Often you hear this excuse from Ex-Catholics, "I was Catholic but..."

[Mannyfit75]

How often have you heard this from individuals who claimed to be Catholic, “I was Catholic but I now read the Bible and I am Christian…”

Of course, Catholics are Christians. These days, Evangelical have hijack the word Christian to pertain only to them without considering other Christian faiths of Apostolic origin like Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Sometimes, you would hear these excuses, “When I was Catholic, I never had a personal relationship with Jesus until I became a Born-Again Christian,” or “I learned of all the sacraments, patriarchs, and rituals, but never learned of His love.”

So really? You claim to be Ex-Catholics and know Catholic teachings. Since you left the Church, I doubt you knew it in the first place. Especially the excuse, “I never learned of his love.”

You look at the crucifix and tell me who is on that cross? Jesus Christ. You see that in every Catholic Church. It should show you and remind you that Jesus loved us so that he was crucified on that Holy Cross. If you didn’t get that, you never learn the basic Catholic doctrine concerning Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

 

[Bill_Pick]

How often have you heard this from individuals who claimed to be Catholic, “I was Catholic but I now read the Bible and I am Christian…”

Of course, Catholics are Christians. These days, Evangelical have hijack the word Christian to pertain only to them without considering other Christian faiths of Apostolic origin like Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Sometimes, you would hear these excuses, “When I was Catholic, I never had a personal relationship with Jesus until I became a Born-Again Christian,” or “I learned of all the sacraments, patriarchs, and rituals, but never learned of His love.”

So really? You claim to be Ex-Catholics and know Catholic teachings. Since you left the Church, I doubt you knew it in the first place. Especially the excuse, “I never learned of his love.”

You look at the crucifix and tell me who is on that cross? Jesus Christ. You see that in every Catholic Church. It should show you and remind you that Jesus loved us so that he was crucified on that Holy Cross. If you didn’t get that, you never learn the basic Catholic doctrine concerning Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

This is a very good post but how many non-cathloic do you think belive you,not that many,hope I,m wrong

 

[Mannyfit75]

This is a very good post but how many non-cathloic do you think belive you,not that many,hope I,m wrong

Based on the position of X-Catholics here and in at work, I do not believe they were properly taught authencity “Catholic teaching.” If they were taught properly, they would see that the Catholic Church teachings is on Jesus Christ himself, the source and summit of our faith.

And Secondly, if they were taught properly about Catholicism, they would not leave the Catholic Church. The ones who leave the Catholic Church are those who have their own internal “crisis of faith” ( ie, doubts, uncertainty, etc, discourage by a bad priests, etc, etc).

I have been to many Catholic Churches, and tell me, do you see the Stations of the Cross as well? Does not the images or icons show a Biblical account of Jesus’ being condemned to death and crucified. If you seen those images, or icons, I am pretty sure you get the idea, that in the salvation history, God promised us a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15. From that’s woman’s seed shall be the Messiah. After 14 Generations, the Word of God became flesh and dwelt amongst us. He was condemned by his own people, abandon by his followers (except John, his mother, and the other women who were at the foot of the cross), and rose from the dead on the 3rd day. He conquered death and free us from sin.

It’s like someone asking me, “Dude, where is my room key?” which I reply, “It’s in front of you.”

 

[Hiskid1973]

I actually know someone who was Catholic for a long time and had a radical conversion experience…Belonging to any church does not a christian make…Remember tares are around us all…One day He will harvest…I actually encouraged someone I know during the time she left the CC church…She is a very godly believer in Christ…

 

[jamanne]

I am probably one of the Catholics who never had a good experience with the Church.we were taught of Christs Sacrifice and in my heart I believed it. But in practice our teachers and some of our priests had a lot of time for the more financially well off parishioners and the less fortunate were often ignored to the point of one priest being very surprised when he seen my exam marks he thought poverty was also stupidity.We were always encouraged to bring money for the missions for the poor people in foreign countries but they ignored the poverty under their noses so yes I had a very confused relationship with the Church ,I am 65 years old now and occasionally the old resentment comes back but Thank God I’ve moved past that and realised those teachers and priests were human beings and as such they didn’t always make the right decisions.I still have a hard time with Church groups like the CW L only because as I remember them they were very clique and I know things are different now and my sister at 60 years of age just joined and she has been a fervent Catholic all her lifebut she still remembers as well …Anne cunningham

