If you have studied the Catholic Church & her Teachings from sources within the Catholic Church and as a result you did not become Catholic, Please Post here the reason(s) why?

[AmateurPianist]

Since you are asking..

I do not believe that the relationship between Catholics and Protestants is one of "one true church" that "possesses the fulness of truth" versus "ecclesiastical communities but not the church" that believe the "heresy of Protestantism".

If I became convinced that this relationship is actually the truth, every other point of Catholicism that I also am unconvinced of would all of a sudden become moot.

[agiosotheos]

Originally Posted by NoWings

Probably the same thing that everyone else means when they say "Orthodox". Byzantine Orthdox.

I often hear Orthodox as a reference to the Byzantine and Oriental Orthodox inclusively, actually.

[NoWings]

Originally Posted by agiosotheos

I often hear Orthodox as a reference to the Byzantine and Oriental Orthodox inclusively, actually.

Most people have never heard of Oriental Orthodox. Add that to the fact that Oriental also means "Eastern" and that OOs refer to themselves as just "Orthodox", just like Byzantines do.

I daresay when someone says "Orthodox", most people hear 'the guys with beards and fancy clothes'.

[agiosotheos]

Originally Posted by NoWings

Most people have never heard of Oriental Orthodox. Add that to the fact that Oriental also means "Eastern" and that OOs refer to themselves as just "Orthodox", just like Byzantines do.

I daresay when someone says "Orthodox", most people hear 'the guys with beards and fancy clothes'.

Granted, but amongst theologically educated people, there is much such references to the two parties included under the term Orthodox.

[Hesychios]

Originally Posted by nlm

... I was told a while back on one of these threads that even if one receives one's religious education from a nun, a priest or RCIA instructor. it does not mean one is receiving correct information.I was left asking myself if one can't get it straight from those sources then how does one get it correctly.
I went to parochial schools from grade 1 to 8, all our teachers were nuns. We had 30 minutes of catechism 5 days a week. I also received religious education and formation from my Novice Master after entering a cloistered religious order and still, the information I received was not correct. This does lead one to wonder.God Bless. NLM

It is just not supposed to be that difficult.

If it is important to understand... it should not require a doctorate.

If it requires a doctorate to understand... it is not important.

So there, you read it here first!

[ralphinal]

Originally Posted by havana1

Because I'm single and feel ignored, written off, dismissed, told that I want to be "entertained" when I express my opinion about singles being ignored (I don't recall anyone ever telling LifeTeen kids they want to be "entertained"), basically being treated like a second-class citizen... that's why.

I would be and could be a world-class apologist who could make the likes of Tim Staples be unemployable in an instant, but I simply don't feel it's in my best interest any more to defend the Church that has all but abandoned me at the very time I would love to participate in the parish community: everything's for families and kids and seniors. Singles don't exist in the Catholic church, except as "vocation," and that's lip service: I never see any special diocesan masses said for singles.

I wish I had known when I was younger that the Catholic Church is no place for a single adult. (I don't even go for Easter or Christmas, not even those days, either.)

I understand your point. Historically, in my diocese, youth and singles were ignored or simply written off. And they wonder why so many young people leave the Church? I would not be so quick to dismiss the Church over this. What too many people in the Church ignore is that people have feelings. We get trapped into our little worlds and ignore those around us.

One problem here is that single groups are full of either the older crowd or those looking for someone. Not that there is anything wrong with that. However, when I was single, I was more interested in people to hang out with than people to hook up with.

Originally Posted by mary bobo

I'm sorry you feel that way. My parish has a very actice singles group that does things with singles groups in others parishes in our city. I wish you could find one like that. But don't give up. The Church is not a social group, but you can still find companionship with other singles in another church. Have you tried another parish?

Good advice

Originally Posted by Karmartia

Oh my God, you poor baby. What kind of a church would abandon a single in their midst. I don't blame you for kicking them to the curb. After all, the faith was made specifically for you and how dare they snub you. Why your talents as an apologist alone are worth their weight in gold. Bad old Catholic Church, with their stupid St. Vincent De Paul Society and Knights of Columbus. Jerks.

No St Vincent de Paul here that I know of, and the KoC in my parrish is very, very family centered. It might have been the same way for the poster. I was not the one with the issue, but I feel for them. Please don't forget charity when you post.

[cheese_sdc]

I was raised Catholic. I spent 4 years in the seminary. I taught CCD, studied Church documents, and further my Catholic education by going to diocesan approved continuing education workshops, married in the Church, practiced NFP, etc, etc, etc.

Now, I'm a heathen.

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by nlm

Your response makes perfect sense. Yes, I do feel my journey as far as being in the right church is concerned is complete. However, as we all know, our ultimate journey is one we must work at on a daily basis.
I found your question very interesting. I was told a while back on one of these threads that even if one receives one's religious education from a nun, a priest or RCIA instructor. it does not mean one is receiving correct information.I was left asking myself if one can't get it straight from those sources then how does one get it correctly.
I went to parochial schools from grade 1 to 8, all our teachers were nuns. We had 30 minutes of catechism 5 days a week. I also received religious education and formation from my Novice Master after entering a cloistered religious order and still, the information I received was not correct. This does lead one to wonder.God Bless. NLM

NLM, To me that sounds like a fair enough education, as a Catholic I was not so privileged, however when I finally responded to God's grace, the gift of faith was given and continues to grow in my heart as a Catholic,
Of couse I don't know how you came to not believe, after all those years of being in the faith, that the education you rec'd was not the truth.

