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

[Jessup]

I personally know people have left the RCC because their ‘new’ mega church is more…FUN. That is one of the issues today with so many folks,the constant need of having to be entertained even at church.

I personally don’t get anything spiritually out of rock music in church,nor do I get anything out of a bible study for an hour. In wich often times I question the typical pastors credentials to be teaching. No souls are saved after 20 minis
But much of the catholic church lacks in the fellowship area as compared to Mega Churches. However I have never been told; “not giving your 10% is stealing from God”, nor have I heard priest make snigh comments during prayer about other christian churches.or make fun of there baptism. As such that I have heard in the Mega church I went to. Its a give and take when it comes to churches. What it all breaks down to is people are going to go to the church that helps them emotionally, mentally and spiritually in life.
For everyone that isn’t the catholic church for some it is.
Cheers!:thumbsup:

 

[distracted]

It seems as if there are two types of people here:

(1) Those who actually leave and attend Protestant services, including mega-churches and Bible studies;

(2) Those who just don’t go to Church anymore, period.

The first is probably for those who want to maintain some spirituality but just cannot accept scandals, rules on birth control, need to go to confession, etc.

The second no doubt is for those who have lost their spirituality altogether. They don’t see value in a desecralized liturgy, feel-good sermons, and repeated reminders of how advantageous it is to be Catholic.

But I’m sure there are much deeper reasons.

i hear just the opposite… I hear stuff like how it doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic… as if any “christian” religion will do… :banghead::hypno:uch:Geeze…

i myself know the diff between Catholic & nonCatholic… been in both… i know the power of the Catholic Church, the one Christ instituted… just stands to reason that HIS Church would have power over “the gates of Hell” … more than others… not saying others don’t have good in them, but … well, for one thing, there is only ONE Church…

---

anyway, that thing about scandals… Protestant churches have more child molestation cases than the Catholic Church… In fact, i heard TWICE as many… (heard this from 2 different sources, both reliable) so i dont even think that should be mentioned & i doubt its a reason for most ppl leaving… after all, they know they aren’t going to find perfection in the members of o ther “churches” either… (or they will soon find out, in any case…)

i think ignorance is the #1 reason. If they knew Scripture… and the Real Presence… the benefits of being There… they would not leave… So i hope all you Catholics out there are telling ppl about this…

 

[Angels_Eyes]

I voted ‘somewhat’.

I grew up Catholic. Attended Catholic schools, and later after school was sick of it all and thought it was pushed onto me too much so left. But I went the wrong way. Sadly into the occult and other Spiritualist activities, touched on Buddhism and Taoism too.

Just a few months ago, I returned to the Church.
After years of searching spiritually, I realised I was in the right place all along. I am thrilled to say, I had come full circle.

I understand why people may choose to leave, but believe that they shouldn’t. They should just look more into it first, study the bible and see the beauty of what the Church has to offer. Then, I do not think they would leave.

 

[Javl]

i hear just the opposite… I hear stuff like how it doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic… as if any “christian” religion will do… :banghead::hypno:uch:Geeze…

i myself know the diff between Catholic & nonCatholic… been in both… i know the power of the Catholic Church, the one Christ instituted… just stands to reason that HIS Church would have power over “the gates of Hell” … more than others… not saying others don’t have good in them, but … well, for one thing, there is only ONE Church…

---

anyway, that thing about scandals… Protestant churches have more child molestation cases than the Catholic Church… In fact, i heard TWICE as many… (heard this from 2 different sources, both reliable) so i dont even think that should be mentioned & i doubt its a reason for most ppl leaving… after all, they know they aren’t going to find perfection in the members of o ther “churches” either… (or they will soon find out, in any case…)

i think ignorance is the #1 reason. If they knew Scripture… and the Real Presence… the benefits of being There… they would not leave… So i hope all you Catholics out there are telling ppl about this…

You hit the head right on the nail!!! The majority of “Catholics” know nothing about Catholicism. That’s why we have “Cafeteria Catholics”. They think that they can pick and choose what they want and that is sufficient, even if they receive communion! :yawn:. These so-called Catholics don’t want to be bothered and have the Church ( God’s Word ) interfere with their lives and having fun. God is too restrictive.