 

[Aydan]

I hear it all the time just about as much as Catholics “worship” Mary. It’s not always caused by not knowing Catholic teachings either. My aunt who is also my godmother was raised Catholic had her own radical conversion and is now fundamentalist and totally against the Catholic Church. She says all the time that Catholics don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus.
But you know what after looking at her faith and many other evangelical churches it has made me a stronger Catholic and even more dedicated to my faith and here’s why. In my own opinion Protestant churches especially evangelical ones spend too much time judging others deciding which group of people is going to hell or that you are because you don’t believe exactly what they believe. But the worst part for me is my aunt’s belief that we are totally cut off from our relatives in heaven and they cannot help us. As a Catholic I don’t have to worry about that stuff because we have the communion of saints and I don’t have to decide who is going to heaven or hell because Catholicism teaches me it is not my place to make such a decision. Yeah I’m also a born-again Christian a born-again Catholic that is! I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 

[CatholicGuy22]

I feel being a Catholic is one the most difficult religion to follow. It requires so much love and passion that some cant handle it. That is why some people leave but i feel that is God testing us its all a part of carrying the cross. People will make you feel like your wasting your time in the Catholic Church but dont believe them Jesus founded the Church. Other religions are man made. No one ever said being Catholic was easy​

If the world hates you remember that it hated me first, no servant is greater than his master, If they persecuted me they will also persecute you.

 

[PadraigPearce]

If someone leaves the Catholic Church because they did a lot of studying and decided if wasn’t the true Church, that’s one thing. But almost every Catholic I know who is my age (late 20’s) has just sort of drifted away from the Church. That’s not an exageration.

I had a really interesting conversation over beers with some friends the other night after work. Most of them were fallen away Catholics, and despite Catholic school right up until age 18 or 19, none of them knew even the basics to be able to talk about the religion at all. They didn’t know who Thomas Aquinas was, or what the meaning of the mass was, but they did know about the sexual abuse scandal, and that the Church is opposed to condoms in Africa and gay marriage. In other word, they were entirely formed by the media despite twelve or more years of Catholic school. The most interesting thing was that they all believe in God, but think the Church is bogus.
The one person at the table who goes to church goes to a non denominational church because she says she feels God’s presence there and she never felt it in the Catholic parish she grew up in.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

Deleted post. Not worth getting into.

God bless

 

[Benadam]

whatever the line is after the ‘but’ it is the reason that the person can live with not the real reason. I find that it is often the children’s disrespect of parental authority (rightly or wrongly) that presents it’self as disrespect for the authority of the Curch.

 

[mark_a]

How often have you heard this from individuals who claimed to be Catholic, “I was Catholic but I now read the Bible and I am Christian…”

Of course, Catholics are Christians. These days, Evangelical have hijack the word Christian to pertain only to them without considering other Christian faiths of Apostolic origin like Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Sometimes, you would hear these excuses, “When I was Catholic, I never had a personal relationship with Jesus until I became a Born-Again Christian,” or “I learned of all the sacraments, patriarchs, and rituals, but never learned of His love.”

So really? You claim to be Ex-Catholics and know Catholic teachings. Since you left the Church, I doubt you knew it in the first place. Especially the excuse, “I never learned of his love.”

You look at the crucifix and tell me who is on that cross? Jesus Christ. You see that in every Catholic Church. It should show you and remind you that Jesus loved us so that he was crucified on that Holy Cross. If you didn’t get that, you never learn the basic Catholic doctrine concerning Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

Folks who drift away tend to be less critical of the Church.

Folks who run away because they need:

• a divorce
• an abortion
• to contracept
• sexual license

tend to be the most anti-Catholic of all.

Manny-

I’ve been away for a while. The last I remember you were seriously considering Orthodoxy (if I’m not mistaken). How are things now?

