My problems with Catholicism

[RDJ12345]

Hello everyone,

I know you probably don’t like these kinds of questions, but there are some problems with Catholicism that I have. Keep in mind that I am here to get a better understanding of the Catholic faith, not to condemn it or anything like that.
These are some of the questions I have:

Why does there need to be a Purgatory? What motivation would that give anyone to do anything God says if they can be avoid Hell completely even though that person did terrible things in their life?

How does observing Lent not go against God’s teachings? I thought that the Bible said that sacrifices were to be made only for God.

Why do you need to confess your sins if God already knows what you have done? If you feel the need to confess your sins, wouldn’t it be more pleasing to God to pray to Him about the sins you have committed and asking Him for forgiveness?

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

Why does the Catholic Church make a distinction between mortal and venial sins? Aren’t all sins equally bad in the eyes of God?

I thank you in advance for your responses.

 

[James_N]

Why do you need to confess your sins if God already knows what you have done? If you feel the need to confess your sins, wouldn’t it be more pleasing to God to pray to Him about the sins you have committed and asking Him for forgiveness?

I’m no catholic, but I can answer this one. Presbyterians do this too. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another. Don’t remember the reference, but it states it pretty plainly.

 

[RDJ12345]

I’m no catholic, but I can answer this one. Presbyterians do this too. The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another. Don’t remember the reference, but it states it pretty plainly.

Thank you for sharing this. I never knew that any other denominations of Christianity had any type of confession.

 

[Poetess_Kera]

The book of Revelation states that “only the pure and only the perfect can stand in the presence of God”. Obviously, very few of us would die in this state, so without purgatory, the majority of us would have nowhere else to go but hell, since heaven would be off-limits. Saint Paul mentions that when we die, our foundation of works will be tested by fire, and even if our foundation burns down completely, we will be saved, but “only as through fire”. Jesus says in the book of Saint Matthew that if we do certain things, we will be liable to a prison, where we will not escape until we “pay the last penny”. Heaven is no prison, and we can’t escape from hell, therefore there must be a purgatory. Also, Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (final impenitence caused by a hardening of the heart) won’t be forgiven “in this life, nor the life to come”, which means that some sins will be forgiven in the next life.

 

[Mintaka]

How does observing Lent not go against God’s teachings? I thought that the Bible said that sacrifices were to be made only for God.

Well, first of all, we’re not out back slaughtering cows on an altar. Giving up chocolate, or even giving up sniping at my brother, is not the kind of sacrifice that the Bible is talking about.

Secondly, I would have thought it’s fairly clear that everything we do in Lent, we do as a form of worship of God. I don’t repent and turn back to the ways of the Lord for my own amusement, I guarantee you!

So I’d like to know what you think “observing Lent” means. Clearly we have a misunderstanding here.

 

[Angel_Gabriel]

**I’ll attempt to answer a few of your questions…I’ll let a more experienced apologist answer the rest
**
How does observing Lent not go against God’s teachings? I thought that the Bible said that sacrifices were to be made only for God.

we observe this in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting. It is a way to grow closer to God by abstaining and fasting from earthly desires.

Why do you need to confess your sins if God already knows what you have done? If you feel the need to confess your sins, wouldn’t it be more pleasing to God to pray to Him about the sins you have committed and asking Him for forgiveness?

**Christ gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins in His name. Additionally i believe Christ did this b/c it helps us become more humble when we have to admit what we’ve done to someone else…yes it is embarassing and there’s a lesser chance that the sin might be recommitted b/c of this
**
Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

**this is a discipline of the Roman/Latin Church. The Eastern Catholic Churches have always had a married priesthood. although they value celibacy as well. Bishops are always chosen from celibate priests. nuns are “married” to Jesus. they serve the Church fully and don’t have the issues and at times, problems, that having a family brings. **

 

[Poetess_Kera]

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

Saint Paul says that it’s best if people remain unmarried, as he is. He recommends marriage to those who “burn with passion” and to those who are in love with another person. Nuns are often called brides of Christ, so if they were to marry, they would be unfaithful to their Spouse. Celibacy is a pious practice that helps the celibate person to focus on God, rather than a marital partner. It keeps God more in focus for these people.

