What makes Catholics so angry and bitter?

[Thomas62408]

The Tiber River runs through Rome. “Crossing the Tiber” or “swimming the Tiber” is used as a metaphor for entering the Roman Catholic Church.

I’ve actually noticed a few members who reference “crossing the Thames” (becoming Anglicans) or “crossing the Volga” (Russian Orthodox) as well.

Now I understand. Thanks. I think I was actually confusing Tiber with the Tigris. Better brush up on my geography.

 

[PJM]

welcome home!! I swam the Tiber in 2001, not angry yet, but I guess there is time :whacky:

My dear friend in Christ,

Don’t give up! There is HOPE!

All “good things” (can anger be a good thing?) come to those who wait:extrahappy: :dancing:

 

[PJM]

Originally Posted by EasterJoy
Do you think the gates of Heaven read “All Catholics admitted, and Catholics only”? If not, what is your point?

We’re not talking about salvation, we’re not talking about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we’re not talking about the ideal path to sanctity, we’re not talking about being born of the Spirit.

We’re talking about how one gains and sheds the title “Roman Catholic”…who, that is, who, by the strict definition of the words, one is referring to when one makes a blanket statement like “What makes Catholics so angry and bitter?”

As for why people are frustrated, I kind of doubt that the bitter angry Catholics being referred to are the ones among us who are frustrated that our spiritual progress is so slow. I’m pretty sure the OP was referring to the apparent bitterness and frustration over the lack of progress and adherence to the Gospel in other people. I might even say “rumored” bitterness and frustration, because quite frankly, I think that some people who are appropriately expressing their anger are being written off as “bitter” and “frustrated” so that their objections don’t have to be listened to by the rest of us. “That Jeremiah is a bitter, frustrated old man. And he’s demoralizing to listen to, on top of it. In fact, he’s divisive! Throw him in the cistern!”

IOW, while ideally one would hope that being a Catholic and being a saint is the same thing, it is not. The Church has never taught that it was. And saints do get angry. Even the Lord did. Sacred Scripture shows that the prophets, all the way down to St. John and the Lord Himself, could practically spit bullets. There is a time and place for that; it is not outside the life of the Spirit.

Don’t condemn or judge the faith of a Catholic who is angry. Listen to him or her first. Maybe that angry person speaks for the Lord.

I love your name!

Friend you make some valid and interesting points. Tahnk you

Seems to me Jesus only showed anger one time. When He made awhip and cleared out His Fathers temple. Yet Jesus demonistrated, practiced and spoke about love everyday!

I wonder what Jesus was trying to show and tell us:tiphat:

 

[bruce0224]

The Tiber River runs through Rome. “Crossing the Tiber” or “swimming the Tiber” is used as a metaphor for entering the Roman Catholic Church.

I’ve actually noticed a few members who reference “crossing the Thames” (becoming Anglicans) or “crossing the Volga” (Russian Orthodox) as well.

If you like you can find a older meaning in Greek and Egyptian belief systems. The river Styx was the divider between earth and the underworld. The ferryman Charon is in modern times commonly believed to have transported the souls of the newly dead across this river into the underworld.
Coins were placed in the mouths of mummies to pay the ferryman in Egypt.

Of course this is not quite the genuine crossing we see described in the Bible when crossing the Jordan when the water was parted. The people of the Lord then entering the promised land by walking on dry ground. Rather than paying the ferryman or god to transport the soul over the river in a boat.

In the spirit of the topic I believe I will cross over at the place and time of the Lords choosing, by walking in threw the parted waters.

I understand that swimming the Tiber means you converted to Catholicism, and I am assuming from some form of Protestantism. But, what exactly does swimming the Tiber mean? I see it often and I am just curious about the background to the concept.

Can someone explain this? Thanks.

Now you have a bit broader understanding.
I hope that has answered your question.

 

[Snerticus]

Love of God and
Love of neighbor, are nearly on the same plane,right?

