Not sure being a "strict" Catholic is me

[Seizin]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Devotion and joy are not mutually exclusive.

I find that many people in the forum are a little too preoccupied with the more “dour” aspects of our faith. That does not make them more faithful or devout than someone who enjoys life.

There is nothing wrong with being joyful and it does not make you “less than”.

Be at peace, and pray as you can, not as you can’t. What matters is that you pray!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I agree with the above.

Don’t worry about someone else’s spiritual life. They do what they do; their relationship with God is their relationship. Yours is different.

I have a friend who is a nun in a very strict order. Whenever I visit her I think to myself how happy I am that I don’t live her life. I would be miserable! I think that if she tried to lead my life she would be equally miserable. Fortunately, God isn’t asking me to live her life, but rather to live my own in a relationship with him.

 

[Wendy1989]

Deacon - Good post!

OP - Welcome to the club. I often question myself as to being too much a ‘strict’ Catholic. Maybe I watch too much EWTN and I’m addicted to Catholic radio. Okay, maybe veiling for Mass might have crossed the line?!? I’m not too much on the suffering stuff, either. I just recall the quote from St. Teresa of Avila "From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us.”. And of course, Hilaire Beloc ‘Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,There’s always laughter and good red wine. At least I’ve always found it so.Benedicamus Domino!’ :whackadoo:

We are on a pilgrimage that began with our baptism. Some days are good, some days are not so good. Think of ‘suffering’ as pruning a rose bush or a fruit tree (parable of the Fig Tree?). A rose bush needs to be pruned (suffered) to bloom and a fruit tree needs to be pruned to produce more fruit. We can choose to avoid pruning, but then how would we grow?

 

[Polycarp1]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

I think you will find great diversity of Catholics here. All are at some and different points of what I would call their spiritual journey or development. You will find the gamut of questions and answers ranging from the deep theological ones to those of people just starting out in or even those who are not Catholics wanting to know more about the faith.

One of the consequences of original sin is that we are now all attracted to sin. (concupiscence) It takes effort and freewill to resist temptation and to avoid those things that would lead us into sin. All of us seek true happiness, the problem is that the worldly promise of happiness through secular means is a lie and more often they deliver misery and self loathing after a short thrill. True lasting happiness can only be found in fulfilling the purpose that God created us for. That is perfect union with Him. Its really inconvenient by worldly standards and its a hard road at times. Adding to this is that we are proud and don’t like bending to any authority. It doesn’t take a certain type of person as we are all in the same boat as sinners. But that doesn’t mean that we have to remain slaves to sin, nor should we.

Its hard to accept this because much of this cannot be conceived by our physical senses. But we are not merely physical beings. We are both physical and spiritual. This makes bending our human will to God’s will difficult and we can’t do it without His grace or help. But we just have to ask and try. He can and will change us in helping to resist those things that prevent or try to prevent us from obtaining the destiny God created us for. The Catholic Church in a manner of speaking is the road map to get us all there.

 

[dangerousdyls]

I think it’s better to go to mass and watch GOT than not go to mass at all. That being said, GOT is pornography brother. It’s definitely “of this world”.

 

[USMC_Convert]

I guess I would ask why you and some others who have commented on this post feel it is okay to attack or degrade some who may have a different way of practicing Catholicism? Maybe you are an ordained member of the clergy but does that make you qualified to judge a persons mental capabilities? Are they wrong for saying or doing something? Possibly, probably, but that doesn’t make it okay for you and others to degrade them. I’m sorry I can’t judge your spiritual life but I can say I’m not overly thrilled or convinced this post is a great one…

 

[zjman]

not sinning is not being a strict catholic, its just following the will of our Lord and the path to true happiness you seem to be seeking.

 

[Ubenedictus]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

Everyone has his own journey, catholicism has churned out all kinds of saint, we have desert fathers who died probably of malnutrition, then we have a fat st thomas, d rigorous and d gentle… Your only business it your journey, enjoy life, remember God, do not sin.

