My issues with Catholicism

[TheBreak]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

Thanks to everyone who answered my threads about my issues with Christianity, they make it easy for me to understand Christianity more than before.

Now I’m going to address my issues with Catholicism.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

 

[EricFilmer]

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

I’m not sure what why planes and cars are a problem, so I’ll address the idea of buildings and bodyguards. Throughout history humans have devoted grand building projects to express the things and ideas that are most important to them (including both spiritual concerns and practical concerns). Consider, for example, the pyramids and the Colosseum of the ancient world, as well as the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge of the modern world. King David was the one who felt that worshiping God in a tent was unseemly, seeing as how he, himself, lived in a palace. He desired to build a grand temple for God, and God approved his idea. King Solomon was the one who was responsible for actually building it, and according to the Old Testament and the writings of Josephus, the Temple was enormous, elaborately decorated, and beset with gems and precious metals.

There is nothing wrong with using the resources of this world in order to give praise to God. What does it say about a society if we use such resources to build a football stadium worth millions of dollars but build a shack to represent the glory we give to God? Do we actually need a big church to worship God? No, but it is a very beautiful and appropriate thing to have.

Because of the valuables in the Temple, there were Temple guards (who were even allowed to work on the Sabbath). Likewise the Vatican has guards to protect both property and people.

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

The Catholic Church follows the fullness of divine revelation, which includes both Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture. It is the same with the various Eastern Orthodox Christians and the various Oriental Orthodox Christians. The fathers are read and taught because they reflect on both Scripture and Tradition, but that is the extent of it. Moreover, every Mass includes a gospel reading, during which people reverently stand, so I don’t know how you can ask, “Why does the gospel have no place in the Catholic Church?” In terms of the Fathers of the Church, their writings are not part of the Mass unless the priest or deacon mentions them in a homily. Obviously, the Church does not focus on the writings of the fathers at the expense of the gospel.

To help in this discussion, can you tell us of a specific problem you feel that arose because the Catholic Church was focusing on traditions instead of the gospel?

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

Can you name me one thing that these people did to get closer to Jesus that they could not have also done in the Catholic Church? Can you tell me one thing about who Jesus is that is not also taught in the Catholic Church?

And in leaving the Catholic Church they also left behind most of the sacraments, so I see their departure as a problem, despite how they felt about their decision at the time.

And even though many people (young and old) have left the Church, many others (young and old) have joined it. When all is said and done, the Catholic Church is responsible for living up to the expectations of God (which includes teaching all that he reveals and ministering the sacraments) and not the various expectations of everyone in the pews.

 

[JMJ_coder]

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Recall that one of the most beloved places in the world for Jesus was the Temple in Jerusalem (cf. John 2:17) and the Temple was overwhelmingly ornate.

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

How so? The majority of the Liturgy is comprised of quotes from Scripture. The Church proclaims the whole revelation, both that which is written and that which is transmitted orally (cf. John 21:25, 2 Thess. 2:15, and many others).

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

Why does your friend claim that he would/could never know Jesus in the Catholic Church? He is obviously mistaken, but I wonder what his thinking is.

 

[Fransea]

I grew up Protestant but eventually became “bored”. (and I to hate to say it that way, but it’s the truth)

I kept feeling like …“This can’t be what it is all about” …I’ve read the Bible, know it pretty well…but my focus (the protestant one) was on learning the Bible, memorizing the versus, etc. Well, been there, done that…now what? I prayed and prayed but was just not satisfied with just knowing the Bible…there HAD to be more to religion than just doing good and knowing the Bible.

When I FINALLY got an answer to my prayers as to what church was the “True” church, the one Jesus Christ talked about and the Apostles began…I went straight to the one HE led me to. That first mass gave me a feeling like I had never had before…peace…total peace.

I love the Catholic Church and will also be there.

For those out there trying to find the answer, pray and keep praying till you too get your answer…it WILL come. (took me 10 years so don’t give up.)

 

[rfournier103]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

Thanks to everyone who answered my threads about my issues with Christianity, they make it easy for me to understand Christianity more than before.

Now I’m going to address my issues with Catholicism.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

ISSUE 1: When you speak of these ‘buildings’, do you mean St. Peter’s Basilica? The Sistine Chapel?

The very architecture is to glorify GOD. Look at the paintings. Look at the quaility, time, skill, and love poured into these sacred places of worship. As somone who works in construction, I can assure you that the men who built the Vatican did so to GLORIFY GOD.

As for the cars and planes… How many cars does the Pope have? Would you care to tell me how he should get around, if not by car? And the Pope doesn’t own a plane. He charters (rents)…

ISSUE 2: You say the Church doesn’t focus on the Gospel??? When was the last time you attended Mass? Or, more approprately, when was the first time you attended Mass? Have you aver attended a Mass when the Gospel WASN’T read?

The Gospel is read at EVERY SINGLE Catholic Mass, EVERY SINGLE DAY. ALWAYS followed by a sermon or homily ABOUT the Gospel you just heard. To say that the Gospel ‘has no place’ tells me that you know very little about Catholicism and the Holy Mass. Don’t take my word for it… go and see for yourself before you say that the Gospel has no place in the Catholic Church. Also, please explain how the Church values tradition more than the Gospel. Can you cite an example?

ISSUE 3: All the young people leaving the Church does NOT mean there is something wrong with the Church. The Church is beholden to God’s Word (see issue 2). The Church does not flip-flop on issues to make kids happy. There are many many kids leaving ALL churches. Not because the churches aren’t teaching about Jesus, but because somewhere the kids got the notion that God and Jesus don’t matter.

 

[fhansen]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

Thanks to everyone who answered my threads about my issues with Christianity, they make it easy for me to understand Christianity more than before.

Now I’m going to address my issues with Catholicism.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

Its kind of interesting, I just read the same complaint- but from a non-Catholic about Protestant churches! The church isn’t the problem-although it will always need reforming/perfecting while here on earth. The problem is ourselves; we need to remove our focus from the outward trappings of the church and listen more intently to her message, which is the whole purpose for her existence. Christ established the church, a visible church, and whether that church is small and unimpressive by worldly standards (as in the early days), or whether its a huge megalithic institution as it is today it will always necessarily involve the need for bureaucracy and administration, etc. But this is the irrelevant part of the church, relatively speaking, because the entire purpose of this enormous structure has always been simply to serve as support for teaching the truth about God and His love, as revealed by a humble carpenter from dusty Galilee 2000 years ago.

 

[QNDNNDQDCE]

Regarding the riches of the Vatican.

“Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” (Matthew 26:6-13)

Who are these infidels to presume what our Lord Jesus Christ would have wanted?

 

[mrajax]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

Thanks to everyone who answered my threads about my issues with Christianity, they make it easy for me to understand Christianity more than before.

Now I’m going to address my issues with Catholicism.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

First, the Churches are there as a temple of worship. With the millions of people who are catholic, you can’t expect them to attend very small temples. Thats insane, they’d all be cramped together. The Jews also had a huge temple with gold and decoration which Jesus always attended yet we never heard Him condemn it. There is a huge difference between being rich and living a decadent life and building rich things to show your appreciation for what is good. God is humble but He wants to be loved and these temples are one way to spread His glory and even attract people to the faith as the art in Churches simulates people to pray. Thats why we build rich Churches, not for ourselves or to indeed live a life of lesuire in them as someone literally accused us of doing (facepalm).

Secondly, the Church doesn’t focus on the Gospel? What on earth have we been doing the last 2000 years? The gospels and message of Jesus need to be analyzed, studied, they need to be studied correctly so that people don’t interpret them in a way that suits their own caprices. Nowhere in the Bible is it written that it alone holds the word of God. Such an important lesson would be mentioned now wouldn’t it? Not only that but the Gospel of Jesus isn’t a book; it’s His teachings, the teachings He gave to the Apostles that are His word and the Gospel and the Bible we know today is just a way His Gospel was expressed.

