What's wrong with Catholics?

[EmergencyOps]

One hears a great many things here on the Forum…

What do you think is wrong with Catholics?

What would it take to fix “the problem?”

As one poster mentioned, it’s that Catholics (and the rest of us) are humans, all fallible, and we have all fallen short of the glory of God. Even during Mass, we let our pettiness overtake love for Christ and for fellow man: people hugging the ends of the pews, people doing the “Judas shuffle” right after receiving Communion, folks taking Communion unworthily, men not holding doors for people…

To fix the problem, the priest needs to address issues in his Parish and the people in the pews need to examine their behavior both in the church and in the world. It all boils down to being Christ-like in what we say and do. For those who have not heard the Royal Ambassador pledge (Baptist version of Boy Scouts), it’s worth reading and applying to our lives:

As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best:
To become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ;
To have a Christ-like concern for all people;
To learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world;
To work with others in sharing Christ; and
To keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.

 

[PJM]

=KathleenGee;6100002]I think we need to pray for our leadership and have a national renewal…there were alot of errors that came to American and Canadian Catholics in the midst of the great revolution of the 60’s and the age of technology and mass communications…and this has impacted Islam…and the differences of understanding with non -Catholic Christians…

We live in a very difficult place…albeit there are other regions of the world where Christianity appears to being destroyed.

I wish the protestants would partake with us so we could be one at the banquet table…how far down do we go before we can be one? The protestants have many good charisms needed for our Christianity to be a greater witness…for faith and for country.

You raise an interesting point. The “dumming down” of our Sacred Liturgy, with an end goal of being acceptable [that is to say; with a similar from of worship, as our non-Catholic brethern. many choose to ignore [or out right DENY] that we Catholics have God Really in our midst, and Protestants Do NOT, and settle for the “Spirit of God”, good but not equal to having Jesus ramain with us:thumbsup:"

*I am of the opinion, that while well entended, the results have had disastrous results on the salvation of souls; the primary purpose for the Mass. The very reason Christ remains in our midst.

The PEW report in 2008 looked at 1970 Mass Attendenance by self proclaimed Catholics and reports that nearly 75% regularly attened Sunday and Holyday Masses. In 2008 that number had DECREASED to about 23%. Those that went to Confession even once a year were about 65% and in 2008 about 10%

Love and prayers,

Pat

Gone is a sense of piety, a sense of personal responsibility to God, and a willinness to OBEY Rome and Church Teachings, by a GREAT MANY self proclaimed catholics.*

 

[PJM]

Dear friends in Christ,

As the originator of this string, I have read with great interest all of the posted comments.

I was a bit surprised top see so many responses from fellow Catholics, but find them of great interest.

I am perplexed by several of the post that speaks of “an attitude of Catholic superiority.” I’m not sure if I’m wearing blinders and don’t see this, or am simply fortunate not to have been exposed to it?

I am of the opinion that what is seen as a “superior attitude” is actually more disconcerting than simply attitude. What do I mean?

From my perspective, both the Bible and historical evidence point to the Catholic Church as being the only Church Founded by Christ, and as such has many special blessings, only found, and only available within Her realm of Teaching. Thus the CC is “superior” as a source of TRUTH and Salvation.

I would sincerely appreciate anyone who can show me the errors of my position.

All of us are familiar with Mt. 16:15-19. And while there is debate about what it means, it’s singular appointment by Jesus as the One Church He personally founded is supported by numerous other Bible verses, easy understood in the light of history, logic and reason [as in God’s purpose.]

1Tim. 3: 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the [SINGULAR] household of God, which is the church **[SINGULAR] **of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth [SINGULAR]

** Matt.28:18 **And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. …. This authority was given by the Father to the HUMAN - NATURE of Jesus. Christ as God always possessed it. It was given in conjunction to the merits of Christ earned by His passion and death. Thus Jesus in BOTH His human nature and His Divine nature possessed the power and authority to pass this on to Peter and His successors in the ONLY Church actually founded by Christ.

John 10:16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd."

2nd. Cor. 9: 13 “Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ,”

Mt. 7: 21 "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.”

Eph. 1: 11 “In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory **In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. **

Eph. 2:19 19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

**John 20: 21-23 “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 **If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." **

**Mt. 28: 19-20 **“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; **and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." **

Luke 22:19-20 "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant **in my blood.” **

Only the Catholic Church has the Real Presence [as evidenced by Mt., Mk, Lk. Jn, and Paul]

Only The Catholic Church has the Seven Sacraments validly

Only the Catholic Church has been given the “keys to the gate of heaven”

Only the Catholic Church has the Sacrament of known Forgiveness of sins

As the Bible was completely written by the end of the First Century, and by virtue of the fact that the CC was the only Christian Faith at the time, the Bible applies in a most specific and meaningful way to the CC.

