Longing for a simpler faith

[Lapey]

Great post Lapey, thank you!
As a Priest or Deacon? God BlessCarlan

God willing, I will be ordained a deacon in December this year. Four years of formation down, one to go!

 

[Monte1945]

What drives most of those Non-Denominational churches are small groups. One of my biggest gripes about the RCC (yes, I am RC) is the lack of small groups or bible studies. So believe me. I do understand where you are.

Might I suggest that you go to your parish and start one… That just might be
the reason you are so sensitive about it… could be a call…

 

[Lib_Christian]

Amen Lib. There are many laws in the CC that are not in the Bible.

Tweetymom, why do you think this is? The entire collection of Canon Law, dogma, doctrine and the like does seem sometimes to me to be another Bible on top of the one we already have. The additions I do think are something which can cause people to long for a simpler Bible faith.

I also think people can get put off and long for another faith by some who choose to believe they unequivocally, absolutely know all truth. They fail to understand how in the end it still simply comes down to a matter of faith for each, any, and all of us. When they seem to place themselves on an equal playing field with Christ and attempt to overturn who they perceive as moneychangers, their attacks can be hurtful and at times play an opposite effect of their possible intentions. And instead they can turn people away from, not toward the Church. Indeed in the end this may result in a smaller Church perhaps. But my faith asks was this Christ’s intention?

As long as we pray, study, contemplate, pray some more and follow our hearts in good conscience, I believe the loving and merciful God I understand Him to be, knows how we each have come to what we understand at any given step along our walks. And He truly wants each of His children with Him in heaven for eternity. In 2Corinthians 5 the Apostle Paul tells us our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. And God will have a house in heaven for us to live in.

In my short time here on CAF I have noticed the love and understanding you attempt to show to others in your posts, Tweetymom. None of us were there in sight and it is fine for each of us to believe as we believe, you are so fond of reminding each of us.

I pray for those whose intention may be to teach, to do so in a gentler manner of spirit. Hopefully with the understanding of how their actions can drive people away from the Cathoilc Church.

And let us pray for another as the Apostle James taught us to do. God bless and peace to all.

 

[Justin_Mee]

T
As long as we pray, study, contemplate, pray some more and follow our hearts in good conscience, I believe the loving and merciful God I understand Him to be, knows how we each have come to what we understand at any given step along our walks. And He truly wants each of His children with Him in heaven for eternity. In 2Corinthians 5 the Apostle Paul tells us our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. And God will have a house in heaven for us to live in.

Hmm. So I don’t need to go to any church. I will just pray, study, contemplate and follow my heart and I have it made. Let’s see I can pray during those long commercials on American Idol and Lifetime movies. Then I can contemplate while driving to the shopping mall and movies. And my heart says to be nice to everyone which I try to do. It still seems as if I’m missing something but I can’t put my finger on it.

 

[Lib_Christian]

Hmm. So I don’t need to go to any church. I will just pray, study, contemplate and follow my heart and I have it made. Let’s see I can pray during those long commercials on American Idol and Lifetime movies. Then I can contemplate while driving to the shopping mall and movies. And my heart says to be nice to everyone which I try to do. It still seems as if I’m missing something but I can’t put my finger on it.

If that’s what you believe. Keep at it and you will find what you are missing. Seek and you shall find. It’s not too complicated. Peace my friend.

 

[Monte1945]

Middleman, your parish may be dead in many ways, and if so, that is sad, and it’s a shame there aren’t other parishes nearby.

But at your Catholic parish you can receive the Sacraments - most especially, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord in the Eucharist. You simply can’t get that in the community church.

I know others have touched on this but I just wanted to emphasize it.

where is your church? I was raised and lived most of my life
in Clay County Ky… our church was St. Ann’s and was then
in the Covington Ky diocese and I have been told it
is now under Lexington’s…

You been to the Abbey of Gethsemai monastery yet?

 

[Lib_Christian]

God willing, I will be ordained a deacon in December this year. Four years of formation down, one to go!

May God bless you and may He help you serve humbly, not with persecution but with love, understanding, tolerance, with a double dip of humility. I ask this in name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus in Whom all things are possible. Amen.

 

[Lapey]

May God bless you and may He help you serve humbly, not with persecution but with love, understanding, tolerance, with a double dip of humility. I ask this in name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus in Whom all things are possible. Amen.

I truly feel sorry for you lib, you just don’t or can’t see the light.

 

[Carlan]

Tweetymom, why do you think this is? The entire collection of Canon Law, dogma, doctrine and the like does seem sometimes to me to be another Bible on top of the one we already have. The additions I do think are something which can cause people to long for a simpler Bible faith.

