Why I can't accept Catholicism

[curtishouse29]

Okay, heres a little background with me…I have went to so many different churches in my life from non-denominational to the RCC and so many other denominations in between…When I look at the facts and compare churches, no other has the history, the unity, or, pardon the pun, written the Book on Christianity like the RCC…There are just some things that still pull me away from the RCC…Things such as devotion to Mary and the Saints…I know Catholics don’t worship Mary and/or the Saints but still the attention they receive is mindblowing…Just little things like when Catholics see visions, why do they always see the Blessed Mother but never Christ?

Also, this is going to sound really stupid but another thing that gets to me are the outfits and the titles that are in the Catholic church…What the nuns wear, the priests wear, etc. I know they have worn that attire for centuries and, as our fashion has changed a billion times over the years, the RCC’s hasn’t but it just gets to me sometimes…To my other point…The titles that these priests and other members of the cloth…Reverend, The High Reverend, The Most High Reverend…It just goes on and on and on and on…I know the Catholic church has like a hierarchy and they need different titles for different positions and such but, just from an unbiased bystander, it looks a tad confusing to say the least.

Those are just a few things going on in my head and why I can’t accept Catholicism completely for now…I’m trying my best…I am currently not going to any churches right now; Catholic or Protestant…I believe though as it says in the Book of John when Jesus says this…Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

I think it’s a good start God bless.

Curtis

 

[Eilish_Maura]

skip private revelation

stop being anal-retentive about courtesy titles

pray

pray some more

 

[Edward_Henry]

Hi Curtis,
Regarding your question:

I know Catholics don’t worship Mary and/or the Saints but still the attention they receive is mindblowing…Just little things like when Catholics see visions, why do they always see the Blessed Mother but never Christ?

I have never found it better explained than in here:

** “Why The Creator Chose For Us To Go Through Mary.”**

I pray this helps,

Edward Henry

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Perhaps you are not aware of Divine Mercy Sunday?

In the early 20th century, a nun, Sister Faustina, had relevations and visions of Jesus who wished for her to promulgate Divine Mercy. She did. . .often in the face of great personal difficulty. . .and under John Paul II the devotion was instituted ‘churchwide’ such that the Sunday after Easter in the U.S. is known as Divine Mercy Sunday, and one can choose to avail oneself of the indulgences as correctly observed up to and for that day.

So it isn’t ‘only Mary’ whom Catholics can see. Of course, since Jesus we know is not going to ‘come back’ until the Second Coming it is not surprising that if He has something to say in a particular way He will choose ONE individual with whom to communicate in a very ‘private’ relevation as opposed to an apparition which by definition is seen or witnessed by more than one person; but if He wishes to have something made known and witnessed by many individuals, doesn’t it make equal good sense that He sends those He loves and trusts most–His saints and above all His Mother–on those occasions?

 

[Ohwesty]

Curtis, thank you for your honest post. I know it’s not easy to be candid on a public forum. I sincerely hope that my response will help and not hinder your search for the truth.

First of all, you’ve got to get past the funny hats. Other religions have odd-looking fashions too. Look at the Hasidic Jews, the Eastern Orthodox, the Amish. On second thought… DON’T look! lol And keep in mind that God doesn’t look either. He sees only what is in the heart. There are historical reasons for the vestments and hats that have nothing to do with Catholic doctrine.

Secondly, skip the private revelations for now. No Catholic is bound by pain of sin to believe in a private revelation. That means you don’t have to pray the rosary, wear the scapular, or recite long litanies of devotional prayers if you are not comfortable with them. (To be fair, Jesus appears in visions too… the Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, and others to numerous to list here).

Thirdly, and most importantly, remember that the God of Israel calls us to an intimate relationship of love with Him. This is what set the Jews apart from the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Greeks and the Romans. It is the one true God’s desire and nature to reveal Himself fully to us. He did so first with Adam (a single person), then Noah (a family), then Abraham (a nation).

When Christ came He chose twelve apostles and sent them into “all nations” with the promise that the Holy Spirit would guide them in all that is truthful. Thus God continues to call unto Himself “a holy people, a royal priesthood” of all races and colors and cultures. The family of God is now “universal.”