Could it have possibly been that, at your early age, your heart was just not up there where your mind was in rec'ing your early education? That does happen to many, and later as we mature we come to know him more surely in faith and growth in loving him and serving him. A life long process. Any way, NLM, I ask our Lord to continue bless and guide you in his love.Carlan

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by cheese_sdc

I was raised Catholic. I spent 4 years in the seminary. I taught CCD, studied Church documents, and further my Catholic education by going to diocesan approved continuing education workshops, married in the Church, practiced NFP, etc, etc, etc.

Now, I'm a heathen.

Oh dear, hopefully one day you will get over yourself.Carlan

[cheese_sdc]

Originally Posted by Carlan

Oh dear, hopefully one day you will get over yourself.Carlan

Not sure I understand your statement.....

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by rick43235

Raised in the Lutheran Church; married to a Catholic wife; go to mass with her every Sunday (and Holy Days if she remembers); presently pretty much of an agnostic. I went through RCIA until about a month before Easter when Father took me aside and inquired, "Hey Rick, I forgot to ask. Were you and (wife) married in the Church?" Of course, everything came to a grinding halt at that time. Honestly, I was relieved. I realized that I was just going through the motions for my wife.

Although I actually enjoyed learning about the Church in RCIA, as one who struggles with God, I found that many Church teachings and beliefs have no meaning for me without an underlying belief in a supreme being. Even if I could come to terms with God, I doubt that I could ever become Catholic. Church teachings on issues such as birth control, stem cell research, sexuality, papal authority, real presence, etc., just don't ring true to me.

I am, however, a big believer in after-mass donuts.

Rick, don't think donuts will do it for you, responding to God's grace will though! Carlan

[djeter]

Originally Posted by havana1

Because I'm single and feel ignored, written off, dismissed, told that I want to be "entertained" when I express my opinion about singles being ignored (I don't recall anyone ever telling LifeTeen kids they want to be "entertained"), basically being treated like a second-class citizen... that's why.

I would be and could be a world-class apologist who could make the likes of Tim Staples be unemployable in an instant, but I simply don't feel it's in my best interest any more to defend the Church that has all but abandoned me at the very time I would love to participate in the parish community: everything's for families and kids and seniors. Singles don't exist in the Catholic church, except as "vocation," and that's lip service: I never see any special diocesan masses said for singles.

I wish I had known when I was younger that the Catholic Church is no place for a single adult. (I don't even go for Easter or Christmas, not even those days, either.)

While the Church is the Church whereever you go, it is also a place of Christian fellowship and this differs radically from one parish to the next. As someone who converted to one parish and then wound up moving and joining another, I've had a roller coaster experience and can understand where you are coming from.

My story, long, obsessive and overwrought I'm afraid -- not really related to the issue of singles but certainly to that of fellowship -- is here:

http://payingattentiontothesky.com/422/

I've been told my a number of readers that parishes breed folks like Jerome who can completely ruin what it should mean to be Catholic. The moral of my story is being alone in Church can be perfect. In my case I'm a senior but as a younger person I would suggest (like others have here) that you drive or bus to another parish -- you can find a world of difference.

God bless and pray things will be better for you

dj

[Dettingen]

Originally Posted by Ultima Ratio

The Catholic Church believes in the Priesthood of all believers. In fact, you have to believe in it to be a Catholic. You can find the teaching in the Catechism. But it also believes in a distinct ministerial Priesthood.

Okay, then I've got some studying to do.

Elsewhere, someone gave a source to which one could request a free copy of the Catechism. I had one, years ago, but it got "borrowed." Even though I'm not planning on converting, do you think it would be okay for me to request one? Or would it be better to reserve the free books to those who are seriously considering converting?

[Carlan]

Originally Posted by Lutheranteach

Went all the way through RCIA after I married my Catholic wife but did not convert. I have to agree with the "I said so," sentiment someone else mentioned. Intellectually I was unconvinced. Spiritually, I was unmoved. Emotionally, I felt like a cog in a machine while in the class. On the social agenda, I found myself very much out of step and truly felt bound by my own conscience to maintain my position on many things. I am involved with my wife's church and the school, but I can't see a time where I would ever become a Catholic.

What can we say Teacher, except first things first, you must respond to the gift of Gods grace, then that marvelous mind will be opened wide to receive and receive and continue to receive God's precious truth.Carlan

[Dettingen]

How annoying. I post and then remember something else I had to say.

Though everybody is being rather polite here, it's still a negative thread, about choosing not instead of choosing yes.

I created a thread "What I like about you" where I hoped Protestants would say nice things, a positive thread. Which I hoped might assist in promoting filial love and understanding. But it doesn't seem to be getting much attention.