 

[izoid]

My wife grew up in a Catholic family, she attended CCD and did all the spiritual formation up until she was 18. Unfortunately, Catholicism to her was a devotion to a church and not to the person of Jess. She knew all the rituals but did not know what they represented or pointed to. This was in the late 70’s and early to mid 80’s.

I think this is due in large part to poor catechesis and to a lack of understanding on her parents part. This too is likely due to poor catechesis. In my opinion, the current state of catechesis in the Church is far superior today than ever before. The resources available to Catholics today is far and away superior to that of earlier generations.

I think people fall away because they were never truly grounded in the faith. THey see their commitment to the Church and not to Christ. I believe that we will see a resurgence of Catholicism in the coming years as a result of improved catechesis and commitment to the person of Jesus.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

My wife grew up in a Catholic family, she attended CCD and did all the spiritual formation up until she was 18. Unfortunately, Catholicism to her was a devotion to a church and not to the person of Jess. She knew all the rituals but did not know what they represented or pointed to. This was in the late 70’s and early to mid 80’s.

I think this is due in large part to poor catechesis and to a lack of understanding on her parents part. This too is likely due to poor catechesis. In my opinion, the current state of catechesis in the Church is far superior today than ever before. The resources available to Catholics today is far and away superior to that of earlier generations.

I think people fall away because they were never truly grounded in the faith. THey see their commitment to the Church and not to Christ. I believe that we will see a resurgence of Catholicism in the coming years as a result of improved catechesis and commitment to the person of Jesus.

I have to agree. I am a cradle Catholic, but at age 4 my parents divorced and I was more or less raised by the protestant in the family. On weekends that I was with my mother she would take me and my brother to Mass. At age 12 I reverted back to the Church and went through CCD classes.this was around 1978 I was taught the what to’s but not the why for’s. I knew i my heart that the Catholic church had it right as I had been told if it in the Bible it true and the Catholic Church is the only one that is fully following the Bible. Therefore I struck out on my own with the what to do and found the why we do on my own. I do think that churchn is doing a better job of teaching the whys now days.

I do see that the main reason peopl have left the church is poor catechesis. they nereve learnd the whys and there for when confronted by anti catholic propaganda they were unablt to defend themselves or the Church.

Another is major reason for leaving and not returning is divorce and remarriage. I know of folks that would return but have married. a few would proble be granted annulments,but they for what ever reason do not seek them.

For all of those that have left the Church we need to pray and set the example of why they should return.

 

[musicality]

If someone leaves the Catholic Church because they did a lot of studying and decided if wasn’t the true Church, that’s one thing. But almost every Catholic I know who is my age (late 20’s) has just sort of drifted away from the Church. That’s not an exageration.

I had a really interesting conversation over beers with some friends the other night after work. Most of them were fallen away Catholics, and despite Catholic school right up until age 18 or 19, none of them knew even the basics to be able to talk about the religion at all. They didn’t know who Thomas Aquinas was, or what the meaning of the mass was, but they did know about the sexual abuse scandal, and that the Church is opposed to condoms in Africa and gay marriage. In other word, they were entirely formed by the media despite twelve or more years of Catholic school. The most interesting thing was that they all believe in God, but think the Church is bogus.
The one person at the table who goes to church goes to a non denominational church because she says she feels God’s presence there and she never felt it in the Catholic parish she grew up in.

Ditto…
Most people I know who are lapsed Catholics have strayed from the church because they never really came into a full understanding of it.

I have a few Protestant friends who say that they would never return to the Church because of their personal experiences with their local parishes.

 

[Hiskid1973]

I have a few Protestant friends who say that they would never return to the Church because of their personal experiences with their local parishes.

I know someone who left and became Anglican due to close proximity to priest abuse…

 

[imkingdad]

Based on the position of X-Catholics here and in at work, I do not believe they were properly taught authencity “Catholic teaching.” If they were taught properly, they would see that the Catholic Church teachings is on Jesus Christ himself, the source and summit of our faith.

