Atheists in Catholicism

[Caedmon]

Is there a place for them? I know the teachings of the Church, I simply do not believe in a literal understanding of most of them. I also no longer believe in the supernatural. I appreciate many of the basic images and ideas, such as the nurturing mother image and the masculine/feminine blended image of the suffering Christ. I also celebrate major holidays with family. I would appreciate the social network, but I am very liberal and do not take any of it literally. Given the general atmosphere of most parishes, would I have a place there?

 

[Michie]

If you just want to attend Mass & go for the social aspects, yeah.

But you can't take communion.

My question is why would you want to have a place in a religious belief system you don't believe in?

 

[TheOtherHockeyMom]

Maybe it's a fake it to you make it kind of thing. Some people may want to believe but aren't able to or are struggling with doubt.

I see it as giving God a chance; going to Mass, praying, trying to stay in a state of grace, and engaging in fellowship with other believers.

 

[Michie]

Maybe it's a fake it to you make it kind of thing. Some people may want to believe but aren't able to or are struggling with doubt.

I see it as giving God a chance; going to Mass, praying, trying to stay in a state of grace, and engaging in fellowship with other believers.

I think we can all relate to that. Even those that have not outright rejected God. To want a place in a community of faith seems to indicate wanting to keep a lifeline out there.

 

[Chrystal-J]

My question is why would you want to have a place in a religious belief system you don't believe in?

I'm wondering that too. Why not just join a social club if you're looking for somewhere to hang out?

 

[Michie]

I'm wondering that too. Why not just join a social club if you're looking for somewhere to hang out?

I used to belong to various faith communities but once you are really done, you are done.

I had no interest in keep a place in a system I no longer believed in.

Attendance for family get togethers & occasions does not require that I keep a place or special niche within the faith community I no longer believe in.

Infact, it's the last thing I want.

 

[Elysium]

maybe op likes the atmosphere and the ritual of it all
i mean that is what i still like even tho im in severe doubt
its comforting
also nice memories of the past

 

[Michie]

maybe op likes the atmosphere and the ritual of it all
i mean that is what i still like even tho im in severe doubt
its comforting
also nice memories of the past

Mass is available. Without the communion. Everyone has a place at Mass if they choose. As long as the beliefs are respected even if you do not agree. Friendships can still be maintained. As far as a place in the Church...not sure what is meant by that.

It would be like me asking if there is still a place for me with the JW's & Kingdom Hall although I outright reject their beliefs as well as a belief in God.

 

[Chrystal-J]

Christian atheism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From the article:
"every man today who is open to experience knows that God is absent, but only the Christian knows that God is dead, that the death of God is a final and irrevocable event, and that God's death has actualized in our history a new and liberated humanity".

I don't think they understand the true meaning of the word Christian.

 

[Aalia]

Of course there is a place for you in the church. There is a place for everyone - that's what's so awesome about it. You are still a child of God. Even if you don't believe in God anymore, God still believes in you. So, continue to go to church and just enjoy the parts of church that you like for now because God is present in those things, too, and you never know, in the future, with His grace, God might just surprise you.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Is there a place for them? I know the teachings of the Church, I simply do not believe in a literal understanding of most of them. I also no longer believe in the supernatural. I appreciate many of the basic images and ideas, such as the nurturing mother image and the masculine/feminine blended image of the suffering Christ. I also celebrate major holidays with family. I would appreciate the social network, but I am very liberal and do not take any of it literally. Given the general atmosphere of most parishes, would I have a place there?

It is difficult to answer.
For the 1st thing anyone must do to find the Lord is humble themselves to knowing He is there and wants them. Which requires quiet in the heart.
Then we must take the graces - which are always there - and seek to please Him so we conform to His image. He already conformed to ours.

But - that will come - in time - as you give it a chance. Going to Mass and feeling Him there is a good start. You know you cannot at this time receive the sacraments until you confess.

The thing is this - no one is perfect - all have some form of doubts or questions. It so happens the sacraments instill the graces we need to be open to the answers.
Which is why he didnt abandon us and gave us Himself always on earth through the Eucharist. He knew we would always liteally need Him. To tangibly have Him.

The longer we stay away from the graces infused by the sacraments the more we stumble in the dark looking for the light switch we know is there...somewhere.

