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twiggymoo
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| First Name: | Twiggymoo | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Nazarene, Free Methodist, Baptist..Romeward bound |
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Posted: Mon Jul 16th, 2007 05:00 pm |
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This past Sunday our Baptist pastor talked about the Holy Spirit. Well, he also blasted (again) the Catholic church. He said he'd been a faithful Catholic all his life and as a young man at 17, one day, he'd just done the Stations of the Cross and was walking a 3-mile road towards home when all of a sudden a violent thunderstorm hit and he was scared. He said "I was an altar boy, went to all the Masses and had just prayed the Stations of the Cross and I was scared because I knew I was going straight to Hell if I got struck by lightning". He said "all the years I went to the Catholic Church, no one ever shared the Plan of Salvation with me". He then went on to attack the Pope for his recent declaration that Protestant churches aren't proper churches.
After the service, my dw said, "finally, someone else feels the same way I have felt about the Catholic church for no one ever told me about the plan of salvation either! I thought I was the only one". I remained silent but said "well, they trust in the Church and the Sacraments". She then responded, "yea it's so easy to let someone else take responsibility for your soul". Well, I didn't defend the Church very well but then I knew if I did, like before times, she would be very upset.
Well, this new church is very anti-Catholic but this could be a good thing. Although my dw is enjoying the affirmation right now about how she feels, maybe the constant railing against the Catholic Church will eventually be too much. Yesterday she wanted to check the history of prayer beads, so we googled it. A few days ago, she read Revelation 12 and wondered about the "Woman" it speaks about.
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 600 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 16th, 2007 05:57 pm |
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Wow, that pastor's initials weren't "Martin Luther," were they? Lightning seems to do things to people...
What is the Plan of Salvation if not that "God created everything..."
'We believe in one God, maker of heaven and earth...'
"I am a sinner..."
'I confess to Almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault...'
"Sin leads to death" and forgiveness leads to eternal life...
'the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting...'
"Jesus bore the penalty for our sin..."
'for our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate...'
The Plan of Salvation is in every Mass, over and over. How could he have missed it??
Last edited on Mon Jul 16th, 2007 07:01 pm by JillD
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"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 148 |
| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 16th, 2007 06:15 pm |
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Jill,
I just had to say "YES!!" To what you wrote! This very discussion came up between myself and a former friend of mine. I tried to explain how if a Catholic was faithful to Church teachings they already excepted Christ. Now I wasn't defending the potion of being able to loose ones salvation, but trying to make the point that there would be no real need to "save" Catholics. I love the way you broke that out!
Esther
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Lisa
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| Joined: | Tue Jul 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Kennerdell, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 38 |
| First Name: | Lisa | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Lifefime Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jul 17th, 2007 01:36 am |
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Hi Twiggy!
Just a thought... What the young man at 17, who was an altar boy, had just finished his devotions of the Stations, who was scared while walking home through a horrific thunderstorm - The Pastor - seemed to have sadly forgotten about his Catholic education was; "Jesus, I trust in You..", Psalm 23, Psalm 27, Isaiah 49:14-18, John 24:15-27, and so very many more. Also that his Angels were surrounding and protecting him. The Saints were, I am sure, praying feverishly for his safety, and Our Lady lovingly watched over him as she does over ALL her children - whether they be Christian, Jew, Muslim - whatever her children may be. These were all lessons taught to me by the Sisters during my Catholic upbringing, and throughout my wonderful Catholic education along the way. Lessons I believe and that I carry with me though my life. It is so very sad when someone in authority needs to lift themselves up by tearing others down through hurtful and untrue teachings.
My prayers are with you and your family, May God Bless you and Mary keep you safe. I will also pray for the grace of enlightenment, peace and love for you Pastor as well. Luke 10:27-28
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Don't be afraid to try something new! Professionals built the Titanic, and Amateur built the ARK!
