Expert: Tom Schott - 11/5/2007

Question
Hi, Ive been been raised as a Catholic and going to church had always been habitual. I never truly embraced my religion and established a relationship with God until a few months ago. As my lifestyle had been pretty negative (partying and what not) God helped me realize that I was only falling. I was blind before and he moved me in most mysterious ways. After this, I felt that my Catholic Church did not give me the "spirit-filled satisfaction" that I once had. I felt like everyone continued to go to church as a habit rather than in a thankful manner towards God so I went to a Non-denomination Christian church. I found so much more satisfaction, but now I am torn between whether or not I made the right choice since God had created me as a Catholic. I don't know what to do, my family is worried about me because they think that Christians are "bending" the rules of God and the stricter measures in Catholicism is what shows true faith. All of Christianity shares the same theme and the different denominations are just different ways to express our love right? Haha I guess there are a few questions in here! Please help me, and thank you so much for your time.


Answer
Susie,

 You have to go to the church where you are being fed and to the well where there is water. Your decision about your faith and how you practice it is your decision, not your parents'. I will not debate with you about all Christian religions being the same--I would disagree--but that's not the issue here. I wish you well in your search to find a suitable place to practice your faith, but I would certainly not rule out exploring other Catholic parishes. There is a wide variety in the "feel" and "spirit" in various Catholic communities. I'll be praying for you.

Response to your comment. (And thanks for the nice things you said.)

If you have specific questions, I'll try to answer them if they do not take too much explaining. This is not the best forum for answering those kinds of questions.