Leading a more religious life in a secular world

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Christphr

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The world today is more and more secular. Church attendance not what it once was. Many reject some or much of the church’s teaching. The idea that religion is the central basis of one’s life also seems less and less a reality.

In practical terms, how is it possible to put the Catholic religion at the center of life? If faith is truly the center of life in an increasingly secular world, it seems one’s life must be increasingly lived different from that of the world.

How can one live, in practical terms, so that one’s life is not greatly compromised by the demands of the secular world?
 
By not giving into the “demands” of the secular world. Do your own thing and try to serve as an example to others by living your life in a way that rejects secular ideas.
 
Agreed…This time of year can be especially challenging b/c of the ridiculous commercialization of Christmas (that just keeps getting worse and worse. Seriously, I heard Christmas music on the radio yesterday!) In defiance I’m not listening to that station any more (that’ll show 'em lol!)…I’m not a scrooge and I LOVE Christmas and Christmas music but the Christmas season doesn’t start till Christmas Day. It’s Fall for crying out loud! It just made me realize that people have separated the holiday from it’s liturgical role in the the year.
 
I’d suggest that you constantly bear in mind that God is with you. God is real, therefore your religion is valid, real and precious.

I can understand someone wavering from religion but not if they have faith in the reality of God. Our religion is the framework through which we communicate and worship God.

If you lack faith then ask for it to be given, strengthened and increased. Our Lord told us so, ask and it shall be given, this was Truth. The world can be like a raging storm around us but with the strength that God can give you it is possible to be at peace in the eye of that storm.
God bless.
 
You should probably read “Live Today Well,” about St. Francis de Sales and his philosophy. Then read “Introduction To the Devout Life,” by St. Francis de Sales. It was written in 1610 and hasn’t been out of print all this time. His viewpoint is that anybody can live a devout life, while living their regular life and doing their regular routine. He first wrote his book for the religious vocations but he said anybody could follow the method. The Salesian way is documented and learnable, and now and then churches have classes in it. The book, “Introduction To the Devout Life,” is still in print, of course, and available on Amazon and other book sellers.
 
I think Liturgy of the Hours surely helps. Or at least pausing several time throughout the day for a short Psalm or part of a Psalm.
 
The Church no longer teachers us to separate ourselves from the world literally like monks or hermits.
Jesus called us to be in the world but not of it.

For the spiritually mature that is surely an attitudue of pure mind and heart not any sort of systemic withdrawal.
 
You don’t look at yourself-- you look at God. 🙂

You serve the people around you, out of love of God and love of neighbor, but you don’t try to emulate them.

Because you’re busy looking at God while you’re getting stuff done.
 
“A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
 
Bear constantly in mind the age-old truth that most people have forgotten: this is not our home but a pilgrimage to our true home. Live as one who therefore does not need to get everything, be completely satisfied, live it up. We can all practice poverty, chastity, and obedience according to our state of life. Focus on the goal, not the passing world.
 
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