Who's a CATHOLIC? - SuperiorMuscle.com

rado · #1 07-30-07, 12:19 PM

Serious question...Anyone? I ask for a number of reasons so that I could possibly discuss some things in the open here.

grnmchn · #2 07-30-07, 12:22 PM

I grew up Catholic and just recently converted to Methodist.

rado · #3 07-30-07, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnmchn

I grew up Catholic and just recently converted to Methodist.

Why? When you sin, do you believe God will punish you? What I mean is that if you for example; curse or lie...Do you believe God will punish you in some way in life? Like maybe falling down and breaking a bone, going through troubled times(family, work, etc...)Do you get what I'm trying to convey?

beefcake · #4 07-30-07, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rado

Why? When you sin, do you believe God will punish you? What I mean is that if you for example; curse or lie...Do you believe God will punish you in some way in life? Like maybe falling down and breaking a bone, going through troubled times(family, work, etc...)Do you get what I'm trying to convey?

Sounds more like karma to me. I am methodist, but I do believe in karma. I don't believe it's god doing it, I feel it's just the balance of nature that causes things to come back around to those who do wrong.

rado · #5 07-30-07, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beefcake

Sounds more like karma to me. I am methodist, but I do believe in karma. I don't believe it's god doing it, I feel it's just the balance of nature that causes things to come back around to those who do wrong.

Karma may be real...But it's all in a persons belief...I believe that if you sin; which we all do everyday...God will punish me for my sins...Other's believe it different...

rado · #6 07-30-07, 12:40 PM

***Karma*** I think it's real. But I don't think it has to do with being a bad person or a good person.

babyblues · #7 07-30-07, 12:42 PM

Here goes. I believe that the punishment has already been taken by Jesus Christ. That's what the crucifixion was all about. He took the punishment for your sin so you could be free. If God were to punish us for our sin, we would not survive. The offer is life, not punishment. But it's your choice. I don't understand all of it, to be honest. The older I get, the more questions I have. I'm the farthest thing from perfect, and I demonstrate that on a regular basis here.

But I still believe this to be true.

rado · #8 07-30-07, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblues

Here goes. I believe that the punishment has already been taken by Jesus Christ. That's what the crucifixion was all about. He took the punishment for your sin so you could be free. If God were to punish us for our sin, we would not survive. The offer is life, not punishment. But it's your choice. I don't understand all of it, to be honest. The older I get, the more questions I have. I'm the farthest thing from perfect, and I demonstrate that on a regular basis here.

But I still believe this to be true.

It's one of those things that my grandma use to tell me as a kid; "Don't sin or god will punish you"

It's always stuck in my head, even up until now...Lately as I've been going to church, I haven't confessed in years...I feel bad inside when I think about my sins and the remorse is killing me.

grnmchn · #9 07-30-07, 12:50 PM

My take would be similar to Babyblues. Jesus died for the sins of man. God excepts that humans are naturally capable of sin and he doesn't expect you to live your life free of sin. What he does expect is for you to live your life acording to his teachings. Live the best way you can. If you sin, acknowledge your sin and try to learn from it and do better. To me, God will never punish you for your sins because it is not possible for a human not to sin. That's why Catholics believe in confession. It's a periodic cleanse of your soul. In the end, if you follow his teachings all your sins will be disolved. Even if you turn your back on God 95% of your life, but by the time your life draws to a close you make peace and except him as your savior all is forgiven.

rado · #10 07-30-07, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnmchn

My take would be similar to Babyblues. Jesus died for the sins of man. God excepts that humans are naturally capable of sin and he doesn't expect you to live your life free of sin. What he does expect is for you to live your life acording to his teachings. Live the best way you can. If you sin, acknowledge your sin and try to learn from it and do better. To me, God will never punish you for your sins because it is not possible for a human not to sin. That's why Catholics believe in confession. It's a periodic cleanse of your soul. In the end, if you follow his teachings all your sins will be disolved. Even if you turn your back on God 95% of your life, but by the time your life draws to a close you make peace and except him as your savior all is forgiven.

Thank for you this comment/\

I know he died for our sins and human flesh could not live if he were to punish us...Yea I'm going to confession this week...I need it really bad...I've been wanting to go for a while now...

babyblues · #11 07-30-07, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rado

It's one of those things that my grandma use to tell me as a kid; "Don't sin or god will punish you"

It's always stuck in my head, even up until now...Lately as I've been going to church, I haven't confessed in years...I feel bad inside when I think about my sins and the remorse is killing me.

See, that's what I believe God wants to take away. Not just once, but all of it completely gone. Not that you should feel good about that stuff, but it should drive you to the only one who can take that guilt away...Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness and there's healing. Everyone hurts, everyone has stuff that's painful even if they won't admit it. We weren't meant to carry all of that guilt and hurt like that. That's the message more people need to hear.

Don't take my word for it. If God is real and He's right, He can prove it to you Himself.

grnmchn · #12 07-30-07, 01:03 PM

To answer your other question, my major problem isn't really with the Catholic church, but more the institute of religion. I love going to church and feeling good about my life and my decisions, but I just feel that churches in general try and cram other shit down your throat while your there. They guilt you into donations and money is always a hot topic for the church. I know they need it to function, but I think there could be better avenues than while at mass. I mean, it's a 10 minute conversation about the money they are behind, it's printed in bold in the newsletter......give it a rest. If everyone was at church for the right reasons, they would give what they could voluntarily. I feel that anyone can find peace with God, anywhere, at anytime. I do not feel that if you don't go to church you are a sinner. If you can communicate with God and worship him in your own way..great! Why do we feel that you have to show up "in your Sunday best" to feel connected with God ? Sorry for the rant, just a sore subject. Anyone who grew up going to Catholic schools should somewhat understand.