And God continues to feed us, as He did the wandering Israelites in the desert. Our true manna is Christ Himself, the Bread of Life, our Paschal Sacrifice. Jesus said that those who eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood will have life eternal, and He will raise them up on the last day. He said that no one can come to Him unless the Father draw him (John 6). Please read and reread this chapter and pray about it… Jesus did not leave us orphans. It has always been God’s Divine Plan to reveal to us the fullness of truth and to call us to fullness of life in Him and with each other. We are a family. We are the People of God. We are the Catholic Church!

• Westy

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I am currently not going to any churches right now; Catholic or Protestant…I believe though as it says in the Book of John when Jesus says this…Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

That’s precisely why you need the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has the ordained priesthood, with the power handed down from Christ through the apostles to make the Body and Blood of Christ present in the Eucharist. There’s no better reason to be a Catholic.

There are just some things that still pull me away from the RCC…Things such as devotion to Mary and the Saints…I know Catholics don’t worship Mary and/or the Saints but still the attention they receive is mindblowing…

And a good Catholic, while having devotion to the saints and especially Mary, always realizes that our relationship with God is absolutely the most important. Mary and the saints are models of holiness who can help us be more like Christ and who constantly pray for us (the communion of saints).

What the nuns wear, the priests wear, etc. I know they have worn that attire for centuries and, as our fashion has changed a billion times over the years, the RCC’s hasn’t but it just gets to me sometimes…

Nuns’ habits vary by specific religious order/community, and often have a long tradition.

Regarding the vestments worn by priests at Mass, recall that in the Old Testament God specified the kinds of garments to be worn by priests when offering sacrifice, and the Book of Revelation describes special garments worn at the marriage supper of the Lamb, the Mass to be celebrated for all eternity in heaven. Why shouldn’t the priest’s vestments at Mass be something very special when they are offering the ultimate sacrifice — the Body and Blood of Christ — to God the Father?

 

[hawkeye]

Just little things like when Catholics see visions, why do they always see the Blessed Mother but never Christ?

It isn’t true to say that they never see Christ.

Saint Faustina

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

Blessed Alexandrina Maria Da Costa Etc;

Also, this is going to sound really stupid but another thing that gets to me are the outfits and the titles that are in the Catholic church…What the nuns wear, the priests wear, etc. I know they have worn that attire for centuries and, as our fashion has changed a billion times over the years, the RCC’s hasn’t

Can’t say it’s stayed exactly the same…

but it just gets to me sometimes…To my other point…The titles that these priests and other members of the cloth…Reverend, The High Reverend, The Most High Reverend…It just goes on and on and on and on…I know the Catholic church has like a and they need different titles for different positions and such but, just from an unbiased bystander, it looks a tad confusing to say the least.

Have to admit I’ve never heard of high reverend or most high reverend, heard of high priest.
Catholic Church hierarchy

Those are just a few things going on in my head and why I can’t accept Catholicism completely for now…I’m trying my best…I am currently not going to any churches right now; Catholic or Protestant…I believe though as it says in the Book of John when Jesus says this…Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

I think it’s a good start God bless.

Curtis

Yes that’s a good start, at least you believe more than those that heard this first-hand, and you so far haven’t walked away.

 

[LilyM]

Jesus appears to us every day in every single Catholic Church in the Blessed Sacrament (in which we believe He is really and truly present). :getholy:

Not to mention there are numerous appearances of Christ to saints such as St Catherine of Siena, St Francis of Assisi, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, and many others. He (as an infant) appeared with Mary in her last appearance at Fatima, He also appeared (if memory serves) at Knock in Ireland.

The ‘outfits’ and titles of which you speak - well, even in Apostolic times there were different ‘levels’ or titles among those who served the Church - the Apostles were uniquely out on their own, with Peter as their leader, there were bishops or ‘episkopoi’, priests or ‘presbyteroi’ and deacons or ‘diakonoi’. We know that not all had the same duties or level of authority.