Remember - in the Lord's Church - we seek to please Him. In return He will grant us inner joy and peace that humanity cannot comprehend without Him.

So try not to look at it as 'can i fit in' if i dont conform, but rather conform and see what really transpires.

You are in my prayers.

Long time no see. If you are the former member i remember. If not, sorry i assumed.
Peace be with you.

 

[gonesimera]

Keep going to Church even though you have doubts, one day God will touch your heart without you realising it at first, then all of a sudden your heart will rejoice and your eyes will be opened to the everlasting love of your heavenly Father.

 

[Fantine]

Is there a place for them? I know the teachings of the Church, I simply do not believe in a literal understanding of most of them. I also no longer believe in the supernatural. I appreciate many of the basic images and ideas, such as the nurturing mother image and the masculine/feminine blended image of the suffering Christ. I also celebrate major holidays with family. I would appreciate the social network, but I am very liberal and do not take any of it literally. Given the general atmosphere of most parishes, would I have a place there?

I certainly wouldn't equate "not taking things literally" with atheism. Just a few days ago on the Catholic Channel I was listening to "Ask the Cardinal." Someone told Cardinal Dolan he didn't understand the Eucharist, and the Cardinal said, "Welcome to the club. It's a mystery."

Fundamentalists (and there are certainly some Catholic fundamentalists) fear mystery...but Catholics understand mystery.

On the other hand, not believing in the supernatural is probably a little bit closer to atheism. I am glad you appreciate Jesus as a wisdom figure, and some of the collected wisdom of two millenia of Catholicism.

Within the "general atmosphere" of most parishes there is a lot of diversity (hopefully).

There is also the reality of how much you want to share with others.

Do you need to engage in concrete discussions about your lack of belief with the person you're cooking chili with...or working on the silent auction with? While it is important for us to have people to share deeply with, we don't have to share deeply with everyone.

Obviously there is something that draws you to Catholicism...and you understandably fear rejection from some....

I would like to compliment the people of OBOB here...

There are a few real hardliners--but I saw a lot of acceptance.

God (however you understand Him) meets us where we are.

 

[Caedmon]

I tried to believe for more than a decade. I wanted to stay in a Christian church for my family. I looked into as many Christian belief systems as I could and finally settled on Catholicism for the imagery, well-defined beliefs, and general acceptance in parishes as opposed to other Christian churches I'd seen. I behaved lock-step with Church teachings and liturgy, sometimes to a fault. Then one day I realized that I had very little in common with the people around me, that I did not truly believe some of the most central beliefs of the Church, and that I no longer believed in the supernatural and probably hadn't for a long time, perhaps even since the beginning of my search.

My main reason for staying in a parish is the social aspect. Regardless of our differences, the people there really did care about me and took care of me. It was also the safest place, I felt, to seek out a mate. Now after a long time, I've realized that I don't have to get those things in a church, so my yearning for it isn't as strong, but I still have fond memories of it. I guess when I ask if I could still have a place there, I'm wondering if I could have all those aspects, esp. with my old friends. But I'm realizing more and more that the religious aspect would be almost meaningless to me and a waste of time if I did not truly believe in it. I guess I will have to look for other groups for a social net, because I don't feel like I'm being honest to other people or myself if I try to be a part of something I no longer believe in.

 

[Chrystal-J]

My main reason for staying in a parish is the social aspect. Regardless of our differences, the people there really did care about me and took care of me. It was also the safest place, I felt, to seek out a mate. Now after a long time, I've realized that I don't have to get those things in a church, so my yearning for it isn't as strong, but I still have fond memories of it. I guess when I ask if I could still have a place there, I'm wondering if I could have all those aspects, esp. with my old friends. But I'm realizing more and more that the religious aspect would be almost meaningless to me and a waste of time if I did not truly believe in it. I guess I will have to look for other groups for a social net, because I don't feel like I'm being honest to other people or myself if I try to be a part of something I no longer believe in.

If you're truly looking for a social environment, you might want to look into volunteer clubs. I'm in 2 block clubs. We do volunteer work in my city. I've made some great friends in the clubs.
I'm not saying don't go to church. You may have a yearning to grow closer to the Lord that you don't realize you have. But, there are plenty of places to socialize besides church.
I hope you find the perfect place to hang out and make friends.

