Today's woeful society

[coolduude]

Why is is that in today’s society, chaste people (espically teens like myslef) are frowned upon?
I go to a Catholic school, but even there almost every commandment is broken. I hear stories of wild parties (which I don’t attend, thank God) and crazy nights, if you get my drift.
I sometimes feel like I’m the last good one left in my school.
What is wrong with society today that promotes garbage like this, especially in a Catholic school, of all places!
What is wrong with society? Also, how do I respond when I hear of grave sins (premarital sex, drugs, drinking, etc.)? I honestly get scared when I hear of these things.

 

[Gidget]

Coolduude,
You are such a cool dude! As a mother of three teenager (oops one just turned twenty this week), I am so encouraged by your faith and I want to assure you of my prayers that you may remain strong in your faithfulness. I would suggest that you read 1 Peter. It’s a rather short letter but very powerful. My original intent for this post was only to quote from the letter, “Be sobor and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” but think that the entire letter would be excellent reading for you right now. I will prayerfully read this letter this week as well and keep you and your situation in my prayer intentions.

The darkness that surrounds us is often great. But, the light of faith is greater still. Are there any faith-filled youth groups near you? Fellowship is essential.

 

[Leeta]

Pray when you here these stories. Also pray for those doing them, especially ask the Blessed Mother and St. joseph. You are absolutely right to be terrified. I am too and I am no longer a teenager. Impuity is putrid, like vomit.
Impurity is so enslaving. It is an addiction. It exacts a terrible wage.
Why do they do it? They don’t pray. They don’t believe in Jesus, even though they may go to Communion and Confession. Somehow they never learned or quit praying. So keep praying and want to do God’s will.
You could also ask them to pray with you a short prayer that they would do what God wants.
Also awaken love for Him by making frequent visits to Him in the Tabernacle. If you love Him, you want to please Him and not crucify Him anew with your sins. That is their problem. They don’t love Him above all else. Instead they are worshiping themselves and making their desires their god. They are to be pitied and they are in great mortal danger.
Yes, it is terrifying that they are so close to hell! You are avoiding Hell!
Don’t

 

[Dwyer]

I think it is really great that you are interested in your Faith at a relatively early age.

We live in a materialistic world with a material, hedonistic culture.

You’re discovering that the moral teaching of your faith clashes with the Way of the World.

Look, the people who try to follow their Christian faith has relatively always been a small part of the population.

You know that human beings are fallen because of the Original Sin of Adam and Eve. That explains the sinful nature of people in this world.

There’s nothing wrong with being religious; following the Teaching of Christ and friendship with Christ is the greatest gift that has been given to mankind.

Unfortunately, we live in a very secular American culture, and much of the Protestant morality that existed in our society has been and is being dismantled and attacked by Hollywood, secular Humanism, human greed, etc.

The secular news media and movies, whose goal is to make money, on the whole, won’t affirm and will attack your Christian moral beliefs.

You shouldn’t be afraid. Pope John Paul II said “Be not afraid!” when he became Pope.

Your decision to follow Christ and his commandments is based on Christ’s Truth and Catholic Truth.

Drinking alcohol to excess and sleeping around may give people a feeling of temporary pleasure, temporary happiness, but it is only temporary.

The same with owning many material goods, being popular, having a lot of power over other people.

Only belief in God will bring real happiness, but we can never really be truly perfectly happy in this world. As St. Augustine writes, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee,” but we can be reasonably happy, joyful in our faith.

If you follow Christ, you will face ostracism from others. In the Sermon On The Mount, Christ says blessed are those who persecute you and revile you because of your belief in Him.

But we must be willing to suffer, because Christ suffered for us.

John Paul II wrote of a “White Martyrdom” that modern Christians may face in the modern world.

So, there really isn’t an answer to your question. The modern world hates anything that may pain or suffering.

Catholicism sees human suffering as an instrument that draws us closer to God.

So, if you follow Christ, you may have to experience some sort of suffering, ridicule, or persecution because of your Faith.

Many of the Conservative Protestants see the ridicule and challenges from non-believers as a sign of the Christian Truth of what they believe.

If you want to earn some Grace, you could admonish (with gentleness and charity) the sinner (a Spiritual Work of Mercy).

However, you are not obliged to speak or talk or associate with anyone. I just wouldn’t say anything, and go to your next class or walk away.

If you can bring a Discman, Radio, or Mp3 player to school, you may want to listen to music or Catholic Radio instead.

 

[Callin]

Why is is that in today’s society, chaste people (espically teens like myslef) are frowned upon? I sometimes feel like I’m the last good one left in my school.
What is wrong with society today that promotes garbage like this, especially in a Catholic school, of all places!
What is wrong with society? Also, how do I respond when I hear of grave sins (premarital sex, drugs, drinking, etc.)? I honestly get scared when I hear of these things.

You’re not alone. I can tell you that right now. Even if it feels like it. I think I probably see at least one thing a day at this university that just disgusts me. I skip all the wild parties and crazy nights, which other people seem to forget about quickly.

Pray every day. To God, to Mary, to the saints. It helps.

And if you’re worried about being confronted over your position on sex and such…have a list of some non-religious reasons that you avoid them. That typically helps. Like for drinking - I enjoy life too much to drink. For parties, I’m socially awkward and would probably just feel more awkward at a party, and I get headaches from loud music. And yes, for me those reasons are all true.

It can be difficult, but you have a God on your side. :yeah_me: