Need insight on religion

[gatewood1988]

I do not know if this is in the right forum or not, but I need insight please from Catholic and non-Catholic alike. I recently came back to the Church, but now I feel like I am being suffocated. I find it hard to pray even the rosary once a week. I feel like a complete hypocrite because my home is very Catholic looking (artwork and whatnot) I used to be involved with New Age practices and the Hare Krishna movement as well at one point. I feel more alive when I am able to do meditation, read the Bhagavad Gita (I understand it and it teaches pretty much the same as Jesus taught), crystal healing and chakra balancing and whatnot. I miss going to the Hindu temples and Buddhist temples. My heart aches for it again and for me to be myself again instead of being someone I am not. I hate the fact that I have so many limitations, not only as a Catholic, but as a Christian in general. I love to just be my hippie self, but yet I am confused as to what is right, which path to go. When I was in the Hare Krishna movement, I was able to pray for hours on end, no problem. I always had the Divine on my mind and I was more relaxed with my life. With the Catholic church I feel trapped I guess. Please help.

 

[JRKH]

Couple of things here…
First, what do you think it is about Christianity and Catholicism that makes you feel “trapped” and “suffocated”?

The impression I get from your post is that you are suffering from issues of “familiarity” and problems trying to “differentiate” between what you use to do and what you are curently trying to do. Frankly - I don’t think this is at all uncommon.

You mention that you could read the Bhagavad Gita because you “understand it” - This is a familiarity that gives you comfort. Well, begin reading the Gospels until you understand them as well. Same with “Meditation”. Meditation as such is not wrong, it’s mroe a matter of what you are meditating on. In The Church there is a method of meditation on Scriptures commonly refered to as “Lectio Divina” or “divine reading”.

I also think that you might be guilty of trying to “compartmentalize” the two faith systems a little too much. While I never embraced the Far Eastern faiths, I did read some on them and found much to be admired. Many are firmly founded on principles of Love…Something that is indeed “Christan” in it’s soul.

Finally, There is a very strong and profound history of Mysticism in the Catholic Church. Perhaps looking into this aspect would be helpful to you. You might find “kindred souls” among the great Catholic mystics like Sts John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Sienna, Therese of Liseaux (sp?), and others.
The book I recommend in my signature is an excellent introduction that you might find useful in bridging your difficulties and perhaps pointing you toward a spirituality that works better for you.

Peace
James

 

[gatewood1988]

Thanks James. And I can see where you are coming from. I guess I feel suffocated and whatnot because of all the rules and limitations on what to believe. I am a very free spirit and I am very anti-establishment sometimes lol. I have been trying Lectio Divina and I have read the entire Bible cover to cover. I guess it just doesn’t grab me. I have tried several translations too to make it more interesting to me. it’s very difficult for me because I was always against the Christian faith during my teens because of what Christians did to the so called heretics in the Dark Ages and at the Salem Trials. Also I was set on fire by the Christian club in high school for being a “witch” I have been able to push these things aside throughout my adult years.

 

[JRKH]

Thanks James. And I can see where you are coming from. I guess I feel suffocated and whatnot because of all the rules and limitations on what to believe. I am a very free spirit and I am very anti-establishment sometimes lol. I have been trying Lectio Divina and I have read the entire Bible cover to cover. I guess it just doesn’t grab me. I have tried several translations too to make it more interesting to me. it’s very difficult for me because I was always against the Christian faith during my teens because of what Christians did to the so called heretics in the Dark Ages and at the Salem Trials. Also I was set on fire by the Christian club in high school for being a “witch” I have been able to push these things aside throughout my adult years.

Yes, I can understand your issues. I went through some of this myself.

I was raised Catholic and then drifted away from Church in any form for many years (30).

Can I ask what has drawn you back to Catholicism?

Peace
James

 

[gatewood1988]

The fear of losing my husband mostly because I didn’t follow a Christian faith I guess. That was the main motivator. I guess also the fear of “What if I am wrong?” I didn’t like the idea of burning just in case I guess.

 

[JRKH]

The fear of losing my husband mostly because I didn’t follow a Christian faith I guess. That was the main motivator. I guess also the fear of “What if I am wrong?” I didn’t like the idea of burning just in case I guess.

