The Roman Catholic Church. A respectful, civil, sharing of thoughts.

David777 said:
Agree with @aligatobob well crafted post.
Have been attending RC masses for over 2 decades and will continue to even though don't agree with various doctrines and policy nor negative issues in its history. I interpret Christianity from reading scripture and scholarly work, not dogmas. Primary reason is for the sake of eternal life I seek, because Jesus directly stated in gospels asked us to within a community of followers whatever that is. Read John and Paul. That eternal life depends on the ceremony of eating a host, drinking wine representing his sacrifice for us. If that is part of what it takes, then tis a small demand he could predict many would ignore for excuses thus acting like a filter. Majority of church goers are moral ethical well meaning folk I won't abandon due to the noise.
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I resonate with this @David777. Well done.
 

Leann said:
I have no idea how this comment relates to the OP.
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that's ok... it's a bird's eye view of the powers that be from one who stands without. the response envelopes my world view in regards to religion and it's interconnectedness to everyday life. ymmv

btw, if you don't consider institutional science including medicine as 'religion'... think again.
 

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Catholicism has been a big part of my life but I won't present myself as a model Catholic. I have failed in many ways. But what I take from it is a deep faith in God, Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the angels and saints. My faith brought me eventual peace after my youngest brother was murdered as a victim of a car-jacking seven years ago, after my own health struggles requiring cardiac surgery then six years later treatment for cancer, a miserable marriage to an abusive, lying, unfaithful husband (from whom I'm thankfully divorced) and dozens of other large and small episodes in my life and the lives of my family and friends.

I don't think any formalized, structured faith is perfect. I've investigated many of them, attended their services and met their parishioners. I don't condone the way the Catholic church has handled the scandals involving priests. But my faith doesn't require a priest. My faith is a direct communication and relationship with the Creator and all of those that I mentioned earlier.
 
multimodAL said:
my scope on the matter has been affected by the interelationships of the organizations in the global, national, municipal, local, and especially the individual and very personal levels. i realize and am grateful that it has been a privilege to be able to negotiate the plethora in relative safety.

the fabric of connections incorporate the financial institutions and the organic accouterment of familial and racial boundaries shaping the abstractions of the powerplay.

for a simple example, the corporate and familial structures of the beverage bottling manufacturers. every regional plant has it's own controlling family or groups thereof, race and religion being a major factor.

as i turn to observing the behavioral principles of the microbial, it doesn't seem foreign to find similarities from which i can derive an approximation of the human example. this is compelling and sad. yet there's hope!
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I’m always intrigued by your posts. Would you say you are more of an introverted thinker, or an extraverted thinker? Do you bounce your thoughts of others so their opinions might help you formulate your own, or are your thoughts already somewhat fixed?
 
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before
me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth
over. Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

There is a saying in the UK…the proof of the pudding is in the eating…I have proofed many puddings and the results are nothing short of miraculous.

No one needs religion to live a caring life, but many health professionals have come to the conclusion that people who believe in a higher power are among the happiest on earth.

I toast to that!!!
 
Ruthanne said:
I went to Catholic school for 4 years and asked my parents to get transferred to public school. They agreed. I only wanted out of there because the place scared the hell out of me. People being swatted and yelling. It just felt creepy there. There were things in public schools equally as bad. I was glad to quit school.
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As I read this, I couldn't help thinking about this by Dave Allen

 
Michael Z said:
I became a "New Creation" basically. I went from being a drunk womenizer to a sober churchgoer. I had no more desire to drink. I had no more desire to meet or pick up women in a bar. I had a new desire to read the bible and to live a better life.
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I suppose there is nothing wrong in finding comfort somewhere, or having a need to turn to something in order to change for the better. Each and every one of us finds ourselves with a need for that, at some point in our lives. Although I’m not religious, and I suppose you could say a non-believer. I recognise that some, on a personal bases, can and do find comfort or a personal change in turning to religion, for the betterment of themselves. That can only be a good thing, right?
 
Magna-Carta said:
I’m always intrigued by your posts. Would you say you are more of an introverted thinker, or an extraverted thinker? Do you bounce your thoughts of others so their opinions might help you formulate your own, or are your thoughts already somewhat fixed?
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that's open to debate... my previous views of events has been tempered by time or maybe seasoned by trying to be more understanding.

these views are strictly mine though influenced throughout my life by happenstance and those with the knowledge (and power) to affect change in the world. those influences to which i gravitated to and which are now attracted to me.

realize my awareness spans different levels of control. my messages, if somewhat cryptic, is the open call to those who are watching while acknowledging those who seek control for their own gain. (hello!)

original thought? if that's possible... because nothing's really new but would be what i consider strictly internal. maybe more like evolution of thought with every retelling.

the fluidity of information as i type seems more like channelling because the massage has no shape or purpose at the start only the germ upon which the message is borne. fixed? only when it's broken.

thank you for asking... the thought of how to respond to such an inquiry stymied me only recently so off to the subconscious it went.
 
