I am a baptized, confirmed Roman Catholic, but?

Question

I am a confirmed Catholic, but sometimes, i just get this feeling that God isn't real. That it doesn't make sense, that the whole idea of heaven is impossible? Does this mean that I am not a Catholic? I tried telling my mom this once, and she just said "How do you think you got here?" I didn't respond, but in my head i was thinking "Big Bang. Evolution. Survival of the fittest." doesn't that make more sense? my mom still makes me go to Church, and i listen, but i have doubts. What does all this mean? Can i really call myself a Catholic? I believe in God during certain times but not during others. If I am not a true Catholic anymore, how can I explain this to my mother, who is very religious?

Answer 1

You are still a Catholic so long as you maintain Faith in God in spite of whatever doubts you might contend with.

Doubt, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. If there is any element of Doctrine you are unsure of, doubt is going to provide you with the impetus to find the answers to your doubt. Chances are, if your search has been honest and contrite, you will find the Truth. And the Truth will put your doubts to rest.

Big Bang, Evolution, Survival of the Fittest; these are all elements of nature. Nature is a higher power than mankind. But the higher power of nature, of which we are a part, would not exist if not for an even Higher Power.

The Big Bang, Evolution, and Survival of the Fittest (off of these are theories, by the way. Not facts.) These things, assuming they happened the way science thinks they did, happened because God willed it. You are here because God willed you.

You sound as if you resent having to go to Church. Do you realize you are never closer to God than you are when at mass? Resisting going to mass is no way to get in touch with God's Truth. God to mass, listen to the Bible readings and the priest's homily - and learn.

Most important - Pray. Pray as if finding the answers all depends on your prayers. And then, go out and actively search for those answers as if it all depended on you.

You will find what you are looking for.

Answer 2

I don't know how old you are. I believe a lot of young people go through a period of confusion. Realize you can accept evolution and still be Catholic as long as you do not take God out of it. We believe in an infinite God that always was and had no beginning and will have no end and the evolutionary process had to have a divine intelligence to start it. Talk to a priest.
I might add evolution is a theory but appears to be an extremely good theory. However science often times finds holes in many good theories over the years.

Answer 3

It sounds like you are a very honest Catholic.

Sometimes God seems very near to us. Other times, He seems very far away. In reality, He is always with us, it is just that sometimes, there are many distractions that get in our way of seeing God.

We are used to thinking of things we can see, feel, smell, taste, and hear as being real. This is not how we experience God. God is love. You cannot see, feel, smell, taste or hear love, but we can see, feel, smell, taste and hear things that demonstrate love. God makes Himself known to us through signs of nature and especially in the love of others.

Where is God? God is present in the love that others have for us. The reason your mom and others love you is because they have heard God's call to love others and the love in their hearts is God speaking through them.

You are still a true Catholic. You are just on a part of the journey to God that is a little confusing and dark right now. Do not worry. Keep calling out to God and praying. Continue to look and listen for God.

And yes, the Big Bang, Evolution, and Survival of the Fittest all make sense.

Contact me if you need to talk.

Answer 4

I'm very sorry to inform you that, sadly, you may NEVER be able to explain this to your mother without risking your relationship with her.

I have been there. Also raised catholic, baptized and confirmed. I was an agnostic the whole time, and later, as I learned more, I became a strong atheist, which is what I am today. I tell people that I was "raised catholic, but it never took", which is completely honest and accurate.

People who are deeply religious can often not handle any deviation from their faith, such as a child rejecting the religion. She will probably think that you will spend eternity in hell for this offense. Sounds crazy to you and me, of course, but that may be what she literally believes, thanks to the popes and other catholic leaders.

Religion is bad because it divides us.

I think my parents know that I am atheist, although they probably think that I just say that to get attention. At any rate, I cannot discuss it with them without causing a major scene and causing all sorts of emotional chaos.

Answer 5

First of all I must commend you on your honesty. Too many times you see people on this site who just want to joke.
First of all baptism as an infant is not right. In biblical times as now in many religions the individual makes up his or her mind to follow the faith they are getting baptized into. The baptism is a commitment to that faith. I was once Roman Catholic myself. I don't like to be critical but the Catholic faith is made up of all man-made traditions and pagan rites with christian names.
There is a God who loves us and He will very shortly put an end to Satans rule over the earth. God has given Satan his time to try things his way and take a look at world conditions.
I can go on and on with many subjects but time will not allow. If you have any questions I would love to help.
Bye friend

Answer 6

I was in the same situation but i decided not to get confirmed just in time. The thing about religion is that it IS illogical. And yes, the idea of a god does sound convenient at certain times but you only think about this god when you are in trouble and need help. It was when I realized this that I understood that god is just a human invention that both gives people in need a sense of security and scares people into being good.

Answer 7

It sounds like you are going through a process of spiritual growth and maturity.

You are searching for what you believe and not for what others (including your mother) believe.

Most people doubt the existence of God at times. This is very common and can lead to even greater faith. Even Jesus said from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

Yes, you are a Catholic.

If you endeavor in your spiritual journal you can become a better person, a better Christian, and a better Catholic.

Keep the faith!

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

You just wrote that you were a confirmed Catholic. So, that is what you are.

But the question should be, Is God real to you. Do you have a personal relationship with God. Do you pray to God every morning in spirit & truth?

Jesus said that He Is the Way, Truth & Life. No one comes to the Father God except through Him.

What separates us from God? Sin does. We have rebelled against God. So God made a way, that whosoever believeth in His Only Begotten Son will not perish but will have ever lasting life.

Being a Catholic doesn't make anyone a Christian. What makes you a Christian is to be born of God, born of His Spirit, cleansed by His Blood, joint heirs with King Jesus, part of the family of God. If one isn't born of God, one isn't Gods child.

Jesus said that to see the Kingdom of God you must be born again, born of His Spirit (John 3).

Why don't you find a different Church to go to that believes in Gods redeeming Grace, that it is a gift to be received through faith in Christ & His redeeming blood.


Also, another verse to meditate on is; Without faith it is impossible to please God, for those who come to God must believe God Is, and is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him.

Diligently seek God in the Holy Bible. Praying God's Word out loud. Faith comes by hearing & hearing a word about Christ/ God.

Answer 9

We all can go in and out of doubting God.Its called being human.Pray to God himself with all honesty during your doubting times.I have asked him on more then one occasion to show up because I'm very much in doubt of him.He does,He understands this in us.To know God is just that,it does not matter to him if your catholic,protestant.Just talk to Him this is true faith.Even if you feel like your talking to the ceiling sometimes,he wants to connect with you.Not just by going to church either,He wants a relationship with his creation.

Answer 10

Its called backsliding pray for a renewed spirit and don't do like I did and neglect the Lord in your daily life start reading your bible and pray for guidance I am also a Catholic but do not believe in all their teachings but have renewed my faith and am back at church bible says faith is given out in different measures pray that yours is strengthened as I do and faith is what lets us know God is real and the grave is not where we spend eternity.