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Originally Posted by Altenweg
It's simply because of things that I've experienced in my life, things I've seen firsthand. Not miracles, but everyday things. Twice in my mothers life she was "legally" dead, before her actual death. Both times she witnessed something that further proved to me and her that God exists. It might not matter to anyone else, but it does for me, and has meaning for me. I can't explain it any clearer without writing an entire book about it, but rest assured that I have my reasons.
Its good you were paying attention. Many people see far more and don't believe in God.
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Personally I find it a miracle that after 10 years of harassment in Catholic school, I still believe in God. If anything could have turned someone away from God, my 10 years of Catholic school should have done the trick.
They did manage to turn me away from church, and the constant bible study
I'm glad you mentioned the "constant bible study". Many claim that Catholic schools don't teach the Bible. Thanks for your honesty.
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opened my eyes as well, but they couldn't turn me from God.
You think that Catholic Schools were trying to turn you from God by making you study the Bible (i.e. "constant bible study")?
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They tried to "save my soul"
If you believed the Church or the Bible, you'd understand that it is one of our duties.
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which I found amusing, because the only thing they did to save theirs was read the bible and go to church.
You mean, the Church which is always accused of teaching that one must work their way into heaven didn't teach you about good works? Or do you mean that they didn't practice what they preached?
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Most of the parents of my friends were horrible people, wife abusers, drug abusers, child molesters, but they believed that because they are Catholic and go to church, God would forgive them their sins, what hypocrisy.
You went to Catholic School for ten years. Is that what the Church teaches? Does the Church teach that people should be wife abusers, drug abusers, and child molesters? Or were these people acting AGAINST the teachings of the Catholic Church?
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I am the exact opposite of that, yes I sin, have sinned and will continue to sin, that is a human trait, and I am indeed human. But I try my hardest to do right, to live my life as a good human being. When I ask for forgiveness it's not because I did what I wanted and I'm trying to cover it up, when I make a mistake I am truly sorry, that's the difference.
That's wonderful! I hope for your sake that you are right.
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So, why do I need the bible and church?
According to you, you don't.
We, Catholics, need the Bible and the Church because Jesus says we do. And we believe that Jesus is God. You are a Theist, so you don't.
Now, for instance, you say you know when you are truly sorry. We believe that only God truly knows our heart. And therefore, we don't know if we are ever truly as sorry as we need to be. That is why Jesus gave the Church the power to forgive. Because if our contrition is imperfect, we will still be absolved of sin by obeying God's Word.
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Personally, and I mean no disrespect, I see both as a crutch, as a way to reassure yourself, to make yourself believe you are on the right path.
And you know you are on the right track. That is good.
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Who is right, the person who leads a good life, tries always to be kind and caring, help their fellow man, and try not to sin, or the person that goes to church, reads the bible and therefore thinks they are safe from the "wrath" of God, even though they purposefully sin.
Anyone who purposefully sins and does not repent is condemned since they have turned against God.
A person who reads and goes to church and then sins but REPENTS, is forgiven.
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I don't believe in the "wrath" of God, but the Chritians do, which is why I mention it.
Then why do you care if you sin or not?
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What about those that don't even believe in God? God gave us minds, and free will, as his children he wants us to use those gifts. He wants us to question, to find answers, and like any good parent, he loves us no matter what path we choose. That's what I believe with all my heart.
For your sake, I hope you are right. As for me, I have faith in the Bible readers who go to Church and love God so much that they do all they can to obey His Word. Therefore I follow their example.
Sincerely,
De Maria
