Poll: I can understand why people leave the Roman Catholic Church

[gurneyhalleck1]

Isn’t it a “chill pill?” LOL If you want to talk conservatism, give me someone with a brain like the late Bill Buckley or a genius like my old professor Dr. Victor Davis Hanson, a big name conservative thinker, not the Hannity’s and Coulters of the world.

Dude… you need to take a veg pill… you take her entirely TOO seroiusly…

 

[gretahope]

Up to ten years ago, I was an atheist; and I realized that if I couldn’t empirically “prove” or “disprove” the existence of God, I was using the wrong system to answer the question. I came to Jesus because He answered when I called. All the invitations I got to visit churches were from Protestant/ Bible Christians.

Fastforward to about a year and a half ago, I was just commanded out of the blue to get my children baptized and get my house in order. I understood this to mean Catholicism and I can’t tell you why; but I’ve spent a lot of time doing homework to figure out if that’s what He meant. My husband is VERY angry about this. I guess he thought all of these doctrinal issues were settled questions? I asked God to be released from this command and the pressure left… but then I felt remorse for not putting God’s leading before my wishes. Some months later, the leading is back strong as ever. So if God clears the path for our dissolutions, I’m going to obey. It’s… just… easier.

BTW, I still haven’t caught up on the filing but I’ve done a lot of other home organization projects

This may sound funny…but some might say that as a woman 'what were you doing taking the reigns away from your husband, the leader of your household." That’s maybe what a traditional Catholic might say…he-he.

 

[distracted]

This may sound funny…but some might say that as a woman 'what were you doing taking the reigns away from your husband, the leader of your household." That’s maybe what a traditional Catholic might say…he-he.

 

[gretahope]

again, you take people far too seriously…

nowhere (for one thing) did i mention anyone dying for anyone… or compare A Coulter to Jesus in any seroius or significant way…

you are making a mountain out of a mole hill…

ever heard of the word Facetious?? Got a dicitonary?

I have now read most of this thread…and it’s plain sad. The OP is at least clear on where he stands, and I guess makes sure he’s Catholic, for sure.
I am a convert, and was turned off for 15 yrs by people like this. It was the ones who most exhibited the spirit of humility and peace that drew me in. People in general have had enough arguing/apologetics/fighting, etc. May it all rest in peace.
Jesus, by the way, scolded the religious and prideful…and hung out with sinners…not sure I agree with your categorizing…

Having read most of this thread, and I may be missing some things, but a HUGE issue here as to WHY people leave the CC is the sexual scandals. And the covering of the eyes and saying to themselves “this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening” to themselves all these years.
My children go to Catholic school. One nun there verbally abuses the kids. I’ve complained to the principal, the priest…and NOTHING has been done. B/c I have no other viable / good option for my children I continue there. But I have to ask myself "hello,. someone, why is it that no one feel compelled to simply act and change things here. " It’s enabling sin to continue year after year after year…like another scandal we all know about, which if dealt with promptly, would not be splashed internationally all over the news! WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO DEAL WITH THIS STUFF?

I love the CC and won’t leave. However, please don’t construe that it’s perfect and no one should question anything.

And that said, if I were a cradle Catholic, I wouldn’t be boasting that you have the corner on truth. Please know that you will draw others with the peace of Christ in you more than any other thing.

 

[AlwaysAsking]

This may sound funny…but some might say that as a woman 'what were you doing taking the reigns away from your husband, the leader of your household." That’s maybe what a traditional Catholic might say…he-he.

You don’t have to approach headship sideways Greta, it doesn’t bother me. It’s a widely accepted tenet in evangelical circles and it isn’t meant to permit husbands to act like cavemen.

Individual faith takes precedence over submission to my husband. I have to follow Jesus to the best of my ability-- with humility of course-- but I am not a Mormon and don’t believe that my husband is the arbiter of my salvation.