These people really and truely don’t know what they’re missing.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom haMeshiach

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Is it healthy to judge fellow Catholics and put labels on them like “cafeteria?” When we label someone like that, it seems to say that we ourselves are so wonderful, so pious, so in line with the Church, and are so holy while others are so pathetic. This label is used on a daily basis in here. I think we should follow the model of what Thomas a Kempis says in The Imitation of Christ—we should assume our fellow Christians and even non-believers are more pious, holy, and loving than we are. We should assume the best about them and focus on ourselves and the interior life always assuming we are the least holy of all!

You hit the head right on the nail!!! The majority of “Catholics” know nothing about Catholicism. That’s why we have “Cafeteria Catholics”. They think that they can pick and choose what they want and that is sufficient, even if they receive communion! :yawn:. These so-called Catholics don’t want to be bothered and have the Church ( God’s Word ) interfere with their lives and having fun. God is too restrictive.

These people really and truely don’t know what they’re missing.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom haMeshiach

 

[dzheremi]

“The humbleness of the heart comes ahead of all virtues.
Let us hold fast to humility in every manner and every work.” – St. Moses the Black

 

[TedDC]

God gave you free will to accept or reject. Look at it any way you wish, but it is true. You leave/reject the Church, you leave/reject Jesus, for Jesus IS the Church.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

Jesus is God. The Catholic Church, like other churches, is mere men claiming to speak for God. Big difference.

 

[JRRTFAN]

Is it healthy to judge fellow Catholics and put labels on them like “cafeteria?” When we label someone like that, it seems to say that we ourselves are so wonderful, so pious, so in line with the Church, and are so holy while others are so pathetic. This label is used on a daily basis in here. I think we should follow the model of what Thomas a Kempis says in The Imitation of Christ—we should assume our fellow Christians and even non-believers are more pious, holy, and loving than we are. We should assume the best about them and focus on ourselves and the interior life always assuming we are the least holy of all!

I don’t think it’s a matter of piety at all and this kind of reasoning is exactly the theory that allows cafeteria Catholicism to thrive. It is not “pathetic” to say that Catholics for Choice, Call to Action and etc. etc. are wrong and in defiance of Catholic teaching. This kind of “everything is equal” philosophy has destroyed the fabric of the Church in the last 50 years.

It’s not OK to push for female priests, it’s not OK to have liturgical dance at Mass, it’s not OK to vote for pro-abortion politicians, it’s not OK to advocate artificial birth control, it’s not OK to change the words of the Mass. All denominations are not equal and it’s not OK to say they are. And none of that has anything to do with piety.

Read the black and do the red and everybody will be better off. 2000 years of the Catholic Church knows more than you or I do.

 

[TedDC]

Read the black and do the red and everybody will be better off. 2000 years of the Catholic Church knows more than you or I do.

Consistency does not necessarily indicate wisdom.

 

[JRRTFAN]

Consistency does not necessarily indicate wisdom.

Well, that’s true enough. Most of the AmChurch crowd is pretty consistent, (Whatever is established by 2000 years of Magisterial teaching needs to be changed. A consistent, but incorrect, argument.) I’m glad you picked up on that!

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

And I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said here. But I DO NOT think it’s ok to label Catholics and laud ourselves as Mr. Wonderful because we’re following all the rules. That stinks of Pharisaic rhetoric. Maybe you should quit worrying about what the guy sitting next to you in the pew believes and worry about yourself. Just a thought. I’m also puzzled as to how you think the fabric of the Church has been destroyed?

It’s your kind of reasoning that leads to overscrupulosity and a Pharisaic outlook of feeling empowered because you are following the rules and everyone else is a pathetic wretch. Not healthy. Like Thomas a Kempis says, worry about yourself and your own salvation and assume the best about others; quit obsessing about what others aren’t doing right.