           So why does it seem so easy for Catholics not to "live" what Catholics are taught to believe?

I have to say, that I’ve witnessed many more non-Catholics show their bitterness towards Catholicism than Catholics towards non. Of course, I’ve seen a lot of defensive Catholics that are not happy about being harrassed. But then I’m not sure if you mean that all of us have nasty personalities or that only in certain situations we are bitter.

I also know a lot of ex-Catholics and non-Catholics that are bitter towards the church, yet many if not most of the Catholic converts I know of are very much appreciative of their past backgrounds and of other denominations within Christiandom.

So my own experience does not jive with yours I guess. I would have asked the opposite of what you did.

In any case, I think you need to clarify a bit on what you mean. It’s very vague.

 

[Boxcar]

Not even close. Love of God is much more than it sounds. God is the foremost important ever. Love of neighbor requires to love God as well. Love of God requires a lot more that just loving the neighbor. We don’t have to do our neighbors will, We do God’s will. Why do you think Catholics are angry and bitter?? As a Catholic all my life I have never been angry or bitter towards another religion.

those who attact catholics to justify there own faith cause some prettty good arguments that make tempers rise in human beings.especially those who havent crucified the flesh.

 

[Junebug999]

I don’t know any angry or bitter Catholics – maybe you need to hang out with happier Catholics?

Peace be with you.

 

[hays1122]

Love of God and
Love of neighbor, are nearly on the same plane,right?

           So why does it seem so easy for Catholics not to "live" what Catholics are taught to believe?

You need to give a little more detail.
Are you referring to certain people you know who are mean to you?
Or are you referring to the way some Catholics respond to questions at this website?
You seem to be putting all Catholics in the same boat.
I don’t think that’s very “Love of neighbor” of you.

 

[hawkeye]

Love of God and
Love of neighbor, are nearly on the same plane,right?

So why does it seem so easy for Catholics not to “live” what Catholics are taught to believe?

Probably, stupid, meanilness, baiting questions.

 

[happymommy]

Dear friend in Christ,

I have been active with CAF since last August, and I try to do at least a couple of post everyday.

I have not kept a written record, but if memory serves ( I admit its getting weaker), there is at least one unchairtible post everyday.
Franky, it has embarrassed me unough to start this OP.

I’m not trying to pick on anyone speciffically, but simply trying to raise the level of awareness, that non-Catholics, and even non-Christians read and participate on the Forum.

Christ expects each of us to Live the faith we preach. amen!

you are right, there are some unkind people on here at times, I’ve been one of them. That being said. There are a lot of unfriendly Protestant on here as well. So why haven’t you called them out. Why just us grumpy Catholics. I understand it’s a Catholic forum, but all who believe in Christ should behave properly, not just Catholics. So perhaps you should change the title of the thread to, what makes Christians so angry and bitter? I’ll answer that, we are human, we sin and we are selfish!!

 

[Boxcar]

w hy are you saying what makes catholics so angry? “you who are without sin cast the first stone” why only catholics non catyhjolics ,mormons etc are also so angry. so dont say catholics are angry. im catholic i am not angry yet grrr

What about the second stone, St paul said they were softer in that town…

 

[PJM]

w hy are you saying what makes catholics so angry? “you who are without sin cast the first stone” why only catholics non catyhjolics ,mormons etc are also so angry. so dont say catholics are angry. im catholic i am not angry yet grrr

Hmmmmmm, good point

Might it be because Jesus only founded ONE Church, and today we know it as the RCC?

Because we are so blessed might we be held to a higher standard?

Mark 4: “23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25 For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

God bless you my friend!

 

[PJM]

You need to give a little more detail.
Are you referring to certain people you know who are mean to you?
Or are you referring to the way some Catholics respond to questions at this website?

You seem to be putting all Catholics in the same boat.
I don’t think that’s very “Love of neighbor” of you.

My dear friend in Christ,

You make a good and valid point. Thanks!