My husband, “head of household” or not, is not obligated to follow me. At all!! What he’s resisting is the discussion. Interestingly, he has no objection to attending mass. He just doesn’t want to examine Catholic beliefs with an open mind. I can’t insist on it… but I think it’s a reasonable intellectual process, whatever he eventually decides.

And believe me, I don’t want to create a wedge in our marriage. That has been a big issue for me. I’m still trying to decide how I feel about the fact that we actually have one taboo subject now! My husband is also trying to cope.

God’s will be done, right? I don’t claim to understand this call very well. I can only do my best with what I have.

edit: …and just to clarify, it’s true that headship means I can’t have the children baptized against his wishes. That would also just be bad for our relationship! So, you bet I’m trying to discuss this!!

 

[Shiranui117]

there’s only one Church that Christ established and it is the Roman Catholic Church. I dont know much about the Eastern churches but I’m sure they are in schizm…

Judging by this post, I can see quite clearly that you haven’t investigated anyone else’s claim to be the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. In addition, the Orthodox Church would say exactly what you said in your first sentence of themselves, and that the Catholic Church is in schism. The issue is FAR deeper and murkier that you realize. And, please, the one Church that Christ established is NOT just the Roman church. Speaking as a Catholic, the One Church that Christ built was the Catholic Church. Not just the Roman church, but also every other Catholic Church, Roman, Eastern and Oriental Catholic.

Also, no offense intended, but I assume you’ve never ever ever considered leaving the Catholic Church, and thus have absolutely no idea what it’s like for a Catholic to desire leaving, regardless of the reasons. Ignorance of the faith is one reason, as is pride, as is being hurt by scandal. But even informed Catholics have abandoned the Church in favor of Holy Orthodoxy. If there was any completely objective, fool-proof way to determine which Church was really the true Church, then there wouldn’t be schisms to the degree that we’ve seen in the past.

 

[Javl]

I have now read most of this thread…and it’s plain sad. The OP is at least clear on where he stands, and I guess makes sure he’s Catholic, for sure.
I am a convert, and was turned off for 15 yrs by people like this. It was the ones who most exhibited the spirit of humility and peace that drew me in. People in general have had enough arguing/apologetics/fighting, etc. May it all rest in peace.
Jesus, by the way, scolded the religious and prideful…and hung out with sinners…not sure I agree with your categorizing…

Having read most of this thread, and I may be missing some things, but a HUGE issue here as to WHY people leave the CC is the sexual scandals. And the covering of the eyes and saying to themselves “this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening” to themselves all these years.
My children go to Catholic school. One nun there verbally abuses the kids. I’ve complained to the principal, the priest…and NOTHING has been done. B/c I have no other viable / good option for my children I continue there. But I have to ask myself "hello,. someone, why is it that no one feel compelled to simply act and change things here. " It’s enabling sin to continue year after year after year…like another scandal we all know about, which if dealt with promptly, would not be splashed internationally all over the news! WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO DEAL WITH THIS STUFF?

I love the CC and won’t leave. However, please don’t construe that it’s perfect and no one should question anything.

And that said, if I were a cradle Catholic, I wouldn’t be boasting that you have the corner on truth. Please know that you will draw others with the peace of Christ in you more than any other thing.

Greta:

Have you reported that verbal abuse to the Bishop? If not, you should. Also confront the nun. Some of them use their position as “religious” to vent their frustrations in life. Also if there’s no action, inform the principal, or whoever is in charge, that you will report it to the newspapers. Sad to say, many times this is about the only way you can get some action.

Also, many blame the Church for the sins of its members. They should know that the Church can only impart the truth and knowledge. The rest is up to its members.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[PatriceA]

Ok…

who are you in the 6.8%??

those who have left the Church…

i see you are too cowardly to comment further…

Being a coward probably has nothing to do with it. Being judged and tar and feathered by some of the people posting in this tread might.

