Belief without consequence is easy

[geocajun]

Why are some folks so willing to claim “catholicity” until it costs them something? It seems to me that its easy call oneself ‘catholic’ so long as there is no requirement to do anything, but as soon as something is required of oneself, folks start complaining.

I bring this up because I have been thinking about the frequent discussion we have been having about the moral doctrines in the Church which may require a change in our behavior, and sometimes even sacrifice on our part.
These discussions generally begin with someone asking why the doctrine even exists – perhaps claiming its “unreasonable”, or trying to prove that maybe once in some bizarre circumstance, there have been some quasi exceptions and these are asserted in an attempt to conclude there is no point in normative moral teaching at all – or at least in the “hard areas” like contraceptives for example.

Why do these folks stick around and try to be an agent for dissention? Especially among those who are willing to follow the teaching of the Church – no matter how “hard” or counter-cultural they may seem to the rest of the world.

I notice the very same folks who complain and dissent on moral issues also toss out things like regular Mass attendance when it is “inconvenient” for them as well.
I’ve noticed often times that folks claim easily “Sure, I believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist”, but would they if it cost them something? If there was some sacrifice they had to make for it would they be here showing how it’s not really important to believe Jesus is present to the most Holy Eucharist?

Pardon my ranting – I just had to get that off my chest.

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

Well, I know exactly what you mean.

It looks like they just want the "free ride". Like it's a popular title...unitl, as you said, something is expected of them.

When I first became Catholic, I was overjoyed and spoke about it (As I do now) and met a lot of people that, when they hear I'm Ctholic, say they are Catholic too. But when I start asking questions, I realise they do not even go to Mass regularly, they are, in fact only Catholic in Baptism.

This is a very sad thing for me too and I struggle with this a lot.

Just before we closed the office on Dec 31st I had a discussion with a Catholic here at work. I really thought he was a practicing Catholic...he even had the Palm Sunday woven cross in his car. I actually spoke to him about his blaspheming, and it turns out he has a real problem with the church. Well, he claims it's with the church...actually it was just with a few people who upset him. Now he is blaming their hipocritical behaviour on the Church!
I tried to explain things better to him, but he was a stubourn as an ox. It's so frustrating.
I wish I could just shake these guys so they can see the Truth and realise what they are doing.

I guess we can only lead by example, but wow, is it frustrating sometimes. It's also such a let down for me when I get excited because I'm meeting a new catholic friend, only to realise they are not what I'd call Catholic.

I hope I'm not sounding too judgemental, but I'm also frustrated.

We truly are Aliens in thie World.

Peace in Christ.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Maybe some things are easier for some than others, for whatever reason, and those that have an easier time shouldn't act righteous about it? (God forbid they have a heavier cross than they now carry.)

I know its easier to talk about the evils of a sin like homosexuality, for example, if one never has to deal with it in a painful way, so maybe a similiar situation exists in other areas.

 

[geocajun]

Or maybe they have DF, who knows right? We shouldn't compare crosses, or compare catholicity, but something must be said about vegetarians who eat meat while claiming to be vegetarians. I'm not pointing any fingers, but rather hoping to inspire some folks to look at themselves, and evaluate who they are living for. I also have to do this, daily in fact.

I can promise you this much, you will never see me publicize something I am having a difficulty with so as to inspire others to struggle with me.
Also, I I think I should clarify here what I think should be obvious - that I am not saying we shouldn't ask questions, but rather we shouldn't obstinately persist in asking them in different ways, picking, and poking and looking for cracks in teachings so as to prove some teaching is wrong and that we don't have to follow it.

The Catholic faith is not to be taken in slices, but as a whole.
And, I also know that integrity is a virtue.

It is one thing to strive for, and have a willingness to change oneself for truth, and another to strive to undermine truth so as to not change oneself.

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

Maybe some things are easier for some than others, for whatever reason, and those that have an easier time shouldn't act righteous about it? (God forbid they have a heavier cross than they now carry.)QUOTE]

I don't understand what you are trying to say.

We certainly were not trying to act richeous, merely venting some frustrations and I was also wondering how to deal with this for future reference. It makes me feel alone. I do pray for these folks and, as I said, I hope it didn't come accross as if I'm judging, because I certainly am not. I'm just frustrated sometimes with the situation.

Peace in Christ.

 

[Benedicta00]

I went through something similar after I had the baby. I thought about what true faith in God is, either you believe in him or you don't. If I say I believe in him and the Church is His, how can I not do what He asks? Even if it is sacrificing a much easier lifestyle. If I didn’t follow Him when it’s hard, do I really believe?

I believe, that's why I do what I do, it's not because I am crazy or stupid like so many others think, it’s because I believe and what I believe is true, it's not error.

 

[geocajun]

I went through something similar after I had the baby. I thought about what true faith in God is, either you believe in him or you don't. If I say I believe in him and the Church is His, how can I not do what He asks? Even if it is sacrificing a much easier lifestyle. If I didn’t follow Him when it’s hard, do I really believe?

I believe, that's why I do what I do, it's not because I am crazy or stupid like so many others think, it’s because I believe and what I believe is true, it's not error.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Shelb5 again.

well said Michelle.