I'm not cut out to be a Catholic (Christian)?

[Elena321]

I’m baptised Catholic and from a background/nationality that is predominantly Catholic.
However,the more I really start to understand about being a Catholic/Christian the more I feel I’m not “cut out” for it.

For example,I’m starting to understand that God is perfect and that because we weren’t perfect too,Jesus died for our sins.
So,Catholics should at least have a desire to be perfect-but to be honest I don’t even want to be perfect (in the Godly sense) nor I have a desire for it.

Also,I’ve come to realise that many Catholics/other Christians still believe in hell as a literal burning fire place,and I’m not one to be emotionally manipulated/terrified into believing.
If God actually created this,and also tells us to do good to each other and love/help our neighbor-then I would find this extremely ironic/contradictory and couldn’t “follow” such a God.

Some Christians “explain” this by stating God is perfect/Holy and we aren’t so it’s ok,but to me,that just doesn’t add up at all.

Can I have any advice please?

 

[Viki63]

Hi Elena,
It’s great that you’re seeking answers. Too many people don’t.
My advice would be to investigate the beliefs of the Catholic church more thoroughly. You might take a look at the Catechism; there are various editions, some are simpler and others more theologically complex.

As for hell, many Catholics believe that hell is the absence of God, or perhaps the inability of a person to perceive his presence (since God is everywhere.) Hell is not a place that God sends people to – it’s a place that people choose to go, since they refuse to choose love.

God wants us to avoid hell and be with him in heaven, experiencing eternal joy – which is why he sent Jesus to rescue us.

When you say you don’t want to be perfect, do you mean that you only want to be kind, charitable, and forgiving part of the time? That some of the time you want to be mean, cruel, selfish and vengeful?
I really doubt that’s what you mean.
I want to be the person God created me to be, and I am far from that right now. But I am closer to it now than when I was shop-lifting, swearing, ignoring my parents, and living in sexual sin.
God wants us to be perfect, but we don’t start out aiming at perfection. We start out just giving up one sin at a time.
With the help of Christ’s holy Spirit, we can achieve anything. I hope you will look into Catholicism more fully.
God bless.

.

 

[Reuben_J]

Hi Elena.

It is hard to give advice because you are so right. Nobody can say it is not you what you think who you are. So if that is what you are and you are not compatible with Catholic/Christian belief, you have a very strong foundation for the reason of your stance.

A Biblical verse, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also …” (Mt 6:21) comes to mind.

I have something in common with you being from a strong Catholic family from a predominantly Catholic area. I remember being taught that hell is scorching fire where we would be burned but nevertheless are still alive, so that is what we are going to endure forever in hell. I was terrified of that and the fear still somewhat persists today.

The explanation that hell is a state (being separated from God) is frankly quite a recent explanation, probably to cater for the more sophisticated thinking Catholics, who like you will not buy a perhaps psychopathic God.

Then again, whether hell exists or not, it will not be going to be quite pleasant in there because we are talking about spending our time there in eternity. A little discomfort would be a no no if we are going to stay in a place permanently. What say you?

Some people explain about hell and about God is that it is the nature of things and about the kind of God’s justice. Our thinking often is that if God is really good as He says He is, then why not just put everyone in heaven?

God’s love is above that, perhaps that is the mystery of love. Love is unforced but comes from the heart. If it is being forced then we say it is not love.

So long story short, God gives us freewill. The downside of this is that it comes with a price - be like God, be perfect; do not be like Satan, do not be evil and imperfect.

We can be perfect though it takes grace to help us to be so. It is difficult because we are just like an imperfect clay vessel and God’s grace takes time to remodel the pot until it attains perfection, just like how the Artist wants His masterpiece to be.

Our journey to perfection is life long until we meet God face to face in heaven, for only when we are perfect like God do we can enter heaven.

It is not impossible to be perfect that’s why Christians often pray for the change of hearts … to be like God but it is for us to make that choice. If we do not want to, nobody can force us, because love is not about being forced.

God bless.

Reuben.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

One day, a church will come along where you can thrive.

It’s not as wrong as some people make out, to be cross-denominational, as long as you don’t mix sacraments, or quarrel about things not on your common “radar screens”.

If we build up others’ ministry and have them build up ours, we’ll receive a share in each others’ crowns.

Meantime, we have to just hope . . .