Perhaps not the most compelling reasons but certainly not uncommon ones - particulalry the part about “not burning”…

These types of “self interest” reasons are not at all uncommon in the beginning of a spiritual journey. As one moves through the Journey toward God these “self interest” motives are gradually replaced - moving from “fear” to “Love”.

as far as the Bible is concerned, I would suggest sticking to the NT, the Gospels and the letters. (I personally get little out of Revelation) Since Christ is the center of our faith I like to stick mainly to His words…As you say the faith system you come from is very similar to Christ’s teachings, so use that connection.
As to all the rules and so forth…I would suggest not getting too wrapped up in that aspect at first. Seek Christ in your life first and the other things will follow in His good time. It is always more difficult to understand rules if you don’t know the underlying reason for them. This can take a great deal of study and it is best to let the Holy Spirit lead you on this. Just trust that in 2000 years of development, the Church has sound reasons behind the rules…All building on God’s revelation and the two great commandments of Love.

Something to consider too is that Chriatianity is really an “Eastern” faith…the Western take and understanding of it is somewhat different, largely because of the work and influence of people like St Thomas Aquanis, but it’s roots are eastern and quite mystical. This is another reason that I am pointing you toward the more mystical elements.

Peace
James

 

[gatewood1988]

I really do love the Church too, i guess that is another reason I came back, I missed the Eucharist. I am just afraid of being pulled away because I like alternative healing therapies too (energy healing, Ayruvedic medicine, acupuncture, ionic detox foot baths, herbal therapies, crystal therapy, yoga, etc) mostly because those have worked for me concerning my issues that I have been battling with: obesity and MRSA outbreaks (something the doctors couldn’t even help me with). It definitely is difficult.

 

[JRKH]

I really do love the Church too, i guess that is another reason I came back, I missed the Eucharist. I am just afraid of being pulled away because I like alternative healing therapies too (energy healing, Ayruvedic medicine, acupuncture, ionic detox foot baths, herbal therapies, crystal therapy, yoga, etc) mostly because those have worked for me concerning my issues that I have been battling with: obesity and MRSA outbreaks (something the doctors couldn’t even help me with). It definitely is difficult.

The Eucharist is indeed something that is a strong draw… It (and the mass in general) is what drew me back as well.
As to the alternative health methods etc, I cannot speak to them as I have not studied teh matters. Personally I don’t see a problem with things like herbal remedies or acupuncture per-se since our modern medical remedies often have their roots in ancient herbal medicines. Even aspirin was originally derived from a plant…
Acupunture, along with Chiropracty likewise are ancient and beneficial.
Other things like “Crystal therapy” I would be much more leary of…

So I guess what I’m saying is, you don’t need to toss out the baby with the bath water. If there are natural remedies and alternative medicine that is helpful there is really no reason to not to take advantage of it. Just recognize that it’s healing power comes from God the Father who Loves us, and not from Isis or Zeus or Krishna or whomever…

Peace
James

 

[Thoughtfulone]

I don’t see why you can’t go to a Buddhist temple and still pray to the Christian God. Of course, you should still go to mass as well. Also, I see nothing wrong with meditation either to relax and open yourself up to God’s voice. I once read that praying is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.

Also, I see nothing wrong with reading other religious texts along with the Bible. There is a lot of wisdom in some of these books, just as long as you read them with a Christian/Catholic understanding.

I don’t see why you can’t incorporate some of your “hippieness” into your Catholicism, of course, I’ll probably get reamed for saying it…

 

[JRKH]

I don’t see why you can’t go to a Buddhist temple and still pray to the Christian God. Of course, you should still go to mass as well. Also, I see nothing wrong with meditation either to relax and open yourself up to God’s voice. I once read that praying is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.

Also, I see nothing wrong with reading other religious texts along with the Bible. There is a lot of wisdom in some of these books, just as long as you read them with a Christian/Catholic understanding.

