One thing we can agree on!

[TheCuriousCat]

Full disclosure: I’m an atheist who grew up Catholic, and I have no intention of going back. That said, I think there is one thing we can agree on:

Cafeteria Catholics are among the most irritating people in the world! :banghead:

I’ve had several conversations over the years, and since the Benedict resigned, heard people in the media that just don’t get it: Catholicism isn’t some New-Age-Style collection of feel-good platitudes!

I’ve heard so many people say, "I’m Catholic but I…

"Believe abortion is a woman’s choice.
"Believe that women should be allowed to get married.
"Don’t think there is anything wrong with using birth control.
"Don’t think that the Pope is infallible.
"Don’t get caught up in all the rituals.
“Don’t have a problem with living with someone I’m not married to.”

I keep wanting to say, “That’s great. I don’t have a problem with any of them either, but I’m not Catholic and neither are you, apparently. Or at least, you are only Catholic by nature of your baptism… but you don’t even believe that.”

I once had a maddening conversation with a friend, where I started questioning her:

Do you believe Adam and Eve were real? No, but the Church doesn’t say you have to believe that.
Was Mary a virgin? I think she was a virgin when she had Jesus, but not afterwards.
Do you believe that the Eucharist is the actually body and blood of Jesus? I think it is really just a symbol.
Is there going to be an actual judgement, followed by people physically raising from the dead? Of course not, don’t be silly.

:hypno:

Then she told me her faith was very important to her.

??? Important ???

Not important enough to learn about apparently.

Okay, rant over. Just needed to get that off to people who would, no doubt, understand the frustration.

 

[TheCuriousCat]

Sorry, this probably should have been in apologetics.

 

[john78]

I’ve heard so many people say, "I’m Catholic but I…

"Believe abortion is a woman’s choice.
"Believe that women should be allowed to get married.
"Don’t think there is anything wrong with using birth control.
"Don’t think that the Pope is infallible.
"Don’t get caught up in all the rituals.
“Don’t have a problem with living with someone I’m not married to.”

You’re right, this is a big problem among Catholics, there seems to be this idea that you can be Catholic and not agree on certain fundamental things, it would be like picking apart the 10 commandments, well i agree with thall sall not covet, but !

it isn’t converting people to Christianty or Catholicisim that is the problem, it is getting Christians and Catholics to start believeing and living the Faith that Christ has taught us.

Since when did being Christian or Catholic give us free reign to pick an choose what we want to believe ?

 

[SaintFrancis333]

I don’t think it’s fair to say one group is any worse than others. Personally I’ve run into the same scenarios with atheists and protestants. For atheists, the average atheist anyways, they look down their nose at you and speak condescendingly of religion as though their stating they don’t believe in God somehow endows them with enlightenment. Then when you get into conversation with them they can’t stand behind their arguments. They aren’t interested in conversation, only to point out what they dislike about religion and how it’s stupid anyone clings to it. With protestants it’s like that but then they try to “save” you since only “their” belief is correct, despite protestantism having absolutely zero historical or theological credibility. Then when you present that reality to them, they simply brush it off and tell you that you are interpreting things incorrectly.

Obviously the above description doesn’t portray all atheists or protestants everywhere. Far from it. I’m not saying that I don’t find cafeteria “Catholics” frustrating, because I do. I simply wanted to point out that it’s not really fair to say any one group is worse than another when each group has their ****** lot.

 

[john78]

Then when you present that reality to them, they simply brush it off and tell you that you are interpreting things incorrectly.

yup go figure, when you present the truth to someone who is in denial of it, or is too hard headed or cold hearted, then it is the person who presents the truth that is interpreting things incorrectly, it is never the other person who should have an " open mind " .

 

[polytropos]

My parents are like this. My mother will say things like, “Religion is what you make of it.” My dad does not go to church, and claims that it is better to never go to church rather than only go on holidays.

These kind of positions make no sense. Catholicism is characterized by its tradition. Protestantism exists for those who want to change what religion is to what they want religion to be. The Eucharist is very important to the Catholics - I personally could not understand identifying as Catholic but having no desire to go to mass (and receiving the Eucharist while not in a state of grace on the rare occasions that you do)…

 

[mexolic]

Many Catholics today have decided what type of Catholic they can be. A, B or C. It’s become the excepted thing nowadays. It’s as if Catholicism were a variety of religions. Whatever happened to just being Catholic? And then there are the non-practicing Catholics. What a farce! I’ve known people that have identied themselves as such. Don’t get me started.

 

[dshix]

Hahaha.

I am thoroughly amused that an atheist finds the same frustration in the weak faith of cafeteria Catholics that the orthodox Catholics do. That’s quite funny.

 

[mexolic]

Hahaha.

I am thoroughly amused that an atheist finds the same frustration in the weak faith of cafeteria Catholics that the orthodox Catholics do. That’s quite funny.

I wonder if there is such a thing as a cafeteria atheist.

