. If you had asked me 4 months ago what I would have been doing today, I would have said getting baptized into the one True Church, started by Jesus; however, as you can see, there has been alot of questions asked of the Holy Spirit, and the answers I received have not turned me against the Church, but have made me think harder about Jesus’ message. I am currently in a state of 'While the Catholic Church is a marvellous religious body, I don’t think it is the only Church you need to be affiliated with. I believe (at this point in time) that the Church started by Jesus, was the catholic Church (small ‘c’ intended; i.e. Christianity) Now, of course, I believe there are certain requirements, to be fully Christian; for example, belief in the Triune God, baptism in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; partaking of the Eucharist / Lord’s Supper (I know different denominations believe differerently on this subject, but if Jesus knows we are partaking and that we truly believe we are doing it in the way intended, then surely if we do miss the meaning, He will forgive us, and love us for at least trying to get it right…for clarifications sake, I believe in the real presence); general confession for the whole congregation is fine, provided you feel confident you have no serious transgressions to cofess; however, I believe confession to a Priest / Pastor etc, should be observed if you have more pressing transgressions to contend with; this of course must be done before partaking of the Eucharist / Lord’s Supper.
Apostolic succession…to follow the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles as in the Gospels; also that it was Peter who was the rock foundation (i.e. it was his confession of faith, which made him the first Apostle, the first rock in the
foundation of the church, then the other apostles became members of the same foundation as they followed Jesus and believed in him as the Messiah…it falls to all of us to follow him in Christianity…if Peter and the Apostles had not followed Jesus, there would be no Church. As for the gates of hell prevailing against the Church…whilst there is a Christian to defend the faith, Satan will never win.
Marriage is something not to be taken lightly, and therefore we should do our best to keep it together, according to the teachings of the bible. Women should not be ordained leaders of any church, and neither should a practicing homosexual be ordained into such a position, as this goes against God’s teachings. Love the homosexual, but we don’t have to approve the act of homosexuality, especially when God found it abhorent. (Don’t get me wrong, I have several really close friends who are homosexuals, and I love them dearly)
Pro-life should always be adhered to, as Psalms 51 suggests that we are definitely fully human from the time of conception, as David laments being evil from the time of conception, which of course leads into infant baptism…it should be practiced in Christian churches.
There is much more, but I’m sure you get my drift. Sorry for rambling. I may find my way back to the Catholic Church, but for now, I am trying to stay as close to Bible teachings and the earliest Church fathers, with no added distractions. One last thing…all Tradition appears to mean is things the apostles were taught via the OT prophets teachings and practices, which we have in the form of the OT writings and the teachings of the Apostles; anything else seems somewhat superflous at the moment. (Entirely my own thoughts)
Sorry if I have offended anyone, it was not my intent, but I am sharing my journey of the last 2 months so you can understand my position better, whilst not necessarily agreeing. I may find my way back to the Catholic Church one day, but for now I will defend Her, when I believe people are getting some of her teachins wrong.
Pray for me, please. (Intercessory prayer is fine too!) I will be praying for you all too.
It is my wish that we stop focusing on our differences, as Christians, and focus on our similarities…the big one being our belief in Jesus…Christianity…we need to focus more on that, as I’m sure Satan loves to see us at each others throats…less work for him to do.
For those joining the Catholic Church this Easter; congratulations!
Happy Easter Everyone.
Peace to all