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catholicdan
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| Joined: | Wed Jul 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | Merced, California USA |
| Posts: | 61 |
| First Name: | Danny | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | From A 2 Z now on to RC. |
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Posted: Wed Jul 18th, 2007 09:12 pm |
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Twiggymoo! Cool name.
I can understand the pastor and his questioning his salvation. I am currently in the process of becoming a Catholic and will be in RCIA this September, so I am only going to give my opinion on the Catholic side of things and my input as a former Pentecostal Minister and Protesant Apologist for our church.
When one is only trained in the Protestant world view that is the way your are going to see things. This Man was a Catholic and did not believe that he was saved, and that in its self is concern for his soul. Speaking from a protestant point of view I would have said that he was not saved because he never really understood the "Plan of Salvation" as taught by the Protestant churches. I would have agreed with him because there was a time that I believed that the only way one could be "saved" was by accepting God's free gift of grace and receiving Jesus as my Savior and that was pretty much it in a nut shell.
As one who today sees things in a different light after many years of studying church history, I would tell him today that he was covered by the Body and Blood of Jesus. He actaully followed Jesus' plan of Salvation which is being baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as a baby ( I presume ) and then confirmation and the other thing that I cannot bring to mind (this is why it is only my opinion when it comes to Catholic Teaching). He was partaking of the Eucharist and being faithful to the Sacraments, he was on the road to salvation in Christ.
The Protestant understanding of Salvation is a one time act that never has to be done again. Once you are saved then your are saved and cannot turn away from God due to what is called "Irresistable grace". Everything else is really a matter of just making an outward statement of the inward work.
You keep on praying for your wife and that pastor. Live the life and keep planting those seeds, they will come to grow and one day you and your wife will be standing next to each other partaking of the Eucharist.
Be blessed,
Dan.
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"To be steeped in history is to cease to be Protestant." Cardinal Newman
"Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux,
Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux"
May the Holy Cross be my Light.
Let not the dragon be my guide.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 01:38 am |
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Twiggymoo, with each of your stories of your baptist pastors ministry and preaching. I must commend you for your patience and commitment to your wife to continue attending these sermons.
This poor pastor must have a soul of unrest for his decision to leave the RCC. He continually has to try and convince his congregation that he has made the right decision when it is obvious that he has to be constantly questioning himself on his decision and having to explain all his reasons to his entire congregation to confirm it for himself.
There is so much more in scripture to teach and preach about salvation then to have your sermon revolve around belittling other christians. You don't have to prove your position by down talking another's faith. If he's so certain of his decision then why is he so haunted by it???He would have to be, otherwise he would preach about what his particular faith teaches and not preach about everyone else being wrong but he.
He uses a story of him when he was 17 yrs old. What 17 yr old has the wisdom, faith or knowledge that he is saved and is certain and settled about what he believes. Adolescents is the worst time of life for confusion, disagreement (with those of authority in our lives) as they are trying to figure themselves out and form their own beliefs. There probably are some teens that are pretty well taught by family and pastors, But they are not the norm. I think we could do a poll and ask others why they left the church and when. We'd probably find out the majority left the families faith in their teen yrs.
I don't feel that Im confused about my own faith, and If I were walking outside in the dark in a thunderstorm, I would be afraid! I'm 44 yrs old and my fear would have nothing to do with my faith. I would imagine that a teen boy may worry about their salvation. Most experiences many different feelings, emotions, hormones, etc. at that age.
This past Sunday our Baptist pastor talked about the Holy Spirit. Well, he also blasted (again) the Catholic church. He said he'd been a faithful Catholic all his life and as a young man at 17, one day, he'd just done the Stations of the Cross and was walking a 3-mile road towards home when all of a sudden a violent thunderstorm hit and he was scared. He said "I was an altar boy, went to all the Masses and had just prayed the Stations of the Cross and I was scared because I knew I was going straight to Hell if I got struck by lightning". He said "all the years I went to the Catholic Church, no one ever shared the Plan of Salvation with me".
