Ignorance and Frustration

[jc4751]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to just discuss feelings of frustration I’ve had lately with other Catholics. We do study programs at our parish often, and have recently been working through a pretty good one. However, part of this is to break into discussion groups and talk about the material.

Okay, fine, but here’s the problem – these degenerate into “I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand. It’s very easy to pick out why this is – people are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters. There was a point that came up that was so basic I felt bad for having to looking it up and point out what the actual teaching was.

Worse, this sort of thing makes evangelization next to impossible. How can anyone teach another person about the faith, when they don’t even know what they themselves believe, as well as frequently steering into heresy by being “cafeteria Catholics?”

 

[Linusthe2nd]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to just discuss feelings of frustration I’ve had lately with other Catholics. We do study programs at our parish often, and have recently been working through a pretty good one. However, part of this is to break into discussion groups and talk about the material.

Okay, fine, but here’s the problem – these degenerate into “I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand. It’s very easy to pick out why this is – people are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters. There was a point that came up that was so basic I felt bad for having to looking it up and point out what the actual teaching was.

Worse, this sort of thing makes evangelization next to impossible. How can anyone teach another person about the faith, when they don’t even know what they themselves believe, as well as frequently steering into heresy by being “cafeteria Catholics?”

Just be patient. Catholicism is an intellectual Faith driven by grace. But neither fact will erradicate fundamental human nature. People are generally intellectually lazy. They would rather be intertained ( free form discussion in this case ) than give some serious attention to the subject. Also, a lot of people are burdened with the problems of life - work, school, trouble at home, etc. Perhaps you can be the source of truth for them. But don’t be too hard on them.

 

[Lancer]

Understand…clearly I do.

I always try to remember what Fr. Mitch Pacwa (EWTN) says:…to himself…"…I am in “sales”…its a “management” [Holy Spirit] decision if people hear the Church’s teachings on faith and morals…and form their conscience with them and…not against them…and likewise, their will to act on them"… especially in an election year. Its not that he (Fr. Pacwa) doesn’t care…or doesn’t work to evangelize…he is one of the Catholic Church’s (USA) “long ball hitters”…he is always teaching…and preaching the Good News…complete and unvarnished…even on “touchy” theological, biblical and political issues…but he closely guards his peace of mind and charity of heart.

Blessed Pope John Paul II (2005+ R.I.P.) said that the."…the Church imposes nothing, She only proposes…".( Redemptoris Missio para 39…Dec 1990…encyclical on Evangelization). Confusing…maybe even disheartening…but… “….Authentic faith is of necessity an act of freedom”…(First Things May 1997–Father Richard John Neuhaus +2009 R.I.P)…re cafeteria Catholics and/or un-catechized…cavalier Catholics…but then I thought…what does the Church “propose”…simply the Truth in all matters of** Faith and Morals**…and reminding myself of something else blessed Pope JP-II and Pope B-XVI have often said:…Truth is not something…its is someone…a person…Our Lord Jesus Christ:

[INDENT
**John 14:6
Knox Bible (KNOX)

6** Jesus said** to him, I am the way; ** am truth and life; nobody can come to the Father, except through me**.

So the Church is always proposing Christ himself…He is Truth…and then I recall what else Our Lord Jesus said as he sent out the Seventy-two apostles/disciples to preach his Good News:

Luke 10:16
Knox Bible (KNOX)

16 He who listens to you, listens to me; he who despises you, despises me; and he who despises me, despises him that sent me.

…and this capstone ( Pope, Vicar of Christ on Earth and The Universal Church, The Body of Christ) on the Cornerstone (Christ himself):

**Matthew 16:15-20
Knox Bible (KNOX)
**
15 Jesus said to them, And what of you? Who do you say that I am? 16 Then Simon Peter answered, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.[a] 17 And Jesus answered him, Blessed art thou, Simon son of Jona; it is not flesh and blood, it is my Father in heaven that has revealed this to thee. 18 And I tell thee this in my turn, that thou art Peter, and it is upon this rock that I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; 19 and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then he strictly forbade them to tell any man that he, Jesus, was the Christ.

Lastly…everyone in your discussion class (probably) has a smartphone, a computer, a cable TV system, a modern high tech TV, GPS in the car {built in or portable), modern high tech tools, devices and equipment for the home, pay bills and make innumerable transactions using the internet, etc., etc. and…they know how to use them all…what tod and what not to do…very precise knowledge of them…why?..they read the “builder’s” owners manual and they believe in the “builder”…O Lord, would that all of us Catholics-in-name, myself included, would likewise, simply believe in our Divine Builder…Our Lord Jesus Christ and do what he says:

John 2:5
Knox Bible (KNOX)

5 And his mother said to the servants,** Do whatever he tells you**.

…listen to and follow the authoritative teachings of the Church on all matters of faith and morals…the Pope and Magisterium through Sacred Scripture, Tradition and the Catechism.

