salival:
Sorry for the long time off, but this is something that has really drowned me and im stuck in the issue of authority. I mean, how do you know that the Church speaks for God? How do you know it is not only men talking for themselves and saying it is God? Can it be proven? How can you be so confident in it?
It cannot be proven. It can be supported with Scripture and Tradition, but it can’t be “proven” per se.
The problem with an “objective” comparison of two religions, is that everyone has grown up in a culture where their religious beliefs are so built into them they cannot be partial. There is probably no educated human that has not been influenced by at least one of the religions, so there is no impartial judge.
We believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church through faith. That is the evidence of things we cannot see, and our confidence is in that faith.
I mean, look at all of the other religions saying that they are divine, like islam, hinduism, paganism, etc. How are you able to set one apart from the other?
That’s because we are right and they are wrong.
There are certain objective facts, at least I believe they are true enough to history to consider them objective, that can help convince someone. For example, a non-Catholic once told me at a critical juncture in my life that the Catholic Church was the original Christian Church and the rest were takeoffs. At the time I was 23, a cradle Catholic, and had never heard of such a thing despite eight years of Catholic grade school. Thank God they actually teach some things these days.
Im sorry, if this sounds like I am attacking, im am not, im seriously troubled and in doubt, so please help.
How are you troubled? I may have missed some of your earlier posts so please forgive and/or ignore that question if it’s redundant.
I have grappled with very difficult questions of whether I should take my family out of the Church and Catholic schools for various reasons including my doubts about her being true, and I know how heart-wrenching that can be. In our case, I decided we do belong here, and although I believe Catholicism to be the True Church, I actually still have some problems with specific parts of it. Technically I may not be a “perfect” Catholic in that regard, but I am comfortable with my decision. If you are “seriously troubled” than I’m interested in helping you over that trouble. It sounds like you have several concerns; maybe we can help you sort them out. Also, are you just trying to get a grip on what’s happening, on your role in it all, or both.
The speculation about the Church falling apart is just that – speculation. I also know what it’s like to have very real concerns about the future and have nobody take you seriously. Those things you predicted in your OP certainly may not happen, but I know if you really think they are likely it’s a pretty scary deal.
You mentioned Islam. I’ve heard that is growing quickly in jails. Perhaps Catholics could increase their involvement in prison ministries? I’ve often thought about joining one myself but haven’t yet.
Alan