He seems to be confused about Catholic teaching here. As he explain all the things he did as if he was some how entitled to and was doled out many graces for his actions. He thinks that his actions should have made him full of the Holy Spirit. It is our openness to recieve the graces that God freely gives are in direct connection as to how or how much Grace each of us receive from God. We could practice and go through the motions of all these things and one could receive much graces and another person can do the exact same works and not receive much at all. It's all occording to the disposition of the humans soul and what God feels we are ready for and open too. His recollection just seems to me that he really did not understand the teaching of the RCC. I'm not an expert either, but I don't believe that the church teaches anywhere that the lords graces can be given out in a measurable quantity because of something he's done (works) and feels he's entitled to a certain amount for doing it.
I don't mean to be so harsh, I'm actually feeling sorry for this pastor, as I don't get through your explainations of his sermons that he's entirely as secure in his salvation as he would like to present to others. If you are in Truth and are certain of it, you don't have to criticize others to make yourself look better.
I've heard so many young men (and some criminals) say they were alter boys, like they were more knowledgeable or holier than others because of their position. They should be, but how many young men have been forced into those roles and are only cooperating because mom & dad insist.
I pray this poor pastor finds truth and has the peace of christ someday.
God Bless, your a patient man and I do admire your patience & comitment to your wife.
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 877 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 02:40 pm |
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Along the line of this thread and what Betty just said, it is not just Catholics who question whether or not they are saved. When our son deconverted and became an atheist two years ago, he gave his reasons. Among them, he explained that as a teenager, the reason he was so depressed is that he felt God was always angry with him and didn't accept him. He was unsure of his salvation, and would pray and fight to overcome the flesh, and then fail. This constant attempt at trying to live the Christian life and be assured of God's acceptance, yet always questioning whether God loved and accepted him, was more than he could bare. He would come home from school and often go to sleep. At the time, I would try to talk with him, but often, he was a closed book. Once in a while he would let me in (but only so far), yet I didn't realize that he was struggling with his Christian faith at that time.
The point is, our son was raised as a Protestant Evangelical, not a Catholic, and he still had doubts about his salvation and his standing with God as a teenager. After much deliberation about this matter, I attribute his difficult faith phase (at least in part), to being inundated with the 5 points of Calvinism. Our son truly believed that a person was either predestined to be saved or predestined to be damned. And he was continually struggling with which category he belonged to.
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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pam
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| Joined: | Sat Nov 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 110 |
| First Name: | Pam | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Former Non-denominational Bible Church |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 03:05 pm |
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| I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
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Annie
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 718 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 03:08 pm |
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| I don't worry about salvation. God is in control. All I have to do is follow His rules about things. If that turns out to not be good enough so be it. Fatalistic? Yes. I worry more about what I am doing at any moment rather than what will happen in the future.
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Annie
Ora et labora
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4982 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 09:10 pm |
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pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
That would have been a good question for a new topic.
No, I do not worry about my salvation. I do the best I can to live a holy life, and leave the rest up to Jesus. Thank God I have the graces of the sacraments to help me along the way!
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 720 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 09:54 pm |
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CajunRick wrote:
No, I do not worry about my salvation. I do the best I can to live a holy life, and leave the rest up to Jesus. Thank God I have the graces of the sacraments to help me along the way!
Me, too.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jul 19th, 2007 11:01 pm |
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| As long as I'm constant with the sacraments, and have benefit of the sacramentals, I don't worry. When I start to skip a day or two, then I don't feel as sure. The very best time is after confession!
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lia
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| Joined: | Mon Dec 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Quezon City, Philippines |
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| First Name: | lia | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jul 20th, 2007 12:11 am |
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twiggymoo wrote: This past Sunday our Baptist pastor talked about the Holy Spirit. Well, he also blasted (again) the Catholic church. He said he'd been a faithful Catholic all his life and as a young man at 17, one day, he'd just done the Stations of the Cross and was walking a 3-mile road towards home when all of a sudden a violent thunderstorm hit and he was scared. He said "I was an altar boy, went to all the Masses and had just prayed the Stations of the Cross and I was scared because I knew I was going straight to Hell if I got struck by lightning". He said "all the years I went to the Catholic Church, no one ever shared the Plan of Salvation with me". He then went on to attack the Pope for his recent declaration that Protestant churches aren't proper churches.
