Non-catholics Have Feelings Too

[theculturewarrior]

Dusty Fro,

I apologize if I have ever said anything uncharitable, and I am sorry for anything on this forum that has offended.

God bless you,

TCW

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='phatcatholic' date='May 17 2004, 03:24 AM'] dusty fro,

in the time that phatmass was down, i visited many message boards and forums, some catholic, some non-catholic, some so vehemently anti-catholic that it truly scared me. after scanning the environment on the internet, i feel that i can honestly say that this site makes a real and substantial effort to "speak the truth w/ love." however, b/c religion is such a personal matter for so many people, it is difficult at times to respond objectively. in times like these, instruct us.

--help us to help you--

working together, we can grow closer to this God, our God, for whom every heart longs. i'm ready when you are

pax christi,
phatcatholic [/quote]
Amen to that.

[Dusty Fro]

I suppose maybe I had too high hopes, because my experience with "Christian" message boards has been about the same. In one, I was banned for trying to get the moderators to stop bashing Catholics. Another that I've been on for 4 years has degenerated so that I wouldn't even call it a Christian message board, much less a place for young children. (We have a handy ignore button that allows me to just see my friends' posts)

I was hoping that in my search I could find somewhere that didn't have these walls built up among believers. Phatmass kept it up for a while, people were very friendly and suggested books for me and things. But that post really hurt, and I felt like I was being unfairly judged, even without a personal attack.

But that is in the past. Patience, forgiveness, that's what God wants after all. And I believe that respect is as well. I hope we all can have a mutual respect for each other and search for God's real truth.

[jasJis]

Dusty Fro,
I guess you have to choose who to ignore. If they seem ignorant to you, take the hint, ignore them. That's why the two words start off the same.

I've been on lot's of boards over the years, and phatmass is more loving and tolerant than any others, by a very huge margin. That doesn't make it perfect. We don't have perfect posters. But the huge majority (though not necessarily the most vocal) like having non-Cath Christians here because we can learn much about Christianity when we discuss God and Jesus together. There are a few that forget or ignore the Catholic Church's teachings about the unifying effects of Grace.

Don't burn the barrel for a few bad apples. Just as it would be unfair to lump all Protestants in the same class as Jim Jones and David Koresh, don't judge all posters here by the few tactless and hurtful ones. Report them and they'll be warned and booted. There's been way more Catholics disciplined at phatmass than non-Catholics.


And Winchester is funny as shinobi!

Edited May 21, 2004 by jasJis

[Livin_the_MASS]

[quote name='Dusty Fro' date='May 20 2004, 09:12 PM'] I suppose maybe I had too high hopes, because my experience with "Christian" message boards has been about the same. In one, I was banned for trying to get the moderators to stop bashing Catholics. Another that I've been on for 4 years has degenerated so that I wouldn't even call it a Christian message board, much less a place for young children. (We have a handy ignore button that allows me to just see my friends' posts)

I was hoping that in my search I could find somewhere that didn't have these walls built up among believers. Phatmass kept it up for a while, people were very friendly and suggested books for me and things. But that post really hurt, and I felt like I was being unfairly judged, even without a personal attack.

But that is in the past. Patience, forgiveness, that's what God wants after all. And I believe that respect is as well. I hope we all can have a mutual respect for each other and search for God's real truth. [/quote]
Well Dusty Fro,

I will say it sounds like you are on an [b]honest search.[/b] Sorry for whatever happened here that hurt your feelings. It is good to see you back. I hope that we can be of help to you in the future!

God Bless You
Jason

[dUSt]

I'm going to start to pay Winchester and jasJis to post more often.

[jasJis]

[quote name='dUSt' date='May 20 2004, 10:02 PM'] I'm going to start to pay Winchester and jasJis to post more often. [/quote]
Since I've been unemployed for 2 months, I'll post for tacos, so very tasty and good for you,! Speaking of which, a few hours ago I sold a computer to a Mexican guy who owns a bakery that makes authentic tortillas. I'm hoping he has problems w/ the computer 'cause I said I'd go to his place to fix it. Am I evil or what?

[IcePrincessKRS]

:rotfl: jasJis, thats HYSTERICAL!

[dUSt]

[quote name='jasJis' date='May 20 2004, 10:12 PM'] Since I've been unemployed for 2 months, I'll post for tacos, so very tasty and good for you,!  Speaking of which, a few hours ago I sold a computer to a Mexican guy who owns a bakery that makes authentic  tortillas.  I'm hoping he has problems w/ the computer 'cause I said I'd go to his place to fix it.  Am I evil or what? [/quote]
You're unemployed again?

Geesh.

[Mickey's_Girl]

[quote name='jasJis' date='May 20 2004, 09:41 PM'] "Don't burn the barrel for a few bad apples. Just as it would be unfair to lump all Protestants in the same class as Jim Jones and David Koresh, don't judge all posters here by the few tactless and hurtful ones." [/quote]
OUCH! YOU said Jim Jones and David Koresh! I didn't know they even claimed to be Christians.

Ouch.

MG (current Protestant)

PS. I agree with Dust about JasJis and Winchester.

[Dusty Fro]

I don't know who those people are...is that a good thing?

[jasJis]

[quote name='Mickey's_Girl' date='May 20 2004, 11:57 PM'] OUCH!  YOU said Jim Jones and David Koresh!  I didn't know they even claimed to be Christians.

Ouch. [/quote]
Yes, they both were to be Christians.

