Obedience Is Hard

[M.SIGGA]

What is a someone who is Catholic supposed to do when they really believe something to the fullest that is contrary to what the Magisterium and/or the NCCB teaches. There are a few personal issues I'm praying about right now and no matter how I re-arrange what the Church teaches about them in my head, I cannot seem to agree 100% with the Church's official opinion. My parents taught me since I was a kid to "offer up and shut up" about stuff like this, but it's getting really really difficult lately.

I'm pre-law and very politically involved at home and today I found out there is an almost certain possibility I'll be interning in Washington next spring in '05 for a political party that a lot of Catholics don't really like (hint). This can be the opportunity of a lifetime that I really don't want to pass up. Lately I'm sort of hesitant to participate with my political campus club/ party anymore and I would rather be strung-up than join the other one, which is supported by most of the clergy.

I don't vocally express my contrary opinions that much because I don't want to speak against the Church or lead others too, but it is getting really really tough to keep my mouth shut. Most of all I'm scared of falling into sin. Does the Church have an answer for anyone feeling this way? In general, what does it say to do?

[photosynthesis]

the Catholic Church does not have an official opinion when it comes to political parties. We're not required to vote Republican, or Democrat, or whatever...

but we are supposed to respect the dignity of human life, and certain political parties have histories of not really doing that. I would talk with a spiritual director about this...preferably a priest or a mature Catholic, because I'd be confused too.

you seem like you're really struggling with this, and you seem like you want to be in line with the mind of the Church. I would go to a priest with any questions I had about the teachings of the Church, or tell him why you disagree. Even though it might be difficult to see it sometimes, the Church teaches what it teaches for a reason. I used to disagree with a lot of the Church's teachings and a lot of my friends who were priests + religious made me think of things I never thought of. If you feel uncomfortable going to someone for help, then post a question in the Q+A section here.

Keeping your mouth shut won't help you grow in your faith, it will only inhibit progress. it's OK to be curious and explore your Faith, as long as you are respectful to the Truth.

[M.SIGGA]

Like my probs aren't soley political, but that is a really big part. In the past when I have talked to priests, they gave me guilt trips in one way conversations with them doing all the talking. I'm not looking for clergy to agree with me because I know what all the documents teach and most of all an anti-Catholic priest bothers me more than anything. More of something to focus on would be more helpful.

The condemning language by much of the clergy is really scaring me since election time is comming up and I feel like I'm falling into sin without anyway to control myself (if that makes any sense). Part of my Americanism is that I don't like the idea of the Church taking away my democratic right to vote, and the other half is saying it is their duty to point me in the right direction.

Regarding Right to Life is one example, I completely believe that Abortion is evil and should be put down in all circumstances, but I whole-heartedly don't believe that it is anywhere near to being abolished in the next decade. However other pressing issues can get addressed in the mean time. It's also difficult to vote for someone I believe is totally evil that was praised for his works in my very own cathedral by an archbishop. This is one example, and I didn't start this thread to preach anything anti-Catholic and contrary to Catholic teaching. Processing all this and trying to be faithful at the same time is what is so hard right now.

I didn't post this in Q&A because it might be a trend for some other folks on Pm too. It would be helpful for me and interesting to talk this out. I didn't put it in Open Mic b/c I didn't think it was Senseless Babble.

[phatcatholic]

m sigga,

two helpful convos have begun at this site on this topic, and i feel as though some good info was shared in those convos that may help you. here are links to them, one from the apo board, and another for a new thread made to finish the convo in the debate board.

apo board: Catholics, Encyclicals, Magisterium, Authority

debate board: Magisterium, Iraqui War, and Birth Control

i hope this helps......pax christi,

phatcatholic