Please Help

[_12_Maggie_12]

I have been Catholic my entire life and lately I have been seeing so many things with how the church operates. Mideval Europe messed up and I think its happening again. In the end don’t all branches of Christiananity worship the same God?

If yes, why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it who am I to be like this when people die of starvation every day? I know I should be praying for them and not myself.

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me, right now the only thing I’m doing is serving as a warning to others. I hate myself more then anyone could imagine. I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis. I don’t mean to point fingers it’s my fault my life is like this.

I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught. I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God. I am at a loss for what to do my priest said that these feelings are common and in the end I’ll make the right choice or I get passages in the catechesis thrown at me that make me feel worse.

I’m not sure what that is anymore I’m at my wits end and I am out of people around me to turn too. I’m scared and tired and sometimes I feel the only reason I don’t end it is because if I did I would go to Hell.

 

[Trishie]

Maggie, I won’t answer all immediately but in a couple of posts because I want you immediately to know I’m thinking of you and wishing to respond to your painful thoughts.
Maggie, I sympathise with you for your doubts.

Forgive me for saying so, but your parents are mistaken in saying that your eating disorder is a punishment from God. It is a manifestation of the shakiness of your self-esteem, your anxiety and unhappiness that you’re struggling with in some way or other. Hopefully you will find the help and the peace you need. I’l certainly be praying for you,.
Kindly, Trishie

 

[LilyM]

:hug3:

Maggie my poor dear - you have been taught many things which don’t all correspond with Church teaching. For which I’m very sorry. It does sadly happen that in every faith, including Catholicism, that some people will be miseducated and misinterpret the teachings of that faith.

First of all - no one on earth is fit to judge the soul of another individual. Thus, although in general we can say that things like theft are sins, we cannot know and do not teach that even Hitler or Judas are in hell or going there, let alone any of your friends.

Unfortunately the attitude about suicide stems from a long-ago time when we knew little about the intense psychological suffering that suicides usually go through. The Church has always, however, taught that God’s mercy is infinite, and that we are not to judge the eternal destination of souls.

In regards to your illness - you, my dear Maggie, might well be one of those who suffer as Our Lord innocently suffered. He, although guilty of nothing Himself, could nonetheless offer His sufferings in atonement for the sins of others.

See this is one reason Jesus came to earth - to teach us that even unmerited suffering can have infinite value. You’re not just serving as a warning - what a sad thought! You are earning untold spiritual merit, contributing to the salvation of your souls and the souls of others, in your suffering. Read John Paul 2’s writing Salvifici Doloris, which speaks of the infinite value to be found in suffering. You can find it online at benedettoxvi.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris_en.html

Absolutely seek help for your illness, which is a real and treatable illness - as real as a broken arm or leg, for which I hope your parents would seek medical treatment. But don’t forget to give your sufferings in prayer to Our Lord as well.

I don’t know exactly about your not going to Mass - ordinarily it is a sin, but it may well be that it is your illness affecting you to the point where you are not going, in which case you are not at fault for not going. That is something I couldn’t be sure of without more information about why you’re not going.

 

[Trishie]

As for the suicide of your friend, God takes into account the state of her mind and the pressures she was under. God does not condemn unjustly. The Church does not. It assumes that a person’s suicide may be due to depression or mental illness. It understands that a person may not be fully culpable, and that only God knows the state of mind and the state of soul of a suicide…therefore the Church doesn not teach that sucides automatically go to hell.

Continue to pray for your friend’s soul. Perhaps don’t argue with your parents about this or it may just wear you out, and you cannot afford to stress yourself more. Just trust God about your friend and pray for her. She may need your prayers very much.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church which has the Primi Potest of our Pope, says, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (No. 2282).
"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives" (No. 2283).