So friends, the CC is superior because that is the very Will of our God. For one to deny such is a most Serious sin.

Where am I wrong?

Love and prayers,

Pat

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Along the music, I really miss the days of the old fashioned pipe organ, hymns that have traditional tones to them which are familiar enough to sing along to. This modern stuff they are doing these days, I just cannot get into, and I’m one of the few that can read music, but the choir itself tends to take too much liberty with their translations and versions, so cannot even use that to follow along with.

I also think that we seriously need to place more effort into sticking around after mass to socialize (outside of the church “in the lobby”), it’s too often the place clears out within minutes after the end of mass. Also, we need to place more reverence before and after mass, especially keeping the chit chat to a minimum, lowered tone of voice when it’s obvious people are trying to pray.

What church do you go to in Vancouver? I’m from Vancouver too, and I go to St. James. I love the music we sing, we don’t have a choir, but we do have a cantor who has a beautiful tenor voice, and leads the congregation in song. St James usually has breakfast after mass in the Parish Hall. Most people do not socialize in the church.

 

[cheese_sdc]

So friends, the CC is superior because that is the very Will of our God. For one to deny such is a most Serious sin.

Where am I wrong?

I’m sure that the pharisees had many such convincing arguments as well.

My issue is not that if Catholicism is correct or not (I think that of all the Christian religions, Catholicism as “it” most right) - the issue is with the attitude that says “I am better than others because what I believe is better”.

 

[Lutheranteach]

Their dreadful Xmas Eve Masses for one.

Oh now…I’d like to state for the record, and I thought I did that with the first line of the post you are referring to that I find 99% of the masses I attend to be worthwhile.

 

[SeanTom]

It is my belief that if we follow the teachings of our great teacher, Christ, and add to that the teachings of our faith as fully given to us through our Catholic Catechism, love our brothers and sisters in Christ, help others and just be kind to everyone, we will do much to please our Lord and Savior.

 

[onenow1]

One hears a great many things here on the Forum…

What do you think is wrong with Catholics?

What would it take to fix “the problem?”

As GKC SAID, what’s wrong with the world then he responded. Me !

Peace and God Bless
onenow1

 

[Newbie2]

Exactly why I bristle at the “good Catholics” who use the word Creasters. They need to name those who aren’t there every week, which is nothing but the desire to compare themselves (favorably in their minds) to those they look down on. Of course they say prayers for them.

What I find wrong with some Catholics is that they presume to know the hearts and minds of other Christians, Catholic or not.

 

[tweetymom]

What I find wrong with some Catholics is that they presume to know the hearts and minds of other Christians, Catholic or not.

I will agree with you 100%. Only God knows our hearts. I donot always have all of the fruits of the Spirit working and I have to try and try to be what Jesus wants me to be. Some of the Catholics here are very judgemental and that needs to be changed. God Bless

 

[graceandglory]

The problem is we are all human beings living in a fallen world. Some of us make mistakes on occasion but learn from them. Some of us embrace those mistakes and allow them to change our lifestyle. Some of us allow the faults of others to affect us, either for good or bad.
.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! I think we have a winner!!! :yeah_me:

 

[tweetymom]

The problem with Catholics is the same problem with Orthodox…and Lutherans…and Methodists…and Baptists…and…

The problem is we are all human beings living in a fallen world. Some of us make mistakes on occasion but learn from them. Some of us embrace those mistakes and allow them to change our lifestyle. Some of us allow the faults of others to affect us, either for good or bad.

The only way the problem will be solved is when Christ returns. Until then, friendly education of our brothers and sisters along with a Kyrie eleison or two is all we can do.

Agreed and a big AMEN

 

[Bill_Pick]

Dear friends in Christ,

As the originator of this string, I have read with great interest all of the posted comments.

I was a bit surprised top see so many responses from fellow Catholics, but find them of great interest.

I am perplexed by several of the post that speaks of “an attitude of Catholic superiority.” I’m not sure if I’m wearing blinders and don’t see this, or am simply fortunate not to have been exposed to it?

I am of the opinion that what is seen as a “superior attitude” is actually more disconcerting than simply attitude. What do I mean?

From my perspective, both the Bible and historical evidence point to the Catholic Church as being the only Church Founded by Christ, and as such has many special blessings, only found, and only available within Her realm of Teaching. Thus the CC is “superior” as a source of TRUTH and Salvation.

I would sincerely appreciate anyone who can show me the errors of my position.

All of us are familiar with Mt. 16:15-19. And while there is debate about what it means, it’s singular appointment by Jesus as the One Church He personally founded is supported by numerous other Bible verses, easy understood in the light of history, logic and reason [as in God’s purpose.]

