Advice?

CeeBee said:

So I'm 18 now. Still unbaptized in any church, attend Baptist church with my family occasionally. My heart, well... deep down I still feel Catholic, though. I just don't know what to do. I disagree with the Church on several large issues... birth control, homosexuality, masturbation. I know several people who converted while disagreeing on issues such as these but I don't want to be one of them, but I just don't know what to do.

I don't know where to turn or who to talk to or anything. Certainly not my family, they're far-far-right Southern Baptists and I can't discuss these things. I don't know any pastors well. I just feel stuck.

I'm kinda "waking up" from an atheist stage, if that makes sense? And I just feel so lost and lonely and confused. :/

Edit: How oh how can I forget the deep-set bitterness that seems to creep up and bite me when I feel most vulnerable?

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brother, it sounds like you're going through a confusing time.. well what I suggest, is that you research those issues you disagree on with the Church, and most importantly, pray about them. Don't try to make yourself believe something that you don't feel you can accept at the moment, but also try to be open to anything God might show oki? you're welcome to ask questions here.. if you want someone to talk to face to face, do you have any good Catholic friends or ..how do you feel about talking to a priest?
are you a new believer? (you said you're 'waking up' from the atheist stage).. I don't know how it's like for you specifically, but I was once there too, and I remember just trying to sort out everything I believe and feeling overwhelmed a little. Certainly there are difficulties. But you do get through them eventually..I struggled with so much stuff but eventually God helped me sort it out.
if you feel Catholic deep down, then probably that is where you should be. Just pray about those issues and read as much as you can about them, try to understand why the Church talks about them the way it does..

how do you feel about making an appointment with a priest? I'm sure they're used to people going through problems and struggling with faith stuff

God bless..

I wish I could help more.. prayers for you

Turn to Christ and turst in Him. He will lead you to where He wants you.

Faith is more than belonging to a particular religion. Its about being one with Christ.


So, as Archbishop Fulteen Sheen use to say, "if you want to know about Christ, get on your knees and pray to Him."



Jim

I know i'm linking to a long read or two, but i really think they could help you to see things from the perspective of a homosexual who is catholic and practices chastity and a vibrant life of faith.

read this

read this

hope these links help.

Hello again, CeeBee

Having never been in your shoes, I can only offer you my own point of view. I am so sorry you are facing such difficult struggles - please know that God loves you very much.

First, let me tell you that I too struggled with some major Church teachings once upon a time. I was stubborn and can honestly tell you that it was my own selfishness which was standing in the way. I did not want to even consider that I was wrong. After much study in what the Early Church Fathers wrote, reading Scripture, studying Encyclicals and other sources of Church teaching I came to a clear conclusion - I was wrong and the Church was right. It took many sessions in the confessional, inner turmoil, severing of a relationship, and much prayer to accept that - for me - I had to either fully accept Church teaching without question or step away.

Second, what it is that causes you to feel called to Catholicism? For myself, it is that I know without any doubt that the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit and Her teachings are unquestionably true and right. Could you marry another with whom you had fundamental differences with, agreeing to abide by their beliefs while knowing full well that you were going to go against them at every opportunity? Would you sign a contract with another knowing that you had no intention of carrying out the terms you agreed to? I don't expect answers to the questions, I am just trying to get you to gain a different perspective.

For quite a few years, I did not belong to any parish and frankly had abandoned my faith. I could not in good conscience register at a parish knowing that I would rarely attend and that I just didn't fully embrace the teachings of the Church. I had skipped my Confirmation as a teen and when I finally was 'sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit', I was able to say a resounding 'AMEN!' -- and mean it.

James 5:12 -

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No," that you may not incur condemnation.

I am so sorry I cannot be of more help to you. I have a friend who is 19 and struggles with same-sex attraction. The only difference is, he has vowed to lead a chaste life. He has a priest who is very supportive and goes to confession frequently. I also have two dear family members, as I have already shared with you, who live a gay lifestyle. Neither of them belong to a faith community.

Know that you are loved and that you continue to be in my prayers.

Mom2Alex said:

First, let me tell you that I too struggled with some major Church teachings once upon a time. I was stubborn and can honestly tell you that it was my own selfishness which was standing in the way. I did not want to even consider that I was wrong.

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this was me too! I was soo stubborn lol - especially about Apostolic Succession!