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PauloFreire2
Guest
Is it, or would that qualify as being ***prideful? *** Should the state of being a ‘good’ Catholic be a private matter, or is one justified in seeking recognition, therein?:coffeeread:
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AquinaSavio
Guest
I think one should always strive to be a good Catholic and set a good example for others. If praise follows…fine. However, if the person is trying to set an example just to gain recognition, it is not pleasing to God. Sometimes, it may be a combination of both. This is certainly less pleasing to God than true devotion to Him would be.
Hope that answers your question.
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Kevin42
Guest
Kind of what the poster above me said. This clearly shows that the person is still concerned with matters of this world, and seeking the praise of men, instead of worshiping God, and being at peace with that.
I struggle with this sometimes though, so pray for me!
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PauloFreire2
Guest
Should Catholics characterize themselves as ‘devout’, when communicating with others? Is that justifiable, morally? Is it right to say, “I am a devout Catholic.”?
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Kevin42
Guest
I suppose that’s a good question. I could not see a problem with it, unless it is done as bragging, or with the hope of being praised or looked up to. Perhaps if one is concerned about this, a better thing would be to say “I try to be a devout Catholic.”
Basically, I think alot of this depends on your motivation.
Basically, I think alot of this depends on your motivation.
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LilyM
Guest
‘devout’ really just means sincere or earnest - I’d say it’s permissible, it’s more about your attitude towards your faith than anything else.Should Catholics characterize themselves as ‘devout’, when communicating with others? Is that justifiable, morally? Is it right to say, “I am a devout Catholic.”?
You could choose to use another word if ‘devout’ makes you uncomfortable - ‘committed Catholic’ or ‘110% Catholic’ (hey, that one’s pretty snazzy)
As for seeking praise - I certainly seek God’s praise, and hope to hear those blessed words ‘well done, good and faithful servant’ when I get to the pearly gates. I think if you do the right thing you may well be praised many times whether or not you seek it!
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PauloFreire2
Guest
Well, here’s a bit of a snag: if someone claims before others to be a ‘devout’ Catholic, he must walk the straight and narrow perfectly from that moment forward. Any deviation would make him and the Church look bad. He would be susceptible to allegations of hypocrisy.
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puzzleannie
Guest
I think most spiritual writers would warn that as soon as we feel pride in our spiritual condition we are in danger from the enemy.
read counsels of St. John of the Cross, for instance.
coffee smells great, pour me a cup
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fix
Guest
They would be false charges I would think. Hypocrisy is certain species of lies. One who is devout may sin,even seriously, yet not be a hypocrite. A hypocrite would be one who claims to follow Church teachings all the while never really accepting them in the first place.
A devout person may truly believe all that is taught, yet fall as ayone else may fall due to giving in to temptation.
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Kevin42
Guest
I think the OP does have a point though. Many people who do not have faith will look at someone who claims themselves to be devote, and then measure the goodness of their religion off of their words and actions. I’m not saying that’s the right thing to do…but it happens.
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gardenswithkids
Guest
While pride may be the problem, I think there may be a different problem that exists when people place modifiers before the word “Catholic”.Should Catholics characterize themselves as ‘devout’, when communicating with others? Is that justifiable, morally? Is it right to say, “I am a devout Catholic.”?
“Catholic” describes a certain theology. Many who describe themselves as “Catholic” don’t believe all the teachings of the Catholic Church, believing some teachings while rejecting others. Others accept all the Church teachings. It gets rather wording to say, “I’m Catholic and I believe all that the Catholic Church teaches is true.” So some who believe *all *the teachings of the Catholic Church use modifiers such as “devout” “serious” “orthodox” and so forth.
Honestly, the word “Catholic” aught to be enough to mean one accepts the teachings of the Catholic Church.
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Em_in_FL
Guest
I agree…
Even if it doesn’t truly meet the “definition” of hypocrisy, others may view it as such. We DO need to be mindful of how others view us…
I like the phrase “I try to be a good Catholic”… it’s honest, and suggests imperfection…
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mdgspencer
Guest
I think instead of seeking praise that it is better just to concentrate on serving God. Jesus provided a parable about those seeking the place of honor at a dinner table and said that the host will tell such a person to move to a lesser place for so that someone with greater honor can sit there, to his humiliation. Jesus also said he who is first will be last and he who is last will be first. The host in the parable of the dinner table is God, who, according to this parable, will not honor those who seek honor.
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PauloFreire2
Guest
Agreed. It comes down to ***humble ***devotion, not self-proclamations.
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PauloFreire2
Guest
Fundies often say, “I don’t want to be Christian if it means I have to cuss, talk about sex, or be like Catholics.”
I always find this entire approach to Christianity revolting. What on Earth does the statement, ***“I don’t want to be a Christian if…” ***imply? It’s nutty. I say just serve God, and do your level best, in every area of life. Don’t say anything but words of encouragement and truth. Work hard to show others what it’s all about, and to build up the Kingdom of God.
I always find this entire approach to Christianity revolting. What on Earth does the statement, ***“I don’t want to be a Christian if…” ***imply? It’s nutty. I say just serve God, and do your level best, in every area of life. Don’t say anything but words of encouragement and truth. Work hard to show others what it’s all about, and to build up the Kingdom of God.
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LilyM
Guest
HAVE TO? Are they lumping us with people who cuss and talk about sex???
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PauloFreire2
Guest
At work, I was invited to a ‘Bible’ study conducted by coaches. I went, and they instantly started attacking Catholicism, without knowing I was Catholic. I defended the faith, gently enough, but didn’t return for a while. Upon going back at the very end of the year, I sensed they didn’t want me there. I won’t go back next year. So…yeah, I guess this group did, at least. They were Texas good old boys to the extreme, and very Fundie.
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fix
Guest
That it may be viewed as hypocrisy by others does not make it hypocritical. I agree deeds matter, but to seek sinlessness as the sole criteria for determining who is and is not living the faith or to judge if the faith is true is an incorrect way to reason.So, to heck with setting an example, being what one says he is, living what one preaches, taking personal responsibility, etc., etc.? I can’t agree. I believe in deeds, not just words. Words are easy. Deeds make the difference.
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fix
Guest
I agree many will view such examples as hypocrisy, but that does not make the conclusion correct. No one would claim we ought to live as a bad example to others. What I am questioning is the mindset that claims… I see some Catholic sinning so that means the faith is a sham. That reasoning would mean no faith is true because we all sin.
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