I also think people can get put off and long for another faith by some who choose to believe they unequivocally, absolutely know all truth. They fail to understand how in the end it still simply comes down to a matter of faith for each, any, and all of us. When they seem to place themselves on an equal playing field with Christ and attempt to overturn who they perceive as moneychangers, their attacks can be hurtful and at times play an opposite effect of their possible intentions. And instead they can turn people away from, not toward the Church. Indeed in the end this may result in a smaller Church perhaps. But my faith asks was this Christ’s intention?

As long as we pray, study, contemplate, pray some more and follow our hearts in good conscience, I believe the loving and merciful God I understand Him to be, knows how we each have come to what we understand at any given step along our walks. And He truly wants each of His children with Him in heaven for eternity. In 2Corinthians 5 the Apostle Paul tells us our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. And God will have a house in heaven for us to live in.

In my short time here on CAF I have noticed the love and understanding you attempt to show to others in your posts, Tweetymom. None of us were there in sight and it is fine for each of us to believe as we believe, you are so fond of reminding each of us.

I pray for those whose intention may be to teach, to do so in a gentler manner of spirit. Hopefully with the understanding of how their actions can drive people away from the Catholic Church.

And let us pray for another as the Apostle James taught us to do. God bless and peace to all.

Well Lib,The Catholics who share here at CA do so in the hopes that our separated brothers who visit will learn the truth of what Christ’s Apostolic Church teaches about revelation and Catholic doctrine. Some times the visitors are dissenting Catholics and when that occurs we are bound and committed to correct error and admonish those who identify themselves as Catholics and yet deny belief in Church doctrine ,Carlan

 

[Lib_Christian]

Some times the visitors are dissenting Catholics and when that occurs we are bound and committed to correct error and admonish those **who identify themselves as Catholics **and yet deny belief in Church doctrine ,Carlan

kpeople: The Church even in all its light identifies them as such. :grouphug:

 

[LionHeart777]

There are many laws in the CC that are not in the Bible.

Dear Tweetymom,

"18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Mathew 16: 18-19) (biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16&version=KJV) (accessed 01/06/09) (emphasis mine)

The Church has the authority to do such things:thumbsup:

 

[bauerice]

Might I suggest that you go to your parish and start one… That just might be the reason you are so sensitive about it… could be a call…

You may be right.

 

[JW55]

Our family has been invited to a breakfast at the small community church where my teenagers attend a non-denominational youth group. Sadly, our parish is lacking in youth activities. My teenagers are totally turned off to the Catholic faith. My daughter tells me that other Christians are more enthusiastic about God and Jesus. She thinks that most people in our church are dead in their faith. She says the youth group never says anything negative about the Catholic faith, by the way. I believe her on that, she’s a very forthright young lady. In actuality, our parish does seem dead.

Even though I’ll always love aspects of the Catholic faith and will always consider myself Catholic, I think it’s too complicated. I’ve read a lot here at this site that confirms that thought. I really don’t want to deal with so much complication in my relationship with God right now. I don’t feel like dragging my children to Mass anymore. We haven’t gone to Mass much in the last 6 months. I think our family will be looking for a simpler faith.

Middleman-

I can sympathize with many of your concerns. I think I can safely say that a number of us are involved in parishes that may seem lackluster or seem to offer little opportunity for fellowship. However, I think you should reconsider your reasons for leaving the Church. As many have already said, if you feel you are unable to make the some of the changes necessary to bring more involvement of the parishoners and youth in the church, why not simply seek out another Catholic Church. I am sure you can find any number of other Catholc Church to investigate. Who says they have to be in your immediate neighborhood?

Keep in mind that our reason for attending mass is not to be entertained or to even “get something out of it.” Our attendance should be two-fold: first to worship God and secondly to discover the truth.

How we worship has already been determined 2000 yrs ago. Outside of the Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church there are none who can actually claim apostolic succession to the present time.

You mentioned looking for something simpler. Life is “complex”. Do you really think the spiritual world would be any less so? I’m sure you can find any number of protestant churches to attend where a particuarly charismatic minister can give you his personal interpretation of “God’s Plan” or his interpretation of “sola scriptura”. Down the street you can find another minister who can give you a different interpretation. The Catholic Church is complex because not only is it the church that Jesus Christ founded, but it has 2000 yrs of history that thousands upon thousands of saints and Church Fathers have agreed on what is the “Truth”. It is not just one minister’s personal interpretation (although some can be inspirational and are truly sincere in their quest to spread God’s Word) of that truth.

In any case you have received a lot of advise from a lot of people and I hope you will give this a sincere second thought concerning the Church, and I wish you the best in whatever decision you should make.

