I am a committed Catholic and became very religious about 6 years ago. For the past 2 years my prayer life has died away, I feel little to no emotion, I don't want to go to church anymore (but I still do out of devotion to God), I seriously question one or two teachings of the Catholic Church. Above all, I feel a sense of alienation from God. I still pray, although it feels empty when I do, like I'm not talking to anyone. Any thoughts?
2007-05-07 08:45:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It may be a "Dark Night of the Soul" that you are experiencing. If that is the case it is essential that you get yourself to excellent spiritual counseling. I strongly suggest that you go to your pastor and look into the possibility of getting a spiritual director. Please don't give up on your faith, it is OK to have doubts and even be angry at God. Remember how Jesus honored the prayer "Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief." Even though you probably don't feel like praying, it is important that you continue to do so. Please be open and honest with your real life religious counsellors.
I also agree with those who have suggested that depression may be a root or contributing cause. Do both. Get spiritual counselling AND a physical evaluation.
2007-05-07 12:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by Sister Spitfire 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems that you are not getting what you need spiritually from what you have run across so far and it is time to launch. If the teachings of any church can give a sense of alienation from God, or an empty feeling, then it is time to move to higher ground where your heart needs to be. Email me if you would like further thoughts.
2007-05-07 09:12:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit isn't present in the Church then the people aren't being lead by The Holy Spirit. If you were being exposed to the Holy Spirit through their teaching then you would feel it, you would want to attend Church, you would feel the hunger to be feed by the Spirit and continue to seek him. This may be a sign for you to seek the Holy Spirit on your own. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you, Read your Bible and ask for the Spirit of understanding. I don't know what they are teaching and it dosn't matter, if its not being lead by the Spirit then it is not of God and should be dismissed as such. I wouldn't continue to go to a place that didn't have the Holy Spirit in operation.
2007-05-14 17:03:02 · answer #3 · answered by sparkplug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be suffering from clinical depression; have you considered that possibility or talked to a therapist? If you are certain that you are not depressed psychologically, then perhaps you are experiencing philosophical changes of which you may not be consciously aware; you may actually have doubts as to your religious beliefs. You may fear to question your theology since you consider yourself committed to Catholicism. Or, you may simply be going through a period of mental or spiritual adjustment; after all, you are not required to feel constant fervor and passion for your church, are you? Another thought: if you are truly devoted to your God, then, you might wonder if he could be testing you as to your sincerity. Don't be afraid to be introspective and to question your beliefs; as an agnostic, I do that with great frequency and thoroughly enjoy the adventure! If your faith is strong, contemplation can not destroy it, and, if it is not, you may only be paying lipservice to a theological concept which is not the answer to your brain's quest for knowledge. Good luck!
2007-05-07 14:42:14 · answer #4 · answered by Lynci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
specific. The term grew to become into coined by St. John of the circulate. many times while Christians pray they might experience a feeling of the presence of God. Catholic saints regularly refer to those thoughts as "consolations." The darkish night of the soul, a minimum of partly, is while those thoughts vanish. We experience distant from God, as though our prayers are no longer being heard. the final element is to undergo. the two we emerge extra suitable in our faith, or we live that way receiving the advantages of somebody who perseveres with out earthly consolations as quickly as we die.
2016-10-30 13:55:50 · answer #5 · answered by witek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, remember we are instructed to "...come out from among them."
Perhaps its the church you've died away from?
Perhaps you should instead find the Rauch HaKodesh? or, the Spirit of God. Where the Spirit resides there is life -
Selah -
2007-05-15 05:13:36 · answer #6 · answered by gilariverrider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are experiencing a severe depression, and should seek an evaluation....if Catholicism were really working for you, you wouldn't be feeling like that, so maybe it is time to look around and explore some other ideas....
2007-05-07 08:53:23 · answer #7 · answered by beatlefan 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I used to pleasure myself when that happened, but you're Catholic...bummer.
2007-05-07 08:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by dissolute_chemical 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Please take beatlefan's advice. Seeking help for depression doesn't mean that your faith is weak.
2007-05-07 08:55:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