What conclusion should we draw from observing all the opposing camps within Catholicism?
That, just as within Protestantism, Catholics happen to be sinners, and that all of us are disobedient to greater or lesser extents.
However, even granting this point and allowing for it, some argument can be made, IMHO, as to the effects of
sola Scriptura on Protestantism, and that many of this does involve a lack of an objective standard for knowing what is or is it not essential doctrine for salvation.
Protestants are often divided because they disagree on true doctrine, since they make their private judgment their final rule of faith. Catholics often divide because they disagree that the Church *should *teach something, since they make their private judgment their final rule of faith.
For the OP:
First of all, I think you’ve gotten one or two sarcastic comments, and I hope you’ll overlook them.
Secondly, please keep in mind that the number one priority here should be following that which is true, not that which is comfortable. If we make our own level of comfort the rule of faith, we’ll only end up being dragged all over the map, which will never result in peace, but only upheaval. Emotions change on a daily basis: don’t use them as a sort of anchor.
Lastly, it is indeed very possible to burn yourself out with prayer. But this should lead to a change in one’s prayer life not to a throwing overboard of doctrine.
If you find certain practices tiring, then try simpler ones. We Catholics can talk to Jesus and simply tell Him we love Him and that we’re super grateful for all He does for us. We don’t need to bury ourselves in certain forms of formal prayer, which are simply meant to be aids, not an end in and of themselves.
Don’t fall into the trap of legalism: doing things on an external level without really intending them inside of the heart.
Rather, do all things with love for God, and you’ll soon see how much more merit they have.
But again: I encourage you not to interpret truth through the glasses of your emotions. Be as objective as you can, while talking to God and asking Him for the grace of faith.
)…