Struggling with hatred of heretical teachings

[eyesopening]

I am dealing with the hatred of certain heresies. Mormonism, Protestantism (I used to be one), Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh day adventists. I think it is something about the deception of being so similar to orthodox christianity. (Its as if the Devil knew he had to come up with something that looked like Jesus, but was a straw man) I have no problem with Eastern Orthodox Christians. (Other than not being in communion with Rome, they’re practicing essentially the same Christianity that we Catholics are. I hope they come back into communion.)

Please note: I do not hate the people who are practicing these heresies, but I HATE the practice of these heresies. I am dealing with a real emotional response about it. Since I have learned the truth of Catholicism I am trying to discipline my mind to become closer to God and that means dissociation as much as possible from anger and hate. But I have to admit, these heresies really tick me off! I can understand that they are only practicing what they have been raised to practice or have been convinced is right, but it still makes me very angry. Does anyone relate?

Help me!

 

[Aelred_Minor]

There is nothing wrong with hating heresy. It is the sort of thing the feeling of hatred was made for. But I suppose you know better than us if this hatred is causing you undue emotional distress.

 

[CDB1718]

Ephesians 4 lays out how you can move past this by focusing on the huge amount of work you have to do because that will not leave time for worrying about where others get it wrong.

Once the anger subsides and you get some balance, you’ll be able to look at it with God’s eyes and not your own.

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ
4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

[Deana83]

I’m feeling the same way. Now that I understand Catholicism better and accepted the doctrines I want to clear up everyone else’s misconceptions. I’m starting small with my immediate family. My parents are completely closed off to anything remotely Catholic so I just stay away from religious topics except for the ones that are basically ecumenical. I don’t hate the people either just the heresy and I want everyone to feel the fullness of the Catholic faith.

 

[njlisa]

You might want to consider what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about people who don’t share our faith.

First, let’s look at our separated Protestant brothers and sisters.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.”

838 “The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter.” Those “who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.” With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound “that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord’s Eucharist.”

And here’s what the Church says about people outside of Christianity. (I would count the Latter-day Saints among this group. I’m not sure how to classify the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists.)

843 The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as "a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life."

All bold emphasis is mine.

I think the Church appreciates the good in other faiths – and all those reaching out for God. I was raised in the Baptist Church and became a Catholic back in 1990. Although I’m no longer a Baptist, I do appreciate the lessons I learned there – especially a love for Scripture and dedication to help others. I don’t hate what I was taught. I think it led me to the Catholic Church.

If the Church doesn’t hate these people or their teachings, why should we? I think we should worry about what goes on “in house” more than in other faiths. But that’s just me.

I pray for you to find some peace!

scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm

 

[livingwordunity]

Try to remember that you yourself were once in their place and that people could be at different stages in their journey of faith. This might help your patience and understanding. I should try to follow this advice as well.

 

[njlisa]

Try to remember that you yourself once were in their place.

 

[eyesopening]

You might want to consider what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about people who don’t share our faith.

First, let’s look at our separated Protestant brothers and sisters.

818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.”

838 “The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter.” Those “who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.” With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound “that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord’s Eucharist.”

And here’s what the Church says about people outside of Christianity. (I would count the Latter-day Saints among this group. I’m not sure how to classify the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists.)

843 The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as "a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life."

All bold emphasis is mine.

I think the Church appreciates the good in other faiths – and all those reaching out for God. I was raised in the Baptist Church and became a Catholic back in 1990. Although I’m no longer a Baptist, I do appreciate the lessons I learned there – especially a love for Scripture and dedication to help others. I don’t hate what I was taught. I think it led me to the Catholic Church.

If the Church doesn’t hate these people or their teachings, why should we? I think we should worry about what goes on “in house” more than in other faiths. But that’s just me.

I pray for you to find some peace!

scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm

I definitely don’t hate the people.

 

[njlisa]

I definitely don’t hate the people.

OK. I stand corrected. You don’t hate them. I apologize for that statement. But you do hate their beliefs while the Church sees the good in them. Try to reflect on what the Church teaches and maybe you’ll find some peace.

 

[njlisa]

Let me highlight one statement from the CCC which I listed above.

… many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation …

If Christ can use these churches for salvation, why can’t we see that good in them? Think about that. Really consider that. Pray about it. Our Lord uses these churches for salvation. How much can you hate that?

 

[KCCatechist]

Please pray for the conversion of protestants, Jews, atheists, and especially the muslims. God calls to all people through his holy catholic church. I ask the OP what efforts he/she has made to invite these poor brothers and sisters into the light of God?

 

[RoseMary131]

I am dealing with the hatred of certain heresies. Mormonism, Protestantism (I used to be one), Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh day adventists. I think it is something about the deception of being so similar to orthodox christianity. (Its as if the Devil knew he had to come up with something that looked like Jesus, but was a straw man)

… but I HATE the practice of these heresies. I am dealing with a real emotional response about it. Since I have learned the truth of Catholicism I am trying to discipline my mind to become closer to God and that means dissociation as much as possible from anger and hate. But I have to admit, these heresies really tick me off!..it still makes me very angry.

Help me!

You have learned something in the Church that for many years you did not know. Maybe that is why you feel so strongly. Maybe the fact that you wanted to know, but didn’t know the Truth hurts you. You don’t want others to feel the same way. You want everyone to know the Truth.

Realize that its okay… God reveals Himself to others, as they are ready to hear Him.

Maybe you are “carrying” too much of burden about the fact that there are divisions in Christ’s Church. If it is causing you too much emotional response, maybe its time to lay it at the Foot of Christ. Tell Him how you feel and leave it with Him.

You may offer a prayer each day for the Unity of those in other faiths.

For you: Dear Lord, Hold Eyesopening in Your arms to feel your peace. Help Eyesopening released any anger and hate so to be closer to You.

 

[eyesopening]

Thank you all for all the good comments. I will continue to pray and leave this up to Jesus. I am jealous for God’s truth. Like another poster said, I wish everybody knew the truth! The thing that makes me the most upset is when they are anti-Catholic. I came from a particularly anti-Catholic sect of protestantism.

 

[RoseMary131]

I’m feeling the same way. Now that I understand Catholicism better and accepted the doctrines I want to clear up everyone else’s misconceptions. I’m starting small with my immediate family. My parents are completely closed off to anything remotely Catholic so I just stay away from religious topics except for the ones that are basically ecumenical. I don’t hate the people either just the heresy and I want everyone to feel the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Welcome to the fullness of the Church, Deana.

Remember that you may be an instrument in bringing the Truth to others. It is the Holy Spirit who prepares hearts and brings conversions. While you feel called to share the Truth, don’t be too worried if some people are not ready to listen today. Maybe gradually your family will be more open.

 

[njlisa]

Thank you all for all the good comments. I will continue to pray and leave this up to Jesus. I am jealous for God’s truth. Like another poster said, I wish everybody knew the truth! The thing that makes me the most upset is when they are anti-Catholic. I came from a particularly anti-Catholic sect of protestantism.

Now we’re getting somewhere! I had the same experience in my childhood church. But, with time, I grew to appreciate the good in my early training.

 

[LegoGE1947]

You have learned something in the Church that for many years you did not know. Maybe that is why you feel so strongly. Maybe the fact that you wanted to know, but didn’t know the Truth hurts you. You don’t want others to feel the same way. You want everyone to know the Truth.

Realize that its okay… God reveals Himself to others, as they are ready to hear Him.

Maybe you are “carrying” too much of burden about the fact that there are divisions in Christ’s Church. If it is causing you too much emotional response, maybe its time to lay it at the Foot of Christ. Tell Him how you feel and leave it with Him.

You may offer a prayer each day for the Unity of those in other faiths.

For you: Dear Lord, Hold Eyesopening in Your arms to feel your peace. Help Eyesopening released any anger and hate so to be closer to You.

I can identify with the OP. I used to be Protestant and in our city there are 4 Protestant radio stations but not one Catholic one. Our house is near a Lutheran church where there is a large statue of Martin Luther. Whenever I pass by that statue I almost want to be sick, knowing the damage the so-called Reformation has done to souls. I keep having to remind myself of what the Catechism says about non-Catholics.

 

[RoseMary131]

Thank you all for all the good comments. I will continue to pray and leave this up to Jesus. I am jealous for God’s truth. Like another poster said, I wish everybody knew the truth! The thing that makes me the most upset is when they are anti-Catholic. I came from a particularly anti-Catholic sect of protestantism.

I’m sure that is why you have such strong emotional response, the very Church Division who was sharing Christ with you - also taught you to not believe teachings of Christ’s True Church.

One day those people who also are being taught incorrectly will come to know the Truth - either in this world or in the next. Pray and be at Peace.

 

[eyesopening]

I’m sure that is why you have such strong emotional response, the very Church Division who was sharing Christ with you - also taught you to not believe teachings of Christ’s True Church.

One day those people who also are being taught incorrectly will come to know the Truth - either in this world or in the next. Pray and be at Peace.

This is exactly how I feel. When I went in to explain to my Presbyterian pastor why I was switching to Catholicism he said, “We just don’t believe in Transubstantiation and those other old fashioned doctrines anymore. They were relevant a thousand years ago, but we’ve moved past that. We have Calvinist doctrine now. There’s no need to go back and believe like those medieval Christians.”

The whole time I’m thinking…“see this is why I want to be a Catholic!”

 

[RoseMary131]

… Our house is near a Lutheran church where there is a large statue of Martin Luther. Whenever I pass by that statue I almost want to be sick, knowing the damage the so-called Reformation has done to souls. I keep having to remind myself of what the Catechism says about non-Catholics.

Martin Luther - poor man - he had no idea the can of Worms he opened. Oh, surely his heart aches.

 

[eyesopening]

Martin Luther - poor man - he had no idea the can of Worms he opened. Oh, surely his heart aches.

Yeah. I honestly believe that if he’d had the foresight to know what would happen, he’d have just kept his mouth shut.