I was having a conversation with a Catholic friend last night and he stated that "God is within all of us." I asked him whether he meant God is within all BELIEVERS and he stated that Catholicism teaches God resides within EVERY human being, whether they believe or not. This didn't sound right to me, so I asked him whether he was confusing the fact that we are all made in God's image with the fact that His Holy Spirit resides within those who are "born again." He told me I was wrong and that God is in everyone. A teenager who attended a Catholic middle school overheard our conversation and affirmed that she, too, was taught this.
Please clarify for me whether this is an official Catholic teaching. If it's not, can someone point me to an authoritative Catholic source that will enable me to further educate my friend?
Thanks, folks. Have a blessed day.
2007-04-26 02:47:58 · 13 answers · asked by Suzanne: YPA 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
So, by "He is in everyone," do you mean His Holy Spirit, or something else?
2007-04-26 02:56:40 · update #1
Welcome back Suzanne. Looks like you and I took some respite. Hope your was relaxing.
Whew. Sounds like you found yourself a snow 'flake' of a supposed Catholic variety.
God is not within us all, that seems to presuppose that God is everywhere, in everything sort of sounds New Agey.
Indeed your correct; however Catholics use different terminology perhaps this is where the disconnect comes? We believe that "God does reside in us when we have sanctifying grace"...these people have it all confused from what I'm gathering.
The Catechisms is very poor within the Catholic community right now. Which unfortunately you got a taste of. What you've seen is a portion of the Church that is so liberal that they seem to be leaning toward New Age, all loving God, who is huggy feely, and misunderstandings of Christs mercy and love to be misconstrued to some wild explanation such as what you have been given.
Due to the very late hour. The best I can do on top of my head to guide them to the Baltimore Catechism. (Commonly referred to Penny Catechism) and read up and forgive them for they know not what they say.
2007-04-26 18:36:56 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle_My_Belle 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This sounds like more of a Hinduistic belief. The Holy Spirit is sent to reside in those who are saved, thus the Holy Spirit is not present until salvation. I think you are right and someone is teaching a confusing doctrine. I am not sure if this is an official Catholic teaching. I did find a website
www.catholic.com it seems to have alot of information so I hope that helps.
2007-04-26 11:36:30 · answer #2 · answered by future dr.t (IM) 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Where can I hide from your spirit?
From your presence, where can I flee?
If I ascend to the heavens, you are there;
if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
If I fly with the wings of dawn
and alight beyond the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand hold me fast.
(Psalm 139:7-10)
Most Monotheists including Jews, Christians, and Muslims believe that God is omnipresent (everywhere).
God can be found:
+ In every human being who was made in His image
+ In every believer as part of the Body of Christ
+ In my heart, mind, and soul
+ In His creation, the universe, nature, animals, plants, and the back yard
+ In His revealed Word, the Holy Scriptures
+ In the Sacraments of the Church
+ Anywhere and everywhere
With love in Christ.
2007-04-26 22:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Catholic I was taught and believe that God is in all of us. People who have turned away from darkness or disbelief have had the Holy Spirit awakened in them, in a sense it spoke to them. It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness......can't remember where I heard this quote, but that is how I understand this theory.....Buried in all humans is a seed of God and how it grows is how it is or in some sad cases, is not nutured.
2007-04-26 14:12:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yet another reason I'm not Catholic. I love God but he isn't in the darkness, read the Bible there is no light in Darkness, those who are of the world and are not saved are in the darkness so he isn't in them either, not unless they get saved.God is Light! They have to be Born agian of the spirit. The reason it didn't sound right to you is because it's not Biblically sound.
2007-04-26 11:09:56 · answer #5 · answered by kim 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, God is within us all. That is more apparent in some than in others.
God bless,
Stanbo
Yes His Spirit dwells within us all.
2007-04-26 09:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Stanbo 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well being raised catholic and going to a catholic school through elementry/middleschool/highschool they do believe this kind of stuff. i realized a lot and now im protestant (like my mom) anyways yea they believe a lot of crazy stuff like the bread and wine are REALLY his body and blood (not a symbol) thats why noone can take it. i hate talking religion to people esp catholics because they just make up crazy things and it makes me so mad!!! i mean really, the bible is the truth-you dont need to make other things up!
2007-04-26 17:31:10 · answer #7 · answered by surfcarolinagurl26 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's pretty basic RCC catechism stuff, yes. If you read the modern catechism, (not the venerable "Baltimore Catechism") - you will find (at least I do) some universalist overtones in it.
Pax Christi,
S+
2007-04-26 18:22:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes we are taught that god is in us. God comes from our heart is a good expression of this.
2007-04-26 09:55:37 · answer #9 · answered by norielorie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try,www.catholiccatechism.org
2007-04-26 09:54:47 · answer #10 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