 

[Crusaderbear]

If it doesn’t ‘tempt’ you to commit some sin, then why worry, some folks are easier to lead astray than others, thats all it is in many cases.

I don’t go to bars or drink that much because there is a history of alcoholism in my family - but I don’t criticize those who do (generally…)

 

[Della]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire.

This is an extreme example of one person’s struggle with one sin. It’s not the definition of what makes one a “strict” Catholic. The poor man needs our sympathy and prayers.

As others have written, each of us is on our own journey with-and-to union with God. That’s what it’s all about. And what does it take to be united with God? A willing heart and mind–not a particular way of praying or of resisting temptation.

I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys.

I’ve seen and enjoyed some R rated entertainment too. Comments about the prettiness of women or men can be neutral, depending on our intentions. So again, this is nothing to use to say that you aren’t as good a Catholic as you ought to be. No one can make that determination besides you and your confessor, certainly not anyone on a online forum.

I am over 50 and am accustomed to certain things.

I’m 68 but I’m hardly a stick-in-the-mud. If you mean that you cannot change for the better, I have to disagree. We can always do that if we are willing. But again, only you and your confessor/spiritual advisor know what improvements you may need to make in your life.

Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering.

Suffering is a fact of life whether we are atheists or believers. The difference is–how do we deal with suffering? Do we see it as mere misery for the sake of misery? Or do we use it for good–by uniting it with the sufferings of Jesus and Mary?

Very few are called to deliberately suffer for the salvation of others, etc. That’s a very special calling from God, which most of us will not be called to do. Rather, for most of us, the sufferings that come along in life can be moments of healing and even joy–if we give them to God. St. Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical about this that is very wise and understanding: Salvifici Doloris.

Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

We’re all caught up in the world to one degree or another. As St. Augustine said, “Love God and do as you please.” He had led a very decadent life before becoming a Christian, so he ought to know what he’s saying. Of course, this means to “love God” above all else–giving him ourselves in faith–not fearing that he will ask more than we can give/do. He never asks more of us than we can handle.

In this giving ourselves to God is true joy–because it makes everything else filled with joy. It makes beer taste better, it makes friendships deeper, it makes loving others more fulfilling for God is joy–he created beings who can laugh and sing and dance and understand why things are beautiful. The Scriptures are constantly telling us to “Rejoice!”

This is not the God who wants to make our lives dour and bland. Indeed, the most joyful people are people who love God above all else for loving God brings joy–real joy, not merely a moment’s happiness/pleasure. St. Teresa of Avila famously said, “God save us from sour-faced saints!” There’s no need to give up joy for God–indeed, it’s impossible to do so when we truly trust him and love him for who he is–our Creator, our Redeemer, our Beloved and Friend.

 

[pianistclare]

Amen. To this, and your previous post as well.
Thank you.

 

[pianistclare]

This is an extreme example of one person’s struggle with one sin. It’s not the definition of what makes one a “strict” Catholic. The poor man needs our sympathy and prayers.

As others have written, each of us is on our own journey with-and-to union with God. That’s what it’s all about. And what does it take to be united with God? A willing heart and mind–not a particular way of praying or of resisting temptation.

I’ve seen and enjoyed some R rated entertainment too. Comments about the prettiness of women or men can be neutral, depending on our intentions. So again, this is nothing to use to say that you aren’t as good a Catholic as you ought to be. No one can make that determination besides you and your confessor, certainly not anyone on a online forum.

I’m 68 but I’m hardly a stick-in-the-mud. If you mean that you cannot change for the better, I have to disagree. We can always do that if we are willing. But again, only you and your confessor/spiritual advisor know what improvements you may need to make in your life.

Suffering is a fact of life whether we are atheists or believers. The difference is–how do we deal with suffering? Do we see it as mere misery for the sake of misery? Or do we use it for good–by uniting it with the sufferings of Jesus and Mary?

