A major problem with the whole “trad” movement in recent years is the way that is has essentially been weaponized to “fight” modernism, secularism, etc. and, simply, to “own the Left!” As a cradle Catholic who strayed for quite some time, the people, websites, blogs, etc. pushing this type of agenda were very appealing to me. They seemed like RVF…but for religion/Catholicism! However, as time has gone by, I have come to realize the danger that this content possesses, particularly to those without at least a basic understanding of the Church and the Faith.
On a daily basis, one can read about the evils of the Church, about individual Church figures, parishes, etc. while also being reminded of how great and noble figures of the past were. While there is certainly merit to both of these areas (there
are problems in modern-day Catholicism and there
are numerous examples of traditional Catholic virtue in the past), there has become almost a cult-like Evangelization of irreligious people becoming interested in the faith who seem to think that
nothing is right today and the past order
must be restored for the Church to regain any legitimacy. Instead of reading the Catechism, learning the basic Order of the Mass, or even the words to the most fundamental prayers, hours are instead spent listening to podcast and reading poorly-written blog posts about the homosexual infiltration of the Church or some Catholic nonprofits donating to “migrant relief” efforts.
This seems to be where you’re at right now, Rob.
From what I’ve read (and I certainly haven’t read all of your postings), the fact that two (2) priests have been unable to provide you the non-spiritual relief that you are apparently seeking right now (which seems odd, considering that you mention that you are not interested in “natural” methods of addressing these issues) legitimizes these things you have been reading. That these two (2) men have “failed” you, the Church is obviously past the point of no return and the only course of action is to start exploring schismatic churches until a priest with appropriate power is able to wave his hand and spiritually cure your ailments.
Is this about right? I’m sure that there is a large degree of hyperbole here, but from what I am reading, this seems like a more blunt, less “I try so hard and people, the Church, etc. keep letting me down!” version of reality that you present.
At this point, I’m curious as to why you remain an active RVF member. If 10’s (100’s?) of men haven’t been able to help you to overcome your issues at this point, why would you continue to seek support here (if it only took two (2) priests to “fail” you before leaving Catholicism)? Is there some reason why an online message board with a host of members with goofy user handles deserves more loyalty (for lack of a better word) than the Church founded by Jesus Christ I.e. The One True Church?
NOTE: I don’t want you to quit the forum. I am simply pointing out the rather obvious contrast here.
I’m also curious as to why you can’t accept “natural” solutions to many of the problems that you continue to face. Sure, we should recognize all of the non-worldly elements present to us in our day-to-day living. However, to assume that any non-spiritual solution to a problem is simply unacceptable will be very difficult to live out. If I am hungry, a sandwich is a very reasonable, non-spiritual solution to this problem. A priest who recognizes that problems that are outside of his realm of knowledge or expertise to address would be doing you a disservice by attempting to “cure” them via methods that would be unlikely to adequately help you or that he may be unfamiliar with.
In regards to the priest who essentially (in your view) stated that he didn’t have the time to help you, it is important to remember that priests are busy people. Of course, he would like to do what he can to help all of his flock, but time must be allocated and allocated where due. I would question the degree to which your interactions with him might make him question your commitment to improving yourself and learning about the Church. I question these things, myself.
Many weeks back, I laid out a simple plan to get you started with the process of addressing BASIC lifestyle habits.
It’s been 6 months since I posted on the forum about some personal issues and it was recommended by some wise forum members that I go to church and get closer to God and Jesus. I have been going to church, praying, educating myself about theology, and talking to my priest often about my faith...
www.rooshvforum.com
I haven’t received any update from you on how this has gone or rationale as to why it would not be possible to implement these practices (“John, drinking water every day is not possible for me. John, I can’t just NOT eat junk food”). Was the fact that all of these were “natural” methods make these suggestions inappropriate for application in your life? Did that first priest provide you with any suggestions that you simply couldn’t implement (and did you let him know that you wouldn’t be implementing them…around the same time that he mentioned that he is a bit busy)? I’m sorry to tell you that priests are human, as well. I don’t know a large number of Orthodox priests, but the ones I know generally seem to exhibit human-like characteristics and tendencies, as well.
This is all coming across as very heavy-handed and confrontational, I am sure. Many will disagree with the methods here, but it seems obvious to me that something isn’t really “clicking” with you (both in that these problems are persisting, but also that you seem unwilling to do anything to actually address these issues). However, as I stated in the previous thread, I and others continue to respond because we care about you and want to see you figure these things out (to be fair, this post is also directed to help others who may find themselves in the spiral of binging on “trad Cath” news as opposed to actually working on their own spiritual development).
In the meantime, I would suggest
Reviewing my basic lifestyle suggestions from last time
Picking up the Catechism and turning off Taylor Marshall and Michael Voris (at least until you have a better idea of what Catholicism “is”)
Keeping an open mind and being open to put into practice the advice and suggestions from very learned and experienced religious men (such as the priests you previously mentioned) as well as learned, patient, and welcoming lay men (such as AnonymousBosch) without discounting it or overtly questioning it due to some gnostic-like tendencies.
Get what you have to and log off from the forum for a week or two. Don’t continue to engage or to spend time developing excuses and rationale for your behavior to those of us replying to you. We’ll be here when you get back and will be ready to listen and to help.