And yes, Jesus did found a Church, the Catholic Church with a Pope. If Jesus didn’t found a Church to propagate His message as He wanted it, Jesus would just be a footnote in history.

 

[JRKH]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

You seem to be doing quite well.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Does the Church “need” all of that? No it doesn’t…Does the Catholic Church make good use of these things? Yes she does.
The thing is that the Church does not “focus” on these things. She focus’s on the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

The Gospel is preached EVERY DAY in EVERY Catholic Church around the world. How can you feel like that the Gospel is not important? Certainly there have been many - non-canonical - writers who have contributed great things to the faith - but all of that stands with the Gospel and because of the Gospel - not instead of it.

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

There are many reasons why people of any age leave the Church. There are also many reasons why people of many ages come into the Church. It’s not a one way street.
That said…There can be a problem where “form” is emphasized at the expense of “substance”…and that is the root of the issue in regards to your friend.
This is something that does need to be worked on.

Peace
James

 

[KendraDZ1902]

ISSUE 1: When you speak of these ‘buildings’, do you mean St. Peter’s Basilica? The Sistine Chapel?

The very architecture is to glorify GOD. Look at the paintings. Look at the quaility, time, skill, and love poured into these sacred places of worship. As somone who works in construction, I can assure you that the men who built the Vatican did so to GLORIFY GOD.

As for the cars and planes… How many cars does the Pope have? Would you care to tell me how he should get around, if not by car? And the Pope doesn’t own a plane. He charters (rents)…

ISSUE 2: You say the Church doesn’t focus on the Gospel??? When was the last time you attended Mass? Or, more approprately, when was the first time you attended Mass? Have you aver attended a Mass when the Gospel WASN’T read?

The Gospel is read at EVERY SINGLE Catholic Mass, EVERY SINGLE DAY. ALWAYS followed by a sermon or homily ABOUT the Gospel you just heard. To say that the Gospel ‘has no place’ tells me that you know very little about Catholicism and the Holy Mass. Don’t take my word for it… go and see for yourself before you say that the Gospel has no place in the Catholic Church. Also, please explain how the Church values tradition more than the Gospel. Can you cite an example?

ISSUE 3: All the young people leaving the Church does NOT mean there is something wrong with the Church. The Church is beholden to God’s Word (see issue 2). The Church does not flip-flop on issues to make kids happy. There are many many kids leaving ALL churches. Not because the churches aren’t teaching about Jesus, but because somewhere the kids got the notion that God and Jesus don’t matter.

 

[Bballer32]

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Christ is King. We need to build him places of worship fit for a King. Now, we have to do this magnitude in humility, but we cannot degrade the status of Jesus Christ. Also, the Jews built a HUGE temple for the Ark.

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

The Catholic Church actually focuses a lot on Sacred Scripture along side Sacred Tradition. Everything we Catholics believe comes from scripture and tradition. Not scripture alone or tradition alone.

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

What exactly allowed them to find Jesus? Is Jesus for them based off “good feelings”? If finding Jesus means finding good feelings, then clearly there would be no need for religion. If i feel good when i play Halo 4 on Xbox, then, according to these people, i have found Jesus. Everyone in this world wants to believe what they want and doesn’t want to be told to do something different. That’s the problem. I found Christ by getting involved in my faith again and attending Mass. Leaving the faith is doing the exact opposite.

 

[PeaceInChrist]

May the grace and peace of Christ be with you!

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

My brother, planes and vehicles are certainly necessary in the modern world for travel. Buildings and property have been amassed over the many years the Church has existed, and the most glorious of Catholic buildings are churches and cathedrals that honor Our Lord. Honoring the Lord with beauty is a tradition that goes back to our Hebrew Fathers, and is pleasing to God. He even commanded the Ark and the Temple to be built ornately, and Jesus Christ worshipped in the Temple. He did not condemn its beauty, nor did He condemn the sinner woman from pouring out expensive perfume to annoint His feet. Judas had a similar protest to this common objection to beauty, and Jesus rebuked him.

