Catholics: How do you still justify going to church or being a part of the church?

[Anonymous]

OP - I "outgrew" religion and consider myself spiritual instead. But there was one incident in PA that pushed me over the edge. Up to that point, I was forcing myself (and my family) to go through the motions.

I'm glad I finally woke up. My daughter had her communion, but we never bothered with my son. Both were baptized, however, as were my husband and I. I attended Catholic schools through grade 10, when I finally left an all-girls' school to experience public.

I never attended church in college or after - not until I got married and had kids. Initially, I felt I owed it to my kids to be raised in a belief system. But my kids aren't missing out and they love having lazy Sundays.

But you will not receive much support on this thread, however, as there are many Catholics who firmly believe in the church despite the heinous crimes.

But let's face it. Pedophilia isn't a "Catholic crime." There are perverts all over the place.

Personally, I don't need man-made rules to tell me how to worship a cruel deity. The Catholic god is not involved; let's face it. Nor is this god kind. I don't feel the need to fast on certain holidays or to chant on Sundays. I think Jesus existed. I think he was ONE of many evolved beings who was used (abused) in the name of power.

You don't need to justify your feelings about the church to anyone. And if you find yourself being defensive, you know you're not around "your tribe."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

[Anonymous]

It is very difficult. Also have real issues with devout Catholics like Pence, Edwards, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh trying to force their views on others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

I want to attend mass. I like worshipping with my fellow Catholics. Financial support? Yes. That I can get on board with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

and you plan to vote the president out, right? not the same with the church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

This. The Church leadership has been corrupted. It is time for the lay people to root out all the evil and remake the Church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

and you plan to vote the president out, right? not the same with the church.

Actually, many of the corrupt leadership are being removed because insiders are demanding change. Both the laity and those in the consecrated life. My parish has an action group on this issue. I don’t personally serve due to my DH having cancer and I am working full time, but I know at least one woman in the group is a fellow CSA survivor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is very difficult. Also have real issues with devout Catholics like Pence, Edwards, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh trying to force their views on others.

FYI Pence was born Catholic but became Protestant

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

Your point is well obscured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

Jesus Christ can be found outside the Catholic Church.

In fact, it's hard to imagine a nice guy like him being in the church. When he said "Suffer the little children unto me" I don't think he had in mind what so many priests have done to them and what so many others have covered up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

Your point is well obscured.

No it is not. I'm Catholic because of Jesus, not the leaders of the church. You do you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

Jesus Christ can be found outside the Catholic Church.

In fact, it's hard to imagine a nice guy like him being in the church. When he said "Suffer the little children unto me" I don't think he had in mind what so many priests have done to them and what so many others have covered up.

Have at it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To me; it’s that being Catholic means more than the current church leaders or its hierarchy. I am vehemently against what the President and his party stands for, but I’m still an American.

+1000

No one is suggesting you not be catholic.

What is being suggested is that you withdraw your support of the church until things change. By withholding your money and attendance instead of your vote, as you withhold in your analogy.

DP. Because we don't follow people, we follow Jesus Christ. If you need money, why don't you just rob a bank? Withhold your own money and your own attendance. Worry about yourself.

Jesus Christ can be found outside the Catholic Church.

In fact, it's hard to imagine a nice guy like him being in the church. When he said "Suffer the little children unto me" I don't think he had in mind what so many priests have done to them and what so many others have covered up.

And democracy can be found outside of the US. Given this country’s current behavior, when are you immigrating to Canada? Taking your tax dollars away will get Trump’s attention.