1Tim. 3: 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the [SINGULAR] household of God, which is the church **[SINGULAR] **of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth [SINGULAR]

** Matt.28:18 **And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. …. This authority was given by the Father to the HUMAN - NATURE of Jesus. Christ as God always possessed it. It was given in conjunction to the merits of Christ earned by His passion and death. Thus Jesus in BOTH His human nature and His Divine nature possessed the power and authority to pass this on to Peter and His successors in the ONLY Church actually founded by Christ.

John 10:16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd."

2nd. Cor. 9: 13 “Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ,”

Mt. 7: 21 "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.”

Eph. 1: 11 “In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory **In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. **

Eph. 2:19 19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

**John 20: 21-23 “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 **If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." **

**Mt. 28: 19-20 **“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; **and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." **

Luke 22:19-20 "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant **in my blood.” **

Only the Catholic Church has the Real Presence [as evidenced by Mt., Mk, Lk. Jn, and Paul]

Only The Catholic Church has the Seven Sacraments validly

Only the Catholic Church has been given the “keys to the gate of heaven”

Only the Catholic Church has the Sacrament of known Forgiveness of sins

As the Bible was completely written by the end of the First Century, and by virtue of the fact that the CC was the only Christian Faith at the time, the Bible applies in a most specific and meaningful way to the CC.

So friends, the CC is superior because that is the very Will of our God. For one to deny such is a most Serious sin.

Where am I wrong?

Love and prayers,

Pat

This is one great post and gets a A+

 

[Carlan]

If Catholics behaved, worshipped and voted like Catholics we would not be in this current mess.

How’s that?Carlan

 

[prodigalson12]

What church do you go to in Vancouver? I’m from Vancouver too, and I go to St. James. I love the music we sing, we don’t have a choir, but we do have a cantor who has a beautiful tenor voice, and leads the congregation in song. St James usually has breakfast after mass in the Parish Hall. Most people do not socialize in the church.

What a small world indeed! I go to St. Johns, am there almost every day for prayer since they leave their doors open most of the time for anybody that desires to visit it. They have Adoration on Mondays between 7-9, the first sunday of the month they have breakfast, and they also have Mexican food during the other days, I just found out. I used to go to Sacred Heart, and will go there now only if I miss the other masses at St. Johns because they have a later one on Sunday.

I’ll check out St. James some time, I saw their web site, I love those older traditional buildings, you are more then welcome to visit us here as well.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

What a small world indeed! I go to St. Johns, am there almost every day for prayer since they leave their doors open most of the time for anybody that desires to visit it. They have Adoration on Mondays between 7-9, the first sunday of the month they have breakfast, and they also have Mexican food during the other days, I just found out. I used to go to Sacred Heart, and will go there now only if I miss the other masses at St. Johns because they have a later one on Sunday.

I’ll check out St. James some time, I saw their web site, I love those older traditional buildings, you are more then welcome to visit us here as well.

I’ll check out your church, I’ve never been there. St. James was recently restored and rededicated. It’s definitely worth a visit, because it is quite lovely - the oldest Church in the Northwest, built by French-Canadians in the 1800s.

 

[SingleMomMonica]

What’s wrong with Catholics?

I don’t like the title of this thread.

 

[kib]

My answer is fairly simple- lukewarmness. I hope that doesn’t make me sound self-righteous, I just wish we all (I am definitely included here) cared about Jesus more. I’m not Catholic because I was raise as one, I’m Catholic because I love Jesus. That probably does sound like a haughty remark. I just feel like there are a lot of people who just go to mass and identify with the Catholic church because that is how they were raised.

 

[Carlan]

My answer is fairly simple- lukewarmness. I hope that doesn’t make me sound self-righteous, I just wish we all (I am definitely included here) cared about Jesus more. I’m not Catholic because I was raise as one, I’m Catholic because I love Jesus. That probably does sound like a haughty remark. I just feel like there are a lot of people who just go to mass and identify with the Catholic church because that is how they were raised.

How could you possibly know that for sure Kib? Even if you could see into their hearts and see that they are luke warm, at least they are at Mass, and besides it is the Father who judges in the end. Thank heavens! Carlan

 

[kib]

How could you possibly know that for sure Kib? Even if you could see into their hearts and see that they are luke warm, at least they are at Mass, and besides it is the Father who judges in the end. Thank heavens! Carlan

I know what you are saying and I agree that I don’t know the state of their souls. I was trying to carefully word my first post so it didn’t come off as being “holier than thou” or self- righteous, I guess I failed at that. But I just can’t help but notice this, especially in my own family.