 

[drforjc]

It’s not as wrong as some people make out, to be cross-denominational, as long as you don’t mix sacraments, or quarrel about things not on your common “radar screens”.

Not sure I agree with this statement. A servant cannot serve two masters, as Our Lord said.
One cannot hold contradictory doctrines as true.

 

[St_Francis]

I’m baptised Catholic and from a background/nationality that is predominantly Catholic.
However,the more I really start to understand about being a Catholic/Christian the more I feel I’m not “cut out” for it.

For example,I’m starting to understand that God is perfect and that because we weren’t perfect too,Jesus died for our sins.
So,Catholics should at least have a desire to be perfect-but to be honest I don’t even want to be perfect (in the Godly sense) nor I have a desire for it.

Also,I’ve come to realise that many Catholics/other Christians still believe in hell as a literal burning fire place,and I’m not one to be emotionally manipulated/terrified into believing.
If God actually created this,and also tells us to do good to each other and love/help our neighbor-then I would find this extremely ironic/contradictory and couldn’t “follow” such a God.

Some Christians “explain” this by stating God is perfect/Holy and we aren’t so it’s ok,but to me,that just doesn’t add up at all.

Can I have any advice please?

None of us is actually cut out to be Catholic, a good person, or anything. We are naturally weak, too weak to really elevate ourselves, to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.”

By being Catholic, we are putting ourselves into the best place to receive the help necessary to *become *good, or “perfect.” We are not as much called to be perfect as we are to persevere, to keep trying.

We should consider Christ on the cross dying for us and gratefully *want *to do whatever we can for Him.

As to Hell, some things are really difficult to explain. We do not have as many words for spiritual things as we sometimes need, but it is difficult to develop a word for spiritual things as they are by their nature non-physical.

So God and the Church often use analogies to what we have experienced. Maybe Hell isn’t really a place of fire, but the loss of God feels that awful to the soul. The important point is that Hell is not pleasant.

It is in the Catholic Church that one finds the very best help from God, knowledge of how to love God, and everything we need to follow Christ into Heaven. Others have parts of the truth but not all of it.

 

[mommy_k]

You don’t become perfect or desire this perfection overnight. It is through practicing the One True Religion, founded 2000 years ago by Jesus that gets you there.

Catholic people, including people here, are all on different stages of thier catholic spiritual journey. You have to start where you are at to grow…You have to be persistent in faith even if you don’t have the answers yet, because this is what faith is.

This understanding will come in time as you deepen your relationship with God.

There are many people who don’t understand each and every aspect of our religion. There are also aspects that remain mysteries… That’s why there are wonderful devotions to pray to ask for help in these areas. There are also the sacraments to increase sanctifying grace.

God gives each and everyone these tools to increase the desire for perfection and understanding.

 

[exnihilo]

If you understand God’s ways are what best for us then why wouldn’t you want to be perfect? God designed us and by following His rules we will be most happy. If by saying you don’t want to be perfect you mean you have some attachment to a sin then this isn’t anything unusual. The whole point of the struggle in this life is to remove attachments to sin. It is to perfect ourselves as much as we can.

If you refuse to follow God because of the existence of Hell then you are suffering from the sin of pride. You think things should be run your way and not God’s way. Hell isnt unfair. It is the just rewards for sinning. If you think everyone should go to Heaven, even those who love doing evil, then you think God should be unjust. There is nothing great or noble in such a belief.

Pride is really the root of all sin. If you are attached to a sin to the point of unwilling to pursue holiness then you are suffering from pride. You want to enjoy your sin and refuse to let God’s sovereignty interfere with your enjoyment. There is nothing wrong in struggling to do good. There is nothing wrong with doing good but not always exactly wanting to do good. In fact doing good when you are pulled to not do good is meritorious. There is nothing wrong in wishing no one would go to Hell, that is what God desires.

 

[SteveLy]

Sorry for your difficulty. I will keep you in prayer.

 

[Wannabe_Monk_16]

I’m baptised Catholic and from a background/nationality that is predominantly Catholic.
However,the more I really start to understand about being a Catholic/Christian the more I feel I’m not “cut out” for it.

If this sentiment is coming from a genuine humility, then it is a holy one to have. This should organically lead to prayer, begging the Holy Trinity for grace for your sanctification. Try invoking the entire Church Triumphant for their intercession, especially the Queen of Heaven!

