I don't understand my attraction to Catholicism

  • Thread starter Thread starter Agastasa
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
A

Agastasa

Guest
I was raised in a Muslim household but in my teenage years, I’ve became a stern atheist. But even this fades away as I argued with more religious people. I’m open to any religion. Now, I’m a bit older, I want something more. I think I can see the importance of the transcendental even though I don’t really believe in it. Something about the aesthetics of Catholicism fascinates me. Normally, I don’t want to believe in Catholicism. It’s only when I’m in a really emotional state that I want to believe in it. Like when I’m really scared, angry, lonely, in ‘‘love’’ or even when I’m sexually aroused( I hope I don’t sound rude here). Otherwise, I’m satisfied with materialist outlook on the universe.

It’s really confusing for me.
 
Don’t over-analyze. Go with the flow. The ritual is comforting, like a cast on a broken limb. And we are all broken and imperfect.
 
I see you have been a member for a while. Perhaps in reading what people post about Catholicism, you are thinking “I want that! I want that kind of God in my life.”
Perhaps God is calling you to a deeper understanding of Catholicism. Have you ever attended mass? Everyone is welcome to come, whether you are Catholic or not. Perhaps sit in the back one Sunday and just see what it’s like if you haven’t already.
 
Well, take a look, explore a little, you might like what you see.

If it’s all true, then it’s a big deal. Your life will be more meaningful and you’ll truly have hope in this life for something amazing after this short life here on Earth.

Eventually, a non-believer should become depressed with the state of things in a world without God in it.

Come inside and take a peek. 🙂

If you can go to the library or watch Father Barrons Catholicism series on DVD or online, it’s a really good overview of the beauty of the Catholic Faith.

Here is episode 6 of 10.

 
Last edited:
Excellent insight. But the social attitude about the sacred and the sanctity of family may be a factor. Mary is the strong bond between Christians and Moslems. Do you believe Fatima was just a chance location?
Desiring the transcendental is seeking agape love, that love we can find truly in God only. Eros is far from this self sacrificial love perfect in Jesus. Social norms try to turn the world upside down and make vice to be virtue. Honor and shame become primary agents where rational discernment and prudent acts are right. So much of truth and beauty is discarded by modernity. Christ, rather, does not change. Indeed this permanence in God revealed through the incarnate Jesus, true God and true man makes God’s immortality, His infinite nature substantive. He takes on a touchable construct, a palative reality, a firmness in which we can find closeness and take comfort. He is with us, Immanuel.
The Catholic Church has the fullness of this gift of God. Found in the Passion, Death and Resurrection and known in The Eucharist. Who could not find the truth and the light of the world attractive, And so, why the worldly strive to destroy family and all the greatest gifts from God, Our Father.
 
I would invite you to get in contact with a Catholic church in your area and make an appointment to talk to a priest one to one. He can listen to your story and give you spiritual direction.
 
The best way to experience the pinnacle of Catholicism is to go to a Catholic mass. Find a beautiful church, look at the mass times, and go. Try sitting in the back, though, so you can see what other people are doing. When it is time to receive communion, respectfully stay and pray because Catholics in a state of grace are only allowed to receive.

My personal view is that some of us in the secular world are so often bombarded by materialistic fascinations, pop and party culture, and shallow conversations, that we are left yearning for something more. We like to be apart of something bigger, that transcends this world. Catholicism naturally fills that void because we get the most precious thing: God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We get ritual, too. The simple beauty of ritual shouldn’t be taken for granted. It brings meaning to the way we worship and helps bridge the gap between the natural and supernatural.
 
GML3 said:
I think Agastasa could sit in the front also.😀
Click to expand...
I just meant some people like to observe from afar in the beginning. They don’t like feeling like everyone is looking at them. But yes, if comfortable, sit right up front.
 
Agastasa said:
I was raised in a Muslim household but in my teenage years, I’ve became a stern atheist. But even this fades away as I argued with more religious people. I’m open to any religion. Now, I’m a bit older, I want something more. I think I can see the importance of the transcendental even though I don’t really believe in it. Something about the aesthetics of Catholicism fascinates me. Normally, I don’t want to believe in Catholicism. It’s only when I’m in a really emotional state that I want to believe in it. Like when I’m really scared, angry, lonely, in ‘‘love’’ or even when I’m sexually aroused( I hope I don’t sound rude here). Otherwise, I’m satisfied with materialist outlook on the universe.

It’s really confusing for me.
Click to expand...
I don’t understand my attraction to Catholicism

My friend here is the “WHY” Answered for you.
  1. TRUTH can only be singular per defined issue [a very great many are literally UNABLE to grasp this simple reality; as GOD block their right understanding due ti their hard head and hearts; which have rejected God’s needed grace for right understanding; presuming to know better that God and HIS Church.
  2. Our God is the WORLD’S God; God loves everyone; even sinners, agnostics and atheists. God has committed Himself to OFFER sufficient grace that everyone, can, could and should Know Him.
  3. It is this very GOD that is trying to gain your attention; but you must cooperate with His Grace OFFER to actually be able to grasp HIS Truths.
  4. You [everyone] must turn to God seeking His help in humility and faith, with Hope because of Love.
ASK God to aid you every day

Patrick

.
 
Thanks for the responses. Nope, I have never attended mass before. I’ll try to do that. Though, I admit it sounds a bit nerve wracking. I also kind of wanted to volunteer for Catholic Charities services. Maybe even if I can’t believe, at least I can use my interest as an outlet to help others.
 
Last edited:
Well, you see, we are naturally called to the sublime and the transcendental. Catholicism, as the full holder of the truth, has that in full.
This is not difficult to understand. You, as does everyone, have a calling to God. I say answer it.

Then you can look into the scholastics or a more theologIically centered outlook and learn of the true reason that Catholicism provides.
 
Don’t be intimidated by Mass. Just look up the Mass times at your local Catholic church and show up a few minutes beforehand. Catholics stand, kneel, and sit at various times but you don’t have to do this. Despite what it may feel like, no one is really watching you. Sit up in front so you can see what is happening.
 
misstherese said:
The best way to experience the pinnacle of Catholicism is to go to a Catholic mass.
Click to expand...
misstherese said:
The best way to experience the pinnacle of Catholicism is to go to a Catholic mass.
Click to expand...
Though some Catholics would find Sunday mass a trial all the same. Its more than having an awesome God moment at mass. I am more into the God moments that the author exampled. Life is more than the mundane…and not always found in cultic experiences.
 
If you are on older person with a sharp mind you may like to read Aquinas.
He learnt a considerable amount of his philosophy through Arabic Muslim commentary on the Greek works of Aristotle.
He then argued a “scientific” basis for religion which would be acceptable to all peoples of reason of all religions.

Its called the Summa Contra Gentiles, free on the internet.
As you may or may not know Aquinas’s works are the backbone of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and all priests are taught his system of theology and philosophy.
 
Last edited:
You will likely get two reactions from parishioners. There are those far from God’s mercy who are “cultural Catholics” following ritual as a matter of habit, almost, but not truly evangelized. Many of these may see you as “other” and not in the light of Pope Francis’ teaching. The may see a muslim as a threat to the familiar to which they cling.
Those who cling to Jesus, Our Lord, will be pleased to help you understand the truth of the faith. All should wish you joy and hope for a new understanding leading you to a new life in Jesus.
God bless you on your journey.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top