 

[Javl]

After reading these posts and other research, I find that there are three basic reasons for anyone leaving the Catholic Church:

1 ) Poor, or no, catechesis.

2 ) Rejection, or rebellion, of authority.

4 ) Personal interests ( mainly beliefs )

This actually is the order of reasons in which one would leave. Other supposed reasons will fall under one of these three. I’ll be glad to dialogue with anyone on this.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[FidesSpesCarita]

Being a coward probably has nothing to do with it. Being judged and tar and feathered by some of the people posting in this tread might.

Oh, she was just joshin’ me. Its ok.

After reading these posts and other research, I find that there are three basic reasons for anyone leaving the Catholic Church:

1 ) Poor, or no, catechesis.

2 ) Rejection, or rebellion, of authority.

4 ) Personal interests ( mainly beliefs )

This actually is the order of reasons in which one would leave. Other supposed reasons will fall under one of these three. I’ll be glad to dialogue with anyone on this.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

:clapping: lol, “I got three things to tell ya, 1, 2, C…”

 

[TedDC]

After reading these posts and other research, I find that there are three basic reasons for anyone leaving the Catholic Church:

1 ) Poor, or no, catechesis.

2 ) Rejection, or rebellion, of authority.

4 ) Personal interests ( mainly beliefs )

This actually is the order of reasons in which one would leave. Other supposed reasons will fall under one of these three. I’ll be glad to dialogue with anyone on this.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

Could you explain what you mean by “personal interests (mainly beliefs)”?

In my case, I simply don’t believe that everything the Catholic Church teaches is necessarily the truth.

 

[traillius]

I know the reasons people give, whether they are the actual reasons is not known to me. However, most of the reasons don’t seem sufficient, even those that do, seem to apply only to a specific person, or location. Those reasons don’t seem sufficient to shun the entire religion as a whole. After all, if a man gets hurt by a woman romantically, or vice versa, its not really a sufficient reason to avoid all persons of the opposite gender for the rest of one’s life.

 

[dontknow]

I love the CC and won’t leave. However, please don’t construe that it’s perfect and no one should question anything.

Agreed. It’s run by people who are humans and have the potential to mess up.

 

[Todd520]

After reading these posts and other research, I find that there are three basic reasons for anyone leaving the Catholic Church:

1 ) Poor, or no, catechesis.
2 ) Rejection, or rebellion, of authority.
3 ) Personal interests ( mainly beliefs )

This actually is the order of reasons in which one would leave. Other supposed reasons will fall under one of these three. I’ll be glad to dialogue with anyone on this.

PAX DOMINI

I think your bullets really apply to any church leavers.
I wonder if a proper schooling (1) would by default solve many of (3) as justification to leave

I think (2) deserves significant care and attention - it’s misunderstood
Natural spiritual growth includes a phase where one takes an analyticial look at religion and rejects blind dogma and ‘beliefs’ they learned as a child. Telling them to ‘just have faith’ doesn’t work.

The people that leave for (2) can be brought back to the faith, when they develop a richer and more personal understanding of God. God has moved from being the ‘hall monitor’ recording their sins, to a spiritual presence that is a part of them.

 

[distracted]

Judging by this post, I can see quite clearly that you haven’t investigated anyone else’s claim to be the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. In addition, the Orthodox Church would say exactly what you said in your first sentence of themselves, and that the Catholic Church is in schism. The issue is FAR deeper and murkier that you realize. And, please, the one Church that Christ established is NOT just the Roman church. Speaking as a Catholic, the One Church that Christ built was the Catholic Church. Not just the Roman church, but also every other Catholic Church, Roman, Eastern and Oriental Catholic.

