S
sarcophagus
Guest
What does devout mean and what is the difference between devout and practicing? How does one become devout?
Thanks
Sarc
Thanks
Sarc
- Status
K
kmktexas
Guest
This is a subjective question and you will probably get lots of different answers but here is my take:
A practicing Catholic gives assent to all the Church teaches and fulfills all of his/her obligations as a Catholic - Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, confession at least once a year, raises the kids Catholic, supports the Church etc.
A devout Catholic sees him or herself on a journey. He/she is working on a richer prayer life, possibly praying the LOTH or regularly saying the rosary or attending Adoration. He/she is seeking to understand the “why” behind church teaching. “why” is artificial contraception wrong, “why” can’t women become priests etc. in order to more closely conform his/her conscience to the teachings of the Church.
I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg but I wanted to give it a shot.
A practicing Catholic gives assent to all the Church teaches and fulfills all of his/her obligations as a Catholic - Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, confession at least once a year, raises the kids Catholic, supports the Church etc.
A devout Catholic sees him or herself on a journey. He/she is working on a richer prayer life, possibly praying the LOTH or regularly saying the rosary or attending Adoration. He/she is seeking to understand the “why” behind church teaching. “why” is artificial contraception wrong, “why” can’t women become priests etc. in order to more closely conform his/her conscience to the teachings of the Church.
I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg but I wanted to give it a shot.
S
serendipity
Guest
I think “practicing” is a person who goes through the motions. Maybe because of sincere faith, maybe because they fell guitly if they don’t.
I think being devout is mroe than just going to mass or practicing devotions more than the average Catholic. I think one is devout when every decision in their life is some how related to their belief in the Catholic church.
Devout people preach with more than only words, and through every action they make towards others as well. Their religion extends beyond their religious obligations as dictated by the Church, but every action of their life reflects their religious convictions. They seek God everywhere and they study Him, because to know him is to love Him.
Francis de Sales’ classic Introdution to the Devout Life, covers every aspect of life…even recommendations for leisure activities.
I think being devout is mroe than just going to mass or practicing devotions more than the average Catholic. I think one is devout when every decision in their life is some how related to their belief in the Catholic church.
Devout people preach with more than only words, and through every action they make towards others as well. Their religion extends beyond their religious obligations as dictated by the Church, but every action of their life reflects their religious convictions. They seek God everywhere and they study Him, because to know him is to love Him.
Francis de Sales’ classic Introdution to the Devout Life, covers every aspect of life…even recommendations for leisure activities.
J
Jenlyn
Guest
Do think a person who thinks he’s devout is devout? The humility issue and all.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Trying to be devout but coming up short,
Jen
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Trying to be devout but coming up short,
Jen
M
magdaline
Guest
AMEN to posts 2 & 3. I couldn’t have expressed it better.
J
Jenlyn
Guest
Dear sarc,
There is a great book called “An Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis de Sales. He was a teacher and writes in a very easy to understand format. The chapters are short and to the point. I am half way through it.
The major sections are:
True Devotion : Chapters include general confession, purfication of venial sins and imperfections, as well as others
Prayer: Chapters include: its necessity, spiritual aridity, invocation of the saints and others
Practice in Virtue: Chapters include patience, humility patience, chasity, advice to the married, as well as others
State of the Soul: Chapters include sourage, temptation, sadness, as well as others
Spiritual Review: Chapters include annual spiritual examination, God our neighbor and ourselves, as well as others.
Peace,
Jen
There is a great book called “An Introduction to the Devout Life” by St. Francis de Sales. He was a teacher and writes in a very easy to understand format. The chapters are short and to the point. I am half way through it.
The major sections are:
True Devotion : Chapters include general confession, purfication of venial sins and imperfections, as well as others
Prayer: Chapters include: its necessity, spiritual aridity, invocation of the saints and others
Practice in Virtue: Chapters include patience, humility patience, chasity, advice to the married, as well as others
State of the Soul: Chapters include sourage, temptation, sadness, as well as others
Spiritual Review: Chapters include annual spiritual examination, God our neighbor and ourselves, as well as others.
Peace,
Jen
T
ThornGenX
Guest
I see some really good answers here, and consider these to be goals I try to practice in my spritual journey. 
- Status