One thing we can agree on!

[dshix]

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.

Fair enough. I’m sorry if I seemed harsh in my (very different) analysis of the situation.

We all have different ways of communication… the key, I suppose, is to figure out how to communicate without misunderstanding.

God bless.

 

[Della]

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 think a few factors are at work here:

1. Poor catechesis. For a couple of generations now our Catholic kids have been taught that “all you need is love”–the gospel of the Beatles not of Christ.
2. They aren’t taught how to think or where their lives fit in with historical Christianity.
3. They have an emotional attachment to their parish/faith, but cannot understand it.
4. They want to “go with the flow” and not be countercultural with their friends, co-workers, and family who are as lost as they are.
5. They have lived in their own heads all their lives, and been so influenced by society they have no idea at all what being a real Catholic means. They are lost and need to be evangelized as much, if not more than those who are outside the Church.
6. They’ve become unable to hear and bear the truth when they hear it. It just bounces off them. It’s not until they encounter some crisis in their life they have no glib answer for that they seek out authentic faith and for some even that cannot shake their indifference.
7. They want to remain in their personal sins and excuse themselves for doing so.

 

[jimperu]

Fair enough. I’m sorry if I seemed harsh in my (very different) analysis of the situation.

We all have different ways of communication… the key, I suppose, is to figure out how to communicate without misunderstanding.

God bless.

I to, am sorry if I seemed harsh as well. We both care so very much and want to help others that we get intense. Enough said. Be well…