Maybe if she read the code books by the other Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles she would have a different opinion.
Your wife sounds like a smart woman. Religion is one big scam and the only place gullibility is accepted.
My beliefs are Native American based. I was forced to join the Catholic Church and attend Catholic High School. I eventualy left and went back to my roots.
Hey Coach,
I'm having some Catholic church issues too myself these days, so I can understand.
At the same time I agree with Cheryl that her decision probably shouldn't be based on a fiction book. When I read it, and I've read alot of stuff about those topics that are non-fiction, I could see where Dan Brown took real history so far and then embellished/twisted it to make a better story line.
Slightly off-topic question: Have you 'former' catholics out there found spiritual comfort in another place? Why and how?
I ask because the universality of the Catholic experience makes it almost as much an ethnicity as a faith, IMO. I've church-hopped and stopped out sometimes but I've never felt comfortable in another church. It's just how I worship.
I'm having some Catholic church issues too myself these days, so I can understand.
At the same time I agree with Cheryl that her decision probably shouldn't be based on a fiction book. When I read it, and I've read alot of stuff about those topics that are non-fiction, I could see where Dan Brown took real history so far and then embellished/twisted it to make a better story line.
Slightly off-topic question: Have you 'former' catholics out there found spiritual comfort in another place? Why and how?
I ask because the universality of the Catholic experience makes it almost as much an ethnicity as a faith, IMO. I've church-hopped and stopped out sometimes but I've never felt comfortable in another church. It's just how I worship.
We tried going to another church a time or two, but I finally realized it wasn't just the Catholic Church I didn't believe in, but the whole Christian concept of God. I feel more comfortable now with my spiritual beliefs than I ever had.
That being said, going to Mass or even being in a Church, does bring me some peace, but more because it is a familiar link with my past than for a connection with God.
That being said, going to Mass or even being in a Church, does bring me some peace, but more because it is a familiar link with my past than for a connection with God.
Just remember that every thinking human has a crisis of faith at one point or another. It's what distinguishes us from the animals.
Remember: God is big enough to handle her doubts and fears. Remember how He loved Thomas through and despite his doubts?
Just because she's giving up on a specific faith, it doesn't mean she is (or should be) giving up on God Himself.
Denominations and faiths are ways we humans have concocted to make God fit our biases and opinions and beliefs.
They are not necessary to believe in God.
Remember: God is big enough to handle her doubts and fears. Remember how He loved Thomas through and despite his doubts?
Just because she's giving up on a specific faith, it doesn't mean she is (or should be) giving up on God Himself.
Denominations and faiths are ways we humans have concocted to make God fit our biases and opinions and beliefs.
They are not necessary to believe in God.
yes
felt out in the cold in the catholic church for most of my life; it never met my specific spiritual need, if there is such a thing.
walked into another church and experienced a night vs day phenom and have never looked back or second-guessed my decision to become a member in the new church for a moment.
felt out in the cold in the catholic church for most of my life; it never met my specific spiritual need, if there is such a thing.
walked into another church and experienced a night vs day phenom and have never looked back or second-guessed my decision to become a member in the new church for a moment.
yes
felt out in the cold in the catholic church for most of my life; it never met my specific spiritual need, if there is such a thing.
walked into another church and experienced a night vs day phenom and have never looked back or second-guessed my decision to become a member in the new church for a moment.
Yes I have, also. I was raised Catholic and although the prayers and the liturgy were beautiful, the concept of an angry, disappointed God who was keen on punishing was not something I felt down deep was right.
I have since found that a non-denominational setting is where I thrive. The man made rules and regulations are set aside and the emphasis is placed on God and Scripture.
felt out in the cold in the catholic church for most of my life; it never met my specific spiritual need, if there is such a thing.
walked into another church and experienced a night vs day phenom and have never looked back or second-guessed my decision to become a member in the new church for a moment.
Yes I have, also. I was raised Catholic and although the prayers and the liturgy were beautiful, the concept of an angry, disappointed God who was keen on punishing was not something I felt down deep was right.
I have since found that a non-denominational setting is where I thrive. The man made rules and regulations are set aside and the emphasis is placed on God and Scripture.
I can take part in the services of a number of faiths, it isn't about what particular house of worship I'm in. In fact, I like taking part in various services, because I like the concept of fellowship. Helping others connect b/c I'm there saying and doing, too. That said, it's not like I don't ever struggle with my faith. In fact, I'd say that anymore, I struggle more than I don't.
good stuff peeps.
much thanks.
much thanks.
I'll be driving that handbasket....
can i hop on too?
can i hop on too?
Sorry to jump into this so late. Anytime I am having a crisis of faith, I read this book.
I am just about due.
I am just about due.
That looks absolutely fascinating!!
I think I'll order one.
I think I'll order one.