 

[snarflemike]

Hahaha.

I am thoroughly amused that an atheist finds the same frustration in the weak faith of cafeteria Catholics that the orthodox Catholics do. That’s quite funny.

I think it’s pretty funny too. I think it boils down to our inbuilt disgust with hypocrisy. Believe what you will, but don’t claim you believe one thing and at the same time claim a right to go against those beliefs.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Full disclosure: I’m an atheist who grew up Catholic, and I have no intention of going back. That said, I think there is one thing we can agree on:

Cafeteria Catholics are among the most irritating people in the world! :banghead:

I’ve had several conversations over the years, and since the Benedict resigned, heard people in the media that just don’t get it: Catholicism isn’t some New-Age-Style collection of feel-good platitudes!

I’ve heard so many people say, "I’m Catholic but I…

"Believe abortion is a woman’s choice.
"Believe that women should be allowed to get married.
"Don’t think there is anything wrong with using birth control.
"Don’t think that the Pope is infallible.
"Don’t get caught up in all the rituals.
“Don’t have a problem with living with someone I’m not married to.”

I keep wanting to say, “That’s great. I don’t have a problem with any of them either, but I’m not Catholic and neither are you, apparently. Or at least, you are only Catholic by nature of your baptism… but you don’t even believe that.”

I once had a maddening conversation with a friend, where I started questioning her:

Do you believe Adam and Eve were real? No, but the Church doesn’t say you have to believe that.
Was Mary a virgin? I think she was a virgin when she had Jesus, but not afterwards.
Do you believe that the Eucharist is the actually body and blood of Jesus? I think it is really just a symbol.
Is there going to be an actual judgement, followed by people physically raising from the dead? Of course not, don’t be silly.

:hypno:

Then she told me her faith was very important to her.

??? Important ???

Not important enough to learn about apparently.

Okay, rant over. Just needed to get that off to people who would, no doubt, understand the frustration.

I am curious. At the risk of being accused of being uncharitable, If you are indeed an ex-Catholic who is now an atheist, why are you posting on a Catholic forum? Is it just that you like to argue/debate, or do you have another agendia?

 

[jimperu]

You are still being interested in God for some reason? You are writing to this site, and more likely than not, both reading and replying to threads! I think that you, for one reason, or many, have had experiences that hurt or angered you to the point of such emotional trauma that you are lashing out. Stop being so obsessed with other people and what they say or do. People of all religions, nationalities, political affiliations, classes, fraternal organizations, and on and on, are different in their levels of contributions, earnestness, etc.
So do not look at or judge others by their words or actions. Judge only yourself and be responsible for your words or actions. I have a saying that I have made up for myself to live by. I thought of it just this past year. It answers all my inquiries and keeps me on an even keel. It helps me to remember what a happy and good life is really all about. This short saying is simply, “GIVE AND FOREGIVE”. If we can all just do these two things everyday, all day, life is in its purest form, good. Think about these two words over and over and turn them into action and life blossoms into a beautiful YOU. Do not be concerned about religions. Be concerned about those who need you today and tomorrow.
May peace and happiness surround you forever…Jimperu

 

[dshix]

I am curious. At the risk of being accused of being uncharitable, If you are indeed an ex-Catholic who is now an atheist, why are you posting on a Catholic forum? Is it just that you like to argue/debate, or do you have another agendia?

You are still being interested in God for some reason? You are writing to this site, and more likely than not, both reading and replying to threads! I think that you, for one reason, or many, have had experiences that hurt or angered you to the point of such emotional trauma that you are lashing out. Stop being so obsessed with other people and what they say or do. People of all religions, nationalities, political affiliations, classes, fraternal organizations, and on and on, are different in their levels of contributions, earnestness, etc.
So do not look at or judge others by their words or actions. Judge only yourself and be responsible for your words or actions. I have a saying that I have made up for myself to live by. I thought of it just this past year. It answers all my inquiries and keeps me on an even keel. It helps me to remember what a happy and good life is really all about. This short saying is simply, “GIVE AND FOREGIVE”. If we can all just do these two things everyday, all day, life is in its purest form, good. Think about these two words over and over and turn them into action and life blossoms into a beautiful YOU. Do not be concerned about religions. Be concerned about those who need you today and tomorrow.
May peace and happiness surround you forever…Jimperu

The topic of this thread is not to discuss the purposes for the presence of this poster. Please do not derail the OP’s thread.

 

[TheCuriousCat]

I think it’s pretty funny too. I think it boils down to our inbuilt disgust with hypocrisy. Believe what you will, but don’t claim you believe one thing and at the same time claim a right to go against those beliefs.

Exactly!

In a way it’s like claiming that you think that we should be tough on crime but then pitch a fit over getting a speeding ticket. Or to volunteer for the military and refuse to recognize the authority of the drill sergeant.

 

[TheCuriousCat]

I wonder if there is such a thing as a cafeteria atheist.

Since being an atheist only means one thing (you don’t believe in a god) it is kind of hard to pick and choose.

Well, I guess technically anyone who believes in one god, but no others, is technically a cafeteria atheist.

 

[TheCuriousCat]

For atheists, the average atheist anyways, they look down their nose at you and speak condescendingly of religion as though their stating they don’t believe in God somehow endows them with enlightenment.

This isn’t comparable. Being an atheist means that you don’t believe in a god. There is no hypocrisy there.

If you claim to be a rationalist without considering the evidence of people’s claims, then that is hypocritical and comparable to my post.

Of course there are others. Did I suggest that Catholicism was the only religion in the world that has a cafeteria brand?

 

[jimperu]

The topic of this thread is not to discuss the purposes for the presence of this poster. Please do not derail the OP’s thread.

I am not derailing OP thread. My opinion was a direct response to the very particular issues he brought forward. My answer was correct in both issue and manner. The writer’s
issue is with others comments and observations that he deemed problematic. The quotes he established as coming from Catholics may be questioned as to their legitimacy. My response is correct in stating that God is the factor to be totally considered not peoples choices on how they decide to live or what they decide to do in their religious life. I have read many other threads that, as compared to mine are extremely harsh. Please do not pick and choose who or what you JUDGE to be proper in responses. Perhaps YOU are derailing many others by criticizing their responses. This discourages openness, honesty, and Christian thought. GOD BLESS YOU.

 

[dshix]

I am not derailing OP thread. My opinion was a direct response to the very particular issues he brought forward. My answer was correct in both issue and manner. The writer’s
issue is with others comments and observations that he deemed problematic. The quotes he established as coming from Catholics may be questioned as to their legitimacy. My response is correct in stating that God is the factor to be totally considered not peoples choices on how they decide to live or what they decide to do in their religious life. I have read many other threads that, as compared to mine are extremely harsh. Please do not pick and choose who or what you JUDGE to be proper in responses. Perhaps YOU are derailing many others by criticizing their responses. This discourages openness, honesty, and Christian thought. GOD BLESS YOU.

You accuse me of judging you? Well, let’s analyze your post to the OP, and see how much judging you did.

You are still being interested in God for some reason? You are writing to this site, and more likely than not, both reading and replying to threads! I think that you, for one reason, or many, have had experiences that hurt or angered you to the point of such emotional trauma that you are lashing out.** Stop being so obsessed with other people and what they say or do.** People of all religions, nationalities, political affiliations, classes, fraternal organizations, and on and on, are different in their levels of contributions, earnestness, etc.

Hmm. Well, I read the OP’s post, and he/she is making a perfectly legitimate point about how cafeteria catholics are irritating in their hipocrisy… which is a perfectly precedented and normal reaction. Yes, he judged people, but there was a reason, and the point was valid without being inflammatory.

Then, you come in, and question the OP’s intentions and make contentions about why he is posting. Why are you making such comments?

Then, when I make a valid statement asking you to not change the conversation on the OP, but rather stay on topic, you accuse **me ** of judging and derailing. Heh, you, sir, are the one derailing the thread by changing the subject.

Now, I don’t mean to say that I disagree with your message. Forgiving and being non-judgmental are very good virtues. However, in this thread, a comment with them is out of place.

I reiterate what I said before. Stop changing the subject to what you want it to be. Send a private message to the OP if you wish to question his motives.

 

[JD27076]

It’s easy to understand why so many Catholics are cafeteria Catholics.

1. Catholics are allowed to Marry non-Catholics which impedes full transmitting of the True Faith to the children.
2. Catholic priest and bishops aren’t as heavy as they were on Authentic Catholic Doctrine in the pulpits at Sunday Mass… We do need to focus on the love of Jesus, but sometimes we need to focus on the exclusion Jesus has for those who do not agree with His Churches teachings.
3. Catholic schools aren’t adhering to the strict Catholic Moral code and Teachings… Teach the Academics, but also make it MANDATORY for all Catholic Middle and High School students to take several credits of Authentic Catholic Doctrine taught by a Deacon, priest, nun, monk, or another religious.

 

[jimperu]

You accuse me of judging you? Well, let’s analyze your post to the OP, and see how much judging you did.

I guess you and I have much different ways of demonstrating or expressing our opinions of the written word! That’s fine. I will respond in ways I feel proper and you may do the same.
My intent was to point out, what I comprehended, as the writer being overtly expressive in his analysis in what others were doing in regards to their own personal religious habits. I was hoping that I could bring his attention, to the fact, that he was even on this sight, and I thought that was a good thing. I also thought that we all (including him) are better left to have less concerns for others habits and think more on God, for believers that is. I just felt, for a self described atheist, why he was so concerned, about those Christians habits, if he is a non-believer. I wondered if he was truly a believer, but was so angry with Christian behavior, that he was lashing out rather than, reaching out! My intent was well intended. God Bless You.