I hope you feel at peace about your friend, now Maggie

 

[Fludgecow101]

This is kind of quick and just to get you thinking, someone else will have a better answer.
First off, something that is very important in life, especially when we are sad or depressedTrust in God and His plan. When you are suffering or in pain, try offering it up for something like the souls in purgatory, conversion of sinners, etc. Also, don’t really have much time to explain much more but here is a great book I recommend.
amazon.com/Hell-Plus-How-Avoid/dp/0895553465/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234591014&sr=8-1 It really has helped me to understand the way and point of life. But for now, you should read this too.directionforourtimes.com/docs/booklet-depression.pdf I’ll keep you in my prayers.

 

[Trishie]

This is what the official Cathchism of the Catholic Church has to say about whether those who sincerely live other Cristian faiths are saved even though they don’t have the fullness of the truth

“Catechism of the Catholic Church” Imprimi Potest. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict)

“Those who through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience–those too may achieve eternal salvation”

Maggie, take courage in these words from the Dogmatic Constitution of the Catholic, LUMEN GENTIUM, solemnly promulgated by his holiness Pope Paul v1 on November 21,
1964

1. The Church recognizes that in many ways she is linked with those who, being baptized, are honored with the name of Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of communion with the successor of Peter. (14) For there are many who honor Sacred Scripture, taking it as a norm of belief and a pattern of life, and who show a sincere zeal. They lovingly believe in God the Father Almighty and in Christ, the Son of God and Saviour. (15) They are consecrated by baptism, in which they are united with Christ. They also recognize and accept other sacraments within their own Churches or ecclesiastical communities. Many of them rejoice in the episcopate, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and cultivate devotion toward the Virgin Mother of God.(16) They also share with us in prayer and other spiritual benefits.

Likewise we can say that in some real way they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative among them with His sanctifying power. Some indeed He has strengthened to the extent of the shedding of their blood. In all of Christ’s disciples the Spirit arouses the desire to be peacefully united, in the manner determined by Christ, as one flock under one shepherd, and He prompts them to pursue this end. (17) Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work that this may come about. She exhorts her children to purification and renewal so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earth.

 

[Trishie]

But you, Maggie, you are so hard on yourself. You don’t realise what a precious person you are!

Dear Jesus please give me, us, the gift of conveying to Maggie, the beautiful, glimpsed vision of herself, as You love her, a fallible human with entwined faults and virtues.

Jesus, have compassion on her discouraged self-judgement, for she fears that Your plan of salvation builds upon some unlikely ‘ideal self’.She perhaps hopes that to others, only the good is evident. She fears that were others to sense the extent of her unworthiness, they may reject her—as indeed she fears You may.

Jesus, please extend Your hand to Maggie through those who see her efforts and who have faith in the secret, unique miracle of her.

Let Maggie know that You love her as she is, and that You plan her holiness around her **actual **self. You fulfil Your dream of her and serve others through her flawed personality with its abilities, gifts and virtues, along with its faults and scars.

Assure her that her efforts to live the Gospel are more precious because of her temptations and flaws, so that she is encouraged to faith and self-acceptance.

Dear Jesus let me, and others, to see and share Your beautiful, unique, creative vision of our sister, regardless of ‘apparent’ flaws. In my warm acceptance of Maggie, please grant her that restoring, blossoming fruitfulness of love—which the image of her cherished and accepted as she really is—produces in the most barren and bleak heart.

Our dear sister Maggie, “Do not be afraid, you will not be put to shame.” [Isaiah 54:4]

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Hi, Maggie. It sounds like you have an awful lot weighing on your mind. I hope I can answer a few of your concerns, and point you in a direction where you can get help with the rest.

why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell

Whoever told you that is mistaken. We are in no postition to judge who is going to hell; only God can do that. It is possible for those outside the Catholic Church to be saved if they truly believe they are doing God’s will.

along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

If it is impossible for a Catholic to attend Mass on a particular Sunday (for example, if they are sick, if they have to care for someone who is sick, if they have no transportation, etc.), then it is not a sin to miss Mass. It is only sinful to miss Mass if we do it by our own free will (for example, out of laziness or indifference).