Your peace and charity of heart are great and precious gifts personally given…from Our Lord…don’t let anyone–especially fellow Catholics-- rob you and steal them away from you.

For your consideration…hope its somewhat helpful.
Pax Christi

 

[fred_conty]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to just discuss feelings of frustration I’ve had lately with other Catholics. We do study programs at our parish often, and have recently been working through a pretty good one. However, part of this is to break into discussion groups and talk about the material.

Okay, fine, but here’s the problem – these degenerate into “I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand. It’s very easy to pick out why this is – people are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters. There was a point that came up that was so basic I felt bad for having to looking it up and point out what the actual teaching was.

Worse, this sort of thing makes evangelization next to impossible. How can anyone teach another person about the faith, when they don’t even know what they themselves believe, as well as frequently steering into heresy by being “cafeteria Catholics?”

I think you are there because you have an analytical mind and can get to the point.
That means you can help others who are not blessed with that gift.

You are helping them by helping them see the real truth. They are helping you to develope your patience. For it takes patience to go slow for them when you are fast.

On easter morn, St. John and St. Peter both raced to the tomb of Jesus. When younger John reached the tomb first, out of respect for Peter, he waited and let Peter enter first.
That is patience and charity. To wait for someone without complaint out of respect.

Just a thought.

 

[CalCatholic]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to just discuss feelings of frustration I’ve had lately with other Catholics. We do study programs at our parish often, and have recently been working through a pretty good one. However, part of this is to break into discussion groups and talk about the material.

Okay, fine, but here’s the problem – these degenerate into “I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand. It’s very easy to pick out why this is – people are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters. There was a point that came up that was so basic I felt bad for having to looking it up and point out what the actual teaching was.

Worse, this sort of thing makes evangelization next to impossible. How can anyone teach another person about the faith, when they don’t even know what they themselves believe, as well as frequently steering into heresy by being “cafeteria Catholics?”

Like the other posters have already recommended; have patience. Remember they are all the Lord’s flock and he loves them all, as we should!

 

[waterbrook]

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to just discuss feelings of frustration I’ve had lately with other Catholics. We do study programs at our parish often, and have recently been working through a pretty good one. However, part of this is to break into discussion groups and talk about the material.

Okay, fine, but here’s the problem – these degenerate into “I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand. It’s very easy to pick out why this is – people are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters. There was a point that came up that was so basic I felt bad for having to looking it up and point out what the actual teaching was.

Worse, this sort of thing makes evangelization next to impossible. How can anyone teach another person about the faith, when they don’t even know what they themselves believe, as well as frequently steering into heresy by being “cafeteria Catholics?”

 

[waterbrook]

It is also useful to remember that discussion of teaching is very useful for learning but so is a bit of down time…it builds community, it gives time for the brain to have a break and be refreshed, ready to listen again, people know their own needs. Please don’t be too frustrated listen to the group…it may be that what you think they need isn’t their most basic need. A groups major need might be for community with fellow Christians. The program itself may seem good to the person delivering it but very boring for group participants. Participants may lack the skills and confidence necessary to discuss in the group and it may be necessary to introduce and build these. Ultimately it is the teachers responsibility to match the course to the groups needs and abilities. Instead of becoming frustrated put the energy into making adaptations to the course for the benefit of the group.

 

[kkollwitz]

“I think blah and blah” sessions, rather than really sticking to the points at hand."

If it’s not of value to you, drop it. The Catholics I know with a well-informed faith got it from reading & self-study. They didn’t get it from yakfests where instead of learning what the Church thinks, you hear the opinions of people who “are simply ignorant of their faith and aren’t willing or able to actually pick up the Catechism and actually look in it to see what the Church teaches on various matters.”

And once you feel like you have a good handle on the faith, become a catechist.

 

[boeck249]

Try using the YOUCAT instead. The YOUCAT is a much easier read and understand. The Adult catechisms can be difficult to understand.

 

[pwlj_christ87]

i feel the same way about my friends, sometimes when i point out principles of the church or the cateichism it is like i am some lunatic … and then they go on about their personal beliefs etc, and i do my best to counter with the chourch teachings

 

[horselvr]

My cousin and I’m sure others in my family think I’m a lunitic for holding hard and fast to Church teachings.

For instance some got their panties in a twist because when a cousin told me she is planning on having her ashes split amongst her children I innovently mentioned that splitting asses is not a teaching of the Church and should not be done.

Holy Toledo it all went down hill from there. She asked me, “Where does it say that in the bible” Yata yata. Then she told me all the things she does not believe as a catholic because they are not in the bible (she also attends a non denom church)—a cafateria catholic for sure.