Catholicism- too tough?

[stray bullet]

Has anyone ever worried about losing their faith or part of the Church due to the narrow road to salvation the Church calls us to? In other words, felt that they should try a more liberal branch of Christianity, out of fear that Catholicism is simply too much?

 

[Chilldogg77]

Hey, Stray Bullet. That's an interesting question. I guess I used to think that certain doctrines, such as the prohibition of drunkenness and sexual activity outside of marriage were too tough, and were wrong. Although I never considered leaving the Church, I thought that I knew better than it. It took my own experiences to convince me that I did not know better than the Church. The thing that I cannot figure out now is how I maintained the two beliefs that I was right and the Church was wrong and that the Church was the one established by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. I used to think about religion quite a bit, but this conradiction never really bothered me.

I guess what I'm getting at is that we should not seek a religion that allows us to do what we want to do, we should seek the truth and have confidence in God to help us to follow his will according to that truth. I can totally relate to how it can seem overwhelming, but we must never give up. Catholocism is tough because it preserves the truth of Jesus and the scriptures, which say that anyone who wishes to follow him must deny himself daily, pick up his cross, and follow him. We are also called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our mind, and all our soul. This is truly a duanting task, but it is one we can achieve if we really want it and ask Jesus for his help. I still struggle, I have a hard time going a week without falling into mortal sin. But I have definitely noticed that it is much easier to stay close to God when I set aside time to pray and meditate every day. I have also noticed that I am much happier and at peace when I do this. So yeah, it's tough, but that should lead us closer to Jesus because we are so dependent on him, it should not lead us to abandon the Church we he established. Peace--Greg

 

[Irenaeus]

Stray,

On the contrary. Because the Church teaches so narrow a way, I have been compelled to think it must have (at least) a little more truth than the rest.

If there is any fault, it is our own.

 

[stray bullet]

Stray,

On the contrary. Because the Church teaches so narrow a way, I have been compelled to think it must have (at least) a little more truth than the rest.

If there is any fault, it is our own.

I wasn't suggesting it made my think it had less truth, rather, this truth may provoke me to want to leave it and join a more 'flexible' group.

 

[seebs]

There was a book by a priest who, at some point in the last century, found himself unable to accept some church teaching. Hmm. James Shannon, former bishop, resigned in 1969. A fascinating story dating back quite some time. I have only read summaries, I haven't read the actual story, but it sounds interesting, and perhaps topical.

 

[thereselittleflower]

Has anyone ever worried about losing their faith or part of the Church due to the narrow road to salvation the Church calls us to? In other words, felt that they should try a more liberal branch of Christianity, out of fear that Catholicism is simply too much?

Oh my goodness no.

What good would that do? Except make it easier to go to hell?


If Catholicism has the fulness of truth, how could going to anything less than the fulness of truth, especially something with a heck of a lot less of the truth, be at all helpful?

Braod and easy is the road to hell . . . .


I guess if one didn't worry about going to hell, then they wouldn't care about the truth . . only what was comfortable . .



But if one loves God, how can they be happy or content with anything less than the fulness of truth?


If they are, then it is not God they love . . it is themselves . . .



No . I can not consider anything less than Catholicism . . a liberal church would be a death sentence . . .


Christianity, true Christainity is hard . . Jesus never promised that it would be anything else . . . but He promised to give us Grace that is sufficient and to share our burdens ..


If you do not have this book may I highly recommend this one to you:


The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis


Also, I recommend seeking Mary's help and I recommend the book The Secret of Mary by DeMontfort.



Peace in Him!

 

[thereselittleflower]

I wasn't suggesting it made my think it had less truth, rather, this truth may provoke me to want to leave it and join a more 'flexible' group.

The truth would not provoke you so . .

But self love would . . pride would . . a desire to live for one's self would instead of dying to one's self . .

A love of one's self over one's love for God . .


God holds us accountable for the truth we know, and for which we can have no excuse for not knowing . . .


What good would it do to reject truth we know to be true simply because in this life it would be more convenient? Would you really consider trading your eternal happiness for the transitory conveneince of this life?


Peace in Him!

