On a Quest

[Mary_Rose_1]

Hi everyone,

I will try to keep this short and to the point

I am originally from Israel, currently living in the USA. I was brought up in a liberal Jewish home, so there was not much emphasis on religion when I grew up. As I got older I started searching as I had a desire to learn and grow spiritually.

I went through several religions - reading, praying, meditating. In the end, I truly believe that all roads lead to God. I think its up to us to be honest, kind, humble, friendly, and respectful. Everything else kind of falls into place. I don’t think God judges us for our small faults or sins, but rather for our big choices, sins and faults (how we handle them, how we handle the consequences, do we learn and change, etc).

Lately I’ve had a calling towards Catholicism. Spiritually - I find it quite a loving, warm home. I love the prayers, devotions, Saints, Jesus, Mary, and God. I think the imagery is beautiful, and I love praying the Rosary.

However, where I have a problem is with the Dogma. Issues such as Homosexuality, Birth Control, Papal Authority, The Devil, etc.

It’s a struggle because part of me would LOVE to convert, however the other part disagrees on many topics that it would be wrong of me to mislead a Parish I would join, or to force myself to believe some things I simply don’t.

Ex. My husband is far from being Catholic, and neither of our kids are baptized. We decided to leave it up to them to search and find the religion that suits them most as they grow up. I have many friends who are Pagans, or Homosexuals, or are living in what is described as “Mortal Sin” - I really don’t think any of these are wrong or that they are going to Hell.

This is just an example of how my beliefs or views aren’t very compatible with Church teachings.

On the other hand, again, I feel the love of Jesus and Mary, I find inspiration in the Saints, and I love the spiritual aspect of it all. I feel at home with it. It feels right.

Any thoughts? Anyone struggle with the same issues?

PS - I’m not here to argue over the topics I mentioned. We all have opinions and beliefs, but at the end we all answer to one higher power and He is the one who will judge us.

Thanks so much!

 

[Claire_from_DE]

**Dear Mary Rose,

Start with Jesus. What do you believe about Him? Do you believe that He, the Jewish messiah, is the son of God? That He lived and died in perfect obedience to the Father’s will to reconcile us to God? Do you believe that He rose from the dead and still lives? Do you believe that He sent the Holy Spirit, as He promised, to guide His church into all truth and, individually, to empower us to live as God wills?

If you can answer yes to these questions than the other issues will fall into place.

As for leaving it to your children to decide on a faith when they are grown… If you believe that Jesus is your savior, the love of your life, how can you want any less for them?

You say all roads lead to God and it’s true that we all come to God from where we are. But not all roads will really lead to God. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life.

You say you feel a calling toward Catholicism, toward Jesus and Mary. Keep following them and seeking God’s will in your life. The rosary is a powerful prayer. Keep praying.**

 

[Equites_Christi]

Welcome to the forums!!

It’s great news that you have such an interest in the Church and an appreciation for her practices.

Since you said you don’t want to “argue” about those topics I won’t explain them now - there are others much better suited to the task anyways.

But I will say that those particular issues are very common ones for people looking to convert, and very telling of the times. Those things weren’t accepted by most societies until recently (and still aren’t by some) and have become ingrained on those cultures, championed around almost as inalienable rights.

But a potential convert, say, 500 years ago probably would have thought those issues were no-brainers. In turn, that person would have issues that today we would consider no-brainers, based on the person’s time and culture. Just some things to keep in mind - the world changes its opinion all the time; the Church doesn’t.

Remember, Christ said to be in the world, not of the world.

 

[Paul_Infirdigno]

You should really go to the ask an apologist forum to get any questions you have answered correctly. Any way, im glad you feel that way about the Catholic Church! It is home, i have doubts from time to time sure, but i shouldn’t let them get the best of me. I’ll pray for you and i hope you do change your mind about letting your kids decide for themselves, why?

If you believe that Jesus is your savior, the love of your life, how can you want any less for them?

-by Claire from DE)
I hope you really think this through, not only using your brain but also your heart, and not only your heart but all that the Good Lord gave you. Your reason, Intellegence, Memory, Heart, Soul, and Spirit to decide. God bless!

 

[Mary_Rose_1]

Thanks for the replies!

I am not looking to argue or challenge the issues I brought up, by the way (homosexuality, Paganism, etc). I’ve read the Bible both in English and Hebrew (I read, write and speak Hebrew). I’ve studied the Bible as part of my education in Israeli public school (Old Testament), and later as part of my Major in College (I studied Medieval and Renaissance European History, and had entire classes devoted to just Christianity, its formation, literature, scriptures and Theology, as well as some Church History). I fully understand where the Catholic Church stands on different topics, and with some I simply disagree.

Yes, its probably because of the society we live in, and the way I was brought up, as well as my social background which is very diverse. I’ve been friends with, grown up with different people from different cultures and backgrounds and personally believe their personal love lives (be it homosexual or straight), their religion, or their personal choices are theirs. I don’t like to judge.

As for Jesus - I view him as a great teacher, an enlightened man and divinity who has much to teach and guide us. I think he was on to something incredible and came to lead us all. I’m still learning to get to know him on an intimate level, if that makes sense (through prayer and contemplation). I don’t know yet if I agree that he is the Messiah. I do believe that he was real, that he did sacrifice himself for us, and that he does lead us to enlightenment and salvation.

As for my kids - I was brought up in a manner that encouraged personal spiritual growth. It led me here, to many places before as well. I just think that they should have the right as adults to find their way home - wherever it may be. I would not condemn them if they didn’t choose Catholicism, just as I would not condemn them if they were to tell me they were homosexual.

I guess THAT’S where the problem lays - I’m not conservative, and I don’t feel that to me personally issues that are considered sins by the Church, are sins in my eyes.

I can’t compare homosexuality to murder. Murder, to me, is one of the worst sins and acts a person can commit. But to allow a person to love another regardless of their sexual orientation seems simple and a non-issue to me. As long as both are consenting adults - really, who cares? That’s just my attitude. If it offends God, I know he has the power to mend it or guide these people to a path that pleases him.

All I know is that Jesus, Mary, the Saints, Angels, Mass, the art and imagery, the Prayers, God and the Holy Spirit speak to me and call my name.

And if it pleases them to have someone like me (who is not on the same page as some Church views) pray and follow them - is it wrong?

I guess the question then begs to be asked - How can I follow Jesus if I disagree with his Church on some core teachings.

I don’t have the answer to that. That’s kind of why I’m here. To hear different views, to see if others out there might feel similar to how I feel.

Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut!

 

[Claire_from_DE]

Jesus said that no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son reveals Him. Jesus came so that we could know the Father. So it absolutely makes sense to want to get to know Him on an intimate level through prayer and contemplation. And then to come to know the Father and understand the Father’s will. Truly God is love; He wills what is best for us. And He is all knowing; He knows what is best for us because He made us.

When we are in a loving relationship with Jesus and the Father we gradually come to an appreciation of God’s plans and a desire to live according to God’s will. These plans even include how we show our love through sexual expression and when it is in our best interests not to do so. This is called chastity, to use our sexuality according to God’s plan for our state in life.

You asked: How can I follow Jesus if I disagree with his Church on some core teachings? This would be problematic because the Holy Spirit guides us by means of the church, the bible, and the Tradition passed down to us from the apostles.

I think you should give the church the benefit of the doubt. I wonder if you have seriously looked into what the church actually teaches and the reasoning behind it. It might help you to read some of the books on sexuality recommended on this website. You may find out that what you disagree with isn’t church teaching but what someone has told you about it.

As Catholics, we are not required to judge, condemn, or hate our friends and family who are homosexual or to turn away from them.

For now, I think you should continue what you have been doing and pray that God will draw you to Himself and lead you to know the truth. If you are wanting to know God and are attracted to the Catholic church it is God who is putting this desire in your heart and He will help you.

 

[Paul_Infirdigno]

Im no Theologian, i cant show you articles that would help you understand, or persuade you to agree with Catholic doctrine, all i know is be submissive to the Church. I 2nd Claire’s post.If you really are attracted to the Church, and want to learn to understand and Love it, pray for the grace, God love’s you, He sent down His only begotten Son for pete’s sake. Pray on, and i will pray for you, keep saying the Holy Rosary.

And if it pleases them to have someone like me (who is not on the same page as some Church views) pray and follow them - is it wrong?

You wouldn’t be able to follow God through His Church if you not on the same page, it would be like you being given a guild through a dark forest and not agreeing with him about His directions, who are you going to trust, the guild or your self. The Church does not condemn any body, She is a Loving mother who wants us to know what is right and wrong, if you want to follow her advise thats your chose, She’s only warning you what will end up happening if you don’t. I have had major doubts that almost made me leave the Church. So i think i kinda know what your dealing with in that you disagree with the Church. Keep Praying, and I’m open for discussion any time. If you would like to i mean. God bless

 

[fred_conty]

Mary Rose comment:
I can’t compare homosexuality to murder​

It sounds as though you have read the Old Testiment.

I’m curious about your thought on Sodom not to mention Ghomorah.

And other statements on homosexuality in the Old Testament.

Are these difficult for you to accept or understand?

Sidebar: That Catholic church does not teach that being homosexual is wrong.
But practising open acts of homosexuality is.