My eroded religious faith

[PHXguy]

Just out of curiousity, not to be preachy or anything like that ... Here is my question:
I grew up as a catholic, went to catholic schools until finished high school. Pretty much practiced catholicism.
However, recently due to the abuse and cover ups/conspiracy all the way up to the hierarchy, I was completely put off and have lost respect for any organized religion. I still believe in God but refuse to belong to any group.
For any of you who are still going to church, how do you deal with the issue? Don't you feel betrayed? Why not? :confused:

[ercarta]

PHXguy,

Here is what I feel about your previous post...

I am agnostic for a number of reasons and I have no desire to be a part of any religion. I'm at one with myself and my god while I do the very best I can to live a life free of wrong thinking and being.

I feel that even inside of organised religion individuals have their own beliefs independent of the religion that become suppressed because they are taught that it is virtuous to repeat and pass the teachings to others as the individuals were once taught.

It's hard for a guy like me to accept any one religion as my own because that method leaves no room to develop your very own belief and faith based on your experience and what is real to you.

If you are part of a group you leave yourself susceptible to deciphering contradicting messages or dealing with natural shortcomings of the individuals within the religion or the aggregate. Consequently, that may leave you feeling disillusioned and without a home for your faith in God. That in itself is wrong and distracting. My article of faith lies in my heart.

I also do not allow my faith to be delivered to me in whole portions by one source or group. Rather, my faith has been developed over time through various influences & experiences.

I appreciate the books, they are marvelous historical references. I'll read anyone's book and sit in on anyone's preaching and I am always enlightened by what I find and hear. Strengthening and being able to verify my beliefs is important to me, when I can verify my beliefs then I know and feel that what I have faith in is real. Living by one book does not cut it for me...

So in summation PHXguy,

You really do not need to belong to a group or show up to a church to prove your belief or faith in God. If God himself did not set the coordinates for the location and build type of that building then anywhere you desire to be religious will do. Live your life honest & true, do right by others, study & practice what you believe, and pray to your god every now and again. I'm sure you will be just fine...

*Remember that ultimately your faith is in God, not the religion. The religion is your means while God is the end.

God Bless Everyone.



Just out of curiousity, not to be preachy or anything like that ... Here is my question:
I grew up as a catholic, went to catholic schools until finished high school. Pretty much practiced catholicism.
However, recently due to the abuse and cover ups/conspiracy all the way up to the hierarchy, I was completely put off and have lost respect for any organized religion. I still believe in God but refuse to belong to any group.
For any of you who are still going to church, how do you deal with the issue? Don't you feel betrayed? Why not? :confused:

[chaturganj]

religion is B***S**T. Save yourself.

[bonacera]

Just out of curiousity, not to be preachy or anything like that ... Here is my question:
I grew up as a catholic, went to catholic schools until finished high school. Pretty much practiced catholicism.
However, recently due to the abuse and cover ups/conspiracy all the way up to the hierarchy, I was completely put off and have lost respect for any organized religion. I still believe in God but refuse to belong to any group.
For any of you who are still going to church, how do you deal with the issue? Don't you feel betrayed? Why not? :confused:

I am a practicing Catholic and I am also very disappointed what is happening with Catholic church in America.. I understand how you feel. I am also very sad and angry about how some priests behaved; however, it does not stop me from going to church. I go to church because of God, not because of any priest. Even though I expect all the priests are different from normal people and they behave exceptionally well, the truth is that they are also human-being, just like us..

It is very sad they completely put you off from going to church and you lost the respect any organized religion.. However, I don't think you should let any of these ill-behaved people get in the way of what you believe in.. Besides, there are still lots of good priests out there; not to mention, there are still goodness and wonderful God in church just as they are in you.

I feel sorry how you feel and maybe, it is easy for me to think this way.. I was grown up going to Catholic church outside of the States. I met so many good priests and they are my good mentors still now.

Oh, a priest in my church here in the US is very very embarrassed and sad about what some priest did. He apologized what they did during the homily last year. His face got so red and his voice was chocking. He was also very worried that some people might turn away from church because of them (he and his brother-priests).. I've known him for many years now, and he is such a nice priest. I think we should not punish the nice priests for what they did not do and should not punich us as well.. Just my two cents.. :)