I've Been Having Doubts

Status
Not open for further replies.

stray bullet

God Made Me A Skeptic
Nov 16, 2002
14,875
906
✟20,457.00
Marital Status
Private
Holly, you need to schedule an appointment with a priest and talk this over. What you are doing is spiritually and psychologically unhealthy. Every time you make a move, you seem so sure of it.

The reality is, we can't commit to anything long term. The only thing you can do is dedicate every day to the Lord. Jesus spoke about building up our treasures in Heaven- our days are like that. Each day for me becomes a little packet of love, or failure, I can offer up to God.

If you are struggling with some sin that tempts you to leave the Church to go to another one that accepts it, you need to talk about this with a priest or at least deal with it in confession.
 
Upvote 0

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Gratia Plena
May 31, 2004
41,082
1,968
41
Diocese of Evansville, IN
✟106,997.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Holly, you need to schedule an appointment with a priest and talk this over. What you are doing is spiritually and psychologically unhealthy. Every time you make a move, you seem so sure of it.

The reality is, we can't commit to anything long term. The only thing you can do is dedicate every day to the Lord. Jesus spoke about building up our treasures in Heaven- our days are like that. Each day for me becomes a little packet of love, or failure, I can offer up to God.

If you are struggling with some sin that tempts you to leave the Church to go to another one that accepts it, you need to talk about this with a priest or at least deal with it in confession.
Thank you Stray Bullet. I would talk with my priest about it but he is so busy that it takes a while to get an appointment with him.
 
Upvote 0

King of the Nations

Well-Known Member
Apr 22, 2005
3,816
240
48
✟5,186.00
Faith
Catholic
Politics
US-Others
Regarding 1 Tim 2:5, there is a difference between mediators and intercessors in this context. A mediator is one who brings party A and party B together, unites them. An intercessor is one who goes to party A and makes a request of Him for/on behalf of party B.

Indeed, there is only one mediator between God and man, but there are as many intercessors as there are (little "s") saints.

:wave:

Greg
 
Upvote 0

Tigg

Senior Veteran
Jan 5, 2007
6,429
734
✟17,774.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Private
hhhmmm....something about patience, kindness, not counting the wrongs, but rejoicing in what is right.

Folks...No matter how many times she doubts, in all things, charity.

Wonderful post. :clap: Kudo's or rep's to you. From this thread I now know well to not bring a problem I might have to this forum. There are those who would care here but I am amazed at the crit's here. I guess I should say that only once could I bring some prob. asking for help, from what I read here. Sad. All those who wish, may now throw bricks.

Peacelover, you do have my prayers. I believe that we all, at some time or another, have doubts or question. I see no sin in doubt. I am glad that you are searching for positive help. A kind word goes far. God bless you in all things.

-Peace-
 
Upvote 0

King of the Nations

Well-Known Member
Apr 22, 2005
3,816
240
48
✟5,186.00
Faith
Catholic
Politics
US-Others
Wonderful post. :clap: Kudo's or rep's to you. From this thread I now know well to not bring a problem I might have to this forum. There are those who would care here but I am amazed at the crit's here. I guess I should say that only once could I bring some prob. asking for help, from what I read here. Sad. All those who wish, may now throw bricks.

Peacelover, you do have my prayers. I believe that we all, at some time or another, have doubts or question. I see no sin in doubt. I am glad that you are searching for positive help. A kind word goes far. God bless you in all things.

-Peace-
Tigg, I know how the cirticism appears, but, as a friend of Peacelover's, I can tell you she knows well why it's being leveled and, as much as I would like to be able to caution critics against being harsh, there is a long, LONG history here that you are not familiar with.

I'm sure it would help to know that Peacelover has changed her mind on which Church she wants to be a part of (and posted as much) dozens and dozens of different times over the past many months. (It's happened over and over and over and over again.) There is patience, there is heroic patience, and then there is a need for corrective action. Wouldn't you agree?

