Life has been cruel.

Archeron

While I agree that suffering is a part of growing, as a faltering Christian, i ask why?
Life has provided nothing but challenge, and a hearty challenge at that. Can my faith offer me anything other that blindness in human faith. I am lost, where should I cast my eyes?

Potential-Monke

Isn't that the whole idea of christianity, that our lives are nothing compared to what crhist endured to save us? Your faith offers salvation, knowing that on the day of judgement you shall be saved for a life full and rich with his ways.

Does that sound very priestish? Cuz i'm born and bred a christian, lost faith, and kinda regained it now.

Some people say talk to a priest, or a nun, and they will "guide" you through your moment of hardship and unknowing. I say do what you feel is right for you. Maybe a trip to Lourdes to see what the craic is there, but you need to help yourself too. Jesus fell 3 times, we are allowed to fall as many as we want, but as long as we always do what he did, and get back up.

PDN

Archeron wrote: »

While I agree that suffering is a part of growing, as a faltering Christian, i ask why?
Life has provided nothing but challenge, and a hearty challenge at that. Can my faith offer me anything other that blindness in human faith. I am lost, where should I cast my eyes?

I would encourage you to look to Jesus rather than to religious dogma or any man-made denomination or institution. Life often is tough, and the tough times can reveal whether our faith is built on something solid or something shaky.

13 years ago I went through the toughest time imaginable when my 5-year old daughter died. Rather than that destroying my faith, I discovered that my faith was the only thing that got me through that time.

If your faith is in a person - people let you down.
If your faith is in a church - churches let you down.
If your faith is in God then He won't let you down.

PDN

JC 2K3 wrote: »

Are torture victims not allowed to be Christians?

Archeron

PDN wrote: »

If your faith is in God then He won't let you down.

How do I discover and express that faith? Catholicism and Christianity does not satisfy any question for knowledge....

PDN

Archeron wrote: »

How do I discover and express that faith? Catholicism and Christianity does not satisfy any question for knowledge....

I wouldn't agree that Christianity doesn't satisfy any question for knowledge, but it may not satisfy your questions. Why not pray to God and ask Him to show you some answers? If He's God then He's well able to answer. He might do it by sending someone along that you feel you can talk to, or by putting a particular book across your path etc.

Do you know anyone whose faith is working for them and who seems to be happy and living a life that's worthwhile? Ask them for advice. Don't be put off if they're not the same religious persuasion as yourself.

JimiTime

PDN wrote: »

I would encourage you to look to Jesus rather than to religious dogma or any man-made denomination or institution. Life often is tough, and the tough times can reveal whether our faith is built on something solid or something shaky.

13 years ago I went through the toughest time imaginable when my 5-year old daughter died. Rather than that destroying my faith, I discovered that my faith was the only thing that got me through that time.

If your faith is in a person - people let you down.
If your faith is in a church - churches let you down.
If your faith is in God then He won't let you down.

Amen to that. Archeron, are there questions in particular that you feel are not satisfied by your knowledge of Christ? These boards can be great sometimes, but sometimes they can probably just add to confusion. i think PDN's advice is good. Pray for guidance. If you are honest, you'll be guided.

kelly1

Archeron wrote: »

While I agree that suffering is a part of growing, as a faltering Christian, i ask why? Life has provided nothing but challenge, and a hearty challenge at that. Can my faith offer me anything other that blindness in human faith. I am lost, where should I cast my eyes?

Hello Acheron, my first piece of advice is to trust God in ALL things. No matter what happens to you, have faith in God. Never despair. If you trust in Jesus He will give you strength to endure your trials. Don't allow the devil to lure you into despair.

Suffering can often be the result of sin (selfishness). If we cling to sin stubbornly despite what our conscience tells us, God can abandon us to our own ways. Sin destroys grace and this leads to errors of judgement and we suffer as a result.

For the person who does his very best to love God and keep the commandments, suffering can be a very positive thing. Suffering can be used to atone for the sins of others (and our own) if we unite it with Christ's Passion.

All baptized Christians are members of the one Body of Christ. When one member sins, it damages the whole Body. The good news is that suffering "offered up" can atone for this and repair the Body allowing God to bestow grace on the original sinner. In this way we can share in the redemptive work for Christ. This is what St. Paul was referring to in Coll 1:

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:

See also http://www.rosary-center.org/ll49n2.htm for more info.

Archeron wrote: »

How do I discover and express that faith?

You begin by acknowledging that you're a sinner (as we all are) and that your sins (and mine) put Christ on the cross. This is something to meditate upon! Then ask for forgivess (I'd highly recommend confession because as a sacrament you're guaranteed forgiveness and grace is bestowed helping you to avoid sin in future. Others will try to tell you there's no need to confess - please ignore).

After that you're ready to begin your journey WITH Christ. If you want to have a real relationship with Christ it means putting away the "old man" and putting on the "new man". It means living the Gospel and putting God before self. It means rooting out the old habits with steely determination. God and sin don't mix! This can only be achieved with God's help through His grace. So pray, pray, pray on you will be heard and answered and you life will never be the same again. Read the bible and let it *speak* to you. The bible is God's *Word* and it has the power to change your life.

Remember, the three main weapons in the spiritual fight are the Eucharist, confession and prayer. All three bring grace and it's grace that saves us.

Archeron wrote: »

Catholicism and Christianity does not satisfy any question for knowledge....

For me, it's certainly answered all the questions I *need* answers to. There are still many mysteries that I accept on faith.

God bless you.
Noel.