We give to the poor, as well, and so it should not be troubling that we also give beautiful things to God.

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

I assure you, my friend, that the Gospel of Christ Jesus is indeed the focus of the Church. The Tradition of the Church, Scripture, the writings of the Fathers, the oral teachings, the Sacraments, and the prayers and Liturgies handed down to us, are all to increase our relationship with Christ and aid in understanding His Gospel. If we do not have the understanding of the early Church when it comes to the teachings of the Apostles, or, similarly, if any moment in time at all in the growing of our understanding of the Gospel were to be removed, we would have only a partial faith. Thankfully, the Lord Jesus gave us the Spirit to prevent this from happening, and promised we would be led in Him always.

If it were not for the passing-down of our Faith, we would have a book classified as myth and read as such. We, however, have a Church alive with the Spirit, which transmits to us the teachings of the Apostles (including Scripture), and discerns as a whole, with the protection of the Spirit, the Truth in all matters. Because we are able to discern the Truth, we must proclaim it when it is contested, and we do this by proclaiming dogma when it is necessary.

Remember that it is all to lead us the Christ. All of it. He is the center of it all. The saints, the Mass, the Sacraments, Scripture, everything, is to help us know and love our Lord, Jesus Christ, and to give us the grace and understanding to know Him and receive the salvation He has offered us. These things are gifts that He gave us! There is nothing in the Church that distracts from Him. It ALL leads to Him!

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

I feel that many people are leaving the faith because they are not encouraged to know and love the Lord in prayer and are poorly catechized. Having a poor relationship with Chirst while learning ‘the rules’ often has a negative effect on an individual. Having a relationship with Christ without any instruction in Truth can also lead to disaster. We must have both.

My experience has been quite the opposite of your friend. I previously had no relationship with Christ, but through increased prayer and an increase in understanding of and paricipation in of the Sacraments (and thus a response to God’s grace, by His grace), my relationship with Christ became one of love. Both a faithful relationship with Christ and at least some accurate understanding of the faith are necessary. As of now, most Catholics have none of either.

I hope my answers have helped, and I pray that Christ Jesus may lead you to the fullness of His Truth in His Church.

 

[buffalo]

If you are a painter and you gift one of your paintings to the Church what should she do with it? Sell it? Or keep it for others to appreciate its beauty?

The accumulation of sacred art is a story that is told about Catholicism. Each Church and building have a chapter in the story.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Go to any Catholic school.

Go to any Catholic-run charity.

Go to a Catholic adoption agency.

That is where you will see what the Catholic Church DOES for the poor. Most cathedrals are quite modest in comparison to what the actual Church does on a day to day basis.

 

[buffalo]

Go to any Catholic school.

Go to any Catholic-run charity.

Go to a Catholic adoption agency.

That is where you will see what the Catholic Church DOES for the poor. Most cathedrals are quite modest in comparison to what the actual Church does on a day to day basis.

 

[steve_b]

Now I’m going to address my issues with Catholicism.

First issue, When I look at the Pope on TV or the Vatican city I ask myself " Does really Jesus wants that?" " Does really Jesus wants all these buildings, planes, cars, status and bodyguards?" When I look at all these fancy buildings I don’t think Jesus Christ wants all that, he wants his message to be simple and clear. So why do Catholic church need all that instead of focusing on the word of God?

Jesus said 2000 years ago I will build my Church. [Matthew 16:18 (Douay-Rheims Bible, Matthew Chapter 16)

In doing this, Jesus instituted the Catholic Church and bestowed all His promises on His Church. And for the last 2000 years the Catholic Church has been building and growing. You don’t think Jesus is going to build a shack do you? Shacks don’t last. The purpose of having beautiful buildings, both inside and out, architecturally and artistically, is to inspire the spirit. Especially stir the spirit towards heaven and God. To do this, the Catholic Church has had over the last 2000 years some of the world’s best and most beloved architects and artists applying their talents for the Church. And the Catholic Church preserves this work and her history for the world to see.
TB:

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Re: The gospels and the other 23 books in the New Testament, were written in, by, for, collected and canonized by the Catholic Church. That’s right, Peter, Paul, James, John, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Jude, were all in the Church they wrote to and for. The Catholic Church decided on the canon of scripture in 382 at the council of Rome. Thank the Catholic Church for her focus and the scriptures.

