You, Me and Catholicism: The Truth Revealed ‘I am Catholic.’ The seemingly simple phrase may pass over your head without a second thought. Yet, the phrase itself produces theatrical reactions and heated debates at conflicting times. I set out to decipher this apparent duality. I was quick to realize that both people far and near to me unconsciously associated Catholicism with bigotry and judgement; they all had the same grimace when I brought up Catholicism when debating over social issues. I was genuinely confused since I felt the exact opposite. Why was that? Looking at my own life, it then dawned on me that there were so many different meanings behind the seemingly transparent word that there was no possible way for everyone to agree. Catholicism
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The word directly translated as the ‘universal doctrine’ in Greek, meaning that the teachings are applicable to everyone. The Church teaches numerous lessons of virtues in retrospect of Biblical parables, allegorical stories conveying underlying messages, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a well-known and well-used compilation of articles meant to guide the people and the living examples of holiness through the median of the lives of saints. These lessons are now encouraged and further carried out by the Pope, the head and father of the Catholic Church. The practices of the Catholic Church are uncomplicated through the years of undisputed teachings and ways of living passed down from generation to generation. Looking from an outsider’s point of view, Catholicism is a place for anybody to be received with open arms without any judgement. For the Word of God proclaims in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (NASB). People often associate the Catholic Church with being against gay marriages, but in all reality, Catholics are taught to never discriminate anyone and make judgements against them. Many follow this path of love, because there is nothing that separates one human from the next. I know several people struggling to keep up with this facade of happiness in this world but became free when coming to the Church. Having a place to be true to yourself is what saves many people …show more content…
I was born into a devout Catholic family and grew accordingly to the values taught at church. I memorized all of the prayers and found myself volunteering at my church at any chance I was given. But as I grew older, I began to realize that being Catholic was not just about reciting all of the prayers but understanding who I am as a person. I see Catholicism as a place for me to open up and reflect upon my life. Catholicism, in my opinion, is a place for personal growth. An individual has the time to dwell upon the ups and downs in their life and to evaluate the rights and wrongs in their actions. When a problem arises or one’s life seems like it’s saturated with stress, it is a perfect way to clear one’s head. Catholicism isn’t defined as a strict religion but as a way of living peacefully in this hectic world. It is stated in the Bible three hundred sixty-five times ‘do not be afraid’; this constant assurance alone allows one to be free and be at
The word directly translated as the ‘universal doctrine’ in Greek, meaning that the teachings are applicable to everyone. The Church teaches numerous lessons of virtues in retrospect of Biblical parables, allegorical stories conveying underlying messages, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a well-known and well-used compilation of articles meant to guide the people and the living examples of holiness through the median of the lives of saints. These lessons are now encouraged and further carried out by the Pope, the head and father of the Catholic Church. The practices of the Catholic Church are uncomplicated through the years of undisputed teachings and ways of living passed down from generation to generation. Looking from an outsider’s point of view, Catholicism is a place for anybody to be received with open arms without any judgement. For the Word of God proclaims in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (NASB). People often associate the Catholic Church with being against gay marriages, but in all reality, Catholics are taught to never discriminate anyone and make judgements against them. Many follow this path of love, because there is nothing that separates one human from the next. I know several people struggling to keep up with this facade of happiness in this world but became free when coming to the Church. Having a place to be true to yourself is what saves many people …show more content…
I was born into a devout Catholic family and grew accordingly to the values taught at church. I memorized all of the prayers and found myself volunteering at my church at any chance I was given. But as I grew older, I began to realize that being Catholic was not just about reciting all of the prayers but understanding who I am as a person. I see Catholicism as a place for me to open up and reflect upon my life. Catholicism, in my opinion, is a place for personal growth. An individual has the time to dwell upon the ups and downs in their life and to evaluate the rights and wrongs in their actions. When a problem arises or one’s life seems like it’s saturated with stress, it is a perfect way to clear one’s head. Catholicism isn’t defined as a strict religion but as a way of living peacefully in this hectic world. It is stated in the Bible three hundred sixty-five times ‘do not be afraid’; this constant assurance alone allows one to be free and be at