Struggling with faith

  • Thread starter Thread starter DeProfundis1
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DeProfundis1

Guest
Hello.

It all started in college about 4 years ago. I took some courses on Christianity in the Roman empire and some introductory courses on Catholicism, (at a public university). Through my studies I began to have resentment towards Catholicism and Christianity in general. I studied how the Bible was pieced together, what was left out by who and possibly why, I observed the different councils held by emperors throughout time that had an impact on the church at large and it made me turn from my faith. I believed it was all purpotrated by man.

My younger brother caught on to some of my language about what I believed and he started to take my view. Recently he told me I was part of the reason why he didn’t take religion too seriously when he was younger. He is now 18 and I have been trying to get him to believe more, but he doesn’t seem interested. I feel horrible.

I went to mass during these times and consumed the body of Christ, without having gone to confession. But I always held the hope in my heart for Christ. It’s not that I never wanted him, I want him more than anything, but I didn’t know if it was really possible.

Anyway, about a month ago I posted a rant that got me in trouble with the moderators which scrutinized the Church on certain things like praying to saints, Peter being the successor of the Church, etc. I want to say I’m sorry about that. I really didn’t explore and study the scripture as much as I should have. But it is hard to piece a lot of what the Church teaches by yourself.

For a while leading up to lent my faith was restored. But after the first week of lent I began to feel the same way about the things I mentioned above, about Peter, prayer to saints, etc. (I read about a shrine of Mary Magdalene’s bones and it got me going). I then just yesterday ranted on yahoo answers about those subjects. But today I asked for clearification on this forum about these issues and it helped. I feel bad. I want to understand the Church’s stances.

I feel called to Christ, maybe even vocation one day. I do feel the Catholic Church is the only united church and preserved church throughtout histroy. I’m just so passionate about wanting the truth that sometimes I get carried away and believe my own wisdom can guide me.

I want to go to confession tomorrow, but I have never spoken to a priest about such a deep faith issue. Please pray I have the strength to do it. Please pray for my brother so that he has a sprak to know Christ, and for me so that I truly understand.

So I suppose this isn’t a question, just a prayer request!

Thank you, God Bless us
 
I’ll of course pray for you. A word of advice though. Is your confession with a priest by appointment or are you just going to go at the scheduled time in your parish? If it’s the latter you might want to make an appointment instead. It seems that you’ve got quite a lot to speak with your priest about. And well… I don’t think bringing up doctrinal discussion in a half-hour confession spot is the best of ideas :D!

I understand why you want to go to confession. It’s a wonderful sacrament. But maybe just speaking with a priest right now would be a good idea? Perhaps inquire about attending some RCIA classes. Although you’re already Catholic we’re never really meant to stop learning out faith. It could work wonders for you.

But I’ll remember you whilst I’m saying my rosary. Your brother as well.
 
I will definetly pray for you. I have trouble understanding how God is truly present in the eucharist, and it bugs me. All I have to say is we’re just human. (:
 
DP1,

I’ll say a prayer for you. I almost got converted by Protestants when I was 17 and I took to reading the Church Fathers to find out what Christianity originally looked like. It is very clear that they have the same faith the Church has always taught. They pray for the dead and invoke in the intercession of martyrs and call the Mass a sacrifice and have bishops and priests and deacons. I think you would find their writing edifying and you can find them online, too if you’re on a budget.

God bless.
 
Hi, I went through the same thing. You describe what seems to be a struggle between Faith and Reason. Reading Pope John Paul’s ideas about matters of Science and Faith has helped me considerably. Read: Reconciling Old Lovers: John Paul II on Science and Faith It really helped me.

Give yourself time and be kind to yourself. Sometimes a “struggle” can be part of a period of spiritual maturation, even if it’s not evident now! You and your brother will be in my prayers.

Peace be with you
 
I led my brother into drugs when he was 17, now he’s 23 and I’ve been clean for a few years but he’s not. 😦 I feel bad
But he is now his own man. He can look to me again and stop. I have mentioned it times before to no avail. I pray and that’s all that can be done.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top