Ask A Catholic (teens edition)

[graciesings]

Ok, so I've noticed that a lot of Protestants don't really understand Catholic teachings and it comes up in a lot of threads about other subjects.

So, ask me any questions you have about Catholicism and I will do my best to answer them here. I am new to the Catholic faith (converting) but I'm willing to answer what I can and research any new ideas you bring up.

Please post anything you wish to discuss in the form of questions, I don't want this to turn into a debate thread.

If any other Catholics in the 12-19 age range want to answer the questions too, that is fine with me.

God bless you,
Grace

 

[ChristianT]

What are your thoughts of Eastern Orthodox Christians?

 

[graciesings]

I've never attended an Eastern Orthodox church. From what I know, I'm ok with their theology. God has called me to the Roman Catholic church but I'm sure I'd be happy in an EO church.

I'm not completely sure I understand the ideas surrounding the split, with the filioque clause and all. That said, I do take a Roman position on that, if the Father and Son are one and the same than I think the Spirit must come from both.

 

[ChristianT]

Ok cool. Just wondering, as I'll be converting to Orthodoxy soon. What are some misconceptions RE: Catholics, which bug you the most?

 

[graciesings]

It bugs me a lot when people start derailing debate threads trying to decide what Catholics believe.
I don't know, I guess I feel like the Catholic church pops up in so many other threads that it needs its own thread, it's hard to explain.

A few specific misconceptions that bother me are that Catholics try to save themselves, that Catholicism has changed the Bible to make Mary a goddess, and that the religion is full of "vain repetition." I'm actually eager to explain otherwise on these and other issues...

 

[Ada Lovelace]

If it's not too personal of a question, what religion are you converting from to Catholicism, and why? What are the main differences between the two that you've noticed thus far?

 

[Kurama]

I'm not a Protestant so you can be sure that I'm not going to hammer your church about meaningless sectarian conflicts

From the top of my head...what are your views on contraception? If you believe that the use of such an item is inherently sinful, what is your position on its use for preventing sexually transmitted diseases (i.e. the HIV virus)?

 

[graciesings]

If it's not too personal of a question, what religion are you converting from to Catholicism, and why? What are the main differences between the two that you've noticed thus far?

Not too personal at all!

I was raised Lutheran, my parents have pretty normal Protestant beliefs. God spoke to me in prayer back in January and started telling me to join the Catholic church. I wasn't sure why and I still am not sure why, but I'll follow

One of the biggest differences is that Catholics put less emphasis on the sinful nature of man. They believe it - they're the ones who came up with the doctrine! - but they don't focus on it as much as Protestant churches. There are also some different rituals, Catholics have a little more of a "how to behave in church" list than Protestants seem to.

Also, it seems like Protestant churches sing better. I'm not sure why, but in a lot of Catholic churches the congregation seems like they just aren't singing!

Another difference is the liturgy... Catholics have a schedule of responses that they follow during the service. Some Protestant churches (including Lutherans) do that too, but the Catholic liturgy is different than the Lutheran liturgy that I'd memorized. One of the more surprising differences I noticed is that Catholics and Protestants have different translations of the Lord's Prayer and Nicene Creed. This still mixes me up. The words mean the same thing, but there's a difference between "consubstantial with the Father..." and "Being of one substance with the Father..."

 

[graciesings]

I'm not a Protestant so you can be sure that I'm not going to hammer your church about meaningless sectarian conflicts

From the top of my head...what are your views on contraception? If you believe that the use of such an item is inherently sinful, what is your position on its use for preventing sexually transmitted diseases (i.e. the HIV virus)?

Personally, I see contraception as something that... maybe isn't completely sinful but still isn't right. I feel like there are very, very few cases where it is "needed." I don't believe anyone should be having sex outside of a commitment (marriage) in which they could have children. I believe premarital sex is a sin, so in that case the contraception isn't the real issue. As for marriage, honestly, I don't think couples should get married until they're able to support children. I don't really agree with the idea of getting married and trying not to have children, just because I feel like that's not the way God planned things.

I can kind of see the argument that contraception is helpful for preventing sexually transmitted diseases, but there's still a root issue that is not being answered here... it's like trying to decide whether or not we should put a Band-Aid on this broken leg.

And I don't know if the above position agrees with the Catholic church or not. Since I am not sexually active, I have not researched this issue.

 

[YHWH's Lion]

Why do the catholics have a different 10 commandments than what's in the bible? No one has the authority to change God's Law yet the catholic church changed God's 10 commandments.
are you aware of this ?

 

[Butterfly99]

Is it true that all Catholic sermons are the same everywhere every week?

 

[thehehe]

Personally, I see contraception as something that... maybe isn't completely sinful but still isn't right. I feel like there are very, very few cases where it is "needed." I don't believe anyone should be having sex outside of a commitment (marriage) in which they could have children. I believe premarital sex is a sin, so in that case the contraception isn't the real issue. As for marriage, honestly, I don't think couples should get married until they're able to support children. I don't really agree with the idea of getting married and trying not to have children, just because I feel like that's not the way God planned things.

I can kind of see the argument that contraception is helpful for preventing sexually transmitted diseases, but there's still a root issue that is not being answered here... it's like trying to decide whether or not we should put a Band-Aid on this broken leg.

And I don't know if the above position agrees with the Catholic church or not. Since I am not sexually active, I have not researched this issue.

Your position totally agrees with the Catholic church! A priest of my knowledge explained myself pretty clearly the Church's position and it is right. In fact, the Catholic Church considers that a real act of love (in this case the sexuality) must be entire to be sincere. If someone uses contraception, this person dismisses his/her fertility that is a part of his/her being. The self-giving can't be fully and totally sincere in such a case: the sexual act isn't yet an act of true love.

 

[thehehe]

Is it true that all Catholic sermons are the same everywhere every week?

Well, absolutely not It depends on the prist, of course. Some of them are incredible preachers (like mine, he makes me cry everytime...) and some.. just not! The Evangile is the same everywhere, but the priest decides of how he wants to speak about it. After all, for a same text, there are always as many interpretations as human beings..

 

[Butterfly99]

Well, absolutely not It depends on the prist, of course. Some of them are incredible preachers (like mine, he makes me cry everytime...) and some.. just not! The Evangile is the same everywhere, but the priest decides of how he wants to speak about it. After all, for a same text, there are always as many interpretations as human beings..

I don't think I worded my question very well, lol. I heard that the Vatican decides on the homily each week & all Catholic churches around the world use the same one. Not that the same sermon is repeated every week. I was really tired when I asked my question, lol.

 

[thehehe]

I don't think I worded my question very well, lol. I heard that the Vatican decides on the homily each week & all Catholic churches around the world use the same one. Not that the same sermon is repeated every week. I was really tired when I asked my question, lol.

And I don't think I answered clearly because I perfectly understood what you were saying and I answered consequently lol

 

[Butterfly99]

And I don't think I answered clearly because I perfectly understood what you were saying and I answered consequently lol

I think my brain is too fried from having to study for two tests & write a paper. Nah, I read your post again & it is clear. I just misread it the 1st time. Thanks.