Some of these will be insulting to a Catholic. I make no apologies for that, our faiths are different and take different views on the world, and this is just the effect it has had upon me as compared to when I was a Catholic
Trust me, any well-formed Catholic is more than used to disagreement. Very little is insulting to me, certainly we can discuss differences of opinion without taking things to heart, no?
I no longer feel guilty for being happy (I was once told you can be happy or Catholic by my former Priest but never both and only a very immoral person can by happy).
You were fed lies, and this is in no way Catholic. I am so sorry to hear that a priest could say something like that to you, and at one time I shared these unfortunate misconceptions. What is it that made you happy, that you would feel guilty doing as a Catholic? I’m a recent convert, and I can tell you that indulgence in drinking, smoking, sex, were all a regular part of my life. And let me tell you, there is a big difference between temporary pleasures and happiness. Following the morals of the Church has made me the happiest and most peaceful I have ever been (and they are laws of love, that lead you to the best life you can live, they are not arbitrary restrictions. Why would the Church simply want to impose unfair rules on people?)
I no long feel as lonely.
This one I don’t really understand. Maybe as a Christian you had a hard time relating to people and finding friends? That’s understandable. I had a million friends in my past way of life, but I think I was more lonely then. Sure, I had a lot of people to hang around and talk to, but how close were we? How much of ourselves were we really able to reveal to each other? My friends now, we know each other intimately, and I now understand what friendship is.
I am more laid back and less likely to take offense at criticisms of myself, my politics and my religion. Even less likely to feel like a persecuted minority when my views are questioned.
I can understand that because your views are likely more laid-back and compatible with modern, mainstream thought. Sure, my views as a Catholic are considered “extreme, radical” take your pick of offended terms. But, I completely understand that the Church’s views are based in love and not oppression. They might be hard stances, but they are the right ones. When people disagree with me, I’m hardly surprised. But, I feel we should all be able to express ourselves (and hear others do the same) with complete tolerance for differing opinions, as well as a firm understanding and belief of WHY we believe what we do. I think this is why you have observed so many uptight, uncomfortable Christians, because they have a hard time understanding and explaining the views of the Church, and find themselves frustrated when people disagree. Of course, conversations can get often get tense, but why? I know and love what I believe, and the beauty of what it can do for one’s life when understood and practiced, so why would dissent bother me? If anything, I’m sad that people mistake this beauty for something oppressive, but hey, we all have our free will, right? Expressed with understanding and love, the Catholic faith is completely different from what I think you have perceived it to be. I am sorry you have experienced that.
My life in general is slowly improving, my health, my wealth and over all I am happier.
I am glad to hear that, happiness and health are wonderful things. Can I ask why you lacked these before your neo-pagan religion, and why you feel you have grown in these areas because of your faith? I too have grown in these areas (minus wealth, as I am a student and intend to be a priest, I have very little interest in my own wealth, as long as I am fed, clothed and sheltered, what more do I want?)
The emphasis on enjoying life in moderation, the focus on treating others fairly, the healthy approach to sex. The focus on self improvement in body, mind and spirit.
The ethic codes are not based on inflexible thou shalt nots. But rather principles that can be used to help people decide how best to act in any situation.
I would hope that most religions when practiced correctly would emphasize a life of moderation and a focus on treating others fairly. Can I ask what the neo-pagan healthy approach to sex is? The Church is so often criticized on this point, as if we hate the sacred act that God created? It’s possibly the most beautiful act in the world, and we treat it as such, something reserved for those who completely give themselves to another. I have never seen how this is extreme or unhealthy, but I would love to hear your take.
As for the ethics code, the 10 Commandments, which I assume are the “thou shalt nots” you refer to, span wider than Christianity, but I would say those are more based on a natural law, things we can universally accept as good for people as a whole. Please correct me if you disagree. I wouldn’t say the Church is inflexible, we have the free will to do whatever we want, but it stands that no matter the given situation, how one felt at the time, the rationalization, certain things are never a good decision for humanity, no matter how you spin it. I would be very interested to hear more detail on the neo-pagan thoughts on morality.
Thank you for bearing with me in this long response, but I would like to know some more detail into what you believe. I hope I have done a decent job at showing you that uninformed Catholics do not represent the Catholic Church, and that we are a lot more moderate, fair and loving than we are often given credit for. I appreciate the discussion, glad to hear from you!
Pax et caritas,
Frank
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Exactly.