The outfits and titles are not just traditional, they are visible and audible symbols and reminders that our nuns, brothers, priests, Bishops, Pope have all been specially consecrated and set apart for God’s service and they are supposed to be a visible and audible reminder of Him in the world. Everyone who sees or hears of them immediately has their mind brought to God - without them even having to open their mouths.

You do know, don’t you, that a huge number of non-Catholic clergy wear the collar for exactly the same reason? And most non-Catholic clergymen have a title as well - at least they will be called ‘Reverend’ or ‘Pastor’. For similar reasons most churches have either a sign outside that says ‘Church’ or a cross on the roof or the side of the building or what have you.

 

[Augustine]

There have actually been many apparitions of Our Lord Himself. They are perhaps as numerous as those of Our Lady, such as to: St. Faustina (Divine Mercy Jesus), St. Margaret Mary (Sacred Heart of Jesus), St. Teresa of Avila, the Infant of Atocha, St. Anthony, etc.

I think that especially in recent centuries Jesus hasn’t appeared as often as Our Lady because of the turn of the millennium, so that people wouldn’t go thinking that His Second Coming would be at 2000. In the same token, that’s when Him sending His mother would make sense, gently admonishing her children to conversion to her Divine Son.

Finally, although we are to have a relationship with God, He never said to not have any other loving relationship, or else we wouldn’t give ourselves to our spouses or have any friends. The saints are our friends in Heaven, our gallery of fame of those who followed God’s commandments oftentimes heroically and loved Him very much, truly human examples for us to follow.

 

[Augustine]

One other thing: there are titles in the Church which reflect administrative status, not priestly status.

For administering its existence in the world, there may be many titles, such as monsignor, reverend, archbishop, cardinal, etc. But in the spiritual realm, there are only three: deacon, priest and bishop, with the one of Rome having primacy, just like in the book of Acts.

 

[curtishouse29]

skip private revelation

stop being anal-retentive about courtesy titles

pray

pray some more

Short and sweet I guess…I dont think I could just skip over parts I have problems with though…you’re right about the anal-retentiveness though…I have had a problem with that in the past…and the present too actually lol Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

Pray is definitely the best advice though.

 

[curtishouse29]

Hi Curtis,
Regarding your question:

I have never found it better explained than in here:

** “Why The Creator Chose For Us To Go Through Mary.”**

I pray this helps,

Edward Henry

Thanks for the link…I will definitely check it out…Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut as well…God bless.

Curtis

 

[Mark_Robert]

I agree that devotion to Mary and the saints can be ridiculously overboard especially when they receive more emphasis and reverence that Christ. That’s stupid and wrong. However, just because people in the Chruch abuse devotions doesn’t make that representative of the Church’s teachings. We Catholics acknowledge that Christ is the Son of God, Divine and above all including his Mother who is a creature of God. Hope that clarifies the point. I do say the rosary everyday BTW.

 

[curtishouse29]

Perhaps you are not aware of Divine Mercy Sunday??

No I was not aware of Divine Mercy Sunday…I will definitely look into it. I plead ignorance on that point.

In the early 20th century, a nun, Sister Faustina, had relevations and visions of Jesus who wished for her to promulgate Divine Mercy. She did. . .often in the face of great personal difficulty. . .and under John Paul II the devotion was instituted ‘churchwide’ such that the Sunday after Easter in the U.S. is known as Divine Mercy Sunday, and one can choose to avail oneself of the indulgences as correctly observed up to and for that day.

Thank you very much for telling me a little bit about it…It has definitely piqued my interest and will be looking into it even further.

So it isn’t ‘only Mary’ whom Catholics can see. Of course, since Jesus we know is not going to ‘come back’ until the Second Coming it is not surprising that if He has something to say in a particular way He will choose ONE individual with whom to communicate in a very ‘private’ relevation as opposed to an apparition which by definition is seen or witnessed by more than one person; but if He wishes to have something made known and witnessed by many individuals, doesn’t it make equal good sense that He sends those He loves and trusts most–His saints and above all His Mother–on those occasions?

That indeed does make sense…If I were to send anybody on my behalf, I would definitely choose my mother and my closest friends in all likelihood. Thanks for the information and for your (name removed by moderator)ut. God bless.

Curtis

 

[curtishouse29]

Curtis, thank you for your honest post. I know it’s not easy to be candid on a public forum. I sincerely hope that my response will help and not hinder your search for the truth.

No problem. I am sure your response will definitely help out.

First of all, you’ve got to get past the funny hats. Other religions have odd-looking fashions too. Look at the Hasidic Jews, the Eastern Orthodox, the Amish. On second thought… DON’T look! lol And keep in mind that God doesn’t look either. He sees only what is in the heart. There are historical reasons for the vestments and hats that have nothing to do with Catholic doctrine.

 

[curtishouse29]

One other thing: there are titles in the Church which reflect administrative status, not priestly status.

For administering its existence in the world, there may be many titles, such as monsignor, reverend, archbishop, cardinal, etc. But in the spiritual realm, there are only three: deacon, priest and bishop, with the one of Rome having primacy, just like in the book of Acts.

I think I remember the title “Most High Reverend” because it was from a Christmas Mass that was on tv a few years ago…There was a “High Reverend” and then like twenty minutes later, a “Most High Reverend” came out and I thought that was really odd and what could come out next? The most highest reverend? lol Hope that doesnt offend anybody.

 

[Augustine]

I think I remember the title “Most High Reverend” because it was from a Christmas Mass that was on tv a few years ago…There was a “High Reverend” and then like twenty minutes later, a “Most High Reverend” came out and I thought that was really odd and what could come out next? The most highest reverend? lol Hope that doesnt offend anybody.

None taken. I’ve never heard of such superlatives and I suspect that it was just a TV commentator or translator clueless about the Church.

 

[KingAlfred]

Okay, heres a little background with me…I have went to so many different churches in my life from non-denominational to the RCC and so many other denominations in between…When I look at the facts and compare churches, no other has the history, the unity, or, pardon the pun, written the Book on Christianity like the RCC…There are just some things that still pull me away from the RCC…Things such as devotion to Mary and the Saints…I know Catholics don’t worship Mary and/or the Saints but still the attention they receive is mindblowing…Just little things like when Catholics see visions, why do they always see the Blessed Mother but never Christ?

Also, this is going to sound really stupid but another thing that gets to me are the outfits and the titles that are in the Catholic church…What the nuns wear, the priests wear, etc. I know they have worn that attire for centuries and, as our fashion has changed a billion times over the years, the RCC’s hasn’t but it just gets to me sometimes…To my other point…The titles that these priests and other members of the cloth…Reverend, The High Reverend, The Most High Reverend…It just goes on and on and on and on…I know the Catholic church has like a hierarchy and they need different titles for different positions and such but, just from an unbiased bystander, it looks a tad confusing to say the least.

Those are just a few things going on in my head and why I can’t accept Catholicism completely for now…I’m trying my best…I am currently not going to any churches right now; Catholic or Protestant…I believe though as it says in the Book of John when Jesus says this…Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

I think it’s a good start God bless.

Curtis

Catholicism is a historical religion, among many other things. To understand its traditions and contributions, one must study its history as well as theology. Everything it does is rooted in both. The answers to your questions lie precisely there.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

curtishouse,
could it be, that you’re seeking religion, instead of faith?

You say you’ve been to many churches, are you seeking a religion to fit you?

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be given unto you.”

Religion, without faith, that is, Jesus Christ as head of your life, will be shallow.

It may be that Jesus led you to the RCC, because thats where He wants you, despite your issues with it.

However, only you will be able to discern whether this is true or not. Prayer will be the means for finding out.

Jim

 

[Eilish_Maura]

Short and sweet I guess…I dont think I could just skip over parts I have problems with though…you’re right about the anal-retentiveness though…I have had a problem with that in the past…and the present too actually lol Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

Pray is definitely the best advice though.

believing in private revelation is optional - EXERCISE YOUR OPTION!

once you clear these items out of the way you can better see if there are serious items you have trouble with