Re: using the scriptures

• The entire mass (liturgy) is dripping with scripture being applied
• [http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...ture-and-meaning-of-the-mass-backgrounder.cfm (http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...ture-and-meaning-of-the-mass-backgrounder.cfm)

Re: The Church Fathers, the earliest were direct disciples of the apostles, and wrote letters, which we can read

• Clement of Rome, ordained by the apostles, knew Peter and Paul
• Ignatius Bishop of Antioch ordained by apostles, disciple of St John
• Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna, disciple of St John
• Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, who was a disciple of Polycarp, making Irenaeus 1 man away from an apostle
• etc etc etc

TB:

Third issue. Many many young people leaving the Catholic church, friend of mine from France said that he left the catholic church and if he didn’t he would never knew Jesus Christ, because of him leaving the church he had the chance to know Jesus more clear and simply instead of all these old traditions. so why you think young people are leaving the Catholic church? Doesn’t that means there is something wrong with the church? that the church does not spread the gospel and let people know Jesus as he is?

That’s not enough information about your friend to make a comment.

As far as why many people leave the Church, it’s not about theology, it’s about sin

Example

• Divorce and remarriage. Without an annulment of the marriage, which is no garantee, a Catholic can’t remarry. If they do they are living in adultery. And one can’t receive the Eucharist in mortal sin. In the U.S. the divorce rate is approaching 60%. Catholics are falling into the same statistic. Catholics think they can go around this to a Protestant sect and things will be okay? No way
• In our hypersexed culture, people think living together without marriage is no big deal. That too (fornication) is a mortal sin. If the parties involved aren’t going to stop having sex, and they know while in mortal sin they can’t receive the Eucharist, they think why go to mass then, and pretty soon the faith and all it teaches goes out the window.
• etc etc

Outside this Church there is no salvation [Galatians 5:19-21 (Douay-Rheims Bible, Galatians Chapter 5)

 

[atheistgirl]

Second issue. I feel like the catholic church does not focus on the gospel and instead it focus on traditions and what the father wrote and said, why? why the gospel had no place in the catholic church?

Apart from a reading from the Gospel at all Catholic Masses, the entire Catholic Mass is composed of Scripture.

How you think the Church does not focus on the Gospel I don’t know

I’ve researched the Catholic Mass - here’s a link to the wording of the Mass, with links to where this wording is found in Scripture.

If you didn’t have a Bible, all you need to do is attend a Catholic Mass to hear the Bible aloud.

Scripture in the Catholic Mass

Have you ever seen a Franciscan?

If you have, you’ve seen the Gospel in action.

The Gospel, and living it, is their entire reason for existing.

Sarah x

 

[pablope]

English is not native language, so I’m sorry for any misspellings.

Thanks to everyone who answered my threads about my issues with Christianity, they make it easy for me to understand Christianity more than before.

 

[paul_c]

Apart from a reading from the Gospel at all Catholic Masses, the entire Catholic Mass is composed of Scripture.

How you think the Church does not focus on the Gospel I don’t know

I’ve researched the Catholic Mass - here’s a link to the wording of the Mass, with links to where this wording is found in Scripture.

If you didn’t have a Bible, all you need to do is attend a Catholic Mass to hear the Bible aloud.

Scripture in the Catholic Mass

Have you ever seen a Franciscan?

If you have, you’ve seen the Gospel in action.

The Gospel, and living it, is their entire reason for existing.

Sarah x

Wow, pretty good Catholic apologetics from an athiest!

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Wow, pretty good Catholic apologetics from an athiest!

Just another pre-Catholic waiting to swim the Tiber!!!



Come home, Sarah!