 

[Michie]

I tried to believe for more than a decade. I wanted to stay in a Christian church for my family. I looked into as many Christian belief systems as I could and finally settled on Catholicism for the imagery, well-defined beliefs, and general acceptance in parishes as opposed to other Christian churches I'd seen. I behaved lock-step with Church teachings and liturgy, sometimes to a fault. Then one day I realized that I had very little in common with the people around me, that I did not truly believe some of the most central beliefs of the Church, and that I no longer believed in the supernatural and probably hadn't for a long time, perhaps even since the beginning of my search.

My main reason for staying in a parish is the social aspect. Regardless of our differences, the people there really did care about me and took care of me. It was also the safest place, I felt, to seek out a mate. Now after a long time, I've realized that I don't have to get those things in a church, so my yearning for it isn't as strong, but I still have fond memories of it. I guess when I ask if I could still have a place there, I'm wondering if I could have all those aspects, esp. with my old friends. But I'm realizing more and more that the religious aspect would be almost meaningless to me and a waste of time if I did not truly believe in it. I guess I will have to look for other groups for a social net, because I don't feel like I'm being honest to other people or myself if I try to be a part of something I no longer believe in.

Well...it's good that you realize the situation. You can still attend Mass, seek out friendship but I do think their would be a problem if one person assumes that you are a believer & find out you are not. They might feel betrayed in some way.

I do hope you find your faith again.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I tried to believe for more than a decade. I wanted to stay in a Christian church for my family. I looked into as many Christian belief systems as I could and finally settled on Catholicism for the imagery, well-defined beliefs, and general acceptance in parishes as opposed to other Christian churches I'd seen. I behaved lock-step with Church teachings and liturgy, sometimes to a fault. Then one day I realized that I had very little in common with the people around me, that I did not truly believe some of the most central beliefs of the Church, and that I no longer believed in the supernatural and probably hadn't for a long time, perhaps even since the beginning of my search.

My main reason for staying in a parish is the social aspect. Regardless of our differences, the people there really did care about me and took care of me. It was also the safest place, I felt, to seek out a mate. Now after a long time, I've realized that I don't have to get those things in a church, so my yearning for it isn't as strong, but I still have fond memories of it. I guess when I ask if I could still have a place there, I'm wondering if I could have all those aspects, esp. with my old friends. But I'm realizing more and more that the religious aspect would be almost meaningless to me and a waste of time if I did not truly believe in it. I guess I will have to look for other groups for a social net, because I don't feel like I'm being honest to other people or myself if I try to be a part of something I no longer believe in.

As Michie said, hope you find your faith.
There is a way - but it takes patience and perseverance.
Pray to the Holy Spirit. Pray daily. Then listen.



Adding you to my prayers.

 

[Michie]

I think there is always a place for everyone in the Catholic Church but the question really is if people have a place in their hearts for Catholic Church & Her beliefs.

 

[WarriorAngel]

That's the question.
Usually when we quiet ourselves, contemplate prayer to the Holy Spirit - and even ask the Holy Spirit to aid us - we can overcome insurmountable mountains of doubt.

One must 1st seek the Holy Spirit in humble heart and ask Him to be our Guide in faith.

I know this worked for me, not only when i was an errant member but even in one of my darkest days within the last years - which was scary to me. There is a huge difference between Grace - and doubt. The thing is - i was scared because at that point i knew and felt the difference.

Perhaps a lesson to me. I dont how or why it happened, but i 'been there' and could see the world of difference between the two.

My prayers to the Holy Spirit were quickly answered - whereas when i was meddling in anything else - and not sure - it took 7 years.

I guess He allows us some serious trials - and waits for our desire for Him as He desires us.

 

[WarriorAngel]

One other thought - because i simply dont know 'why' it happened. Perhaps it draws us to have more compassion for those without Grace. Or perhaps to witness the absolute stark difference between the two so we can share our experience?

One thing for sure - i can say - Grace exists and it is profound. It's a difference of day and night. [But i am sensitive to the 'preternatural'] Not even sure my witness is worth anything either. But i feel obliged [having the Holy Spirit fill me upon prayer] to share it.

Not that i like sharing these things - goodness knows how nuts it makes me seem. But better to seem nuts than leave anyone else without grace.