Very few are called to deliberately suffer for the salvation of others, etc. That’s a very special calling from God, which most of us will not be called to do. Rather, for most of us, the sufferings that come along in life can be moments of healing and even joy–if we give them to God. St. Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical about this that is very wise and understanding: Salvifici Doloris.

We’re all caught up in the world to one degree or another. As St. Augustine said, “Love God and do as you please.” He had led a very decadent life before becoming a Christian, so he ought to know what he’s saying. Of course, this means to “love God” above all else–giving him ourselves in faith–not fearing that he will ask more than we can give/do. He never asks more of us than we can handle.

In this giving ourselves to God is true joy–because it makes everything else filled with joy. It makes beer taste better, it makes friendships deeper, it makes loving others more fulfilling for God is joy–he created beings who can laugh and sing and dance and understand why things are beautiful. The Scriptures are constantly telling us to “Rejoice!”

This is not the God who wants to make our lives dour and bland. Indeed, the most joyful people are people who love God above all else for loving God brings joy–real joy, not merely a moment’s happiness/pleasure. **St. Teresa of Avila famously said, “God save us from sour-faced saints!” There’s no need to give up joy for God–indeed, it’s impossible to do so when we truly trust him and love him for who he is–our Creator, our Redeemer, our **Beloved and Friend.

Also an excellent post.

 

[ProdglArchitect]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

Keep in mind, expressions of being devout does not necessarily equate to actually being devout. Remember the parable about Pharisee and the Tax-Collector. The Pahrisee prided himself on being “unlike the common sinner,” and yet it was the tax collector (a position almost synonymous with being an egregious sinner) whom Christ said walked away justified due to his humility.

With that said, there are many meany devout people on these forums.

You talk about enjoying GoT, despite the nudity. So long as it’s not an occasion of sin for you, and you’re not watching the show specifically for the sexual / pornographics elements in it, then you’re probably alright. If, on the other hand, you view the women as objects approach the nudity in an explicit mindset, then you’re in trouble. You might be able to watch the show and not have any problems. I personally cannot, and so I do not watch it.

 

[edwest2]

Keep in mind, expressions of being devout does not necessarily equate to actually being devout. Remember the parable about Pharisee and the Tax-Collector. The Pahrisee prided himself on being “unlike the common sinner,” and yet it was the tax collector (a position almost synonymous with being an egregious sinner) whom Christ said walked away justified due to his humility.

With that said, there are many meany devout people on these forums.

You talk about enjoying GoT, despite the nudity. So long as it’s not an occasion of sin for you, and you’re not watching the show specifically for the sexual / pornographics elements in it, then you’re probably alright. If, on the other hand, you view the women as objects approach the nudity in an explicit mindset, then you’re in trouble. You might be able to watch the show and not have any problems. I personally cannot, and so I do not watch it.

That last paragraph just doesn’t make sense. Some men are not affected by seeing bare boobs and simulated sex on TV and that’s OK, but if you can’t … what?

We can’t have two standards. At work, I hear people talking about certain TV shows but I can’t watch them. Yes, I’ve seen a few episodes and know that it’s a bad thing. It’s not a good choice.

Perversion usually starts as elaborate and, in the case of some TV shows, artful, but it always degrades people and societies in the end. I’m watching TV continue its downward spiral. So, I encourage people to not watch most of it, and I tell them why.

Ed

 

[St_Francis]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

God knows where you are, so start from there and don’t worry about your future. Right now, just increase your prayer life. Do you say morning prayers? No? Then start with them.

Think about the words of the prayers. You might not have time to turn them over in your mind as you pray them, but when you are driving or something, think about why we say, forgive us our trespasses *as we forgive those who trespass against us. *and other parts of the prayers.

Later, add in evening prayers… And just keep adding little bits. And don’t so much think about God as To God.

 

[USMC_Convert]

God knows where you are, so start from there and don’t worry about your future. Right now, just increase your prayer life. Do you say morning prayers? No? Then start with them.

