Smarmy answers will be ignored. If you are not born Catholic, but you are interested in becoming Catholic, how devout do you honestly have to be? If you do not agree with some of their doctrines (e.g. regarding homosexuality, condoms, etc.) but generally do believe in their ideology (e.g. Thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not commit adultry, etc.) would you still be accepted? Would a priest or nun be willing to discuss your own beliefs against theirs and give you an honest answer regarding whether or not you should become Catholic?
2006-07-30 20:38:24 · 9 answers · asked by Fennylaise 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You can choose to become Catholic or not. And believe what you want. No priest is a thought police. However you will be taught "This is right, this is wrong" You do with it as you wish. As with any religion. I have met many priest who are open to discussion. Remember though that they have had at least 8 years of schooling in these subjects. So yes they may be set in their ways. But if I understand correctly you don't want to change their mind you just don't want them to try to change yours?
I would encourage you to call your local Catholic Church and ask when their next inquiry RCIA class or session is. Go to it and speak to whomever is teaching it (may not be a religious at all) about arranging a more personal meeting to raise your concerns. Or if you do not want to speak to someone just yet because you are concerned what they will tell you I suggest you go to a book store and get a copy of "The Catechism of The Catholic Church" and a Catholic Bible. Look in the index of the Catechism about any subject you are interested in and read away. It will give scripture to back any teaching up. Hope your searching goes well. And good luck.
2006-07-30 20:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by QTPIEVL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not believe in all their doctrines, you will not be accepted. Period. Catholicism is very exclusive, and very much interested in setting up rules. The Vatican doesn't give suggestions and guidelines, it operates on the principle that the Pope is the living representative of God on Earth, and that the teachings of the Church are the infallible words of God. There is no wiggle room. As far as discussing this with a priest, that would be your best bet to learn more about Catholicism and how it may compliment or contrast with your own ideas.
2006-07-31 03:48:48 · answer #2 · answered by koresh419 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, sadly there are many catholics now days that are not that conservative anymore, but still consider themselves Catholics and since the Catholic church must accept people of all beliefs and religions, these people have to be also welcomed into the Catholic community.
If you want to become a Catholic and still have some doubts? sure, its ok to discuss them with a nun or a priest and i will assure you that they will answer all of your questions.
good luck.
2006-07-31 03:49:06 · answer #3 · answered by john 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am believer of God. But as u say, i am not willing to agree with some of their doctrines(eg: regarding condoms,etc.). Of course i never agree with homosexuality. But i do believe in their basic ideology. But such a person will not exactly be accepted by hte church. The church expects all the catholics to follow their beliefs and faith without question.
2006-07-31 03:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by Jay 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Catholics give training to people who want to be Catholics. I'm not sure how they would react if you got in someone's face about homosexuality, as opposed to discussing it hypothetically.
I would suggest that you ask a practicing Catholic to take you to his/her priest, or just go to one on your own. Most Catholic religious are approachable, and most don't bite.
[8-)]
2006-07-31 03:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by Nosy Parker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many such Catholics we call them Cafeteria Catholics. They believe and follow much of the faith but not all. I would say discuss your problems and questions with a Priest and he can tell you what you need to know.
Peace Be With You,.
Debra
2006-07-31 07:47:30 · answer #6 · answered by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholicism is one of the least forgiving religions there is. Honestly, if you don't believe some of thier more standard practices, you might wish to look into another religion that accepts those things.
So many religions are based on the same fundemental thoughts & feelings, that you can find one that is suited to you without having to hide what you believe in order to belong.
2006-07-31 03:43:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was born a catholic. I am not anymore. it was their doctorines that turned me off in the first place, but their ideologies (the bible) still kep me in the christian faith.
But when I was there, it seemed they were extremely toolerant of everyhting. I remmebr world youth day,a gathering of Catholic youth around the world to hear the pope speak. I mean, there was people having sex in the listening area, smoking up, doing drugs, drinking, all kinds of stuff. think the leaders there cared? no way.
2006-07-31 03:44:36 · answer #8 · answered by Chris K 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Faith is a grace of God. It is not a issue of rules and ideology, but a person's relationship and fidelity with God.
Fidelity also involves self-surrender to the divine will. God has defined His laws. If we love God, then we follow and obey Him. Those who do go to heaven, and those who choose not to go some place else.
2006-07-31 04:45:45 · answer #9 · answered by Banshik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