But a question and a coment…

Is it better to be general in pointing out a possible deficiency within our Catholic community, or is it better to be specific, name names, give examples and endanger ones reputuation?

I chose the former method, to protect the latter.
**
The comment**: I really was trying to avoid specifics because I fear all of us, and I certainly include myself, might be tempted in frustration and or anger, to respond in a manner not fitting the Gospel message that we share.

We do encounter from time to time, strong minded and strong willed post

I “pick on Catholics” because I am one, and because I feel strongly that we have a greater responsibilty to teach as we preach being the Church that Christ Himself founded.

God bless you and thanks for your imput!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Love of God and
Love of neighbor, are nearly on the same plane,right?

           So why does it seem so easy for Catholics not to "live" what Catholics are taught to believe?

Here’s a surprise, I actually would describe myself as angry and bitter but here’s a second surprise, it’s not because I’m Catholic.

It’s because I’m your typical pessimistic youth who does not think very highly of humanity or life in general.

In fact, it would take the words of a saintly and angelic Catholic girl to convince me wrong about my negativity.

In layman’s terms…

It’s because I’m an emo in need of a girlfriend.

 

[Linna]

As far as I can tell Catholics are brought up on the principle of guilt. Guilt for thoughts, guilt for lack of holiness, guilt for a whole range of mortal, venial and other sins, guilt, guilt, guilt. Confess, confess, confess…

I think in many ways Catholics are enslaved by their beliefs, not liberated and free as Jesus intended when he died on the cross. Yes, I think it is important to strive for holiness in our lives, but in reality true holiness and grace cannot be achieved in the flesh. When we sin it is important to repent and ask God to forgive us. But, God isn’t looking for people to zap into hell everyday. Catholicism comes with a whole litany of rules, one has to wonder whether Jesus’ death on the cross actually did away with the old Hebrew laws and ordinances according to Catholics.

So, this is why I think Catholics seem to live angry, bitter, disappointed…just plugging along on the old traditions and rituals hoping they don’t die before they can get a good run at confession and not go to Purgatory where they suffer until God redeems them. It isn’t a promising or happy future. When you have a future this bleak what could the present be? Where is the joy in the Lord that other Christians seem to have?

For what it’s worth that’s my opinion.

 

[cathguy]

For what it’s worth that’s my opinion.

For what its worth?

Not very much.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Catholicism comes with a whole litany of rules, one has to wonder whether Jesus’ death on the cross actually did away with the old Hebrew laws and ordinances according to Catholics.

So, this is why I think Catholics seem to live angry, bitter, disappointed…just plugging along on the old traditions and rituals hoping they don’t die before they can get a good run at confession and not go to Purgatory where they suffer until God redeems them. It isn’t a promising or happy future. When you have a future this bleak what could the present be? Where is the joy in the Lord that other Christians seem to have?

For what it’s worth that’s my opinion.

You can pretty much say the same thing about life in the 21st Century. So full of rules, schedules, and daily rituals yet we still do them for the sake of living. Life isn’t supposed to be easy and free. You have responsibilities and duties to fulfill if you wish to continue living.

I mean take Confession for example. It’s like the daily routine of taking out the trash. The more you neglect, the more trash piles up in your house and it starts making a huge mess (not to mention the pests they start to draw in).

And for what I think it’s worth. I believe the doctrine of Eternal Security that a lot of Protestants hold on to is pretty much the religious equivalent of the liberal notion that you’re not accountable for anything you do.

 

[Gardenman]

I think what makes Catholics “angry and bitter” is when we feel betrayed by the church itself (as I currently do ) for the sex abuse scandal of late.

The entire thing is inexcusable to me.
THAT is what makes ME “angry and bitter”.

 

[Tonks40]

The most Catholics I know are the kindest, most charitable people I’ve met!

 

[Linna]

I knew we weren’t going to agree but since we’re just discussing the subject, I gave my opinion. Catholics spend way to much time fearing God and not enough time loving God.