I don’t see why you can’t incorporate some of your “hippieness” into your Catholicism, of course, I’ll probably get reamed for saying it…

While I don’t disagree with some of this in theory I would need to be very cautious about such advice.
Yes there can be much truth contained in other faith systems, but when one is attempting to learn (or relearn) Christianity, it is best to distance ones self from these other faiths and immerse ones self in Christianity and Catholicism.
Unless one can do this there is great danger that, instead of their Christian base being edified by these other things, the Christian faith might be deluted by them.

God called our dear sister home by the grace of His Holy Eucharist. Now is the time for her to immerse herself in things Christian and especially things Catholic and to look for things in Catholicism that fit well with her own spirituality…By that I mean, that some people are more “mystical”, others more “rational” - and the Church has teh capacity of accomodating both.

Peace
James

 

[puzzleannie]

I do not know if this is in the right forum or not, but I need insight please from Catholic and non-Catholic alike. I recently came back to the Church, but now I feel like I am being suffocated. I find it hard to pray even the rosary once a week. I feel like a complete hypocrite because my home is very Catholic looking (artwork and whatnot) I used to be involved with New Age practices and the Hare Krishna movement as well at one point. I feel more alive when I am able to do meditation, read the Bhagavad Gita (I understand it and it teaches pretty much the same as Jesus taught), crystal healing and chakra balancing and whatnot.

you can meditate, but on the Bible. no the BG does not teach what Christ taught, but its exact opposite. Obviously those preparing you to enter the Church fell down on the job if you don’t know this, but it is now your responsibility as a Catholic adult to seek out the truth from reliable Catholic teachers. crystal healing, chakra whosit are superstitions and sins against the first commandment so give them up if you have not already.

the techniques of meditation common to most eastern religions are NOT what is meant by mediation and contemplative prayer in the Christian spiritual tradition, because contemplation cannot be taught or induced by a method, it is a gift infused by God himself, as he wills, not as the soul wills. Yes one can induce a trancelike state through some methods, but that is neither meditation nor contemplation which be definition are centered on God, not self.

Go to your pastor today for advice on getting a good solid spiritual director lest your soul be lost as you go back to your former ways for the sake of the emotional comfort and experiences you had in those practices. Learn to seek union with God above all such sense experiences, and focus prayer on him, not yourself.

Among the most common reasons for a spiritual malaise, a feeling of being trapped, suffocated, blocked, is an unresolved sin or sinful habit. Be honest with yourself in seeking such and rooting them out, and rely on the traditional penitential practices to do so–prayer, fasting and works of charity. Have frequent recourse to the sacraments, regular Mass participation, daily reading of sacred scripture, and most of all, spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or a crucifix if you cannot get to a chapel, and meditate on Christ’s sacrifice of love for your sake. Nobody in any eastern religion died for your salvation nor can they promise you everlasting life.

 

[gatewood1988]

you can meditate, but on the Bible. no the BG does not teach what Christ taught, but its exact opposite. Obviously those preparing you to enter the Church fell down on the job if you don’t know this, but it is now your responsibility as a Catholic adult to seek out the truth from reliable Catholic teachers. crystal healing, chakra whosit are superstitions and sins against the first commandment so give them up if you have not already.

the techniques of meditation common to most eastern religions are NOT what is meant by mediation and contemplative prayer in the Christian spiritual tradition, because contemplation cannot be taught or induced by a method, it is a gift infused by God himself, as he wills, not as the soul wills. Yes one can induce a trancelike state through some methods, but that is neither meditation nor contemplation which be definition are centered on God, not self.

**Go to your pastor today for advice **on getting a good solid spiritual director lest your soul be lost as you go back to your former ways for the sake of the emotional comfort and experiences you had in those practices. Learn to seek union with God above all such sense experiences, and focus prayer on him, not yourself.

Among the most common reasons for a spiritual malaise, a feeling of being trapped, suffocated, blocked, is an unresolved sin or sinful habit. Be honest with yourself in seeking such and rooting them out, and rely on the traditional penitential practices to do so–prayer, fasting and works of charity. Have frequent recourse to the sacraments, regular Mass participation, daily reading of sacred scripture, and most of all, spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or a crucifix if you cannot get to a chapel, and meditate on Christ’s sacrifice of love for your sake. Nobody in any eastern religion died for your salvation nor can they promise you everlasting life.

I’m not trying to be argumentative, but I have done those things you have mentioned. I am also starting the Oblate program with the Benedictines and I am a RE teacher too. I go to Mass every Sunday and confession once a week. My husband and I are in good graces with the Church as far as our marriage goes and our home is truely a domestic church (complete with crucifixes and artwork to remind us of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and the Holy Father. I go to adoration every chance I get and I do read the Bible too and practice Lectio Divina. I have spoken to my priest about this and confessed the things I was once involved in, and he told me there are many ways to God, I just picked the Catholic way. That’s mostly where my confusion lies. I have also been told the same from those in religious orders. It’s not necessarily the crystals, other faiths, etc. I am missing my alternative healing with herbs and whatnot. I stay away from the chakra and energy therapies. I have seen a positive change in my health compared to what the doctors could not do for me especially when it is partnered with prayer. I do acknowledge Jesus died for me and believe in His true prescence in the Eucharist. I guess I am just missing the old days from time to time before I came to the Church. I sacrificed alot including my family to do it (my parents are Mormon) and I had wonderful RCIA instructors too that were extremely traditional. I guess I am looking for a balance between my tie-dye peace sign wearing self and my faith too.

 

[FCEGM]

I’m not trying to be argumentative, but I have done those things you have mentioned. I am also starting the Oblate program with the Benedictines and I am a RE teacher too. I go to Mass every Sunday and confession once a week. My husband and I are in good graces with the Church as far as our marriage goes and our home is truely a domestic church (complete with crucifixes and artwork to remind us of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and the Holy Father. I go to adoration every chance I get and I do read the Bible too and practice Lectio Divina. I have spoken to my priest about this and confessed the things I was once involved in, and he told me there are many ways to God, I just picked the Catholic way. That’s mostly where my confusion lies. I have also been told the same from those in religious orders. It’s not necessarily the crystals, other faiths, etc. I am missing my alternative healing with herbs and whatnot. I stay away from the chakra and energy therapies. I have seen a positive change in my health compared to what the doctors could not do for me especially when it is partnered with prayer. I do acknowledge Jesus died for me and believe in His true prescence in the Eucharist. I guess I am just missing the old days from time to time before I came to the Church. I sacrificed alot including my family to do it (my parents are Mormon) and I had wonderful RCIA instructors too that were extremely traditional. I guess I am looking for a balance between my tie-dye peace sign wearing self and my faith too.

I’m afraid that the counsel you received, while well-meaning, is erroneous. Christ is the only way to God; other religions may have parts of the truth and can be helpful to their adherents in living a life aimed at God, but it is only in Christ that one has access to the Father. Your “picking the Catholic way” isn’t an action of faith, but of preference. I think, too, that having been involved in eastern religions left you open and unaware of a deeper spiritual battle that is being waged for your soul, thus the continuing pull back toward that practice.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

I’m afraid that the counsel you received, while well-meaning, is erroneous. Christ is the only way to God; other religions may have parts of the truth and can be helpful to their adherents in living a life aimed at God, but it is only in Christ that one has access to the Father. Your “picking the Catholic way” isn’t an action of faith, but of preference. I think, too, that having been involved in eastern religions left you open and unaware of a deeper spiritual battle that is being waged for your soul, thus the continuing pull back toward that practice.

But you must admit that people of other religions don’t all go to Hell right? Some people of other religions somehow manage to make it to God without believing in Christ during their lifetime.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

you can meditate, but on the Bible. no the BG does not teach what Christ taught, but its exact opposite. Obviously those preparing you to enter the Church fell down on the job if you don’t know this, but it is now your responsibility as a Catholic adult to seek out the truth from reliable Catholic teachers. crystal healing, chakra whosit are superstitions and sins against the first commandment so give them up if you have not already.

the techniques of meditation common to most eastern religions are NOT what is meant by mediation and contemplative prayer in the Christian spiritual tradition, because contemplation cannot be taught or induced by a method, it is a gift infused by God himself, as he wills, not as the soul wills. Yes one can induce a trancelike state through some methods, but that is neither meditation nor contemplation which be definition are centered on God, not self.