 

[murron]

Although I never considered leaving the Church, I thought that I knew better than it. It took my own experiences to convince me that I did not know better than the Church. The thing that I cannot figure out now is how I maintained the two beliefs that I was right and the Church was wrong and that the Church was the one established by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Denial was how I justified my two contradicting opinions.

I guess what I'm getting at is that we should not seek a religion that allows us to do what we want to do, we should seek the truth and have confidence in God to help us to follow his will according to that truth. I can totally relate to how it can seem overwhelming, but we must never give up.

I have to admit, I didn't grow up Catholic. In fact, I was Southern Baptist until I was about 25. Perhaps this is partly what allowed me to live in the conundrum of my own opinion and that of the Bible. It wasn't until I turned to the Catholic Church (RC) that I began to find answers I couldn't ignore.

I guess my answer to straybullet is the opposite of the question. It's because of the "toughness" that I finally admitted I wasn't getting it (life, religion, etc) right. That narrow road has made it easier for me to find my faith; it was too easy to be confused by conflicting doctrines that abound beyond the doors of catholicism. While I no longer attend an RC church, my personal beliefs are very much the ones I formed while going to one.

 

[ukok]

I would not only be betraying my God, but myself if i were to leave...I embrace the difficulties, the trials and tribulations...because i know, right down deep in my heart that this is the only way to serve Him, this is His One Church...where am i to go if i were to leave ?

I'm found, to leave i would be lost again...and i can't desert Truth.

 

[geocajun]

If you do not have this book may I highly recommend this one to you:


The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis

I second this! its a great daily devotional which is sometimes called the "5th Gospel".

 

[geocajun]

I would not only be betraying my God, but myself if i were to leave...I embrace the difficulties, the trials and tribulations...because i know, right down deep in my heart that this is the only way to serve Him, this is His One Church...where am i to go if i were to leave ?

I'm found, to leave i would be lost again...and i can't desert Truth.

that sounds almost.. "God inspired"

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Stray- do you know that early on in my conversion (I grew up CAtholic, but we were very lax) I really pondered how anyone could do this for their entire lives. How anyone could have faith and "walk the line" (to quote Johnny Cash, which is always a good thing)-- seemed completely impossible. And I think now I can say with certainty- that it is absolutely impossible for anyone to do it--- that is with out total immersion in the grace offered to us through the sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist. We have to begin on HOPE... the hope that God is faithful to His promises and that the grace promised to us is real and what we need to grow in holiness. AT first it will seem futile and a struggle and that our old self is too flawed- that the life of faith is too difficult. However, if we persist and continue, despite these obstacles-- at some point you will with certainty realize that Christ JEsus has been molding you and turning you into HIs new creation. At this point in my life, though I am far, far away from perfection, I couldn't imagine for even a day, not walking the road of faith. My faith IS who I am- I can't imagine how people make through without Jesus coming to them in the sacraments.

I guess the point of my ramble is to say-- "Go boldy to the throne of Grace!" Be persitent, even when it seems to be completely futile. Continue on even in moments of darkness! If you don't know them- find an Act of Faith, Hope, and Love-- and make them part of your daily prayers. WE need to step out into the void reaching for the hand of Christ- who is ALWAYS there!

 

[Miss Shelby]

Has anyone ever worried about losing their faith or part of the Church due to the narrow road to salvation the Church calls us to? In other words, felt that they should try a more liberal branch of Christianity, out of fear that Catholicism is simply too much?

Here's my thought Stray. If being Catholic were easy, everyone would be Catholic.

I know it's the more narrow road as compared to some factions of Christianity, but the road less traveled, in my opinion, has to be the right road. No, I have never thought that I should try something easier, I just pray for the grace to fulfill in my daily life what I believe to be true. But it's a good question though.

Michelle

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

I was thinking about that sort of thing the other day...but it really was a short little thought pattern that went like this:

If there are things that a person does not agree with in the Catholic Faith, what does he do? He changes, or he can seek God in a different Church.

However, if that was me, I would be standing in the "other church" with full knowledge that the reason I am here is that I do not want to hand my life completely to the Lord. There is an aspect that I think I can do better than what God prescribes. I am in a sence turning my back on God by not being in the Catholic Mass.
Also, having known the Truth and the True Chruch and subsequently rejecting it, would just make me run my legs off back to the confessional!

