Liberal Catholics: A Question

Unofficial Reverand Alex

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"17 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. 19 For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; 20 then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." --Romans 16
I used to be of the mentality that Church teachings were optional. Helpful, perhaps, but if I thought I knew better, then I would just disagree with Church teachings. Today, we call this mentality "liberal Catholicism".

However, I had a question come to mind that has changed me away from liberal Catholicism. I wanted to bring it up here, to see what sort of answers liberal Catholics can give:

Why do I know better than the Church that Jesus Christ established? Why is my own thinking superior to the teaching of people who spend far more time investigating how God wants us to live?

May God bless us all & lead us to the truth!

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ChicanaRose

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No one has been a greater stumbling block to my Catholic faith than some liberal Catholics.

It has caused me great confusion to hear them talk with a lack of confidence in the church's teachings, without explicitly stating that they actually do not agree with them.

At least Protestants and conservative Catholics assert what they believe and what they do not believe.
 
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tz620q

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However, I had a question come to mind that has changed me away from liberal Catholicism. I wanted to bring it up here, to see what sort of answers liberal Catholics can give:

Why do I know better than the Church that Jesus Christ established? Why is my own thinking superior to the teaching of people who spend far more time investigating how God wants us to live?

May God bless us all & lead us to the truth!

View attachment 264462
Initially liberal thinking was someone who was open to view an issue from several sides dispassionately. This did not necessitate a rejection of the traditional beliefs. The post-modern definition seems to be one that places individual bias and opinion over corporate belief with little study of the traditional position.
 
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tz620q

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This is the reason I have left the Catholic church. Too many things that I disagree with and will never agree with.
Do you feel that it was liberal thinking that led you to this decision? In this post, I mean liberal in the older sense of having explored the beliefs of the Catholic Church as explained by the Catholic Church and evaluating them against the alternatives.
 
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nanookadenord

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Do you feel that it was liberal thinking that led you to this decision? In this post, I mean liberal in the older sense of having explored the beliefs of the Catholic Church as explained by the Catholic Church and evaluating them against the alternatives.

I have always been liberal in my thinking. It just took me a while (after I left the church as a teen as I was a cradle Catholic) to realize that my thinking doesn't line up with the Catholic church in so many things.

Not sure if that answers your question, but I tried.

Don't get me wrong, I love the liturgical style of worship, hence the reasons why I went to the Episcopal church, but the Catholic church and I disagree on too much for me to remain in it.
 
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Stabat Mater dolorosa

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No one has been a greater stumbling block to my Catholic faith than some liberal Catholics.

It has caused me great confusion to hear them talk with a lack of confidence in the church's teachings, without explicitly stating that they actually do not agree with them.

At least Protestants and conservative Catholics assert what they believe and what they do not believe.

So true! I work hard to do my best as far as respecting people, but I fail to do so when it comes to lukewarm liberal believers of various colors. To be catholic and work to undermine the teachings of the church reminds me more of treason than fidelity.
 
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nanookadenord

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So true! I work hard to do my best as far as respecting people, but I fail to do so when it comes to lukewarm liberal believers of various colors. To be catholic and work to undermine the teachings of the church reminds me more of treason than fidelity.

Which is the reason I left and no longer consider myself Catholic instead of staying when I didn't agree with the church.
 
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Stabat Mater dolorosa

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Which is the reason I left and no longer consider myself Catholic instead of staying when I didn't agree with the church.

Which is very sad, but equally honest.
 
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Markie Boy

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When the liberal Catholics are the ones you have to listen to preaching, and lead your Church, it down right wrecks your trust of the RCC.

Look at the Amazon Synod now - it makes my old conservative Baptist church look like a rock star. At least they didn't do pagan ceremonies, and tell everyone it doesn't matter what you believe.
 
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charsan

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At least Protestants and conservative Catholics assert what they believe and what they do not believe.
Agreed. Liberal Catholics go all over the place and want to take down the Church. I left Catholicism because of liberalism in the Church.
 
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Chrystal-J

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I didn't go back to the liberal church I was taken to as a child. There are churches out there that are more traditional. Good traditional churches exists.
 
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Chrystal-J

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I am actually referring to the whole Church not just one Church
Sorry if you already covered this, but what is too liberal for you in the Church as a whole?
 
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Chrystal-J

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I have reservations about the Pope too. But, then I think about Matthew 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
I take this passage to mean that even the Pope himself (being human) can get caught in the snares of the devil. I seek Jesus and discount things I know aren't biblical. All churches have their issues in one way or the other. I will pray for the Church (because it really needs it now).
 
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