Greg
 
Upvote 0

Tigg

Senior Veteran
Jan 5, 2007
6,429
734
✟17,774.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Private
Tigg, I know how the cirticism appears, but, as a friend of Peacelover's, I can tell you she knows well why it's being leveled and, as much as I would like to be able to caution critics against being harsh, there is a long, LONG history here that you are not familiar with.

I'm sure it would help to know that Peacelover has changed her mind on which Church she wants to be a part of (and posted as much) dozens and dozens of different times over the past many months. (It's happened over and over and over and over again.) There is patience, there is heroic patience, and then there is a need for corrective action. Wouldn't you agree?

Greg

You are correct I do not the length of how many times she has had doubts and brought them here. Personally, I find that commendable. As one of her posts stated at least she brings them here. A lesson of patience it appears to be for those on this forum, then. Having patience is one of my many faults.

Corrective action applied here, then, is it. To each their own way in applying such. For me corrective action would go by PM as I would not want whoever to read my recommendation of correction on the board unless like some, I could be so gracious in doing so. I don't count being gracious as one of my strong points. I would not want to cause any embarrassment or pain to the OP so would go PM as I stated. If any have caused such on this thread, I do not know as I am not Peacelover. She seems like a kind soul to me, one whose posts I enjoy, an aside there.

-Peace-
 
Upvote 0

King of the Nations

Well-Known Member
Apr 22, 2005
3,816
240
48
✟5,186.00
Faith
Catholic
Politics
US-Others
You are correct I do not the length of how many times she has had doubts and brought them here. Personally, I find that commendable. As one of her posts stated at least she brings them here. A lesson of patience it appears to be for those on this forum, then. Having patience is one of my many faults.

Corrective action applied here, then, is it. To each their own way in applying such. For me corrective action would go by PM as I would not want whoever to read my recommendation of correction on the board unless like some, I could be so gracious in doing so. I don't count being gracious as one of my strong points. I would not want to cause any embarrassment or pain to the OP so would go PM as I stated. If any have caused such on this thread, I do not know as I am not Peacelover. She seems like a kind soul to me, one whose posts I enjoy, an aside there.

-Peace-
Peacelover is a kind soul. A kind soul that struggles a great deal with her development (not her fault) and does so publicly - which, to me, is the key. If her struggles were mostly in private, then, yes, a PM in this case would probably be merited.

But, as noted, she has posted over and over and over and over that she is either contemplating joining another Church or has already jumped ship and joined another Church, etc., etc. As I have since pointed out her in private, there is a substantive difference between "I'm having doubts about x, y, z. Can you help me understand?" and "I'm probably leaving the Church (again) because of..." Bringing doubts to this forum, as they arise, is commendable. Church hopping over and over and over again is not.

I'm not suggesting the cirtical way some have reacted in this thread is the way all should react. (Sometimes mutliple types of responses are necessary at one time.) Only pointing out that, again, there is a lengthy history that you are not aware of. Not being aware of it, I can understand your reaction. I'm just saying, "Keep in mind..."

Peace,

Greg
 
Upvote 0

Tigg

Senior Veteran
Jan 5, 2007
6,429
734
✟17,774.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Private
Peacelover is a kind soul. A kind soul that struggles a great deal with her development (not her fault) and does so publicly - which, to me, is the key. If her struggles were mostly in private, then, yes, a PM in this case would probably be merited.

But, as noted, she has posted over and over and over and over that she is either contemplating joining another Church or has already jumped ship and joined another Church, etc., etc. As I have since pointed out her in private, there is a substantive difference between "I'm having doubts about x, y, z. Can you help me understand?" and "I'm probably leaving the Church (again) because of..." Bringing doubts to this forum, as they arise, is commendable. Church hopping over and over and over again is not.

I'm not suggesting the cirtical way some have reacted in this thread is the way all should react. (Sometimes mutliple types of responses are necessary at one time.) Only pointing out that, again, there is a lengthy history that you are not aware of. Not being aware of it, I can understand your reaction. I'm just saying, "Keep in mind..."

Peace,

Greg

My, I wish I had the ability to post as you do! Meant as a compliment. I do agree with your statement about Church hopping, repeatedly. I thank you for you infor and advice.

-Peace-
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Victrixa

Dear Lord have mercy on me!
Mar 23, 2004
5,695
436
57
Québec, Canada
✟8,021.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Hi PeaceLover02 :wave:

Please HANG IN THERE! You are most definitively in the right place! In the Catholic Church is the whole Treasure of the Faith! Anything else pales in comparison... believe me...

Also, are you involved anyhow in your parish! If not, sign up for something and get involved! It'll really feel like home then!

Take care now. :wave:

I'm concerned about this... do you have any friends? You really should never be alone, I think...

God bless you.
 
Upvote 0

MariaRegina

Well-Known Member
Jun 26, 2003
53,258
14,159
Visit site
✟115,460.00
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
Holly, please do be open with your spiritual father.
This is extremely important.
You cannot do things behind his back.

Could your medications be part of the problem? Or are you skipping your medications?

If medications cause problems, have you spoken with a natural preventative physician who can guide you to a better diet?

You must be open with your doctor and your priest.

See my post in another thread:

http://www.christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=33212545&postcount=12
 
Upvote 0

Fantine

Dona Quixote
Supporter
Jun 11, 2005
37,039
13,063
✟1,077,460.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Democrat
I know how you feel.

For many, many years I thought about exploring other churches, and what kept me from doing so was not wanting to break my mother's heart.....

And after she died I had already brought children up as Catholics and it just seemed too complicated.

I guess for me religion has always been more about connections and experience rather than intellect.....and my familial connections were with Catholicism and, because that was where I spent my whole life, I have had many spiritual experiences which have kept me connected to God.

And maybe that's how it is for most cradle Catholics---they remain Catholics because of their relatives and their backgrounds and their experiences.

I am amazed at people who just convert and break their mother's hearts and leave their connections and experiences and background behind......

But my approach to religion isn't that intellectual, it's more intuitive.....I know that at heart I'm probably more Episcopalian (at least that's what the beliefnet survey told me) but my connections and experience take priority.
 
Upvote 0

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Gratia Plena
May 31, 2004
41,082
1,968
41
Diocese of Evansville, IN
✟106,997.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Holly, please do be open with your spiritual father.
This is extremely important.
You cannot do things behind his back.

Could your medications be part of the problem? Or are you skipping your medications?

If medications cause problems, have you spoken with a natural preventative physician who can guide you to a better diet?

You must be open with your doctor and your priest.

See my post in another thread:

http://www.christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=33212545&postcount=12
Well I sometimes forget to take my medications. And I am open with my spiritual father. :)
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

InnerPhyre

Well-Known Member
Nov 13, 2003
14,573
1,470
✟71,967.00
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
Holly, stay off the internet. Your particular personality can't handle it. I'm not being a jerk...I'm looking out for you. Nothing has changed in the past several years. It's the same thing all this time. You stay Catholic for a while, you get all hard core Catholic, then you think "Hmm well there's no harm in just going to another church just to check it out" and then you are immediately convinced that they have it right and your faith in the Roman Church wavers. For heaven's sake, everyone can see this. I know that you have some difficulties, but please spare yourself and stay off of multi-denomination websites at least. Stick to Catholic forums and do not take it upon yourself to debate Protestants. Let those stronger in their faith do the debating. Get yourself to daily mass, and weekly confession.

You are so easily swayed, Holly. I honestly believe that if I could take a new CF name, give myself a Mormon icon, and chat with you for an hour, I could have you visiting a Mormon church and wondering if they aren't right and your current church wrong. I'm not saying that to insult you, but to make you realize that this is a weakness that you have. I have weaknesses and so does everyone else. The way we overcome our weaknesses is first by admitting to ourselves what they are and resolving to stay away from situations that exploit those weaknesses.

You're liberal, conservative, pro-choice, pro-life, pro-contraception, anti-contraception, pro-polygamy, anti-polygamy.

