Is is possible to "remain" Catholic if I have issues with many of the Church's teaching?

Question

I was raised Catholic and have much respect for the faith. I retain my faith in God and value the moral teachings of the religion. Yet, I find so many of the "Church's" teachings to be almost silly. For example, the whole "limbo" concept. To me that borders on supersition-type of belief. There are many other examples that just seem illogical. This is a real struggle for me.

Answer 1

My husband had issues with many of the 'teachings' as well, so he got out the bible and started reading, asking God alone to show him truth.... and after forming a relationship with God, thru Jesus Christ, accepting salvation from Him alone... he realized that he could not remain a catholic, as they do not teach the whole truth about many things, and fabricate rituals that are not what God wants... like:
do not babble by repeating prayers over and over again
do not call anyone on earth your 'spiritual father' (why do they call priests father?)
purgatory.... where does it say this anywhere in the bible?
the list goes on and on....

so, my advice would be to get a copy of the bible (New Living Translation is a good version, and I believe they have the 'catholic' version as well) and start reading.... the book of John.... then acts... and romans.... see what God has to say about what salvation really is and what is important to Him....

God bless.... keep searching, keep knocking, keep seeking God and Truth!

Answer 2

Pray the Holy Rosary (at least five decades) daily and ask the Blessed Virgin for help in your struggles with your faith. She will come to your rescue and enlighten you about the doubts you may have. Nothing about the Church's teachings are superstition or silly. Roman Catholic saints of old have spoken of limbo as a place that exists where unbaptised children go.
http://www.fatima.org/news/newsviews/limbo.asp

Have recourse to Our Lady.

Answer 3

It is hard to give an opinion without knowing what other issues you think you with the Church.

Some may be based on misinformation like Limbo seems to be.

Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved." (Mark 16:15-16)

For centuries, people have wondered about children who died before they were baptized. The Bible does not explicitly state that they will go to heaven.

Limbo was suggested as the place where unbaptized babies went when they died. This idea was never official Church doctrine and has been completely rejected.

The Church now says that it is not sure what happens to unbaptized babies when they die but she entrusts them to the mercy of God.

I suggest you do some indepth study on your issues with the Church. You may find that you are more Catholic than you thought.

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

Hi Marc,
I have always felt like that about the Catholic Church. Some of the other teachings as well bother me. Just keep Jesus in your heart and dont let all these man made organizations pull you away from your true faith. Remember Jesus died for you not the Catholic Church.

Answer 5

Several Catholic Saints were victims of church's condemnations during the periods of inquisitions. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for what they called heresy and yet was made a hero and saint afterwards.
Jesus Christ was crucified by the Romans and then made Christian beliefs as Roman official religion called Roman Catholic Church. Their cross is a symbol of humiliation to any criminal against the government of Rome but now, they kneel before that symbol.
They were afraid Jesus might lead a rebellion and topple their government and be the King of Rome that is why they have him killed. Now, that they held him high and call him the King of Kings. They actually do not mind the grand title because he is dead and cannot proclaim anything that will jeopardise their grand design for Rome. Now, Rome has the richness held inside Vatican enough to feed the hungry of the whole world. Whatever issues you hold against them does not matter, you may even be made a saint for sticking around.

Answer 6

I think it is wise for you to question the doctrine of any religion. The Word tells us, that the Holy Spirit is sent to teach us and instruct us. You dont need anyone to teach you; there is no one who can give you a relationship with God, except Jesus. I understand how frusterating religion can be, that's why I gave up on dependingon others to teach me about my Savior and God- I now read the Word for myself and depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me into understanding. Let me tell ya, it's so much more gratifying and I know without confusion that God speaks directly to the hearts and minds of those who lean on Him and not their own understanding! I disagree with alot of the doctrine of Catholicism because it is in direct violation of the Word of God. As are many other religions. Pretty much, all of them I think, have added to, or taken away from the Word. Man made doctrine is not inspiring, I only want the truth, so I go to the source. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

There are plenty of religions that are Christian (as are Catholics), but that follow the Bible and the Bible only, not just priest's and popes. My fam is Catholic and I was raised that way until I was "born-again" (Christian term for accepting Jesus in your heart through repentence and believing what he did on the cross and rose from the grave..and living a life pleasing to Jesus) and I am now Protestant - Pentecostal/Non Denonminational...If you research it, alot of Catholics "doctrines" are based on/from pagan rituals that were practiced at the same time that they were - back in the day :) . So your feeling of superstitious ness is not ungrounded. The Bible is the only authority that we ought to follow - read it. You need to find a church that believes the whole Bible and only that, no add-ons or deletions!!! Being "Catholic" in name isn't necessarily necessary - just being a follower of Jesus. Really, read some of your Bible...it will help. Start in John or Romans (New Testament)

Answer 8

Technically, from the Church's point of view, no, you would no longer be Catholic. However, that does not seem to bother most people who call themselves Catholic and yet still believe in pre-marital sex, abortion, not going to church, and a host of other teachings.

I was raised Catholic too. And you should know, that many of the Catholic teachings DID develop from superstitions (like limbo, immortality of the soul, going to heaven, etc...). Read the Bible, the Word of God, to know the truth.

Answer 9

I think it is good to have concerns because that means you are engaged with your faith on some level. What is dangerous is letting those concerns turn into a cause for apathy or rebellion instead of an opportunity for deepening your faith. I was once told by someone much wiser than me that faith is like a muscle; if you work it hard it grows. Hope that helps a little.

Answer 10

It is possible. I'm Catholic, and until today, I didn't know we still had Limbo. I also don't agree with trying to convert others and honestly break out in hives if someone asks me to. I don't think you have to agree with everything, just the important stuff. Y'know the whole God, and Trinity and Mary and Saints and Sacraments. The important bits. Limbo isn't important, and I've met Catholics who are pro-choice and such.