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Peter_J
Guest
Different people have different takes on the word “doubt”. I believe it was Cardinal Newman who said “Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt.”
Non Catholics - what are the doubts you have about your religion
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firstmode
Guest
As a Pentecostal, I am not sure that many would share the same doubts that I have sometimes. I know Satan is a liar and Satan and Demons have an influence on this world and can fill our head with lies sometimes, so I just try to remain in a state of Spiritual Warfare, using the Word of God as my sword.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (King James Version)
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
Luke 10:19 (New International Version)
19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Some doubts include:
When someone speaks a word of knowledge, I do have some doubts as to weather some of them are speaking from their heart that God gave them, or speaking what they think God gave them.
I know this would be difficult for a Catholic to understand as it is not practiced in the Catholic Church, but 4Square will now what I mean
1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)
8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
I also have doubts about speaking in tongues. Sometimes when I speak in tongues, I can feel the spirit, the words are just pouring out of me, my mouth is just moving and speaking words I have no understanding of yet there is no thought pattern on my behalf there to form these words coming out of my mouth, not like a trance, but like I am a garden hose and the Holy Spirit is water.
Other times I just feel like I am trying to hard or I question “What am I saying?” Am I forming these words myself because I am trying so hard?
It can be hard sometimes, because sometimes it is so powerful and just happens, other times I feel like I am trying to hard. A very personal doubt of my to air on a catholic forum, but none the less, I have.
I also have doubts that make me explore the history of the church, Catholocism, Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism, making sure I am following God’s will in his instructions. I pray every day to God “Father, guide me in correct doctrine and truth, reveal to me your proper ways, reveal to me sound doctrine, lead me to the congregation that you know I need to be a part of and that is true”
Sometimes I pray to God and say “God if you want me to be Catholic, I will be Catholic, I will not stop it, or God, if you want me to be Orthodox, I will be happy to go where you want me to be, where it is correct in your eyes”
I find it important to question your faith sometimes, what I mean by that is to not question the mysteries so much, such as the Trinity, persistent prayer, etc, but just making sure that you are following Christianity correctly.
I guess I was kind of afraid to air my doubts on a Catholic board as a Pentecostal. It is not like a conversation where you make eye contact and people can try to understand you and be in your shoes, when you do this stuff on a message board people just rip you a new one and pick apart every word you typed, etc. I was just imagining in my mind typing some of this stuff that Catholics would jump on me saying “See! a Demon is speaking the tongues for you” and “See, all those people around you that are delivering personal prophecy and a word of knowledge are just making it up out of ignorance”
I really hope you guys do not treat me like this for opening up to you.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (King James Version)
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
Luke 10:19 (New International Version)
19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Some doubts include:
When someone speaks a word of knowledge, I do have some doubts as to weather some of them are speaking from their heart that God gave them, or speaking what they think God gave them.
I know this would be difficult for a Catholic to understand as it is not practiced in the Catholic Church, but 4Square will now what I mean
1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)
8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
I also have doubts about speaking in tongues. Sometimes when I speak in tongues, I can feel the spirit, the words are just pouring out of me, my mouth is just moving and speaking words I have no understanding of yet there is no thought pattern on my behalf there to form these words coming out of my mouth, not like a trance, but like I am a garden hose and the Holy Spirit is water.
Other times I just feel like I am trying to hard or I question “What am I saying?” Am I forming these words myself because I am trying so hard?
It can be hard sometimes, because sometimes it is so powerful and just happens, other times I feel like I am trying to hard. A very personal doubt of my to air on a catholic forum, but none the less, I have.
I also have doubts that make me explore the history of the church, Catholocism, Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism, making sure I am following God’s will in his instructions. I pray every day to God “Father, guide me in correct doctrine and truth, reveal to me your proper ways, reveal to me sound doctrine, lead me to the congregation that you know I need to be a part of and that is true”
Sometimes I pray to God and say “God if you want me to be Catholic, I will be Catholic, I will not stop it, or God, if you want me to be Orthodox, I will be happy to go where you want me to be, where it is correct in your eyes”
I find it important to question your faith sometimes, what I mean by that is to not question the mysteries so much, such as the Trinity, persistent prayer, etc, but just making sure that you are following Christianity correctly.
I guess I was kind of afraid to air my doubts on a Catholic board as a Pentecostal. It is not like a conversation where you make eye contact and people can try to understand you and be in your shoes, when you do this stuff on a message board people just rip you a new one and pick apart every word you typed, etc. I was just imagining in my mind typing some of this stuff that Catholics would jump on me saying “See! a Demon is speaking the tongues for you” and “See, all those people around you that are delivering personal prophecy and a word of knowledge are just making it up out of ignorance”
I really hope you guys do not treat me like this for opening up to you.
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firstmode
Guest
BTW, I just wanted to add this onto my post about Word of Knowledge and Prophecy. This verse really helps me and I believe it is the truth from God about my doubts:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 (New International Version)
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 (New International Version)
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good.
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Publisher
Guest
Since I started this Walk in Christ many moons ago…my beliefs have changed and grown over the years to include belief patterns I didn’t think I’d ever embrace…so my doubts are that I will keep these set beliefs in the same form as they exist today…for they are different thatn they were 35 years ago.
Each new understanding or insight into scripture…each new “AH HA!!!” I have about the nature of God and the work of Christ is a wonderful experience. My doubts challenge me…doubts are the weights in the gym of spirituality…
Each new understanding or insight into scripture…each new “AH HA!!!” I have about the nature of God and the work of Christ is a wonderful experience. My doubts challenge me…doubts are the weights in the gym of spirituality…
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firstmode
Guest
OH yea, one more.
I do have doubts about extra-biblical scripture.
I think there are great arguments on both sides to show Deuterocans and Cans and Apocro are correct or not.
My case in point.
When I look at the cannon of the Oriental, Greek, Russian, and Etheopian bibles I see so many amazing and interesting OT books that I do not have faith in. Sometimes I wonder if The Book of Enoch and Jubilees additional knowlege and information about Genesis is really real true stuff and something I should believe in as it does not go AGAINST what is already written, just adds to it…
I do have doubts about extra-biblical scripture.
I think there are great arguments on both sides to show Deuterocans and Cans and Apocro are correct or not.
My case in point.
When I look at the cannon of the Oriental, Greek, Russian, and Etheopian bibles I see so many amazing and interesting OT books that I do not have faith in. Sometimes I wonder if The Book of Enoch and Jubilees additional knowlege and information about Genesis is really real true stuff and something I should believe in as it does not go AGAINST what is already written, just adds to it…
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Pug
Guest
Hi, firstmode.
I’ve got nothing to say like that about demons, and I’m Catholic. The way you pray and praise God is fine with me. I think God does work through one person to say the right thing to another person. It isn’t like that stopped happening 2000 years ago. Well-known saints in the Catholic Church were known to posses various gifts from the Holy Spirit, so there is no reason at all to say they are gone or not real. You might find them called charisms by a Catholic, instead of gifts. Not that we mean they aren’t gifts! But that we have different lists of things with different names, like “fruits”, “gifts”, and “charisms”. The “gifts” list goes like wisdom, understanding, counsel, fear of the Lord, etc. There are seven? I think. There are 12 “fruits” on the fruit list. Healing and tongues are on the “charisms” list, I think. My memory is sometimes flaky.
They are based on lists you can find in Sacred Scripture.Oh, sometimes they are called “charismata” instead.
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firstmode
Guest
Hi, firstmode.
I’ve got nothing to say like that about demons, and I’m Catholic. The way you pray and praise God is fine with me. I think God does work through one person to say the right thing to another person. It isn’t like that stopped happening 2000 years ago. Well-known saints in the Catholic Church were known to posses various gifts from the Holy Spirit, so there is no reason at all to say they are gone or not real. You might find them called charisms by a Catholic, instead of gifts. Not that we mean they aren’t gifts! But that we have different lists of things with different names, like “fruits”, “gifts”, and “charisms”. The “gifts” list goes like wisdom, understanding, counsel, fear of the Lord, etc. There are seven? I think. There are 12 “fruits” on the fruit list. Healing and tongues are on the “charisms” list, I think. My memory is sometimes flaky.
Oh, sometimes they are called “charismata” instead.
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MrDickerson
Guest
I know this question is for non-Catholics, but I just want to say that I am a Catholic and I have no doubts that Jesus Christ is God, the He founded the Catholic Church, St. Peter was the first popes and his successors are infallible, and that outside the apostolic Roman Catholic Church is absolutely no salvation.
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JLSamuel818
Guest
Sometimes, I doubt He listens to me.
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CoachSTL
Guest
Confused Tim,
What are you doubting? I personally do not have any doubts about my faith (religion). My faith is what has gotten rid of my confusion.
I also think that you are going to have to face something that is true - there are billions of people in your world who do not have any doubts, like me, and it is because of the one faith that Christ gaves us.