[quote name='Dusty_Fro']I don't know who those people are...is that a good thing? [/quote]I shall impose on Winchester's good humor and state on our behalf: 'To know us is to love us.!

Edited May 21, 2004 by jasJis

[PedroX]

Jim Jones started as a protestant pastor. His first church was here in Indy.

peace...

[Ellenita]

David Koresh was originally a christian scientist wasn't he? I didn't think they were considered christians by other christian denominations, in the same way that JW's and mormons aren't aswell.

[Quietfire]

OOh, OOh!

Dusty Fro,
See, right now I am an unofficial Catholic. (read my signature)
Since my parents never brought me to Catholic Mass and never led me to receive my sacraments, then I am not an official (drum roll please) Catholic Christian. But I was baptised one.

But I know that I am Catholic by desire. Its actually pretty handy right now, I am learning to debate for the Church and I am not even a full fledged honest to goodness Catholic. I can pop into other boards and debate and argue and when they ask "are you Catholic?"...well, you get the point.

It is my hope to be a part of the Church one day, if it is God's Will.
But right now I have made some amazing friends, who are always there to help. These folks are the best.

Welcome!

Peace.
Quietfire

Edited May 21, 2004 by Quietfire

[jasJis]

Baptism is all it takes to become Catholic. The other Sacraments (Confirmation and Eucharist) strengthen those ties. You [b]are[/b] one of the Family! Like the rest of us, we spend our lives learning about God, the Church, and growing in Grace through the Sacraments, and build our relationship with God. Your journey has been slowed and delayed. Baptism of Desire describes those who want to be Baptized but circumstances have prevented it. Since you were Baptized in a Catholic Church, you are as Catholic as you probably can be, while respecting the Authority of your parents. The problem is more your parents then yours.

[Dusty Fro]

But if you have a Catholic heart, and your beliefs are Catholic, plus, you believe that Baptism brings you into the church, why aren't you a full fledged Catholic?

[Quietfire]

wow, someone is asking widdle ole me a question?

Ok buddy...you asked for it!!!

[quote]But if you have a Catholic heart, and your beliefs are Catholic, plus, you believe that Baptism brings you into the church, why aren't you a full fledged Catholic?[/quote]

See, I just (like...right now) found that out...that I am one of the phamily and family.

But I'll answer your question Dusty Fro, as best as possible.
We (my sibs and I) were not raised Catholic.
Never attended Mass.
I went to church(s) on my own since about the age of 7 until around 16.
To me (as a child) all were the same, we all worshipped the same God, same Jesus, same Holy Spirit. Just different houses and names. Nobody ever told me there was a difference. My mom is kinda like dolly parton in 'steel magnolias', " "God dont care where you go as long as you show up". So I did, every chance that I could.
Then I grew up. The difference wasnt God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit, the difference was...well, us.
So after some hard lessons the last few years. Like death, divorce(not mine), watching people you love get sucked into cult like beliefs, you realize that everything you believe in is crashing down around you.
Either get busy living or get busy dyin'.
Started going to church again, but there was always something missing. Couldnt put my finger on it, since I didnt know what IT was.
Had a wonderful time, made lots of new friends but again, something was missing.

My husband is Catholic, but a rather lukewarm one.
My dad is Catholic, but again, a lukewarm one.
It seemed everyone I knew, no matter what denomination, only went to God when they needed him. It doesnt make sense.
I wanted him all the time, even on the good days.

I found Phatmass only about 4 months ago.
I have learned more about the Catholic Church in this short of time, then ever in my life. Before PM, I really knew nothing about Catholicism.
I didnt even think twice on another board about bashing this person or faith or the next. Yeah, I tried to be careful, but the urge was SO easy.
Not here, and what a relief.
So why havent I finished what my parents started?
In the process baby, in the process.

Nothing happens overnight. I am still learning, and still debating. Its one thing to have a Catholic heart, but I dont know if my beliefs are Catholic. So far, I havent run into any problems. Now I am not saying that if the Church doesnt jibe with my beliefs then I'm outta here. No, no... usually I require clarification, and there are some things I havent quite gotten the hang of yet. It's one thing to believe in the Trinity...its another to understand it. I'm not saying that I have second thoughts, on the contrary.
But I wouldnt want to go running into the church, receive my sacrament, then the eucharist and then start argueing with the priest over this and that. (although, knowing me...I would anyway...anything for a debate)
Its been a long time getting here. But I really want this to be my last stop, ya know. To me, this is something that people take far too much advantage of. (being catholic) I want to remember everything. I want receive the eucharist, understanding exactly what it means and why. I want to feel everything, to sense God in every way....and I can wait. It isnt like I'm waiting for a sign. I just want to remember the experience of getting here. so that I will never take it for granted the gift given to me.(ok, now I'm crying) (thanks alot!)
But its wonderful to know that I am already considered Catholic. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
My last 4 years have been spent in a Presbyterian church. As wonderful as that was, I always knew I didnt belong there. That was a hard thing to face, to walk away from. But I knew I wasnt walking away from God.

There is so much more to my story. It's kindof spread out all over Phatmass. There are a few here who know alot more about it than what I've written here on these threads.

As far as being a part of the Church, like I said,
I am a work in progress....with joy!!!

Hope that helps.



Peace.
and thanks for asking!

[Winchester]

And here I am with nothing funny to say...

Richard Nixon wearing a neck weasel (Dave Barry said that was funny, and I believe him.)

now i'm just trying too hard...

[Quietfire]

Woo-hoo!!

I stumped Winchester, I stumped Winchester!

Free tacos, so very tasty and good for you,!!!!!!