What keeps you Catholic?

[JanR]

Hope for eternal life, which is the beginning and end of our faith.

The Alpha and the Omega.

I, too, was raised cradle. Mama was a Catholic. Maternal Grandma was raised Lutheran, but converted. I recall her sister telling me that, at the time, Grandma was debating whether or not she should convert. She had married a Catholic, so it was expected. Her sister gave her the following advice: “I can’t tell you whether or not to convert, but IF you become a Catholic, be a good one.”

And she was.

I think the Church has become better than ever since Vatican II. The Holy Spirit was definitely present there.

Yes, it’s an innate part of me.

 

[JanR]

I spent many years in evangelical churches. It was generally a wonderful experience. The people there meant well, they tried so hard to be close to Jesus and studied the Bible diligently. All so good! But…the disunity drove me away. Over so many theological issues, there’s such incredible diversity. How are you supposed to know which of the many interpretations of even just one theological issue, is correct? I’ve come to the conclusion that the “Solas“ of the reformation inadvertently stir up a great deal of spiritual pride, which drives the disunity.

That is a wise observation.

 

[fhansen]

The truth, as far as I’ve come to understand it.
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69

It’s much like that.

 

[Genesis315]

the grace of God

 

[tonyh12]

Catholicsm

 

[Mijoy2]

Authority, plain and simple. Else we’d be all on our own.

 

[Lucy_1]

I believe it’s the church Jesus established on the earth. I have to hold to what’s true, not my personal preferences.

 

[adamhovey1988]

There is no salvation outside of the Church.

 

[MNathaniel]

It’s true and God is good.

 

[JanR]

Once a Catholic, always a Catholic – whether you practice or not.

 

[OrbisNonSufficit]

Friends are sure big part of what keeps me being a better Catholic. Funnily enough so is family, so is trying to be role model for my younger brother.

But in the end what really keeps me Catholic is that I can’t in good conscience deny that God exists and that Catholic Church is Church He created. I simply love the Church and our Faith because it makes sense and has no contradictions. I couldn’t just pretend to stop fully believing in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and that He built His Church which subsists in subsists in the Catholic Church…

… and that is due to immense grace of God.

“Lord you have words of eternal life, where else would we go?”

 

[Neithan]

So many great answers here.

I don’t really know, when I really think about it. There are so many different things, but none of them are “the” reason that keeps me Catholic apart from the others. I believe it’s the truth, but I can’t say how I believe it. Especially the Eucharist, which I think would be impossible for anyone to really believe, if I didn’t actually believe it.