If you have doubts, it is because you have not allowed God to fully work in you.
Prayerfully.
G
Graubo3
Guest
You also know deep down that it is a two-way street and that God truly is listening, do we listen when we should? Sometimes His “yes or no” has to be with a stick of lumber for us to get it.
Peace, Graubo
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Ginger2
Guest
That is a blanket statement that is not true.
Do you realize there are people who worship false gods and have no doubts? That is what spiritual blindness is.
Being doubt free is not a guarantee that a person is in the right church.
God uses our doubts to strengthen us just like He uses all things in our lives.
When we doubt, but struggle to overcome those doubts God is faithful. And when we see the end result we feel foolish for doubting, THEN the next time we doubt it is not so much. The struggle become easier and easier, until we can say with confidence, "I have no idea how this will work out, but I know God will bring me to a better place - even if it is not what I am hoping for.
In the past, when I had doubts, I prayed for forgiveness and that God would help me trust and believe.
My doubts were a blessing because he has told me, “My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:9)
To be totally dependent on God for everything, - even believing, is to allow God fully into your life.
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Graubo3
Guest
firstmode,
We all can have doubts whether God is using someone as His conduit. It may be the gift of wisdom when we give someone the benefit of the doubt or it may be Him within us that allows the doubt to exist from the get-go. I think there are plenty of threads here at CAF about the gift of tongues within Catholicism.
Over 20 years ago I doubted Catholicism and left. 20 years later my doubts were elsewhere and I am back. History played an important role in my understanding of the Catholic Church. Studying history through the focus of religion rocked my world as I knew it.
Opening up as you did shows me the strength within you.
Peace, Graubo
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CoachSTL
Guest
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CoachSTL
Guest
Ginger2,
Please read my quote, “blanket statement”, as you say, again. And read it slowly. I think you will see that everything you state is exactly what I am talking about.
Prayerfully,
Cochst
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Angilla
Guest
I find this to be an interesting question, and I don’t think it’s rude.
I guess my “label” is technically Roman Catholic since that’s how I was born and raised, and I still do believe in God. I guess I still believe in Jesus and the Eucharist. But I doubt everything else… I can’t morally agree with most of the church’s rules anymore. And mainly, I can’t stand the hypocricy and attitude of a lot of Catholics these days. So many people are so quick to judge and tear others down instead of love, support, and bolster each other up. I’ve seen this attitude a lot in other areas of the forums here, I’ve seen it in churches, I’ve seen it in grocery stores. People have to be careful with claiming to be part of a large group, because their actions will make an impression in people’s minds of that group… especially when that group claims that you can judge a tree by its fruit. Granted, there’s a lot of very good, loving, peaceful Catholics too. But the negative ones have ruined it all for me. So I guess my “label” is more “questioning” than it is “Catholic.” I don’t know what I believe anymore.
I guess my “label” is technically Roman Catholic since that’s how I was born and raised, and I still do believe in God. I guess I still believe in Jesus and the Eucharist. But I doubt everything else… I can’t morally agree with most of the church’s rules anymore. And mainly, I can’t stand the hypocricy and attitude of a lot of Catholics these days. So many people are so quick to judge and tear others down instead of love, support, and bolster each other up. I’ve seen this attitude a lot in other areas of the forums here, I’ve seen it in churches, I’ve seen it in grocery stores. People have to be careful with claiming to be part of a large group, because their actions will make an impression in people’s minds of that group… especially when that group claims that you can judge a tree by its fruit. Granted, there’s a lot of very good, loving, peaceful Catholics too. But the negative ones have ruined it all for me. So I guess my “label” is more “questioning” than it is “Catholic.” I don’t know what I believe anymore.
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CoachSTL
Guest
Angilla,
You sound discouraged and bewildered. I am going to make a simple approach here.
You stated that there are many good loving Catholics, but that the hypocritical ones have "ruined it’ for you. I am assuming you mean the enjoyment of your faith.
Keep in mind that Jesus’ Church has saints and sinners in it. Pay attention to the good and loving people people, and emulate yourself in that way. Does not Jesus tell us that we are supposed to be strong in faith and action for our brotheres and sisters who are not? Your faith cannot flourish and be founded in people.
Be a good loving Christian who is Catholic, not a catholic christian. Also, educate yourself on the history of the Christian faith and Church, and the real meaning behind the word Catholic when it first was used.
Prayerfully,
coachstl
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firstmode
Guest
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ICA04
Guest
none.
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rcscwc
Guest
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