I don’t think it’s a matter of piety at all and this kind of reasoning is exactly the theory that allows cafeteria Catholicism to thrive. It is not “pathetic” to say that Catholics for Choice, Call to Action and etc. etc. are wrong and in defiance of Catholic teaching. This kind of “everything is equal” philosophy has destroyed the fabric of the Church in the last 50 years.

It’s not OK to push for female priests, it’s not OK to have liturgical dance at Mass, it’s not OK to vote for pro-abortion politicians, it’s not OK to advocate artificial birth control, it’s not OK to change the words of the Mass. All denominations are not equal and it’s not OK to say they are. And none of that has anything to do with piety.

Read the black and do the red and everybody will be better off. 2000 years of the Catholic Church knows more than you or I do.

 

[TedDC]

Well, that’s true enough. Most of the AmChurch crowd is pretty consistent, (Whatever is established by 2000 years of Magisterial teaching needs to be changed. A consistent, but incorrect, argument.) I’m glad you picked up on that!

I don’t know if it needs to be changed or not. I do know is that “2000 years of consistent teaching” means just that, nothing more.

I’ve noticed that the Church is very good at the subtle use of language to reinforce their image of authority; for example saying “teaching” instead of “opinion”, and “error” instead of “different conclusion” or “disagreement”.

 

[JRRTFAN]

And I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said here. But I DO NOT think it’s ok to label Catholics and laud ourselves as Mr. Wonderful because we’re following all the rules. That stinks of Pharisaic rhetoric. Maybe you should quit worrying about what the guy sitting next to you in the pew believes and worry about yourself. Just a thought. I’m also puzzled as to how you think the fabric of the Church has been destroyed?

It’s your kind of reasoning that leads to overscrupulosity and a Pharisaic outlook of feeling empowered because you are following the rules and everyone else is a pathetic wretch. Not healthy. Like Thomas a Kempis says, worry about yourself and your own salvation and assume the best about others; quit obsessing about what others aren’t doing right.

We can start with the fact that 75% of American Catholics (it’s worse in other countries) do not attend Sunday Mass. If the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Church and 75% do not avail themselves of “the source and summit” would you tend to agree or disagree that the fabric of the Church is torn?

It’s not about “me” and what “I’m doing” it’s about the body of Christ. Assume the best about others? I don’t assume anything the best about others. But I do observe the fruits. Do you? What’s your take on the number of Mass attendees, Ordination rates, etc. You pretty impressed with those numbers are ya? You’re description indicates you have not been convinced to swim the Tiber. Why is that? Because of what you observe?

 

[JRRTFAN]

I don’t know if it needs to be changed or not. I do know is that “2000 years of consistent teaching” means just that, nothing more.

I’ve noticed that the Church is very good at the subtle use of language to reinforce their image of authority; for example saying “teaching” instead of “opinion”, and “error” instead of “different conclusion” or “disagreement”.

I think we’re getting somewhere. Can I presume you do not believe there is an absolute truth and that what’s true for you may not be true for me?

 

[JohnMPhilomena]

Why would you want to leave the church that Jesus started?

Martin Luther was a man and we know that men are prone to error.

The Catholic church is the only one that takes a position on everything. Abortion, divorce, capital punishment. And I believe they are the correct positions.

Peace,
John

 

[TedDC]

I think we’re getting somewhere. Can I presume you do not believe there is an absolute truth and that what’s true for you may not be true for me?

I don’t know - I think it would depend on the question.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Well for starters, why the sarcastic tone? Why the “are ya?” at the ends of sentences? No need to be snippy and sarcastic. I’ll say again, quit worrying about what everyone else does or doesn’t do, worry about your faith, your family’s faith, and just pray for people who aren’t coming to Mass or living up to your expectations. As far as why I have not swam the Tiber, as you put it, that’s my business and again, don’t worry about me, worry about yourself. It’s that simple. The Catholic Church in my town is PACKED to the rafters at every Mass. You can hardly find parking. Thousands of people packed into the pews, friend. At confession hours twice a week there are five priests with five different lines. Each line has about 30 people in it at least. Anecdotally I observe great enthusiasm from the Catholic community around here. The soup kitchens are packed with staff and volunteers, vacation bible school is packed, catholic school is packed, and plenty of $$$. I know it’s not that way everywhere. But in the end I am not going to waste my time criticizing people who don’t live up to what the Church expects. That’s between them and the Lord and for all I know they’re a lot better folks than yours truly—me! As for 75% I don’t buy it. But whatever floats your boat. I give this advice to my sixth graders as a teacher and I’m merely giving it here—focus on yourself and your own journey, pull the beam out of your own eye…what you’re doing is what the Pharisees did…

