Is it possible that the reason I can't seem to let go of my faith is due to the fact that it's just what I was always taught?

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I find it hard to believe in Catholicism, yet I can’t seem to shake it off. Is it simply because it’s purely psychological, what I was always taught?
 
I wasn’t really raised with any religion (my mother DOES believe in God, non-religious doesn’t mean you’re an atheist). I became Catholic because it’s true, not because I believe it’s true, but because it is true.
 
bclustr9 said:
Is it simply because it’s purely psychological, what I was always taught?
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No, it’s the other way around: you’re psychologically predisposed to Catholicism, which is why you were born into a Catholic family. After birth, you were taught Catholicism, yes, but this “stuck” (and stills sticks) so well only because it corresponds very well (though perhaps not always 100%) with what you already know deep in your own soul. On a normal mental level you may not realize this, but the truth is that Catholicism wasn’t “hammered into you”. It simply confirmed the intuitive knowledge you already had (and have).

And it will continue to be this way: you may stop participating in Catholic rituals if that is your choice, and extricate yourself from the Catholic community, but you’ll likely not be able to get away from being spiritually Catholic. But that’s a good thing. Whatever practical difficulties or ignominy may befall the visible Catholic Church, spiritual Catholicism will be unaffected, and it can accomodate a wide range of beliefs, behaviors, and practices.
 
You are chosen by Christ first.

John 15 15 I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
 
Maybe.

Or maybe you did the research on your own, took it to God in prayer, and found it that it was true🙂
 
Catholicism is in line with moral law which is innate in us. You can no more escape the moral law than you can escape your own skin.

We are born with a certain sense of right and wrong that is deepened through socialization and religious instruction. God made us this way.
 
adamhovey1988 said:
I wasn’t really raised with any religion (my mother DOES believe in God, non-religious doesn’t mean you’re an atheist)
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But believing in God is not non-religious.
I became Catholic because it’s true, not because I believe it’s true, but because it is true.
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You only know it’s true because you believe.
 
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Roguish said:
you’re psychologically predisposed to Catholicism,
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I have to laugh, that is exactly what I was told an hour ago!

I think this is very true, of course it doesn’t detract from the truth and veracity of our religion in the least but we are predisposed to become Catholic. Ever since I was a child I was drawn towards it and I knew nothing about it at all other than it was deeply spiritual and those Catholics I saw had an unshakeable belief in God.

It still took me many decades before I could become one, better late than never as they say. A wonderful religion full of truths.
 
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if you feel that you are Catholic out of habit only, then you need to pray for an increase in your faith. Prayer and meditation should help.
 
The alternative has been Buddhism but it feels better, aka, allows me to live for me. I think I’m starting to figure out that it’s less about being able to believe in Catholicism and more about that.
 
I’m not sure if I believe in God. He has never spoken to me and sure allows a lot of suffering to occur in the world.
 
To hear God, we must stop and listen and start seeing the work of God in our environment.

Your argument about suffering is one that most people grapple with.

The argument goes if there is God , there would be no suffering because God is love. It’s an argument that’s been relevant throughout the known presence of God.

My reply is not to be able to explain it except to say Jesus suffered gravely as a sacrifice for us.

And many very Holy people experienced great suffering.
 
bclustr9 said:
Buddhism… allows me to live for me.
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Interesting. And Catholicism doesn’t? Some people, myself included, think that Catholicism, at its best, elevates, liberates, and fulfills the self.
 
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Isnt that what the OP is hypothesising…please address him as I was.
I simply observe that I know a number of good older Catholics who have voiced exactly that conclusion to me.
Its a reasonable hypothesis to explore with the OP.
 
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