Think about the words of the prayers. You might not have time to turn them over in your mind as you pray them, but when you are driving or something, think about why we say, forgive us our trespasses *as we forgive those who trespass against us. *and other parts of the prayers.

Later, add in evening prayers… And just keep adding little bits. And don’t so much think about God as To God.

Awesome post,

 

[AnneElizabeth]

I was baptized a Catholic and I go to mass. However, here i see how devout so many of you are and I think if I were to do many of the things I see here it would suck all joy from my life. In one thread about lust a man said he was thinking of taking a drug to curb his desire. I like watching Game of Thrones even with the nudity. I make comments about pretty women to other guys. I am over 50 and am acustomed to certain things. Catholics here always talk about the “sorrows” of our lady and about suffering. Am I just csught up in the world or does it take a certain personality type to be a devoted Catholic?

If you read about the saints, before their conversions they were definately a different sort of personality than they were after meeting Christ. So I don’t believe personality type has anything to do with it, nor does age. People can change. Transformation often occurs when one finds something they really want…doesn’t even have to be for religious reasons either. They find a passion and they pursue it, and often this requires transformation in order to arrive there.

Good to say too, that “cookie cutter” faith isn’t a good idea, ( that’s where someone cuts parts of themselves to fit the accepted mold rather than integrate aspects into their being overtime from study and devotion and prayer). …though it can, for a time, be a part of any faithful’s walk if they so perceive that is what is right to do. We are all in different areas in our faith walk. We all have our own walk and live and learn. Some of those you feel are strict or dour might not be later, it’s just what you saw from them at that time.
"Strict" and "joyless" can be a perception as well. As a young kid I could remember thinking someone climbing Mt. Everest was strict and joyless ( who would attempt such a crazy feat and better yet, why would they actually want to do all that work and risk so much?) but when I read a book about someone who did, it was obvious their passion was what was fulfilling to them, even with the discipline and sacrifices they made to do it. So much was their enthusiasm shared, that it made me drop my own perceptions about it.

 

[Mintaka]

Re: having a single standard – Nudity is not something automatically bad. Look at the Vatican Museum’s artworks. Nekkid people everywhere!

People have a Christian right to exercise prudence for themselves, and to determine whether a piece of entertainment is harmless or harmful for them.

 

[Cherripeeps]

Hey. Not sure if you’ll get to my reply, what with all the other people who have already responded.

However, as a practicing Catholic, I can tell you that the way of fidelity, though it may be challenging at times, is also a path of great joy. Catholics are not puritans. We understand pleasure, and there is a place for pleasure and fun and good things in a healthy spiritual life. We just don’t pursue pleasure and good things to the point that they lead us away from the teachings of Christ, and into sin. We also try to experience all the ordinary things in our lives from a place of love and gratitude for all the gifts that God has given us. And we try to become better people, so that God can work through us to accomplish His will in this world.

All of that doesn’t mean we’re boring. On the contrary, it means that we are called to live life to the fullest.

Another factor to consider is that God calls different people to different degrees of renunciation and sacrifice. For instance, someone called to be a monk will live a life of much greater penance than someone called to be a husband and father. However, it always works in such a way that to live the life that God wants for you will result in the greatest joy, peace, and happiness for you, if you’ve discerned your vocation well.

God wants you to be joyous, friend; the spiritual life is not a burden. I think you might want to ease into it little by little. Take up a prayer discipline as an Advent commitment; something small and realistic, even symbolic, but that you know you’ll be able to stick to. Then move up from there as you feel called to more and more closeness with God as the days and weeks and months go by. Then, organically, you’ll find yourself caring about your prayer time and desiring to do more things for Him.

Another practice I’d recommend would be that of spiritual direction. That way you get personalized, one-on-one advice from someone who’s trained to help you build a thriving spiritual life that’s a perfect fit for your person and your circumstances.

Of course, you can also call CA Live this Open Forum Tuesday and ask them this question you’ve posted, see how they can help you sort it out.