ROCKETW19 · #13 07-30-07, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rado

It's one of those things that my grandma use to tell me as a kid; "Don't sin or god will punish you"

this is exactly why god was made up to scare you into being a good lil boy and girl. yes your right i dont belive in any of that stuff. when you die you die you dont goto heaven or hell that is silly. sorry if i offended anyone.

grnmchn · #14 07-30-07, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblues

See, that's what I believe God wants to take away. Not just once, but all of it completely gone. Not that you should feel good about that stuff, but it should drive you to the only one who can take that guilt away...Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness and there's healing. Everyone hurts, everyone has stuff that's painful even if they won't admit it. We weren't meant to carry all of that guilt and hurt like that. That's the message more people need to hear.

Don't take my word for it. If God is real and He's right, He can prove it to you Himself.

That's a great outlook on life. I'm sure you have no trouble sleeping at night. More people should take that approach. Carrying all that guilt could actually lead you in the opposite direction your are trying to go.

grnmchn · #15 07-30-07, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROCKETW19

this is exactly why god was made up to scare you into being a good lil boy and girl. yes your right i dont belive in any of that stuff. when you die you die you dont goto heaven or hell that is silly. sorry if i offended anyone.

No offense...I don't argue over religion, it never gets resolved. I live my life based on my views and you yours. If you don't believe in God, then arguing my point won't make sense to you. I understand your point about heaven and hell. All I believe is that by living right, I will end up in a better place, free of stress, peaceful. Whatever name you call it is fine by me.

rado · #16 07-30-07, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnmchn

To answer your other question, my major problem isn't really with the Catholic church, but more the institute of religion. I love going to church and feeling good about my life and my decisions, but I just feel that churches in general try and cram other shit down your throat while your there. They guilt you into donations and money is always a hot topic for the church. I know they need it to function, but I think there could be better avenues than while at mass. I mean, it's a 10 minute conversation about the money they are behind, it's printed in bold in the newsletter......give it a rest. If everyone was at church for the right reasons, they would give what they could voluntarily. I feel that anyone can find peace with God, anywhere, at anytime. I do not feel that if you don't go to church you are a sinner. If you can communicate with God and worship him in your own way..great! Why do we feel that you have to show up "in your Sunday best" to feel connected with God ? Sorry for the rant, just a sore subject. Anyone who grew up going to Catholic schools should somewhat understand.

You hit the nail on the head!

I don't need to go to church all the time...I actually feel closer(to God) when I read the bible...It comforts me.

Lately(going on for about a year)I've been feeling I need to cleanse myself and be born again...I need to do this for myself...Without putting too much out there...I have an evil twin; no really I do. Hence the Gemini trait...Although most will say don't pay attention to Astrology, but in my case it fits well.

At times I feel "him" pulling me away from righteous living; I fucking hate it...When I'm around people who are more spiritual, I feel better...But when I'm alone, that's when it's bad.

rado · #17 07-30-07, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblues

See, that's what I believe God wants to take away. Not just once, but all of it completely gone. Not that you should feel good about that stuff, but it should drive you to the only one who can take that guilt away...Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness and there's healing. Everyone hurts, everyone has stuff that's painful even if they won't admit it. We weren't meant to carry all of that guilt and hurt like that. That's the message more people need to hear.

Don't take my word for it. If God is real and He's right, He can prove it to you Himself.

I agree with you

rado · #18 07-30-07, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grnmchn

No offense...I don't argue over religion, it never gets resolved. I live my life based on my views and you yours. If you don't believe in God, then arguing my point won't make sense to you. I understand your point about heaven and hell. All I believe is that by living right, I will end up in a better place, free of stress, peaceful. Whatever name you call it is fine by me.

Agreed...It never gets resolved...Never.

***THE BOUNCER*** · #19 07-30-07, 01:18 PM

I have no religion. I have my own beliefs and thoughts that pretty much are a mix of a whole bunch of religions.

babyblues · #20 07-30-07, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rado

You hit the nail on the head!

I don't need to go to church all the time...I actually feel closer(to God) when I read the bible...It comforts me.

Lately(going on for about a year)I've been feeling I need to cleanse myself and be born again...I need to do this for myself...Without putting too much out there...I have an evil twin; no really I do. Hence the Gemini trait...Although most will say don't pay attention to Astrology, but in my case it fits well.

At times I feel "him" pulling me away from righteous living; I fucking hate it...When I'm around people who are more spiritual, I feel better...But when I'm alone, that's when it's bad.

We all have "him" bro. You can't cleanse yourself, that's the problem. We are prone to sin but we can't cleanse ourselves. That's a conumdrum we can't solve. But God can. He can and He will if you let Him. God doesn't sit there with a giant Bible shaped hammer ready to smash you when you do something wrong. Jesus said that He came that we could have life. God doesn't have to prove that we've done wrong things. He didn't come to condemn you, He came to save you. Save you from what? From that guilt, from that evil twin. He came to save you from that punishment that I think we all fear in some way. John 3:16 and 17 really are what it's all about. There is no other way. You can't do it yourself.

grnmchn · #21 07-30-07, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE BOUNCER

I have no religion. I have my own beliefs and thoughts that pretty much are a mix of a whole bunch of religions.

I was like that throughout college. It wasn't until my wife was pregnant with our daughter that I compared all different types of religion to see which best suited all my beliefs. Since I did grow up Catholic, I still have a lot of those. So Methodist seemed like a good choice. I personally wanted my daughter to grow up learning about God, once she is older if she wants to chose a different religion I won't have any issues with it.