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Magna-Carta said:
I suppose there is nothing wrong in finding comfort somewhere, or having a need to turn to something in order to change for the better. Each and every one of us finds ourselves with a need for that, at some point in our lives. Although I’m not religious, and I suppose you could say a non-believer. I recognise that some, on a personal bases, can and do find comfort or a personal change in turning to religion, for the betterment of themselves. That can only be a good thing, right?
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Sure, on a personal level, that is a good thing. Religion can be comforting in many ways, and can provide a social support network, friends, a sense of community... As someone mentioned above, believers tend to be happier than non-believers, and those are some reasons why.

If only religious people didn't want to cram their religion down the throats of non-believers, there wouldn't be the animosity towards religion that exists on such a wide scale today. The recent overturn of Roe v. Wade is a good example, the decision which was 100% based on religion beliefs, which is blatantly un-Constitutional. Many elected officials want to legislate their religious beliefs and don't believe there is a separation of church and state in our country when the proof can be easily verified.

Generally, when someone feels the need to force their beliefs on others, it's because their beliefs are irrational, illogical, and just plain wrong-headed. Nobody really believes the literal interpretation of the Bible any more than anyone older than 5 truly believes in Santa Claus. And there's anxiety associated with accepting something without proof as reality. That's why religious people are so angry and scared. That's why they all too often commit acts of evil.
 
multimodAL said:
that's open to debate... my previous views of events has been tempered by time or maybe seasoned by trying to be more understanding.

these views are strictly mine though influenced throughout my life by happenstance and those with the knowledge (and at power) to affect change in the world. those influences to which i gravitated to and which are now attracted to me.

realize my awareness spans different levels of control. my messages, if somewhat cryptic, is the open call to those who are watching and acknowledgement to others who seek control for their own gain. (hello!)

original thought? if that's possible... because nothing's really new but would be what i consider strictly internal. maybe more like evolution of thought with every retelling.

the fluidity of information as i type seems more like channelling because the massage has no shape or purpose at the start only the germ upon which the message is borne. fixed? only when it's broken.

thank you for asking... the thought of how to respond to such an inquiry stymied me only recently so off to the subconscious it went.
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Very enlightening multimodal. I kind of already picked up on some of what you say here. I now think I’m going to enjoy reading your posts all the more! :D
 
SeniorBen said:
Sure, on a personal level, that is a good thing. Religion can be comforting in many ways, and can provide a social support network, friends, a sense of community... As someone mentioned above, believers tend to be happier than non-believers, and those are some reasons why.

If only religious people didn't want to cram their religion down the throats of non-believers, there wouldn't be the animosity towards religion that exists on such a wide scale today. The recent overturn of Roe v. Wade is a good example, the decision which was 100% based on religion beliefs, which is blatantly un-Constitutional. Many elected officials want to legislate their religious beliefs and don't believe there is a separation of church and state in our country when the proof can be easily verified.

Generally, when someone feels the need to force their beliefs on others, it's because their beliefs are irrational, illogical, and just plain wrong-headed. Nobody really believes the literal interpretation of the Bible any more than anyone older than 5 truly believes in Santa Claus. And there's anxiety associated with accepting something without proof as reality. That's why religious people are so angry and scared. That's why they all too often commit acts of evil.
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Oh, you're brave to mention Roe v Wade in this group. LOL
 
Magna-Carta said:
Very enlightening multimodal. I kind of already picked up on some of what you say here. I now think I’m going to enjoy reading your posts all the more! :D
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in time, within the multi-layered mindscape of my posts, i would hope to find out exactly what that message is myself. 😳

most likely the kernel of conception has already been revealed... but that would be open to interpretation.
 
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Magna-Carta said:
As I read this, I couldn't help thinking about this by Dave Allen

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the conundrum of christiandom in a nutshell. the struggle is real.

the message, constantly revamped for inclusion, has created a monumental dissociative quagmire of illusion. too difficult to maintain... and eroding the psyche from the start.

not unlike the upgraded and breaky computer progs current network systems endure. whatamisayin'... lol
 
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multimodAL said:
the conundrum of christiandom in a nutshell. the struggle is real.

the message, constantly revamped for inclusion, has created a monumental quagmire of dissociative illusion. too difficult to maintain... and eroding the psyche from the start.

not unlike the upgraded and breaky computer progs current network systems endure. whatsmisayin'... lol
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I always liked Dave Allen.
 
