Cafeteria Catholics

[Jay2004]

Please explain what the term means, just so I understand it correctly......


How can we help them?

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

It means they select elements of the faith to believe as their own personal tastes dictate...like picking food from a cafeteria line.

 

[Jay2004]

It means they select elements of the faith to believe as their own personal tastes dictate...like picking food from a cafeteria line.

I understand.
I don't think Christ would be telling people to leave his church over this though.

There must be a way to reach out to these people who dissent from the church...

 

[NDIrish]

I understand.
I don't think Christ would be telling people to leave his church over this though.

There must be a way to reach out to these people who dissent from the church...

There is, but it's a two way street. We need more solid catechesis to show Catholics why the teachings are what they are, but these Catholics need to understand that they are required to sumbit to the Magisterium.

 

[Maggie893]

I understand.
I don't think Christ would be telling people to leave his church over this though.

There must be a way to reach out to these people who dissent from the church...

There is...prayer and solid catechesis. Unfortunately many who leave do so silently after prolonged periods of quiet absence. It's difficult to educate and edify those who aren't present. Pray continuously for them.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

There is...prayer and solid catechesis. Unfortunately many who leave do so silently after prolonged periods of quiet absence. It's difficult to educate and edify those who aren't present. Pray continuously for them.

 

[Jamme]

Excellent OP and attitude

I whole heartedly agree with your sentiment and would love to know how the Church's true teachings and love could be spread to those who misunderstand, and/or leave the Church.

Would Jesus have flung these people out without love and compassion?
If they were knowingly disobeying like the merchants - perhaps He would.

But those who are lacking in knowlegde, understanding, and love? I very much doubt He'd banish those. I suspect (but correct me if I'm wrong) these are the prodigal sons and the single lost sheep.

 

[Metanoia02]

.

But those who are lacking in knowlegde, understanding, and love? I very much doubt He'd banish those. I suspect (but correct me if I'm wrong) these are the prodigal sons and the single lost sheep.

Unforunately, like the Prodigal Son they must taste the bitter gall of thier disobedience and sin before they have a change of heart (Metanoia) and change the direction they have been living and take that long walk home. Just as the loving Father in the Parable we will welcome them with open arms, even when they are a "long way off".

 

[churl]

In the past I have also heard this term referred to as "Ala-Carte" Catholics.
Same idea as a Cafeteria Catholic. Pick and choose what you want from a "buffet" of options.

IMHO - Not a good way to practice your faith.

 

[Miss Shelby]

Getting them to understand their disobedience, even if it's willful, takes prayer and patience.

And then yes, they are called to repent, to turn from their way of thinking, and lead a life in the image of Christ.

There are those, such a Frances Kissling, who I have no patience and understanding for... (these are the dissenters, Emma, that we speak of)--but I do pray for her.

Michelle

 

[geocajun]

Lets place the responsibility in the right place folks - if someone rejects Church teaching, it is not the Church, or Jesus who kicks them out or whatever analogy you want to use... it is they who seperate themselves.
It is very important to remember that neither Jesus nor the Church is the minister of sin, just because of preaching the gospel.
This "There is no hell because its mean and Jesus isn't mean" philosophy is bankrupt.

 

[Jamme]

Lets place the responsibility in the right place folks - if someone rejects Church teaching, it is not the Church, or Jesus who kicks them out or whatever analogy you want to use... it is they who seperate themselves.
It is very important to remember that neither Jesus nor the Church is the minister of sin, just because of preaching the gospel.
This "There is no hell because its mean and Jesus isn't mean" philosophy is bankrupt.

This isn't what I was meaning (though obviously I can;t speak for anyne else)

I personally know a good number of ex-catholics who have left (for either a protestant church or no church at all) because they did not understand the teachings of the church. And no, they are not (on the whole) people who did not try. Some are, mind you.

 

[geocajun]

This isn't what I was meaning (though obviously I can;t speak for anyne else)

I personally know a good number of ex-catholics who have left (for either a protestant church or no church at all) because they did not understand the teachings of the church. And no, they are not (on the whole) people who did not try. Some are, mind you.

Define "try"

 

[Jamme]

Define "try"

[post deleted]
Never mind... it's off topic. If you're genuinely interested let me know.

 

[geocajun]

[post deleted]
Never mind... it's off topic. If you're genuinely interested let me know.

Jamme, I have never seen someone who sincerely tried (as if their salvation was at stake) to learn about their Catholic faith and was unable to find answers. If you are contending this happened, then I would love to know the details about it.

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

Jamme, I have never seen someone who sincerely tried (as if their salvation was at stake) to learn about their Catholic faith and was unable to find answers.

Very true....I get a bit dejected when I see the hardheartedness of people unwilling to bend their mindsets for the sake of their salvation...Because the Church won't bend to their requests, they leave....Like my boss said yesterday: "Ratzinger? Ah well Guess I won't be coming back to the church any time soon!" ....not willing to change his view points to conform to the Church, but rather swimming against it, hoping the Chruch will change to suit him.

All I can do is to show him by my actions (He does not want to speak about it) how Catholics should live and love the guy....what else can we do? Certainly not rebuke and shun them!

 

[Bushido216]

Jamme, I have never seen someone who sincerely tried (as if their salvation was at stake) to learn about their Catholic faith and was unable to find answers. If you are contending this happened, then I would love to know the details about it.

Or maybe they did sincerely try. How do you define "sincerely try"? Just because they didn't come around doesn't mean they didn't try, you're logic is "they didn't come around, QED, they didn't try", that's a bad form of reasoning.

 

[Bushido216]

Lets place the responsibility in the right place folks - if someone rejects Church teaching, it is not the Church, or Jesus who kicks them out or whatever analogy you want to use... it is they who seperate themselves.
It is very important to remember that neither Jesus nor the Church is the minister of sin, just because of preaching the gospel.
This "There is no hell because its mean and Jesus isn't mean" philosophy is bankrupt.

Right. But it doesn't give you the right to look down upon them. As I said in my other post (and only DefensorFidei bothered to listen) is that errant Catholics don't deserve to be laughed at and be put into "those guys over there categories".

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

Right. But it doesn't give you the right to look down upon them. As I said in my other post (and only DefensorFidei bothered to listen) is that errant Catholics don't deserve to be laughed at and be put into "those guys over there categories".

I was reading the origional thread while the debate was going on too...you made some good points.
To quote our new Pope: "The servant of the servants of Christ", we must always serve and love everyone. Follow this example, going about Catholicism the way Jesus taught and the examples of the saints, being the lowest of the low, always serving and guiding in love and humility...those are the things to strive for.

Peace in Christ.

 

[MrJim]

I guess you don't hear "cafeteria protestants" because we just split off (again) and go start (again) another "denomination" (again)--all in the name of holiness, purity, and faithfulness of course...