We can start with the fact that 75% of American Catholics (it’s worse in other countries) do not attend Sunday Mass. If the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Church and 75% do not avail themselves of “the source and summit” would you tend to agree or disagree that the fabric of the Church is torn?

It’s not about “me” and what “I’m doing” it’s about the body of Christ. Assume the best about others? I don’t assume anything the best about others. But I do observe the fruits. Do you? What’s your take on the number of Mass attendees, Ordination rates, etc. You pretty impressed with those numbers are ya? You’re description indicates you have not been convinced to swim the Tiber. Why is that? Because of what you observe?

 

[JRRTFAN]

I don’t know - I think it would depend on the question.

OK, let’s start with a good one. My granny is aged and suffering greatly. Crying out in pain day and night. Begs me to end her suffering, pleading with tears. Is it OK if I do what she wants?

 

[JRRTFAN]

Well for starters, why the sarcastic tone? Why the “are ya?” at the ends of sentences? No need to be snippy and sarcastic. I’ll say again, quit worrying about what everyone else does or doesn’t do, worry about your faith, your family’s faith, and just pray for people who aren’t coming to Mass or living up to your expectations. As far as why I have not swam the Tiber, as you put it, that’s my business and again, don’t worry about me, worry about yourself. It’s that simple. The Catholic Church in my town is PACKED to the rafters at every Mass. You can hardly find parking. Thousands of people packed into the pews, friend. At confession hours twice a week there are five priests with five different lines. Each line has about 30 people in it at least. Anecdotally I observe great enthusiasm from the Catholic community around here. The soup kitchens are packed with staff and volunteers, vacation bible school is packed, catholic school is packed, and plenty of $$$. I know it’s not that way everywhere. But in the end I am not going to waste my time criticizing people who don’t live up to what the Church expects. That’s between them and the Lord and for all I know they’re a lot better folks than yours truly—me! As for 75% I don’t buy it. But whatever floats your boat. I give this advice to my sixth graders as a teacher and I’m merely giving it here—focus on yourself and your own journey, pull the beam out of your own eye…what you’re doing is what the Pharisees did…

That’s cool. What percent of Catholics would you aver attend Mass on Sunday? We have 2000 registered families (families, not people) in my parish. About 1500 people (people, not families) attend Mass each Sunday. You wanna sing Kumbaya and hoist a new banner? The situation is about as bad as it could be.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

There are 6,500 registered families at our parish. I couldn’t tell you the actual numbers of attendees. All I can say is that at every single Mass it is a packed house and if you get there when Mass starts, you’re out of luck finding a seat! And I’m not one bit impressed with my parish, one of many reasons I’m not there. But in all fairness, they have outstanding attendance. Like I said, confession is Wednesdays 12:45-1:15. People RUN to those lines. You have four to five priests and in each line I’ve seen as many as 40 people. Usually it’s around 18-30 people. On Saturday nights at 7pm, despite it being pitch dark and in the ghetto, there are even more people in line. You can’t imagine how many folks go to confession. And it’s like that every week. All Masses are well-attended as are non-obligation Masses. There is such good attendance that they’re having to build a new parish church. And no, kumbaya is not my prefered tune. Maybe something from Iron Maiden or Dio

That’s cool. What percent of Catholics would you aver attend Mass on Sunday? We have 2000 registered families (families, not people) in my parish. About 1500 people (people, not families) attend Mass each Sunday. You wanna sing Kumbaya and hoist a new banner? The situation is about as bad as it could be.