Also, no offense intended, but I assume you’ve never ever ever considered leaving the Catholic Church, and thus have absolutely no idea what it’s like for a Catholic to desire leaving, regardless of the reasons. Ignorance of the faith is one reason, as is pride, as is being hurt by scandal. But even informed Catholics have abandoned the Church in favor of Holy Orthodoxy. If there was any completely objective, fool-proof way to determine which Church was really the true Church, then there wouldn’t be schisms to the degree that we’ve seen in the past.

you assume far too much… but nothing new there… everyone @ CAF seems to do that…

anyway, since you are convinced you are the only who has “objective” proof… I will just let you keep thinking that… I’m not into useless arguments where pride seems to reign

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

You numbered 1, 2, and 4. Where’s 3? I would say that you should add a fourth possibility: Disagreement with what Catholics claim about the papacy and history as well as believing that certain doctrines like indulgences, the treasury of merit, and purgatory are not part of the historical faith so they choose Orthodoxy or Anglicanism, etc.

Let’s be fair, not everybody who leaves Catholicism did so because they’re goobers, rebels, or selfish. Some genuinely have brains, analyzed the theology, ecclesiology, history, and philosophy and find it to not totally be true and so they choose another apostolic option.

After reading these posts and other research, I find that there are three basic reasons for anyone leaving the Catholic Church:

1 ) Poor, or no, catechesis.

2 ) Rejection, or rebellion, of authority.

4 ) Personal interests ( mainly beliefs )

This actually is the order of reasons in which one would leave. Other supposed reasons will fall under one of these three. I’ll be glad to dialogue with anyone on this.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[distracted]

Being a coward probably has nothing to do with it. Being judged and tar and feathered by some of the people posting in this tread might.

i rest my case…

 

[Javl]

Could you explain what you mean by “personal interests (mainly beliefs)”?

In my case, I simply don’t believe that everything the Catholic Church teaches is necessarily the truth.

Your statement that you “don’t believe everything the Catholic Church teaches” falls primarily under “personal interests”. You disagree with the Church’s teachings is a personal matter and is because of your interests in whatever you disagree with. Because you disagree does not mean that the Church’s teaching is wrong. The teaching may not be the Church’s, but a personal one of the teacher.

By the very fact that it is founded by Jesus Christ, the Church cannot err, the Church cannot teach falsely, the Church cannot sin, and the Church is infallible in its teachings. Jesus IS the Church and the Church IS Jesus. But, members of the Church, from the Pope on down, are human and are subject to error and sin.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[TedDC]

By the very fact that it is founded by Jesus Christ, the Church cannot err, the Church cannot teach falsely, the Church cannot sin, and the Church is infallible in its teachings. Jesus IS the Church and the Church IS Jesus.

I do not believe that to be true.

 

[Javl]

I think your bullets really apply to any church leavers.
I wonder if a proper schooling (1) would by default solve many of (3) as justification to leave

Yes, I believe it would. I am an example of that. I left the Church, even with a “Catholic education”. My education was incomplete and ikneither knew or understood anything about Catholicism. I was always told “that’s the way it is”. Thank and praise God for bringing me back. I know and understand now and will NEVER leave again.

I think (2) deserves significant care and attention - it’s misunderstood
Natural spiritual growth includes a phase where one takes an analyticial look at religion and rejects blind dogma and ‘beliefs’ they learned as a child. Telling them to ‘just have faith’ doesn’t work.

Even though Jesus gave Peter the authority to run and take care of His Church, this authority has proven to be a stumbling block not only to Protestants but many “Catholics” too. They just don’t like to be told what to do.

I look at it this way…The Pope is like the President and the Cardinals are members of his Cabinet, with the Bishops as Governors of the different Diocese ( States ). Although we may disagree with them we still obey the rules and regulations to avoid breaking the law. So, doing the same within the Church is basically no different. We obey the hierarchy
so as not to have any occasion to/for sin.

The people that leave for (2) can be brought back to the faith, when they develop a richer and more personal understanding of God. God has moved from being the ‘hall monitor’ recording their sins, to a spiritual presence that is a part of them.

Yes, but many do not realize or understand this, which is why #1 reason is so necessary.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem