Why is Catholicism So Hard to Understand?

[TrueLight]

The thing I love about Catholicism is both the beauty of its supreme simplicity and the plumbs of its theological depths.

Fundamentally, Catholic doctrine is simple. Do you know the Creed? The Our Father? Then you pretty much know everything you need to know. That’s why someone like St. Thérèse of Lisieux – who had very little in the way of formal schooling – is able to be a Doctor of the Church. Many of the greatest saints are simple people.

God came to earth and died and rose to save us. His name is Jesus. He left us a Church to make sense of it all. That’s really the whole thing in a nutshell.

And yet, after 2000 years of reflection on these Sacred Mysteries, there is certainly more to be said for those who want to go deeper.

As far as rubrics go, they are in place for a reason. And if someone has a question, I think it can be helpful to spell out the *what *and the *why *of them. But we definitely need to keep our pride firmly in check as we articulate such things. Not everyone is called to be a liturgical expert or a theologian. In fact, most are not.

What we are all called to do is to draw closer to Christ continually and daily seek to be converted and conformed to Him. I think that part of this equation is learning more about our wonderful Catholic faith. But, of course, we cannot learn everything, and we especially cannot learn it all at once. And I agree that it is better to turn to Scripture and the Catechism than the GIRM or Canon Law (though those documents do have their own important function).

As with most any internet forum, we find here at CAF those of us who like to spread our “vast” knowledge with others (in this case, our knowlegde of Catholic practice and teaching). We are definitely not a substitute for the Magisterium. So try not to let our pettiness and/or know-it-all-ism be confusing. Sometimes, it may be better for your peace of mind to write us off as well-meaning, lovable rogues.

LOL.

Well said and very inspiring!

 

[Spirithound]

But at the same time is one also missing out on the beautiful complexity of the faith if one only does the above?

Dear friend, if you want complexity, the Church has complexity for you. But…why then, are you complaining at the complexity?

 

[BlytheSky]

Are most folks not as obsessed with rubrics as people are on this forum? Is that the key?

Here’s the answer, I think.

I’ve studied a lot of religions, and considered myself a part of a lot of them too. But it wasn’t until I understood the relationship between myself and God - that God wanted and that I needed - that I was able to become Catholic.

The rubrics? Important in that they maintain consistency and maintain the relationship between God and his people. Most important of all, though, is the relationship, and the understanding of why it’s necessary, and what it involves. Without that, the rubrics are empty.

My 2 cents.

 

[nickybr38]

It used to take yearsfor a convert to be accepted into the faith and I believe this is why. There is a LOT to learn… that said, start at the basics and go from there. I don’t think much of it matters (Not REALLY) to the average Catholic.

Just focus on your relationship with God and how you can improve that. The rest are added bonuses but I don’t think they’re required learning overnight. Over time it would be nice to learn these things but I don’t think it’s necessary… unless you plan to be an active apologist?

 

[bethanysamuel]

Dear Truelight,

Can i just ask why you want to be a Catholic? If you’ve already stated this in previous posts please accept my apology i’m too lazy to go scrolling down through them all! The reason i ask is because i think the reason we turn to faith has an effect on how well we accept it. The Cross is why i turn to Jesus. it’s not just a cognitive decision. its a feeling, a desire, a passion, a calling. I suffer, i turn to him. I see the Cross, and i am comforted. Maybe you haven’t suffered enough to know Jesus. Please don’t take that the wrong way. And correct me immediately if i am wrong please

 

[TrueLight]

Dear friend, if you want complexity, the Church has complexity for you. But…why then, are you complaining at the complexity?

I guess I was having a hard time understanding what basic level of complexity is mandated and what is considered extra.

 

[TrueLight]

It used to take yearsfor a convert to be accepted into the faith and I believe this is why. There is a LOT to learn… that said, start at the basics and go from there. I don’t think much of it matters (Not REALLY) to the average Catholic.

When it used to take years, were so many documents in place?

 

[YankeeRC]

The problem is I see people doing different things and looking around at times to make sure they are correct.

OK, I see this too. I attended Catholic School in the early 70’s. When I returned to mass a few years ago. I noticed quite a few things were missing along with behaviors. From what I have read and heard of like tabernacles being moved and lack of genuflecting, has always been chalked it up to how things changed after Vatican II. But I know firsthand from priests who have said that is not was ever intended. Reverence still belongs in our Churches.

What I did was I began attending early masses which are less crowded and more consistent. e.e, practically everyone at 7am and 9am crosses themselves after the “Lord Have mercy…May almighty God” is it necessary? I don’t know but it makes me feel reverential so I add it to my repertoire.

It’s always OK to post or search for posts on these forums about any questions you have about a specific rubric. I have read posts on crossing oneself after receiving or what to do when the blood and wine are consecrated… I would say when the altar boys ring the bell but there doesn’t seem to be any altar boys anymore, nor bell ringing

 

[TrueLight]

Dear Truelight,

Can i just ask why you want to be a Catholic? If you’ve already stated this in previous posts please accept my apology i’m too lazy to go scrolling down through them all! The reason i ask is because i think the reason we turn to faith has an effect on how well we accept it. The Cross is why i turn to Jesus. it’s not just a cognitive decision. its a feeling, a desire, a passion, a calling. I suffer, i turn to him. I see the Cross, and i am comforted. Maybe you haven’t suffered enough to know Jesus. Please don’t take that the wrong way. And correct me immediately if i am wrong please

The Cross and Jesus along with Jesus’ sacrifice is not specific to Catholicism. As I’ve said many times, I have been a Christian for many, many years. And I know some debate the Protestant definition of Christianity, but anyway, there you have it.

I want to become Catholic because I now believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of the faith and I want to be part of the original Church, not the splinter churches that were created later, and err in some teachings.

I want the fullness of what Jesus had in store for us when he gave the keys to Peter.

I want to receive communion while understanding the true meaning of the Eucharist.

I want the reverence.

I want to be guided by all things through the Holy Spirit who works through the Church.

 

[valentino]

I don’t think Catholicism is difficult at all.Many people know a lot about Catholicism without really even studing it.Take Bernadet,or the Little Flower or Thomas Merton.Once u have an understanding of what love is Catholicism is very natural.The Little Flower for insttance was made a doctor of hte Church and she died at 24.There are 36 doctors of the Church and quite a few had little education.Is what makes Catholicism hard for most people is that rather to accept what they can understand they tend to want to debate it.When we find ourselves debated any no. of issues it stunts our growing in knowledge and love.We waste precious time.I heard it said before and believe its true that one thing all saints have in common is strong faith.They are like children.They accept things readily when they are taught by someone they trust.

 

[TrueLight]

I don’t think Catholicism is difficult at all.Many people know a lot about Catholicism without really even studing it.Take Bernadet,or the Little Flower or Thomas Merton.Once u have an understanding of what love is Catholicism is very natural.The Little Flower for insttance was made a doctor of hte Church and she died at 24.There are 36 doctors of the Church and quite a few had little education.Is what makes Catholicism hard for most people is that rather to accept what they can understand they tend to want to debate it.When we find ourselves debated any no. of issues it stunts our growing in knowledge and love.We waste precious time.I heard it said before and believe its true that one thing all saints have in common is strong faith.They are like children.They accept things readily when they are taught by someone they trust.

Thanks for reminding me of this. That’s what Jesus said.

Mathew 19:14: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

 

[asia53]

How does someone who have no background in Christianity fair?

Actually quite well! I’m a convert with almost no Christian background. Religion wasn’t a focus in our home, when I was growing up. I didn’t have as many preconceived notions about Catholic beliefs.

I’ve struggled and/or still struggle with concepts: the Trinity, Mother Mary, the Saints, to name just a few. However, I keep reading the Bible, the CCC, and other books by Catholic authors. My parish has a small library, and I’ve borrowed several books. I’ve taken a few Gospel classes offered at my parish, talked to my fellow classmates, and gotten several book recommendations from them.

I had to teach myself to pray. Other than the occasional, “Dear sweet Lord, get me out of this, and I promise, I’ll never do it again.”, I had never prayed.

It took me a couple of years being Catholic to realize: I had to educate myself. Slowly but surely, I study, and once in a while, the proverbial light bulb goes off over my head.

Rubrics?!? My focus isn’t there, although, they are important.

 

[bethanysamuel]

The Cross and Jesus along with Jesus’ sacrifice is not specific to Catholicism. As I’ve said many times, I have been a Christian for many, many years. And I know some debate the Protestant definition of Christianity, but anyway, there you have it.

I want to become Catholic because I now believe that the Catholic Church has the fullness of the faith and I want to be part of the original Church, not the splinter churches that were created later, and err in some teachings.

I want the fullness of what Jesus had in store for us when he gave the keys to Peter.

I want to receive communion while understanding the true meaning of the Eucharist.

I want the reverence.

I want to be guided by all things through the Holy Spirit who works through the Church. /QUOTE

You seem to want all the right things. Remember that Satan hates converts and will do his utmost to put doubt in your mind.

 

[greenmoira]

True Light: Many valuable posts have been made in response to your initial question. I think that we have to remember that faith is given by God to all who desire it. However it is given in various amounts and interests. Our Lord Jesus Christ talks about the many mansions, and rooms therein, in heaven. St Paul speaks about the various gifts given to us. None of us have all of them. My mother, God rest her soul, had a very simple faith. She was a very smart woman who believed in God, said the rosary (sometimes many times a day), went to Mass and frequented the Sacraments. I can not find fault with her faith. She didn’t need to delve further. Some of us have a real need to understand their faith at a deeper level. That is also a good, as long as we keep our humility. If you are becoming agitated with what you perceive as required knowledge maybe it’s Satan trying to dissuade you from entering the Catholic Faith. My suggestion is to study the basics as many have said - Scriptures and the Catechism. That will probably keep you occupied for quite a while. Then you can study St. Thomas Aquinas’ writings, but you may need some assistance there. Do not forget that to attain heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this life and to be happy with Him in the next! Ask Our Blessed Virgin Mother for help. She will lead you to her Son.

 

[green423]

I’m sorry if I’m repeating anything anyone else said. I haven’t read all of the posts. (There have already been a lot.)

In any case, I have to say I understand where you’re coming from with this. I was actually just talking about this in a group on here.

I am finishing up with RCIA in June and I really thought it was going to be a lot different than it was. As someone put it, it seems more of a discussion about emotional journey. Of course we did learn things. I don’t mean to say I learned nothing.

A problem I had is this: My brother-in-law is a religious studies professor and is Catholic himself. When he was talking to me prior to me being in RCIA, it was from a very historian sort of perspective. I guess that was what I was expecting RCIA to be.

In any case, I think the point that there are a lot of doctrines and RCIA seems to cover some, but not all. I do sort of feel like maybe I don’t know as much as I should.

 

[TrueLight]

e.

In any case, I think the point that there are a lot of doctrines and RCIA seems to cover some, but not all. I do sort of feel like maybe I don’t know as much as I should.

Thanks for your advice.

I was actually allowed to audit three RCIA classes and although I loved the interaction and the way the class was laid out, it is quite obvious to me that it will still be basic because not everyone is coming from the same place.

That is fine.

What I see on CAF is different, but I see now my view of Catholicism was a bit skewed from hanging out on here, as much as I love you guys.

And don’t worry about Satan discouraging me.

Romans 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

 

[Earnest_Bunbury]

Truth comes from God and finds its completion and unity in God.

This truth is infused from God into the angels but we must reason from lower truths to the higher.

This highest truth to which we rise by the hierarchy of truths, through reasoning, include the lower truths as part of it.

Knowing the higher truth, say, the Mass, includes the GIRM and rubrics that make it up but we may not be aware of what these are. One can study them but lack of knowing these does not stop one from going to Mass but may stop a priest from being able to offer Mass.

Understanding all that underlies the faith is laborious and may be unnecessary. The Spirit of Truth that guides us is not dependent on us reasoning the lower hierarchy of truth.

 

[green423]

it is quite obvious to me that it will still be basic because not everyone is coming from the same place.

Yes, you’re right. There were learning levels of every different kind in my class. So naturally, they have to accommodate everyone.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Neo_The_One]

Catholic church is part of Christianity, i.e. worshiping Jesus Christ. He carried the cross. Catholic church ordains men to priesthood.

 

[Neo_The_One]

Catholic church is part of Christianity, i.e. worshiping Jesus Christ. He carried the cross. Catholic church ordains men to priesthood.