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I stopped following religion, when I left home, I was
born a catholic and throughout my school years had
to follow along.

Anyway, if you marry, then divorce, you are automatically
ex-communicated from the Catholic Church, this happened
to my younger brother, he married a second time and even
though he was out of the church, they allowed him to have
his children educated by the Nuns, in the local parish where
they had a school, my opinion of the arrangement was that,
they just wanted the money!

So it is, or used to be, the richest church in the World and that
is business as opposed to religion.

Mike.
 
SeniorBen said:
Sure, on a personal level, that is a good thing. Religion can be comforting in many ways, and can provide a social support network, friends, a sense of community... As someone mentioned above, believers tend to be happier than non-believers, and those are some reasons why.

If only religious people didn't want to cram their religion down the throats of non-believers, there wouldn't be the animosity towards religion that exists on such a wide scale today. The recent overturn of Roe v. Wade is a good example, the decision which was 100% based on religion beliefs, which is blatantly un-Constitutional. Many elected officials want to legislate their religious beliefs and don't believe there is a separation of church and state in our country when the proof can be easily verified.

Generally, when someone feels the need to force their beliefs on others, it's because their beliefs are irrational, illogical, and just plain wrong-headed. Nobody really believes the literal interpretation of the Bible any more than anyone older than 5 truly believes in Santa Claus. And there's anxiety associated with accepting something without proof as reality. That's why religious people are so angry and scared. That's why they all too often commit acts of evil.
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If only religious people didn't want to cram their religion down the throats of non-believers, (senior ben)

Now pray tell me which gulag do you reside in that someone is cramming something down your throat...are you a toddler in your high chair and mummy is feeding you mashed carrots and all you want to do is spit out.? Grow up please.

Religion can be comforting in many ways, and can provide a social support network, friends, a sense of community..(senior ben)

Speaking for myself only, I have so many relatives all of whom I keep in touch with. Many friends of different cultures and different religions. When I need comfort I cuddle up into the arms of my hubby or have face time with my dozens of relatives. Don’t need an organisation for comfort!

That's why religious people are so angry and scared. That's why they all too often commit acts of evil. (senior ben)

Hilarious…do describe these “acts of evil:” By the way, the only “angry and scared people” I see on this thread are the non-religious bods. What are you terrified of? You guys are so disrespectful…can’t even comply with a simple request from the OP to keep the thread pleasant .

Simple rule: Go your way and let others go their way…enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvBhFuL_2jg
 
As for the so called “passionates” on this thread.
Sorry guys you don’t come across as “passionate” but as senior rebels without a cause .

Who are you fighting with? A 2000 year old book? How about marching for child poverty and climate change?
 
Jamala said:
As for the so called “passionates” on this thread.
Sorry guys you don’t come across as “passionate” but as senior rebels without a cause .

Who are you fighting with? A 2000 year old book? How about marching for child poverty and climate change?
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We choose our passions and they choose us. Mine is a woman's rights over her own body. It is not up to you decide what for whom.

Personally, I think it's wonderful anyone still cares about anything.
 
SeniorBen said:
Sure, on a personal level, that is a good thing. Religion can be comforting in many ways, and can provide a social support network, friends, a sense of community... As someone mentioned above, believers tend to be happier than non-believers, and those are some reasons why.

If only religious people didn't want to cram their religion down the throats of non-believers, there wouldn't be the animosity towards religion that exists on such a wide scale today. The recent overturn of Roe v. Wade is a good example, the decision which was 100% based on religion beliefs, which is blatantly un-Constitutional. Many elected officials want to legislate their religious beliefs and don't believe there is a separation of church and state in our country when the proof can be easily verified.

Generally, when someone feels the need to force their beliefs on others, it's because their beliefs are irrational, illogical, and just plain wrong-headed. Nobody really believes the literal interpretation of the Bible any more than anyone older than 5 truly believes in Santa Claus. And there's anxiety associated with accepting something without proof as reality. That's why religious people are so angry and scared. That's why they all too often commit acts of evil.
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You make quite a few statements as if they're facts here that don't sound exactly right to me. Are religious people all angry and scared, do they commit more heinous crimes than non-religious ones? I don't think I've seen any statistics on the number of religious people in prison, but I don't think it's an overwhelming amount that far outnumbers the others.

I also doubt that 100% of people who think abortion is wrong are religious. Don't a few non-religious people simply think that unfer our constitution unborn humans have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Isn't the right not to be killed as important to the constitution lovers as the right to bear arms? On the other hand I'm religious and I'm pro-choice. Your judgements are a bit sweeping.
 

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