Peace in Christ!

 

[krstlros]

Has anyone ever worried about losing their faith or part of the Church due to the narrow road to salvation the Church calls us to? In other words, felt that they should try a more liberal branch of Christianity, out of fear that Catholicism is simply too much?

I don't know, I always thought the Catholic Church had a pretty broad road for us to travel. I always felt that other, well some, Christian denominations were more narrow in their views than we are when it came to salvation and the salvation of others.

 

[Debi1967]

I wasn't suggesting it made my think it had less truth, rather, this truth may provoke me to want to leave it and join a more 'flexible' group.

narrow is the path that leads to life
broad is the road that leads us to ruin and damnation

What is this Truth that you know Stray Bullet that we do not, that makes you believe that a more flexible church is the road that leads to life?

And think about this, how can you use the word flexible and then associte it with the Lord and our path to life? That in itself is an oxymoron. Flexibility is not what the Lord is about.

Then you seriously need to think about the consequences for your actions as well. In the Lord's eyes what do you think they will be? Do you think it will matter if you stay another Christian faith, but have turned your back on His Truth?

stray what seriously concerns me is that the wording of your post above can, if just read quickly, be taken that you are saying that the CC has the Truth. But on reading it again which I had to do, then you get the full import of what you were really saying.

So this begs the big question of the hour, Do you believe that the Catholic Church holds the Truth, and the Fullness of the Faith?

If you do then moving to a more "flexible" church is for what? So that you can achieve your desires or the Lord's?

Pax Christi
Debi

 

[murron]

However, if that was me, I would be standing in the "other church" with full knowledge that the reason I am here is that I do not want to hand my life completely to the Lord. There is an aspect that I think I can do better than what God prescribes. I am in a sence turning my back on God by not being in the Catholic Mass.

I may regret asking this, please don't flame me or get upset with me asking this. I am most definitely not trying to pick a fight or cause a ruckus. I'm trying to word this as carefully as I can (in between checking the turkey and working on the bread and yadda yadda yadda...)...
I understand the "official" opinion of churches other than the RC church, sort of. But not speaking of theology or doctrine, what are the opinions of others here regarding catholic faiths other than the RC church? I am not at all maligning the RC church at all; my journey back to God in my 20's happened because of the RC church I was attending. I feel a very strong connection to the RC church, but I'm Anglo-Catholic now. Not because I "sanction" divorce, not because I disagree with the RC church - I'm married to an Anglican and believe the family should attend church together. Thankfully, I've found so few differences between the RC church and the particular branch of Anglicanism I attend that it hasn't been a faith questioning experience for me. I know that our Archbishop has been in contact with Rome working toward having our Rites recognized by the Vatican - I suppose we could be called close cousins.
I ask this, in this thread, because I haven't changed churches because I disagree with the Catholic faith. The post I quoted here made me curious about this. One thing I've often said in other discussions is that the only reason we have so many denominations is because someone would disagree with the RC church, split off and form a new denomination, then someone in that denomination would disagree and go off to start yet another one. Eventually, they are so watered down there is no remote resemblance between the roots of faith and where they stand today. I can say that in the Anglican church I attend, this isn't the case. About the only differences are the belief in purgatory and priests being married (which from what I've read was permitted in the RC church centuries ago). I'm sure there are others, but I'm not a theologian.
Stray, if you'd prefer I put this up as a seperate thread just let me know and I'll happily do it.
Murron

 

[marciadietrich]

Not thought about a more liberal branch of Christianity. I do feel sometimes that some things deemed mortal - big long lists for examination of conscience and things deemed mortal that although perhaps sinful I would never have thought as causing someone to lose salvation - that would make it impossible to be in a state of grace for too long (possibly not even a day) and can cause feelings of despair. To the point I think I was worrying about it too much, going to confession too often and just causing myself unneeded angst. I do better if I go to confession regularly and less often and just don't sweat it all the time. So perhaps that is my being more liberal in myself and how I practice.

