What does it mean to be a "true" Catholic?

[Tigg]

Amen.

Have I told you how awesome I think you are lately?

Why thank you. I will try and be awesome more often.

 

[Rhamiel]

This is the statement that bothers me. I've heard it said a number of times.

For example, (assuming that I was Catholic) let's say that I don't agree with the Church's stance on the use of birth control, but I never use it myself because of the Church's stance on it.

Does that mean that I disagree with God?

And because I disagree with God/the Church, does that mean I'm headed for eternal damnation (in the Church's eyes)?

Would I no longer be a "true" Catholic?

The Church does not force us to understand everything, even if we can not fully understand the reasoning, or if the reasons do not really strike a cord with us, we are still called to follow the teachings of the Church
having doubts about this or that is only natural, especially when the culture we live in keeps telling us it is a good thing
remaining faithful is the important part, and to subit humbly to the teachings of the Church even when you have doubts nagging at you is a great thing, it is to trust in God and His Church more then you trust in your own view of the matter

please do not be put off if some people are overly strict, the Church is very big and has lots of differant people in it

God is not some big bully in the sky with a checklist looking over our shoulders waiting for us to mess up
He loves us and wants us to be happy, He understands all of us better then we can understand ourselves
faithfully submitting to the teachings of the Church is a good way to find that happiness
and i have noticed in my own life, some times you must walk the walk before you can talk the talk

i was raised Catholic and I never read the bible much, it took me over a month of reading the Bible every day to really learn the joy of scripture
others have told me it is the same way with social teachings, they did not really in their heart of hearts agree with something, but the longer they stayed open to it the more they understood it and the more they developed a love for that teaching

 

[BBCath]

We become true Catholics when we are Baptized and when we affirm our Baptismal Promises.

V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.

Jim

That is the most simplistic and easy-to-understand answer I have heard.

Some answers are a little bit more difficult to swallow.

 

[BBCath]

The Church does not force us to understand everything, even if we can not fully understand the reasoning, or if the reasons do not really strike a cord with us, we are still called to follow the teachings of the Church
having doubts about this or that is only natural, especially when the culture we live in keeps telling us it is a good thing
remaining faithful is the important part, and to subit humbly to the teachings of the Church even when you have doubts nagging at you is a great thing, it is to trust in God and His Church more then you trust in your own view of the matter

please do not be put off if some people are overly strict, the Church is very big and has lots of differant people in it

God is not some big bully in the sky with a checklist looking over our shoulders waiting for us to mess up
He loves us and wants us to be happy, He understands all of us better then we can understand ourselves
faithfully submitting to the teachings of the Church is a good way to find that happiness
and i have noticed in my own life, some times you must walk the walk before you can talk the talk

i was raised Catholic and I never read the bible much, it took me over a month of reading the Bible every day to really learn the joy of scripture
others have told me it is the same way with social teachings, they did not really in their heart of hearts agree with something, but the longer they stayed open to it the more they understood it and the more they developed a love for that teaching

I felt at peace when I read your response. I'm not sure why though, but I thank God for it.

 

[WarriorAngel]

This is the statement that bothers me. I've heard it said a number of times.

For example, (assuming that I was Catholic) let's say that I don't agree with the Church's stance on the use of birth control, but I never use it myself because of the Church's stance on it.

Does that mean that I disagree with God?

And because I disagree with God/the Church, does that mean I'm headed for eternal damnation (in the Church's eyes)?

Would I no longer be a "true" Catholic?

No one said struggling with the doctrines was not being Catholic.
But rather that in the end - as Jesus said 'The one who says no but obeys is more faithful than the one who says yes and does not do it' [what was asked of them]

So struggling is human - but obedience to the teachings overall anyway - is the end result of being faithful.

Everyone struggles and sometimes in ignorance ppl do things and thus if instructed otherwise and then they change to meet the Church's teachings is obedience - but when they know it is wrong and do it anyway - then they are not obeying.

It is ok to not understand things such as BC - and follow what is required - that is being faithful.

But to have full knowledge of the teachings and say you wont follow them just because you disagree - and refuse to find out why it is taught that way - or just dont want to be bothered - then that is willfully being unfaithful.