After the service, my dw said, "finally, someone else feels the same way I have felt about the Catholic church for no one ever told me about the plan of salvation either! I thought I was the only one". I remained silent but said "well, they trust in the Church and the Sacraments". She then responded, "yea it's so easy to let someone else take responsibility for your soul". Well, I didn't defend the Church very well but then I knew if I did, like before times, she would be very upset.
Well, this new church is very anti-Catholic but this could be a good thing. Although my dw is enjoying the affirmation right now about how she feels, maybe the constant railing against the Catholic Church will eventually be too much. Yesterday she wanted to check the history of prayer beads, so we googled it. A few days ago, she read Revelation 12 and wondered about the "Woman" it speaks about.
That Baptist pastor claims to be a faithful Catholic? I would beg to disagree with what he just said that he is one. If he was a true faithful Catholic and he was scared out of his wits in realizing that he would go to hell...he should have run INSIDE the Confessional instead of outside the Catholic Church. His fear only shows that he knows he is a sinner (and who is not?). Maybe he thought if he had did a lot of lip service and "outward" services that he'd earn heaven...then he doesn't know his faith in the first place.
He prayed the Station of the Cross and he never heard the "Plan of Salvation"? Hmm...do you think he is DEAF? It's just my assumption.   (I was going to use another word instead of "deaf"...but we are called to be "charitable"  )
If he has claimed to be a faithful Catholic and has served the Church... in front of death he shouldn't have never been afraid but happy because he'll be with Jesus soon.
Ah...the pitfall of googling . Reliability of what one is trying to find out about the Catholic Church should be answered by reliable Catholic sources.
Last edited on Fri Jul 20th, 2007 12:13 am by lia
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Man can't b forced 2 accept the truth.He can b drawn toward the truth only by his own nature, that is, by his own freedom w/c commits him 2 search sincerely 4 truth & when he finds it, 2 adhere 2 it both in his conviction & his behavior.-- JP2
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jul 20th, 2007 02:34 am |
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pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
When I was a baptist I was concerned and never once felt "Saved" as they would call it, I was not secure in the fact of normal sinful people in a praying situation asked me to pray a prayer and then told me I was saved. I found it then, and find it still, Unbiblical and just down right incorrect. I never believed nor trusted what they were teaching me.
When I was living a stricly secular life, I knew that it was wrong, was very frightend of thoughts of Heaven & Hell, and just new that the way I was living my life was going to get me a one way ticket to Hell. As my dear father says; "The song, I did it my Way, Is the theme song for Hell" I believe he's right.
As a praticing Catholic, I've never felt such peace about salvation. I work on my christian life every day all day. I attend mass, go to confession on a regular basis. I'm not frightened anymore and am working out my salvation in fear & trembling and the very best to my understanding of scripture and what the church teaches me. I'm no longer afraid, I'm just at peace because I know that the Lord knows that I'm doing the very best that I'm capable of doing and I trust all to his church and his teaching. I have no desire to run around and tell people I'm saved nor do I have any desire to want to know If Mortal humans think I'm saved. From the very beginning when I was a child, I had always believed that the only ones opinion that matters on judgement day is the Lord Jesus Christ and all others oppinions are pretty much useless. I'ma waitin on the just judge.
Peace, Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Truthseeker
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Fri Jul 20th, 2007 05:10 am |
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BettyBoopToo wrote: pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
As a secular party girl, living in sin, I didn't really worry. Part of being able to sin so much without care, is the belief that, "Yeah, I love God. Of course I'm going to heaven". The God of the pagan is not judgemental - or we'd have to stop.
As an evangelical, I never, ever worried about my salvation. I was terribly sorry when I sinned, but never thought I would suffer eternal consequences. As a matter of fact, much to my shame now, sometimes, when I tired of the struggle between virtue and sin, I would give in, somewhat more easily then now, knowing I was saved and just had to confess later.
As a Catholic, I am always worried about my salvation, but mostly because I miss Mass pretty often, and it is very difficult to get to confession, because of the dynamics of my household. If I consider myself guilty, I feel condemned but wonder if I am being scrupulous, and if I consider myself justified, I worry that I am really being lenient and so am condemned for missing Mass and receiving the Lord unworthily, because I am assuming my miss was justified. This is where I find myself now, and it is more frightening, because of my health issues.
When I am having my brief moments of "being in Grace", those times when I have been to confession and not missed Mass since (usually a period of 1-5 weeks at a time), I never worry about my salvation, because I know the Lord sees my effort and my love for Him, even in my failures. I believe that He who died for me judges me on my effort to follow Him. My failures are expected and forgiven with Love.
Love, Laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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BodRod
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| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Fri Jul 20th, 2007 06:46 am |
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As a Catholic, I am always worried about my salvation, but mostly because I miss Mass pretty often, and it is very difficult to get to confession, because of the dynamics of my household.
I think God understands our situations and as long as we are doing the best we can He takes our situations into His considerations.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Jul 21st, 2007 03:42 pm |
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Truthseeker wrote:
As a Catholic, I am always worried about my salvation, but mostly because I miss Mass pretty often, and it is very difficult to get to confession, because of the dynamics of my household. If I consider myself guilty, I feel condemned but wonder if I am being scrupulous, and if I consider myself justified, I worry that I am really being lenient and so am condemned for missing Mass and receiving the Lord unworthily, because I am assuming my miss was justified. This is where I find myself now, and it is more frightening, because of my health issues.
When I am having my brief moments of "being in Grace", those times when I have been to confession and not missed Mass since (usually a period of 1-5 weeks at a time), I never worry about my salvation, because I know the Lord sees my effort and my love for Him, even in my failures. I believe that He who died for me judges me on my effort to follow Him. My failures are expected and forgiven with Love.
Love, Laura
Laura
Have you ever asked for the home ministry people at your church to stop to pray with you and bring you the blessed sacrament???
I'm chronically ill and the church calls me once a month for father's monthly home visit too. I also have the names of the people to contact to bring you communion at home. I feel blessed that after my procedures for my spine, I'm able to make arrangements for my SIL to bring me the Blessed Sacrament and she prays with me too. (She's an Extrordinary min of the Sacrament and goes to the nursing homes in town once a week too.) I know it's difficult to ask for this kind of help, but I cannot tell you how important it has been for my healing, recovery, and also getting myself back to mass after my very bad times of Flar, Pain & Fatigue.
When father comes to my home once a month and I can make my confession with him at that time also.
With all you have been going through, I really think you should call the church and set something up. I was nervous and did not really want to call, but our dear friend David convinced me that I should. The purpose of the ministry for the homebound or sick is meant for people as us.
God Bless dear and know that God loves you, he knows your illness and needs better than you know. Not to long ago, I had a problem with husband & son not being very supportive of my faith and spoke with a priest about it. These were thing he to recommended me to do also.
Prayers are with you dear
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Talithacumi
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Posted: Wed Jul 25th, 2007 09:46 pm |
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pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
Hi, people. Haven't been around much lately... Decided to go offline for a little while, and at the moment I am borrowing my mom's internet.