Healthy folks don't just dart around to these extreme positions every couple of months. You need to realize that this is highly abnormal and take the steps necessary to end this. Go to daily mass. Go to confession. Find a priest who will counsel you on a weekly basis. Do not hold back from this priest. Tell him that this is what you do. But for heaven's sake, you have to stop doing this. It's not fair to you and it's not fair to the people who invest the time being concerned for your soul. Stop.
 
Upvote 0

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Gratia Plena
May 31, 2004
41,082
1,968
41
Diocese of Evansville, IN
✟106,997.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Holly, stay off the internet. Your particular personality can't handle it. I'm not being a jerk...I'm looking out for you. Nothing has changed in the past several years. It's the same thing all this time. You stay Catholic for a while, you get all hard core Catholic, then you think "Hmm well there's no harm in just going to another church just to check it out" and then you are immediately convinced that they have it right and your faith in the Roman Church wavers. For heaven's sake, everyone can see this. I know that you have some difficulties, but please spare yourself and stay off of multi-denomination websites at least. Stick to Catholic forums and do not take it upon yourself to debate Protestants. Let those stronger in their faith do the debating. Get yourself to daily mass, and weekly confession.

You are so easily swayed, Holly. I honestly believe that if I could take a new CF name, give myself a Mormon icon, and chat with you for an hour, I could have you visiting a Mormon church and wondering if they aren't right and your current church wrong. I'm not saying that to insult you, but to make you realize that this is a weakness that you have. I have weaknesses and so does everyone else. The way we overcome our weaknesses is first by admitting to ourselves what they are and resolving to stay away from situations that exploit those weaknesses.

You're liberal, conservative, pro-choice, pro-life, pro-contraception, anti-contraception, pro-polygamy, anti-polygamy.

Healthy folks don't just dart around to these extreme positions every couple of months. You need to realize that this is highly abnormal and take the steps necessary to end this. Go to daily mass. Go to confession. Find a priest who will counsel you on a weekly basis. Do not hold back from this priest. Tell him that this is what you do. But for heaven's sake, you have to stop doing this. It's not fair to you and it's not fair to the people who invest the time being concerned for your soul. Stop.
Well, I can say right now that I am not going to stay away from Christian Forums. I love it here and do not see it affecting my faith any.

Also, if you talked to me for an hour about how the Mormon church is right, I seriously doubt you'd convince me. I have talked for more than an hour with Mormons before about their faith and I have yet to be convinced, only intrigued.

But thank you for your concern. It is appreciated and understood.
 
Upvote 0

patriarch

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2002
533
4
Illinois
Visit site
✟1,052.00
Faith
Catholic
Well, for one thing, it is the Spirit of Christ who intercedes for us in any saint who prays for us. Obviously then, Christ is still the one mediator between God and man. Anyone familiar with the teaching of the Church and the lives of the saints knows that the Church is very far from putting Christ and the saints on the same level.

Beyond that, even if you ask an evangelical or protestant friend to pray for you., certainly they are not going to come back with, "I'm very sorry, I just can't pray for you because there is only one mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ!" They know very well that the scriptures encourage us to pray for one another. Through the Holy Spirit the saints are still in communion with us, and are our friends in Heaven . Protestants will say, Where does the Bible tell us to pray to dead people? In the passage about the burning bush God revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but God is not a god of the dead but of the living for all are alive to Him- this is almost an exact quote from the Lord. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Mary, Peter, Paul, St. Catherine of Siena, Pope John Paul II- all are alive, all in the friendship of God are our friends as well, whom God wishes us to befriend, for He loves communion and friendship and unity. In short, I would be doubtful of anyone who told me not to invoke the aid of the saints or to cultivate their friendship. The Church has honored the saints from time immemorial, beginning with the age of the martyrs.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Gratia Plena
May 31, 2004
41,082
1,968
41
Diocese of Evansville, IN
✟106,997.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Holly, what do you plan on doing differently this time not to end up leaving the Church for the tenth time?
I plan on praying more, talking to my priest when I have doubts, and I plan on going to receive the Eucharist more often.
 
Upvote 0
Status
Not open for further replies.