 

[RDJ12345]

The book of Revelation states that “only the pure and only the perfect can stand in the presence of God”. Obviously, very few of us would die in this state, so without purgatory, the majority of us would have nowhere else to go but hell, since heaven would be off-limits. Saint Paul mentions that when we die, our foundation of works will be tested by fire, and even if our foundation burns down completely, we will be saved, but “only as through fire”. Jesus says in the book of Saint Matthew that if we do certain things, we will be liable to a prison, where we will not escape until we “pay the last penny”. Heaven is no prison, and we can’t escape from hell, therefore there must be a purgatory. Also, Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (final impenitence caused by a hardening of the heart) won’t be forgiven “in this life, nor the life to come”, which means that some sins will be forgiven in the next life.

It sounds like you believe in predestination based on what you have said here. I believe in free will, which would mean that each person decides if they want to accept Jesus Christ as their savior or continue on in their sinful nature and end up in Hell.

 

[Poetess_Kera]

Why does the Catholic Church make a distinction between mortal and venial sins? Aren’t all sins equally bad in the eyes of God?

No. Saint Paul mentions in the first book of the Corinthians that there are sins that, if committed and not repented of, will cause us to lose the reward of heaven: “…those people will not inherit the kingdom of God.” These are sins such as adultery, habitual drunkenness, theft, and murder. Saint John says that there are sins that are “mortal” (“lead to death”) and sins that are not mortal and do not lead to death.

 

[Angel_Gabriel]

purgatory is not so much a place as it is a state of being where one is purged of the effects of sin…sort of like taking a nice hot shower or bath before going to bed with your spouse

 

[Poetess_Kera]

It sounds like you believe in predestination based on what you have said here. I believe in free will, which would mean that each person decides if they want to accept Jesus Christ as their savior or continue on in their sinful nature and end up in Hell.

No, I don’t believe in predestination…at least, not the Calvinist approach to it. The Virgin Mary says that praying the rosary is a great sign of predestination, and that is the sort of approach I believe in.

So you believe in Sola Fide (faith alone)?

The Bible says otherwise:

James 2:24 (King James Version)

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

James 2:26 - “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.”

 

[RDJ12345]

Well, first of all, we’re not out back slaughtering cows on an altar. Giving up chocolate, or even giving up sniping at my brother, is not the kind of sacrifice that the Bible is talking about.

Secondly, I would have thought it’s fairly clear that everything we do in Lent, we do as a form of worship of God. I don’t repent and turn back to the ways of the Lord for my own amusement, I guarantee you!

So I’d like to know what you think “observing Lent” means. Clearly we have a misunderstanding here.

I thought Lent was about sacrificing the examples you gave in the second sentence. I guess I don’t know what Lent is about according to Catholic beliefs.

 

[kimmielittle]

Hello everyone,

I know you probably don’t like these kinds of questions, but there are some problems with Catholicism that I have. Keep in mind that I am here to get a better understanding of the Catholic faith, not to condemn it or anything like that.
These are some of the questions I have:

Why does there need to be a Purgatory? What motivation would that give anyone to do anything God says if they can be avoid Hell completely even though that person did terrible things in their life?

How does observing Lent not go against God’s teachings? I thought that the Bible said that sacrifices were to be made only for God.

Why do you need to confess your sins if God already knows what you have done? If you feel the need to confess your sins, wouldn’t it be more pleasing to God to pray to Him about the sins you have committed and asking Him for forgiveness?

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

Why does the Catholic Church make a distinction between mortal and venial sins? Aren’t all sins equally bad in the eyes of God?

I thank you in advance for your responses.

Hiyas

Welcome to CAF

I know you probably don’t like these kinds of questions,

Actually, serious questions, I find enlightening.

There are many here who can explain better than me …IT is one of the best things about CAF.

I hope this helps.

 

[Angel_Gabriel]

I thought Lent was about sacrificing the examples you gave in the second sentence. I guess I don’t know what Lent is about according to Catholic beliefs.

it’s about growing closer to God and not to material things. It is a time of penance and prayer.

 

[RDJ12345]

No. Saint Paul mentions in the first book of the Corinthians that there are sins that, if committed and not repented of, will cause us to lose the reward of heaven: “…those people will not inherit the kingdom of God.” These are sins such as adultery, habitual drunkenness, theft, and murder. Saint John says that there are sins that are “mortal” (“lead to death”) and sins that are not mortal and do not lead to death.

So what does repentance mean to you?

 

[Poetess_Kera]

So what does repentance mean to you?