Anyway, just glancing at this thread, and saw the question here and the responses. Thought I'd throw in my two cents'. Actually, I think my answer would be comprised of little bits of everyone else's answers. Plus, I have a tendency to be a little overscrupulous at times, but at other times I feel maybe I'm too self-righteous so it's hard to find a good middle ground, and it's hard not to worry about the state of my soul. Even though I know in my head that God loves me and isn't out to get me, sometimes I find it hard to accept that Love in my heart. I still, even after many years, and after spending my entire life as a practicing Catholic - and I'm ashamed to admit it - but I still sometimes struggle with the idea that yes, Jesus died on the cross to save humanity, but I sometimes find it hard to believe that He died to save me personally. I know, I know. What an awful attitude. I don't like it, either.
Darlene, I actually understand your son. It makes no difference that he was Protestant. Those feelings can abide in Catholics, too. Well, maybe not the worry over where we're predestined to go - Catholics believe we are all "predestined" for Heaven, but we make the choice ourselves about whether or not we get there by the way we live our lives here on earth. Still, the feelings of unworthiness and not being able to overcome sinfulness is not just a Protestant thing. I understand his struggles, though I never gave up completely... and, God help me, hopefully I never will. My faith is too deeply ingrained. I could no more live without it than I could live without air. It's tough sometimes. I struggle a lot, but yet, it's all about the struggle. That's where it's at. They don't call us "Christian soldiers" for nothing!
But am I afraid of going to hell? Yes, at times. I struggle with certain areas of sinfulness that I can't seem to overcome. Sometimes I even think, what's the point of even trying? I'll just fail again. But then, I guess one could say the same thing about getting dirty. What's the point of bathing when you're just going to get dirty again? Can you imagine how stinky we'd all be with that attitude?
I agree with whoever said that right after Confession is the best time! That's when I feel the "cleanest" and the least worried about my salvation. "Confesson is good for the soul." So true. 
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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lia
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| Joined: | Mon Dec 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Quezon City, Philippines |
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| First Name: | lia | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 29th, 2007 11:38 pm |
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pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
I don't think Catholics worry that they are "saved"...it's more of a worry of "not going to heaven after one dies."
How I understand "salvation" is that once the gates of heaven was locked (that's why even those who died before Jesus was in a sort of spiritual place, but not heaven), so when Jesus accomplished his mission, then we can now have a chance to enter heaven.
After going to confession, I'm not afraid to die...however once I'm out of the church and after a few hours, well, ok, after a few days...yeah, I start to worry again :-)
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Man can't b forced 2 accept the truth.He can b drawn toward the truth only by his own nature, that is, by his own freedom w/c commits him 2 search sincerely 4 truth & when he finds it, 2 adhere 2 it both in his conviction & his behavior.-- JP2
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knitter
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| Joined: | Wed Aug 8th, 2007 |
| Location: | West Coast, USA |
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| First Name: | knitter | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist-Neo Pagan-Buddhist-Heretic-Questor |
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Posted: Thu Aug 9th, 2007 08:05 pm |
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pam wrote: I'd be interested in hearing from both cradle Catholics and converts--do you truly worry about your salvation?
As a young person in the Baptist church, I worried about my salvation all the time. Even though I was baptised twice to make sure, and "rededicated myself to the Lord" every other month, because I was just sure that I had sinned somewhere and that God would hate me for falling down again. Pretty heady stuff for a 14 year old.
When I was a child yadda yadda. Although I am not a confirmed Catholic, I agree with the Catholic position that salvation occurred 2,000 years ago, and right now in the hearts of those who believe. The hard part is living like you mean it. I do my best, make mistakes, ask forgiveness, do better next time, help out those I can, and leave "The Afterlife" until after life. I'm too busy trying to be Christ-like to worry about my salvation anymore. I know that God is Mercy, and I can depend on that mercy when I need it.
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The kingdom of God is among you.
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catholiceternal
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Posted: Thu Aug 9th, 2007 08:12 pm |
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I was saved (baptism), I continue to be saved every step of the way, and at the end of my life I hope to see my Savior Face to Face. The only way that will happen is if I trust in what Jesus has told me in Scripture, and in continued help from Mary, the saints, and the sacraments.
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Truthseeker
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
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| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Sun Aug 12th, 2007 10:32 am |
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