Lost, considering returning to Catholicism despite disagreeing with so much.

[Anonymous]

Try one of the more liberal Lutheran synod. Thr services are virtually indistinguishable.

[Anonymous]

People who feel they disagree with Church teachings sometimes do not fully understand those teachings or the basis for them. They may see only the “headlines” but might never have been exposed to the “body” of the story. Catholic teaching is the product of millennia of divine revelation, lived experience and philosophical and theological reflection by some of the greatest minds in human history. It has been and is often mis-taught, misrepresented and distorted, both in the Church and especially in the media.

OP, I would urge you to make your return with an open mind and heart. Make an appointment with the priest and raise your concerns, one at a time. Do the reading the priest suggests. If he can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone more knowledgeable and/or do the research on your own. If you’d like, you could begin with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (a book) and branch out from there. The Catechism is dense but sets forth a great deal of background for the Church teachings, typically with reference to source documents including Scripture.

Above all, pray for light and understanding. Avoid being distracted by things that do not directly concern you in your specific circumstances. It sometimes is interesting and stimulating to discuss and debate “issues,” but the goal of Faith is a living relationship with God in your life, in your circumstances, so that divine love can fill you and flow out of you to others. Faith is far more a matter of the heart than of intellect, but a well trained intellect can help guide the heart.

I wish you the best.

[Anonymous]

I was raised a Catholic, had a lot of the same issues with it, and am now Methodist. Strong focus on social justice, traditional worship style. You will need to check out the specific congregations because there is a big split in the denomination over support for LGBTQ people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP seriously you believe in everything Catholics do not.

Pro Choice
Gay marriage
Divorce

Why would you want to be part of something that condones chiid abusers and is against the things you believe in?

How about Unitarian? Or Episcopalian?.

Perhaps the OP has other beliefs the correspond with the church.
The core social values in Catholicism are:

1). Respect for life and dignity of all people.
2) Call to participate in family and community
3). Fundamental rights to life and human decency coupled with responsibility to provide those things to others.
4). Preferential treatment for the poor and vulnerable
5) Dignity and rights of workers
6). Care of the planet.
7). The promotion of justice and peace.

1) Then why do they lobby congress to make lenient laws for sexual abuse
2) Calls to whom? not everybody, they are not inclusive
3) Yet they pay for politicians that create laws against that.
4) Preferential? No, they lobby for low riches for the rich and less resources for the poor and mentally ill.
6) Have you seen the parking lot of a Catholic church?
7) No they lobby for laws that protect pedophiles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who feel they disagree with Church teachings sometimes do not fully understand those teachings or the basis for them. They may see only the “headlines” but might never have been exposed to the “body” of the story. Catholic teaching is the product of millennia of divine revelation, lived experience and philosophical and theological reflection by some of the greatest minds in human history. It has been and is often mis-taught, misrepresented and distorted, both in the Church and especially in the media.

OP, I would urge you to make your return with an open mind and heart. Make an appointment with the priest and raise your concerns, one at a time. Do the reading the priest suggests. If he can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone more knowledgeable and/or do the research on your own. If you’d like, you could begin with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (a book) and branch out from there. The Catechism is dense but sets forth a great deal of background for the Church teachings, typically with reference to source documents including Scripture.

Above all, pray for light and understanding. Avoid being distracted by things that do not directly concern you in your specific circumstances. It sometimes is interesting and stimulating to discuss and debate “issues,” but the goal of Faith is a living relationship with God in your life, in your circumstances, so that divine love can fill you and flow out of you to others. Faith is far more a matter of the heart than of intellect, but a well trained intellect can help guide the heart.

I wish you the best.

Meh. I went to Catholic schools from ES through college. I've taken lots of classes on theology, doctrine, and Church history. And I'm Episcopalian now. And the pews are full of former Catholics who like the ritual, but also appreciate the focus on social justice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who feel they disagree with Church teachings sometimes do not fully understand those teachings or the basis for them. They may see only the “headlines” but might never have been exposed to the “body” of the story. Catholic teaching is the product of millennia of divine revelation, lived experience and philosophical and theological reflection by some of the greatest minds in human history. It has been and is often mis-taught, misrepresented and distorted, both in the Church and especially in the media.

OP, I would urge you to make your return with an open mind and heart. Make an appointment with the priest and raise your concerns, one at a time. Do the reading the priest suggests. If he can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone more knowledgeable and/or do the research on your own. If you’d like, you could begin with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (a book) and branch out from there. The Catechism is dense but sets forth a great deal of background for the Church teachings, typically with reference to source documents including Scripture.

Above all, pray for light and understanding. Avoid being distracted by things that do not directly concern you in your specific circumstances. It sometimes is interesting and stimulating to discuss and debate “issues,” but the goal of Faith is a living relationship with God in your life, in your circumstances, so that divine love can fill you and flow out of you to others. Faith is far more a matter of the heart than of intellect, but a well trained intellect can help guide the heart.

I wish you the best.

The church's teaching are based on mis-interpretations of the text, the need to be rich and control women.

Do you know the real reason priests can't marry? money, that is the real reason
Do you know there was a time abortion was not only not a sin but supported by the church?

The Catholic church is caught up in wealth and politics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grew up Catholic, married in the church, though disagreed with some of the teachings (lack of science) of PreCana. Since then, the child abuse scandal happened, my brother got divorced, I support gay marriage, and I support a woman’s right to abortion. So I took an extended break from the religion because I disagreed with so many tenets that I felt like a fraud.

I miss mass and the contemplative nature of Sunday gathering. I did some research on finding a new religion that checks all my boxes and it’s basically Judaism and I don’t think I can convert.

I had a realization recently and am considering just going again. I don’t agree with several things but I feel like if I teach my kids why, snd I take it for what it’s worth, then I might be OK. I truly miss the feeling that I get from Sunday mass, and I don’t think there are better options.

Any thoughts?

Do you miss Jesus? If so consider a church with a liturgical service that more falls in line with your actual beliefs, like Episcopalian.

Otherwise this is just a mood. I’m a believer and I can’t comprehend sitting through services without actual belief, or converting to Judaism. So much time! Just develop a meditation practice or journal or something. I suppose there is some value if you find it comforting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who feel they disagree with Church teachings sometimes do not fully understand those teachings or the basis for them. They may see only the “headlines” but might never have been exposed to the “body” of the story. Catholic teaching is the product of millennia of divine revelation, lived experience and philosophical and theological reflection by some of the greatest minds in human history. It has been and is often mis-taught, misrepresented and distorted, both in the Church and especially in the media.

OP, I would urge you to make your return with an open mind and heart. Make an appointment with the priest and raise your concerns, one at a time. Do the reading the priest suggests. If he can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone more knowledgeable and/or do the research on your own. If you’d like, you could begin with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (a book) and branch out from there. The Catechism is dense but sets forth a great deal of background for the Church teachings, typically with reference to source documents including Scripture.

Above all, pray for light and understanding. Avoid being distracted by things that do not directly concern you in your specific circumstances. It sometimes is interesting and stimulating to discuss and debate “issues,” but the goal of Faith is a living relationship with God in your life, in your circumstances, so that divine love can fill you and flow out of you to others. Faith is far more a matter of the heart than of intellect, but a well trained intellect can help guide the heart.

I wish you the best.

Meh. I went to Catholic schools from ES through college. I've taken lots of classes on theology, doctrine, and Church history. And I'm Episcopalian now. And the pews are full of former Catholics who like the ritual, but also appreciate the focus on social justice.

You are just fooling yourself if you think Episcopalians are any less of a mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grew up Catholic, married in the church, though disagreed with some of the teachings (lack of science) of PreCana. Since then, the child abuse scandal happened, my brother got divorced, I support gay marriage, and I support a woman’s right to abortion. So I took an extended break from the religion because I disagreed with so many tenets that I felt like a fraud.

I miss mass and the contemplative nature of Sunday gathering. I did some research on finding a new religion that checks all my boxes and it’s basically Judaism and I don’t think I can convert.

I had a realization recently and am considering just going again. I don’t agree with several things but I feel like if I teach my kids why, snd I take it for what it’s worth, then I might be OK. I truly miss the feeling that I get from Sunday mass, and I don’t think there are better options.

Any thoughts?

I understand the pull, but what kept me from returning to the Church was the knowledge that my very presence in a Roman Catholic pew was granting power to the Bishops and others who were acting politically in ways that hurt my friends and loved ones.

As long as the US Council of Catholic Bishops could use my attendance in their count, and present that data to policymakers as "proof" that people supported their stances, I could not stay in the Church. Look at this list of policy items that they are working on, and the radical language they use, and tell me you want to be counted among their flock: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We become Episcopalian. Just sayin.

Another ex-Catholic who is now happily Episcopalian. It's a very similar service, and you can definitely find quiet and contemplative Episcopalian services. Only there are women priests and gay people are welcomed and loved.

Making the switch was *hard* - basically a two year process for me. (Hard for me personally, from the actually logistics with the Episcopal church it was super easy.) But I have never felt more happy and faith-filled in my church. Give it a try.

[Anonymous]

Can you attend but not financially support the church?

I can understand wanting the experience of mass, but I could never give money to an organization that actively works to take away my rights as a woman and a lesbian.

[Anonymous]

I'm going to admit something that I'm still grappling with. I went to Catholic school through 12th grade. HS was very progressive for its time, so no issues whatsoever. Even as a much younger kid, I'd disagree (in my mind) with so much of it.

