Questions for a preist

[friedrice118]

Hi, I am a former Catholic (confirmed) and I had lost faith in God. I looked toward philosophies and other religions to get closer to God. When I ask for him, I cannot hear him, no matter what philosophy I had tried. Once I make up something in my own head it jumps towards something else. I ussed to attend a Catholic school where I was missguided by, they didn't answer questions I had asked. They said you must leave it to their faith.

I read sections in the bible that steer me away from it, or even frighten me away from it. I was told by my teachers I would go to Hell if I didnt go to recongsiliation/mass offen. I thought, how could there be a good God, if he would send people to eternal torture for not going to mass. As I grew older I read more of the bible that I disagreed with, and soon turned away from it. Aethism first, then various philosophies. I have found a "way of living" other than the Catholic way. I feel it brings me closer to God I did when I was Catholic.

I geuss my question is, was it wrong of me to do that. I grew up a Catholic and I did agree with a lot of their beleifs. Questioning had led me to search for other ways of having a beleif in God/Jesus. I would like to hear a Catholics thoughts on what my result of turning away was. Is it ok to beleive something else, if its the only thing that brings you closer to God?

 

[Draka]

I'm obviously not Catholic (though my mother's side of the family is) but I'd just like to say that knowing my mother and her family's views on things, I don't think you have anything to worry about. My mother grew up in a large Catholic family and they seem to be the most open people I know when it comes to finding different ways and the acceptance of that. Most have drifted from their old views and everything is just fine between them all. One of my aunts is even pagan like myself. They seem to have the view that it doesn't much matter what exactly you have faith in...all the details don't really matter, but it is that you have faith in something and lead a good life and are kind and accepting of others. The love between everyone is what is found to be most important...not what scriptures they adhere to. I don't know if this helps in any way...for if you are asking for what spiritual repercussions you might have I can't answer that...and I really don't know if anyone can. But I thought I'd at least try to console your concerned mind a little...I hope I might have done that...If not, I'm sorry.

Good luck.