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

I may regret asking this, please don't flame me or get upset with me asking this. I am most definitely not trying to pick a fight or cause a ruckus. I'm trying to word this as carefully as I can (in between checking the turkey and working on the bread and yadda yadda yadda...)...
I understand the "official" opinion of churches other than the RC church, sort of. But not speaking of theology or doctrine, what are the opinions of others here regarding catholic faiths other than the RC church? I am not at all maligning the RC church at all; my journey back to God in my 20's happened because of the RC church I was attending. I feel a very strong connection to the RC church, but I'm Anglo-Catholic now. Not because I "sanction" divorce, not because I disagree with the RC church - I'm married to an Anglican and believe the family should attend church together. Thankfully, I've found so few differences between the RC church and the particular branch of Anglicanism I attend that it hasn't been a faith questioning experience for me. I know that our Archbishop has been in contact with Rome working toward having our Rites recognized by the Vatican - I suppose we could be called close cousins.
I ask this, in this thread, because I haven't changed churches because I disagree with the Catholic faith. The post I quoted here made me curious about this. One thing I've often said in other discussions is that the only reason we have so many denominations is because someone would disagree with the RC church, split off and form a new denomination, then someone in that denomination would disagree and go off to start yet another one. Eventually, they are so watered down there is no remote resemblance between the roots of faith and where they stand today. I can say that in the Anglican church I attend, this isn't the case. About the only differences are the belief in purgatory and priests being married (which from what I've read was permitted in the RC church centuries ago). I'm sure there are others, but I'm not a theologian.
Stray, if you'd prefer I put this up as a seperate thread just let me know and I'll happily do it.
Murron

Hello!

No problem, I don't mind you asking.

This will be a subjective answer, of course, and being new to the Faith, forgive me if it's a bit scetchy!

Well, being a recent convert, I was overjoyed to find out in RCIA that the Truu Body and Blood is accessable to us through the Eucharist. I didn't know this before!
For me, knowing that Communion with our Lord is accessable to us every day, I would not want to miss out on that!
I'm also still very new and not too sure of all the differences, but coming from a charismatic protestant church, I can say that The Roman Cathoilc Church is truly the One True Church, kept as close to the teachings of Christ as possible.
All the sacraments, The successor of St. Peter, our Pope, The Eucharist, all these things make me not want to go anywhere else to miss out on them.

Hope this helps!

Peace in Christ!

 

[Theresa]

There was a book by a priest who, at some point in the last century, found himself unable to accept some church teaching. Hmm. James Shannon, former bishop, resigned in 1969. A fascinating story dating back quite some time. I have only read summaries, I haven't read the actual story, but it sounds interesting, and perhaps topical.

*cough* Yeah, I'm sure there's a few of those, and a few others who did live exemplerary lives and who brought greatness by their humility and God's grace everywhere they went. We call them Saints and it's why we name them, it can be done but looking to them truly does show how difficult it really is. St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, St. Maximillian Kolbe who was in a vision offered by Mary two crowns, a crown of Purity and a crown of Martyrdom and asked which he would like. He wanted them both and he lived up to both. St. Faustina, Saint, Saint, Saint. It's not easy, nobody said it was. What it is is worth it but it is a battle of a sorts, the flesh and the spirit. St. Paul who says not to build up things on earth that will corrupt, build up treasure in heaven. St. Paul who says that the Refiner of Silver will test our mettle, some of us gold and silver, some of straw and hay, some of us with not even straw and hay. "He who does not pick up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." One of those forgotten sayings of Christ. In fact, the most beautiful aspect of Catholic teaching for me is redemptive suffering.

I would be lying to myself were I to leave and I know it. There would be no value in that, in fact, St. Paul says the opposite, those who know the truth but reject it are worse off than those who may never have known the truth at all. It will not do one any good, so it's a rock and rock. Luke-warm? "I will spit you out of my mouth" and that's something for me to fear because I have become a bit lukewarm, yet I know what I get when I'm practicing my faith, and once again, it is worth it and you can't get it anywhere else, reality is set up this way. Were I to deny this truth to myself, I would be fighting against reality and only the insane do that.

I mean, as far as bringing up such a thing seebs, what's the purpose? I'm sure we can find some ex-Liberals around somewhere......and?