Go to your pastor today for advice on getting a good solid spiritual director lest your soul be lost as you go back to your former ways for the sake of the emotional comfort and experiences you had in those practices. Learn to seek union with God above all such sense experiences, and focus prayer on him, not yourself.

Among the most common reasons for a spiritual malaise, a feeling of being trapped, suffocated, blocked, is an unresolved sin or sinful habit. Be honest with yourself in seeking such and rooting them out, and rely on the traditional penitential practices to do so–prayer, fasting and works of charity. Have frequent recourse to the sacraments, regular Mass participation, daily reading of sacred scripture, and most of all, spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or a crucifix if you cannot get to a chapel, and meditate on Christ’s sacrifice of love for your sake. Nobody in any eastern religion died for your salvation nor can they promise you everlasting life.

There is nothing wrong with practicing pranic breathing and other techniques to relax oneself, empty one’s mind and bring one into a more contemplative state. With all of the distractions in this world, it can be very difficult for some to otherwise disconnect and be open to the spiritual side of existence and listen for God’s voice.

 

[FCEGM]

There is nothing wrong with practicing pranic breathing and other techniques to relax oneself, empty one’s mind and bring one into a more contemplative state. With all of the distractions in this world, it can be very difficult for some to otherwise disconnect and be open to the spiritual side of existence and listen for God’s voice.

OTC, there is something very wrong in emptying one’s mind. We can’t assume that having an “empty mind” will allow only God to enter. THAT is the danger. Our minds were created not to be vacuums just waiting for anything to pop in; they were created to know God. If our mind is empty it is an easy target for forces inimicle to Him. This is why St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Jesus emphasize love for the person of Jesus, not for some anonymous spirit wafting its way into our mind. Both emphasize that the basis of all true prayer is a profound love for the Person of Jesus Christ. So when one is drawn by grace and fidelity to the movement of God in the soul toward contemplation one isn’t encountering emptiness, but in the darkness of faith is meeting the One Who is more present to oneself than oneself is present to oneself.

It is not in prayer that the self-emptying is to be pursued, but in the life of the will, i.e., in the virtues to be accomplished: denial of self is to be of the senses and passions and pride of mind, and this follows essentially from the goal, which is not union of consciousness with the energy of the cosmos behind all the definite manifestations seen as an illusion, but rather union of love with the Trinity of Divine Persons dwelling within by grace, a union of wills. Self-emptying of the will of desires contrary to or besides the love of God is the task.

 

[FCEGM]

But you must admit that people of other religions don’t all go to Hell right? Some people of other religions somehow manage to make it to God without believing in Christ during their lifetime.

No, they don’t all go to Hell, but anyone who is saved is so because of Christ, whether they knew Him in this life or not - He is the “Someone”, not the “somehow”, of their salvation.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

No, they don’t all go to Hell, but anyone who is saved is so because of Christ, whether they knew Him in this life or not - He is the “Someone”, not the “somehow”, of their salvation.

Agreed. Jesus opened the gates of Heaven to us all, but not everyone has to believe in Him (during their lifetime) to get in.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

No, they don’t all go to Hell, but anyone who is saved is so because of Christ, whether they knew Him in this life or not - He is the “Someone”, not the “somehow”, of their salvation.

I disagree. Using meditative techniques to clear out the thoughts of the day and just be still can be a very good spiritual tool. In a world where our senses are constantly bombarded with television, the internet, radio, iphones, kids, husbands, wives, work, friends, etc., it can be VERY difficult to clear ones head and actually listen for God. Prayer is excellent, but often, it’s just jabbering on and on to God without giving Him a chance to say anything back, and we all know that God tends to speak in a whisper. Meditation can help us to be calm, take the focus off of ourselves and OUR wants and desires and listen for Him.

 

[Monica4316]

I think a question that most people eventually ask, is whether they are looking for comfort or for truth. The truth might not be comfortable, easy to accept, easy to follow, or what we want. But in the end, it will bring us peace and real freedom. If we look for comfort, we might find a peaceful feeling for a time, but in the end, despair… our TRUE freedom comes from submitting to Christ

God bless