And Secondly, if they were taught properly about Catholicism, they would not leave the Catholic Church. The ones who leave the Catholic Church are those who have their own internal “crisis of faith” ( ie, doubts, uncertainty, etc, discourage by a bad priests, etc, etc).

I have been to many Catholic Churches, and tell me, do you see the Stations of the Cross as well? Does not the images or icons show a Biblical account of Jesus’ being condemned to death and crucified. If you seen those images, or icons, I am pretty sure you get the idea, that in the salvation history, God promised us a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15. From that’s woman’s seed shall be the Messiah. After 14 Generations, the Word of God became flesh and dwelt amongst us. He was condemned by his own people, abandon by his followers (except John, his mother, and the other women who were at the foot of the cross), and rose from the dead on the 3rd day. He conquered death and free us from sin.

It’s like someone asking me, “Dude, where is my room key?” which I reply, “It’s in front of you.”

Two for two! You are correct especially about poor inculcation of Basic Catholic doctrine for many of the so-called or fallen away Catholics. One might hazard a guess that many were Baptized as Catholic & saw the inside of a Church on on the high Holidays.

These “ex-catholic” postings in here are also generated by less than honest Protestants seeking to undermine Catholic while posing as a new more enlightened person seeking to help other misguided Catholics out of their ignorance. Basically weasels In ex-catholic clothing!.

Keep up the Good Work.
Yours in Christ.

 

[imkingdad]

I feel being a Catholic is one the most difficult religion to follow. It requires so much love and passion that some cant handle it. That is why some people leave but i feel that is God testing us its all a part of carrying the cross. People will make you feel like your wasting your time in the Catholic Church but dont believe them Jesus founded the Church. Other religions are man made. No one ever said being Catholic was easy​

If the world hates you remember that it hated me first, no servant is greater than his master, If they persecuted me they will also persecute you.

---

I would have to agree. Catholicism requires one to think, to reason, & to accept certain things beyond our mortal understanding on the Faith of Church Teaching.

We certainly do not have an easy or cheap Salvation. There is No Once Saved Always Saved free pass for us… No if we are to be Saved, we must learn about the Church & follow Her teachings, We must do good works for the Love of God & neighbor, We must pray for the sick & the dying; those in Prison & those whom we hate; We must pray for those that are not like us & for their Salvation.

We are expected to endure the slings & arrows of our outrageous enemies, & yet
compassionately turn the over cheek. We are expected to answer all their inquiries as if we were scripture scholars & Theologians. Our Leaders are held to standards that far exceed those of the Competition churches. Yet we are viewed with contempt by many of these same self-styled Christians.

So Be It! We are Blessed beyond their understanding ( but we pray they will learn & embrace the truth) . So yes we have a Hard walk ! But I’m not trading it away for a quick & easy path to Hell. I don’t imagine you are or would either.

Yours in Christ

 

[Hiskid1973]

These “ex-catholic” postings in here are also generated by less than honest Protestants seeking to undermine Catholic while posing as a new more enlightened person seeking to help other misguided Catholics out of their ignorance. Basically weasels In ex-catholic clothing!.
Keep up the Good Work.
Yours in Christ.

You must be pretty good discerning people’s hearts…You do know we’ll give account one day…

 

[Hiskid1973]

It’s probably best to focus on the arguments instead of personal comments about posters…They could be a brother or sister in Christ…We are to esteem others, to season our speech with grace…Peace to you…K

 

[Mannyfit75]

Folks who drift away tend to be less critical of the Church.

Folks who run away because they need:

• a divorce
• an abortion
• to contracept
• sexual license

tend to be the most anti-Catholic of all.

Manny-

I’ve been away for a while. The last I remember you were seriously considering Orthodoxy (if I’m not mistaken). How are things now?

I consider EO once because historically it was the Papal Lagates issued the bull of excommunication in 1054 AD over certain issues (See Wikipedia and New Catholic Encyclopedia). Since it was the CC that issued the bull, the Church in Rome separated itself from Constantinople. I decided to remain Catholic because the See of Peter is where the keys of the kingdom is. It isn’t in Church in Constantinople that bears the keys, only See in Rome but that is another topic.