For example,I’m starting to understand that God is perfect and that because we weren’t perfect too,Jesus died for our sins.
So,Catholics should at least have a desire to be perfect-but to be honest I don’t even want to be perfect (in the Godly sense) nor I have a desire for it.

God yearns to have each and every soul behold His Beatific Vision. Do you have a desire for Heaven? I think we should make a distinction in the phrase “perfect in the Godly sense.” Do you mean like not developing some kind of weird God complex? Or do you mean your own personal sanctification, becoming the saint that God wills you to be?
I’ve heard that “nothing unclean … shall enter” Heaven, so it sounds like only perfect people may enter. Thank God for Purgatory!

Also,I’ve come to realise that many Catholics/other Christians still believe in hell as a literal burning fire place,and I’m not one to be emotionally manipulated/terrified into believing.

I think Hell is both a physical place and a state of complete loss of God. In my humble opinion, the amount of fear used in preaching on eternal damnation should be directly proportional to how steeped in sin the individual is. This fear of Hell should be used accordingly to dissuade you from committing sins, especially mortal ones, feeling contrite, seeking absolution, and performing penance; but it should also be healthily balanced with the theological virtue of hope. Just as in the Act of Contrition: “because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all, because they offend you, my God, who is all good and deserving of all my love…”

If God actually created this,and also tells us to do good to each other and love/help our neighbor-then I would find this extremely ironic/contradictory and couldn’t “follow” such a God.

Not only is God merciful, He is also just. Only the Holy Trinity may validly judge a soul, so I would trust our omnipotent and omniscient Creator in His judgment. I’ve heard that Hell is only populated by volunteers. Where is the supposed contradiction? Ultimately you must follow one of two paths, I hope and pray you follow “such a God.”

Keep asking questions and keep praying!
God bless!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

When Jesus said “be perfect as your father is perfect,” he meant for us to become human, as God intended, not as we see perfection.

God is connected with all of his creation, which includes human beings.

In fact, God became man in Jesus Christ, not to change God’s mind about humankind, but to change our minds about God.

I would suggest that you subscribe to Fr Rohr’s. daily meditations, and reflect on what he says.

Click on email sign up

cac.org/

Be forewarned, Fr Rohr is not well liked in this forum, but then, many Contemplates aren’t as well.

In all, pray for God’s guidance and be open to change.

Jim

 

[Cone]

I’m baptised Catholic and from a background/nationality that is predominantly Catholic.
However,the more I really start to understand about being a Catholic/Christian the more I feel I’m not “cut out” for it.

For example,I’m starting to understand that God is perfect and that because we weren’t perfect too,Jesus died for our sins.
So,Catholics should at least have a desire to be perfect-but to be honest I don’t even want to be perfect (in the Godly sense) nor I have a desire for it.

Also,I’ve come to realise that many Catholics/other Christians still believe in hell as a literal burning fire place,and I’m not one to be emotionally manipulated/terrified into believing.
If God actually created this,and also tells us to do good to each other and love/help our neighbor-then I would find this extremely ironic/contradictory and couldn’t “follow” such a God.

Some Christians “explain” this by stating God is perfect/Holy and we aren’t so it’s ok,but to me,that just doesn’t add up at all.

Can I have any advice please?

One of the things that drew me closer to the Church during my periods of doubt, was that Catholic teaching on morality seems to be so aligned with what is right and true. It appeals to my sense of aesthetics, whereas opposition to these teachings seems vulgar and vain. So I try to live the Catholic teaching and in so doing, naturally draw closer to God.

 

[Brassring]

I’m baptised Catholic and from a background/nationality that is predominantly Catholic.
However,the more I really start to understand about being a Catholic/Christian the more I feel I’m not “cut out” for it.

For example,I’m starting to understand that God is perfect and that because we weren’t perfect too,Jesus died for our sins.
So,Catholics should at least have a desire to be perfect-but to be honest I don’t even want to be perfect (in the Godly sense) nor I have a desire for it.

Also,I’ve come to realise that many Catholics/other Christians still believe in hell as a literal burning fire place,and I’m not one to be emotionally manipulated/terrified into believing.
If God actually created this,and also tells us to do good to each other and love/help our neighbor-then I would find this extremely ironic/contradictory and couldn’t “follow” such a God.

Some Christians “explain” this by stating God is perfect/Holy and we aren’t so it’s ok,but to me,that just doesn’t add up at all.