I see it as turning away from a former way of life with a sincere heart and the intention of reparation for past sins and confessing these sins.

 

[Mintaka]

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

First off, a terminology nitpick. Only priests and bishops and popes are celibate. Celibacy is the permanent renunciation of marriage, not “not having sex”.

Nuns and sisters, like monks and friars, vow to be chaste (though obviously all people are supposed to be – chastity just means only having the sex you’re supposed to have); and since they’re laywomen consecrated to God and not married to men, the proper expression of their chastity is that they not be having sex. If you say they’re celibate, it just sounds weird, because nuns never renounce marriage; and in fact, some see themselves as married to God. Sorry for the nitpicky moment.

Re: 1 Timothy 3

First off, Paul was dealing with a society that didn’t start out Christian. Any Jewish Christians he knew would have been married off fairly young, in general. Any reputable pagan man or woman would have also been married off rather young. Almost anybody old enough to be an “overseer” (bishop) would have been married at least once.

The only exceptions were young guys like Timothy, who had been raised Christian and were enthusiastic enough for God to remain unmarried to serve Him. (I don’t think I’ve heard anybody claim that Tim was married. Have you?)

However, Paul was himself not married. In fact, in his letters he points out that unmarried persons of either sex are better able to serve the Lord, and encourages the young to stay unmarried. So clearly, he doesn’t condemn celibacy at all. In fact, he encourages men to stay celibate, and women to stay widows or virgins, with a bit too much fervor for the taste of many modern readers!

Also, the terminology “a man of one wife” doesn’t mean a man not polygamously married, but that if a man’s wife dies or divorces him, it’s more reputable not to remarry. Again, not very popular with modern readers!

 

[GeorgeSword]

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

So Paul condemned himself for being celibate?

 

[jfoges]

I’ll do my best to answer your questions. I am not an expert on Catholicism, I am a lay Catholic and these are my personal opinions.

Why does there need to be a Purgatory? What motivation would that give anyone to do anything God says if they can be avoid Hell completely even though that person did terrible things in their life?

You can’t do really terrible things in life and get into purgatory, escaping hell. Anyone who dies in a state of mortal sin will go to hell, only those who die in a state of venial sin will go to Purgatory.

Why do you need to confess your sins if God already knows what you have done? If you feel the need to confess your sins, wouldn’t it be more pleasing to God to pray to Him about the sins you have committed and asking Him for forgiveness?

You only need to confess mortal sins to a priest, not venial sins. We need confession for the same reason we need other sacraments, to have the visible sign of the invisible grace. Human beings need to hear, see, smell, and touch things. God instituted the sacraments so that we could have some tangible sign of the invisible grace that is doing the work in our souls. Not to mention confession has an obvious therapeutic role.

Why must Popes, Priests and Nuns remain celibate? Would being married make them any less qualified to fulfill their role as a Pope, Priest or Nun? It seems pretty clear to me that 1 Timothy:3 condemns remaining celibate.

Celibacy is praised as being superior to marriage for those who are capable of celibacy by St. Paul. I believe Jesus also made statements supporting celibacy. The New Testament also condemns forbidding to marry, but since being a priest is voluntary, you could say they are choosing celibacy. Celibacy of the priesthood is not a dogma but is a church discipline, it can be changed and there are married priests in some branches of the Catholic church.

Why does the Catholic Church make a distinction between mortal and venial sins? Aren’t all sins equally bad in the eyes of God?
.

Some sins are more harmful than others.

 

[Mintaka]

Re: Lent and sacrifices

Sacrificing a chance at chocolate is a very extended sense of the word “sacrifice”. It hurts like slaughtering a goat, maybe…

But yes, we do these things as an offering to God. There may be some self-improvement involved, just as back in the old days of Israel, somebody slaughtering his spotless calf might have also made himself a more generous person by doing so. But the primary reason is worship of God, not self-improvement.

Likewise, if I give alms or do good works, it will help my neighbor, which is good. But I do it as an offering to God, giving Him glory and doing His will.

Of course, fasting and abstinence are very ancient ways of worshipping God also. God tends to listen favorably to those who fast, and it’s a fitting preparation for any big thing that needs doing. Heck, Christ did it. You can’t say more than that.

So… fasting, alms, repentance… yep, all for God. I still don’t understand what your objection is. Is it that we do this stuff at the command of the Church?