To what extent should we go to remove ignorance?

[fakename]

I sometimes think that if you see something the church teaches that seems important, you should learn about it (according to your circumstances). The problem is, for those who have enough time (i.e. me) following this rule and reading about Catholicism causes a snowball effect where you find yourself sending roots into every corner of theology -a very costly process (in time and mental effort).

So should I loosen up you think?

 

[ANNE_2]

I sometimes think that if you see something the church teaches that seems important, you should learn about it (according to your circumstances). The problem is, for those who have enough time (i.e. me) following this rule and reading about Catholicism causes a snowball effect where you find yourself sending roots into every corner of theology -a very costly process (in time and mental effort).

So should I loosen up you think?

If you have time to pray and take care of your “obligations” in life, there is no need to let up.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to be informed or be a good Catholic.

Other than owning a Catholic Bible, the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition”, there shouldn’t be anything else that costs you money.
All other reading is optional.

If you are interested in Canon Code of Law, go to the Vatican web site.
If you are interested in the “GIRM” - General Instruction of the Mass - go to the USCCB site.

Another thing you can do, is watch EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) for free if you already have Satellite or Cable tv.

 

[puzzleannie]

I sometimes think that if you see something the church teaches that seems important, you should learn about it (according to your circumstances). The problem is, for those who have enough time (i.e. me) following this rule and reading about Catholicism causes a snowball effect where you find yourself sending roots into every corner of theology -a very costly process (in time and mental effort).

So should I loosen up you think?

since you ask, frame your question in a way that you can search here and the CA homepage libraries and get a short answer. Next, look it up in the CCC and just read those sections. Then your conscience will be informed. If you have leisure to look into side topics great, go for it, but no you are not obligated to have PhD in theology for every question or topic.

 

[JRKH]

I sometimes think that if you see something the church teaches that seems important, you should learn about it (according to your circumstances). The problem is, for those who have enough time (i.e. me) following this rule and reading about Catholicism causes a snowball effect where you find yourself sending roots into every corner of theology -a very costly process (in time and mental effort).

So should I loosen up you think?

I know what you mean. There is so much available and especially for the curious, “ned to know” types, the task can seem endless…

I think that one needs to follow this course (since this is the one I followed)…

First. Recognize that the focus and goal of all is Love. The Greatest commandment of them all. (Mt 23:36-40) Make this the focus and goal of your faith journey. This assures that you remain on the right track.
Next, satisfy yourself about the authority of the Church herself. Having done so, recognize that any teaching promulgated is correct, so you don’t have to “prove” everything to yourself or reinvent the (theological) wheel.
Then, as questions come up or something strikes you interest, dig into it a bit and see what underlies the teaching and or how different teachings interconnect.
Recognize that at some point you will hit mental overload :hypno:. Then back off and allow time to digest what you have absorbed.

Of course through all of this, keep up your prayer life.

Peace
James