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever

Again, only God knows their hearts, so let’s leave the judgment to Him. And even when people do sin seriously, God always offers them His mercy and gives them the opportunity to repent. Don’t ever give up hope for your friend; it is entirely possible that she turned to God with repentance in her final moments. We cannot say definitively that any individual is in hell. Keep praying for her! She may be in Purgatory (a stage of purification to make us perfect and ready for heaven), and your prayers can help speed her on her way to heaven.

and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

We will know each other in heaven. We will be glad to be reunited with loved ones in worshipping God forever. We will probably regret that some people chose to separtate themselves from God, but we will still be perfectly happy. (I can’t explain how; we just have to trust God.)

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true

That’s right, it isn’t true. Your parents probably don’t understand the nature of eating disorders. You need to get help from someone who does. You don’t say how old you are. If you are still in school, talk to a guidance counselor, nurse, or campus health service for a referral to the medical help you need. This is VERY important.

but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it

God can help you with this, but you need to seek professional help. Praying is good, but we also need to use the means God has given us (doctors, counselors, etc.) to take care of illness, whether it be physical or emotional (and eating disorders have elements of both).

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me

Believe God’s words from Scripture: "“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

God does have a wonderful plan for you, even if it is difficult to see right now.

I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis … I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught.

God wants to have a relationship with you, too. He loves you more than you can imagine.

I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God.

Protestant denominations have part of God’s truth, but the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth. And the Catholic Church has Jesus Himself in the Eucharist — not just a symbol, but the real deal! I could never give that up.

Please don’t give up. There is someone out there who can help you. Try to find an adult you can trust, and if you are feeling desperate, call 911.

Many of us will be praying for you. You are our sister in Christ.

 

[royal_archer]

I think most of us have gone through the same thought process. I see my son going through the start of some of these thought processes. Some times it is hard to see the horizon in the fog of despair that we find our selves in frequently. I have had many tests of my faith and I bairly squeeked by for some of the early ones. I am now older and see these hard times and although I don’t know how I’ll get through them I know that some how God will get me through them. That does not make the fear and pain go away, I am just better able to deal with it.

Age has taught me some other lessons. My son frequently tells me how life is not fair. As a parrent I know what he is going through and remember going through it myself. But these are thinks he needs to work through because they will prepare him for later in life. God, as our loving father, knows what burdens we have to bare. While my son does not always understand the greater purpose of his daily struggle, I accept that we may not be capable of understanding the greater purpose of our daily struggles.

As for mortal sin… We humans aren’t the ones who will judge you. God will. However, we understand that somethings are pleasing to God while other things are displeasing. And we are going to try to convince you to do those things that we understand to be pleasing to God.

As for all worshiping the same God, I see it differently. There are many religions which have split from the church so as to pursue a watered down version of God’s teachings. There are also many religions formed around a single person’s interpretation of what they read in the Bible. Some of these are well meaning individuals who are simply misguided while others are looking for easy salvation. There are also some who establish, support, or belong to these other religions soley because it helps to satisfy their personal desires, such as tv preachers who try to sell salvation or the King who supported the creation of a splinter church because that spinter group was willing to condone his sinful behavior.

Plese feel free to seek help with these issues in this forum. There will be a few posts you don’t like but for the most part we are all trying to help eachother through this life.

 

[Trishie]

‘Love others…as yourself’

Jesus when You command us to love others as ourselves, You require something more challenging than simply to “love others.” The embedded touchstone in that command is “love your self.”

Like Maggie, many people lack proper self-esteem. However, Scripture exhorts, “value yourself at your proper worth. Who can justify a man who runs himself down, or respect a man who despises himself.” [Ecclesiasticus 10:28-29]

If we do fail to love ourselves correctly, we cannot accept God’s love. Let us never imagine ourselves hidden from Your mercy: ‘“Can anyone hide in a dark corner without my seeing him?’ asks the Lord.” [Jeremiah 23-24]

The concept of rightly loving oneself in order to love others as God’s precious children may be confused with the selfishness that ruins unselfish self-love. It requires us to reject negative self-talk and responses. “If a man is mean to himself, to whom will he be good?” [Ecclesiasticus 14:3].

Growth in Christian self-love is facilitated by “filling your mind with everything that is true, everything that is noble, and everything that is pure and good” [Philippians 4:8] and serving “in works of love.” It is allowing the Spirit to direct your life and then “you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence. What the Spirit brings is…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.” [Galatians 5:13, 16, 26, 22-23]

**Jesus, help us to fittingly love ourselves. Help Maggie to value herself as Your loved child. **

You do not wish us to disparage ourselves but to see ourselves as loved, forgiven children of God. A poor self-image may compare to our perception of ‘clouds’. To observers, clouds appear to be impressive, substantial and tangible. However, within themselves the clouds seem damp, insubstantial and misty.

Jesus, let us not belittle ourselves in comparison to others because of our personal uncertainties and inadequacies. Let us live in sincere acceptance of self, that unique gift of Your creative love.

Help us to see ourselves as loved children of God. Jesus, help me to know that You really love me. Help me to love myself so that I can love You and others love others truly.

Maggie, I ask our beloved Jesus to help you to accept and to know that He truly loves YOU.

With love, Trishie

 

[roselily]

I have been Catholic my entire life and lately I have been seeing so many things with how the church operates. Mideval Europe messed up and I think its happening again. In the end don’t all branches of Christiananity worship the same God?

If yes, why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it who am I to be like this when people die of starvation every day? I know I should be praying for them and not myself.

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me, right now the only thing I’m doing is serving as a warning to others. I hate myself more then anyone could imagine. I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis. I don’t mean to point fingers it’s my fault my life is like this.

I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught. I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God. I am at a loss for what to do my priest said that these feelings are common and in the end I’ll make the right choice or I get passages in the catechesis thrown at me that make me feel worse.

I’m not sure what that is anymore I’m at my wits end and I am out of people around me to turn too. I’m scared and tired and sometimes I feel the only reason I don’t end it is because if I did I would go to Hell.

Dear sister, in Romans 8:18 say: " I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us."I trust God will always bring good out of the difficult things we go through. I pray you please have Faith, refuse to give in to negative thoughts about any situation. I believe “Beautiful things happen when you wish from the heart.”
Love and Faith can part seas, They can move mountains, and they can create miracles. I pray and ask you please be well, eat well, as beautiful as ever, I pray and I have faith one day you will say : I am so happy! LOVE

 

[TLM08]

I have been Catholic my entire life and lately I have been seeing so many things with how the church operates. Mideval Europe messed up and I think its happening again. In the end don’t all branches of Christiananity worship the same God?

If yes, why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it who am I to be like this when people die of starvation every day? I know I should be praying for them and not myself.

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me, right now the only thing I’m doing is serving as a warning to others. I hate myself more then anyone could imagine. I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis. I don’t mean to point fingers it’s my fault my life is like this.

I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught. I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God. I am at a loss for what to do my priest said that these feelings are common and in the end I’ll make the right choice or I get passages in the catechesis thrown at me that make me feel worse.

I’m not sure what that is anymore I’m at my wits end and I am out of people around me to turn too. I’m scared and tired and sometimes I feel the only reason I don’t end it is because if I did I would go to Hell.

I have been on both sides of the Catholic / Protestant debate. Both sides have good arguements. In the end, I don’t believe that God will punish you for getting your Christian theology wrong as long as you are seeking to do his will and love him with all your heart.

Spiritual abuse is one of the most horrible thing going on in Christianity these days. There is a great book about spiritual abuse called “Toxic Faith” You might want to read it. I suspect that you are allowing uncertainty about the entire laundry list of “rules” that we are told to follow to drive you crazy. All I can say is that Christ hated legalism.

Seek Christ with everything you got and don’t worry about who is right and who is wrong! The most brilliant minds on the planet cannot agree on Christ’s teachings. Peace starts to come when we realize that we probably won’t come to an intellectual conclusion either. Stop trying to figure it out and forgive yourself for allowing your thoughts to run wild. I’ve been there sweety!

Allow the love of Jesus to feed your mind and soul. This way, you will give yourself the freedom to feed your body when it feels hunger. Be good to yourself. You deserve to love God and live your life in peace, but only YOU can make that happen!

God Bless you Dearheart!

 

[TLM08]

This is kind of quick and just to get you thinking, someone else will have a better answer.
First off, something that is very important in life, especially when we are sad or depressedTrust in God and His plan. When you are suffering or in pain, try offering it up for something like the souls in purgatory, conversion of sinners, etc. Also, don’t really have much time to explain much more but here is a great book I recommend.
amazon.com/Hell-Plus-How-Avoid/dp/0895553465/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234591014&sr=8-1 It really has helped me to understand the way and point of life. But for now, you should read this too.directionforourtimes.com/docs/booklet-depression.pdf I’ll keep you in my prayers.

I have the “Hell” book by Fr. Schoupe. After reading this 100 year-old work of fiction I have decided that it is the absolute epitome of spiritual abuse and the last thing anyone who is struggling to find peace should read!

 

[ready]

I have been Catholic my entire life and lately I have been seeing so many things with how the church operates. Mideval Europe messed up and I think its happening again. In the end don’t all branches of Christiananity worship the same God?

If yes, why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it who am I to be like this when people die of starvation every day? I know I should be praying for them and not myself.

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me, right now the only thing I’m doing is serving as a warning to others. I hate myself more then anyone could imagine. I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis. I don’t mean to point fingers it’s my fault my life is like this.

I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught. I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God. I am at a loss for what to do my priest said that these feelings are common and in the end I’ll make the right choice or I get passages in the catechesis thrown at me that make me feel worse.

I’m not sure what that is anymore I’m at my wits end and I am out of people around me to turn too. I’m scared and tired and sometimes I feel the only reason I don’t end it is because if I did I would go to Hell.

Please don’t stop praying. Tell God your honest feelings on things and never, never doubt or give up hope. It is these times that you must rummage strength to keep believing in God’s love for you and His concern for your soul. You are going through a trial. Keep reaching out, praying and seeking answers to your difficulties. In these times God can clearly see how much you truly love Him. Remeber God is Love. And he is gentle and kind - not a tyrant. Talk to Him knowing these things about Him.

 

[1ke]

Mideval Europe messed up and I think its happening again.

On what do you base this statement.

In what way did Medieval Europe “mess up.” And, how does that relate to Catholicism?

In the end don’t all branches of Christiananity worship the same God?

Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not all of these groups has an accurate understanding of who God is or what He teaches. In fact, some of them have a very wrong notion of who God is, what His teachings are, what pleases God, and how to live a holy life.

Not all of these groups have the Fullness of Truth. That resides in the Catholic Church.

If yes, why have I been taught the past eighteen years my Luthern friends are all going to hell along with everyone that dares to miss a single mass. Someone could be in a situation where they couldn’t make it to church couldn’t they?

And, who has taught you this for 18 years? Not the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church does not teach that any particular person or group of people are “going to hell,” not Lutherans and not other Christian groups. Not even non-Christian groups. The Church teaches that God desires all to be saved. Not everyone is saved, through their own actions and inactions.

Nor does the Catholic Church teach that you will go to Hell if you “miss one Mass.” Certainly there are reasons one cannot attend Mass-- such as illness, weather, etc. What the Church does teach that it is a mortal sin to deliberately and willfully refuse to fulfill our obligation to God to participate in Mass on Sunday. And, a person who sins mortally and does not repent certainly does put their salvation in jeopardy.

I don’t want to belive that anyone that is bi/gay/lesbian and more importantly my friend who killed herself are doomed to burn in hell forever and that I’ll just forget her (provided I don’t go to hell too) once I go to heaven because you aren’t sad in heaven or you won’t remember anyone because you won’t need it that depresses me if thats true why bother in this life why fall in love why try.

God loves everyone. God does not love sin. That is why we must live in holiness.

Those who have same sex attraction are called to live in chastity and in holiness, and obey God’s commandments.

I am very sorry you had a friend who committed suicide. Do not despair. The Church teaches that we commend them to God’s mercy. Someone who takes their own life is often not in their right mind, they are very disturbed.

For the past four years of my life an eating disorder has made my life a hell on earth I prayed for help I begged for anything and decided to tell my parents who in turn told me it was God way of punishing me. I know it isn’t true but why can’t he make it go away it is single handedly robbing me of my mind my body and my life and it will continue to do so at this rate until it claims my life. No one is going to help me and I stopped praying for it who am I to be like this when people die of starvation every day? I know I should be praying for them and not myself.

If your parents told you this, they are being abusive. This is untrue and this is not what the Church teaches. If you are under 18, tell an adult like your priest or your teacher and ask for help. Your parents were wrong to tell you something so cruel and untrue.

An eating disorder is a psychological issue, and you need professional help to deal with it. Certainly we should pray and remain close to God, but God also expects us to get help for problems such as this and you should do so.

Is this all my life is going to be, is this the great plan God has for me, right now the only thing I’m doing is serving as a warning to others. I hate myself more then anyone could imagine. I can’t bring myself to go inside a Church anymore and my parents are blind to my faith crisis. I don’t mean to point fingers it’s my fault my life is like this.

I want to have a happy and comfortable relationship with God but I feel like that isn’t possible with what I’ve been taught. I still beieve in God/Jesus I am in no means thinking that they aren’t real but whats wrong with other branches we all worship the same God. I am at a loss for what to do my priest said that these feelings are common and in the end I’ll make the right choice or I get passages in the catechesis thrown at me that make me feel worse.

I’m not sure what that is anymore I’m at my wits end and I am out of people around me to turn too. I’m scared and tired and sometimes I feel the only reason I don’t end it is because if I did I would go to Hell.

Please go talk to your priest. You do not need to suffer alone or in silence.

This is not your fault. This is NOT a punishment from God.

You need help. Please get help.

 

[ready]

On what do you base this statement.

In what way did Medieval Europe “mess up.” And, how does that relate to Catholicism?

Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not all of these groups has an accurate understanding of who God is or what He teaches. In fact, some of them have a very wrong notion of who God is, what His teachings are, what pleases God, and how to live a holy life.

Not all of these groups have the Fullness of Truth. That resides in the Catholic Church.

And, who has taught you this for 18 years? Not the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church does not teach that any particular person or group of people are “going to hell,” not Lutherans and not other Christian groups. Not even non-Christian groups. The Church teaches that God desires all to be saved. Not everyone is saved, through their own actions and inactions.

Nor does the Catholic Church teach that you will go to Hell if you “miss one Mass.” Certainly there are reasons one cannot attend Mass-- such as illness, weather, etc. What the Church does teach that it is a mortal sin to deliberately and willfully refuse to fulfill our obligation to God to participate in Mass on Sunday. And, a person who sins mortally and does not repent certainly does put their salvation in jeopardy.

God loves everyone. God does not love sin. That is why we must live in holiness.

Those who have same sex attraction are called to live in chastity and in holiness, and obey God’s commandments.

I am very sorry you had a friend who committed suicide. Do not despair. The Church teaches that we commend them to God’s mercy. Someone who takes their own life is often not in their right mind, they are very disturbed.

If your parents told you this, they are being abusive. This is untrue and this is not what the Church teaches. If you are under 18, tell an adult like your priest or your teacher and ask for help. Your parents were wrong to tell you something so cruel and untrue.

An eating disorder is a psychological issue, and you need professional help to deal with it. Certainly we should pray and remain close to God, but God also expects us to get help for problems such as this and you should do so.

Please go talk to your priest. You do not need to suffer alone or in silence.

This is not your fault. This is NOT a punishment from God.

You need help. Please get help.

Very well put!