Can I have any advice please?������

It sounds as though you are having a crisis of faith. Faith is a gift, and like any gift, it has to be accepted to do us any good. Faith is the sense by which we perceive God.

Every human that has the breath of life is called to holiness. Holiness and perfection are not necessarily the same thing. We should strive to be like Christ, with the understanding that we never can be. That’s why we need Christ in us.

God did not create hell for human souls. God created hell for Satan and the demons. God wants us all in Heaven, but He won’t violate our free will to get us there. If we choose separation from God, there’s no where else to go. I firmly believe that God grieves every soul that is lost to damnation.

 

[adamhovey1988]

The problem with our religion is us. But do you know what? I love belonging to a religion where acknowledgment of our failures is something we have to do and not something we do because it makes us feel better. No one is cut out to be a Christian, but we’re called to do it, regardless.

 

[pwlj_christ87]

Firstly, Jesus spoke of hell, not Christians, Jesus is our Lord and Messiah… he is God in human form. Why would he speak of hell in my opinion? Think about it this way, why should someone who isn’t righteous, who doesn’t believe in him, be worthy of Heaven. Now heres the magical trick, we are all not righteous, no one is good enough for heaven, and no one here on earth is perfect… so doesn’t that mean we all go to hell, well no, thats the beautiful part, is that his death, means that we will ressurect with him and our sins are no more, but to the person who feels that he doesn’t need mercy remains in his or her sins. whether or not you believe Jesus, is a different topic, but he was a man who lived, saves, and continues throughout tradition in the Catholic church.

 

[fred_conty]

“Jesus in my heart, I believe in your tender love for me, I love you.”
Mother Teresa taught her novices to say this prayer frequently during the day.

No truer words were spoken that each and every one could pray. Try it and Jesus will work in you also. For love is the perfect way.

 

[Elena321]

If you understand God’s ways are what best for us then why wouldn’t you want to be perfect? God designed us and by following His rules we will be most happy. If by saying you don’t want to be perfect you mean you have some attachment to a sin then this isn’t anything unusual. The whole point of the struggle in this life is to remove attachments to sin. It is to perfect ourselves as much as we can.

If you refuse to follow God because of the existence of Hell then you are suffering from the sin of pride. You think things should be run your way and not God’s way. Hell isnt unfair. It is the just rewards for sinning. If you think everyone should go to Heaven, even those who love doing evil, then you think God should be unjust. There is nothing great or noble in such a belief.

Pride is really the root of all sin. If you are attached to a sin to the point of unwilling to pursue holiness then you are suffering from pride. You want to enjoy your sin and refuse to let God’s sovereignty interfere with your enjoyment. There is nothing wrong in struggling to do good. There is nothing wrong with doing good but not always exactly wanting to do good. In fact doing good when you are pulled to not do good is meritorious. There is nothing wrong in wishing no one would go to Hell, that is what God desires.

Is it pride or is it my God given rational brain?
Personally,I think maybe it’s a combination of both?

God wants me to use my brain and morals and my brain believes that a God should be “followed” because He is good.
I could not perceive a God that allows people to burn physical (not to mention forever) as being Good.
Everything about this is the opposite/contradictory of good.
Even if some people say God created this place for fallen angels and humans only go there voluntarily-this still doesn’t add up.
God is God after all.I think He could of came up with many other “logistical” plans than the humans ending up also in the literal burning place.

I just can’t understand at all how this can sit fine with some Christians considering it is the opposite of the message we are given how to treat others,& to act in Christian love and charity.

Is it still pride to not want to “follow” something that seems bad?

 

[Rosebud77]

Is it pride or is it my God given rational brain?
Personally,I think maybe it’s a combination of both?

God wants me to use my brain and morals and my brain believes that a God should be “followed” because He is good.
I could not perceive a God that allows people to burn physical (not to mention forever) as being Good.
Everything about this is the opposite/contradictory of good.
Even if some people say God created this place for fallen angels and humans only go there voluntarily-this still doesn’t add up.
God is God after all.I think He could of came up with many other “logistical” plans than the humans ending up also in the literal burning place.

I just can’t understand at all how this can sit fine with some Christians considering it is the opposite of the message we are given how to treat others,& to act in Christian love and charity.

Is it still pride to not want to “follow” something that seems bad?

No but why focus on one thing like this? God condemns no one, We do that ourselvesb y our choices and disbelief,