 

[JustaServant]

Our family has been invited to a breakfast at the small community church where my teenagers attend a non-denominational youth group. Sadly, our parish is lacking in youth activities. My teenagers are totally turned off to the Catholic faith. My daughter tells me that other Christians are more enthusiastic about God and Jesus. She thinks that most people in our church are dead in their faith. She says the youth group never says anything negative about the Catholic faith, by the way. I believe her on that, she’s a very forthright young lady. In actuality, our parish does seem dead.

Even though I’ll always love aspects of the Catholic faith and will always consider myself Catholic, I think it’s too complicated. I’ve read a lot here at this site that confirms that thought. I really don’t want to deal with so much complication in my relationship with God right now. I don’t feel like dragging my children to Mass anymore. We haven’t gone to Mass much in the last 6 months. I think our family will be looking for a simpler faith.

A quick review of your posting history reveals this is not a new sediment, so why start a thread bragging about it?
You’re not only damaging your own soul, but the souls of your children.

 

[peary1]

You know, it might be an oversight, but I don’t think the initial poster to this thread has ever actually answered any pertinent questions. For one, if you pray and go to Mass and follow Church teaching, I can’t think of a more simpler Faith than that.

 

[juliamajor]

To the OP, Protestant faiths are not “simpler”, they are different. Any religion you find yourself belonging to will test you from time to time; it is not supposed to be easy or simple. You should take a lot of time to seriously consider making any change in religion. If you feel your heart is leading you to another church that should be something to explore. However, if you do not feel strongly about this I would suggest staying in your church and speaking with a priest about your concerns. Perhaps speaking with a priest before making any decisions would be the best move. I have not read the entire thread so my apologies if this is redundant.

I’m not exactly sure what is wrong with the idea of attending a church which is of a different denomination from time to time. I’m fairly certain no one who attends different churches thinks they are all carbon copies of one another. Also, I do not know what the issue could be with a change in music. Although this is not something I have ever encountered so perhaps it is not as joyful (we’ll say) as I am envisioning. There is something very somber and beautiful about organ music but if something needs to change with the times music should be the least of our concerns.

I would like to say that I believe this discussion seems to have taken a very ugly turn. I am disheartened by the number of hateful comments being posted regarding Protestant denominations. I just don’t see how in this day and age we cannot agree to disagree and love each other as Christians. While there is nothing wrong with discussing our differences I don’t see why it has to turn so hateful. I have run across some threads with titles which are something like “Why do people hate Catholics”. There seems to be a serious disconnect between the perceived hatred of Cathoicism and the clear hatred of Protestantism by some on these boards. Why would it be okay for one and not the other? There should be no free license to hate or attack anyone for their religious beliefs. Why is it so difficult for some of us to respect one another?

You haven’t been on too many Evangelical sites have you? or How about websites by the Church itself like SDA who make anti-Catholicism one of their “dogmas”?Church run sites this is!

 

[Lapey]

I truly feel sorry for you lib, you just don’t or can’t see the light.

Lib,
I apologize for being uncharitable by letting my emotion take over. I should not have let you get to me. I do accept and appreciate whatever prayer you offer on my behalf, I just beg you to look at the way you wrote the prayer and see how arrogant and condescending it appears to me a devout Catholic Christian. It was late yesterday after a long day and I should have waited to respond until this morning.

In Christ,
Gary

 

[tweetymom]

Dear Tweetymom,

"18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Mathew 16: 18-19) (biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16&version=KJV) (accessed 01/06/09) (emphasis mine)

The Church has the authority to do such things:thumbsup:

Thank you. Glad that is what you believe, and God Bless

 

[Church_Militant]

You know, it might be an oversight, but I don’t think the initial poster to this thread has ever actually answered any pertinent questions. For one, if you pray and go to Mass and follow Church teaching, I can’t think of a more simpler Faith than that.

 

[JustaServant]

You know, it might be an oversight, but I don’t think the initial poster to this thread has ever actually answered any pertinent questions. For one, if you pray and go to Mass and follow Church teaching, I can’t think of a more simpler Faith than that.

Just to add to your thought. The Catholic faith is rich, not complicated. If the guy wants complicated, he should try Protestant Calvinism for a while.
But in seeking something ‘simple’, what he is looking for can be better defined as ‘simplistic’. The two are not the same. Simplistic religion creates a smaller world, not a larger one. It is a world encased within a mindset that allows nothing outside of it to interfere.
Jesus instituted the Sacraments for us. And there is nothing more simple than these. Without the commitment of the Sacraments, he will be forever searching for something to replace it. He will become one of the ‘spiritually homeless’, going from spiritual soup kitchen to spiritual soup kitchen longing for His food. When all the while, He has spread a gourmet meal in palace waiting for us.
So, in actual fact, he is replacing the* simple *for the simplistic.