My son attended excellent public k-12. He's class of 2021, and is attending a Jesuit University. He's enjoying new friends, loves his classes and professors. During the college app process, I convinced myself that this wasn't the school for him. Hadn't given it much thought because he applied to 11 schools, accepted to some that he loved, deferred/waitlisted at others.

He chose this college as soon as he was accepted, and withdrew all acceptances, waitlists, and deferrals. While I'm so proud of him, I definitely feel a twinge of shame and I don't know why! It's not directed solely at Catholicism, but organized religion in general.

There's a lot to love about the school that accepts all identities and religions, provides places of prayer for other denominations, leans very liberal, and is doing a bang up job at giving students an outlet to express their generation's angst on issues, including the history of religious injustices. I'll attend mass at the University chapel when invited for parent events because I haven't attended in a long time. I still love the feeling in church, it's calm in the chaos. I do have faith in something greater and divine, call it what you will. Like others have said, it's between me and my God, the rest is just fluff. I vote, therefore I am. (a dem)

[Anonymous]

There is something very special about the Mass - no doubt about that. It's just all the other bad stuff about the church that's hard for me to dismiss - and would be wrong, IMO, to support.

I suggest that you look around. Not all Episcopal or Lutheran churches would appeal, anymore than all catholic churches are alike.

As a former Catholic, I originally couldn't imagine the concept of "church shopping" -- you went to the church in your diocese that you were assigned to.

But finding the most suitable church is like finding a suitable mate or neighborhood.

You've rejected the authoritarianism of the Church, so don't feel you much accept it by rejoining because you feel an emotional pull.

Those emotions and beliefs can thrive elsewhere. You have choices outside of Roman Catholicism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to admit something that I'm still grappling with. I went to Catholic school through 12th grade. HS was very progressive for its time, so no issues whatsoever. Even as a much younger kid, I'd disagree (in my mind) with so much of it.

My son attended excellent public k-12. He's class of 2021, and is attending a Jesuit University. He's enjoying new friends, loves his classes and professors. During the college app process, I convinced myself that this wasn't the school for him. Hadn't given it much thought because he applied to 11 schools, accepted to some that he loved, deferred/waitlisted at others.

He chose this college as soon as he was accepted, and withdrew all acceptances, waitlists, and deferrals. While I'm so proud of him, I definitely feel a twinge of shame and I don't know why! It's not directed solely at Catholicism, but organized religion in general.

There's a lot to love about the school that accepts all identities and religions, provides places of prayer for other denominations, leans very liberal, and is doing a bang up job at giving students an outlet to express their generation's angst on issues, including the history of religious injustices. I'll attend mass at the University chapel when invited for parent events because I haven't attended in a long time. I still love the feeling in church, it's calm in the chaos. I do have faith in something greater and divine, call it what you will. Like others have said, it's between me and my God, the rest is just fluff. I vote, therefore I am. (a dem)

I'd say just try to enjoy the feeling when you go to the chapel and enjoy your son's happiness in his school choice and try to put the Catholic guilt behind you. Not easy, I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who feel they disagree with Church teachings sometimes do not fully understand those teachings or the basis for them. They may see only the “headlines” but might never have been exposed to the “body” of the story. Catholic teaching is the product of millennia of divine revelation, lived experience and philosophical and theological reflection by some of the greatest minds in human history. It has been and is often mis-taught, misrepresented and distorted, both in the Church and especially in the media.

OP, I would urge you to make your return with an open mind and heart. Make an appointment with the priest and raise your concerns, one at a time. Do the reading the priest suggests. If he can’t help you, ask for a referral to someone more knowledgeable and/or do the research on your own. If you’d like, you could begin with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (a book) and branch out from there. The Catechism is dense but sets forth a great deal of background for the Church teachings, typically with reference to source documents including Scripture.

Above all, pray for light and understanding. Avoid being distracted by things that do not directly concern you in your specific circumstances. It sometimes is interesting and stimulating to discuss and debate “issues,” but the goal of Faith is a living relationship with God in your life, in your circumstances, so that divine love can fill you and flow out of you to others. Faith is far more a matter of the heart than of intellect, but a well trained intellect can help guide the heart.

I wish you the best.

Meh. I went to Catholic schools from ES through college. I've taken lots of classes on theology, doctrine, and Church history. And I'm Episcopalian now. And the pews are full of former Catholics who like the ritual, but also appreciate the focus on social justice.

You are just fooling yourself if you think Episcopalians are any less of a mess.

Can you provide evidence that the Episcopal church has supported pedophilia among its priests? If not, please don't make such a ridiculous sweeping statement. Hopefully OP realizes there is no basis for it.