Do you find Christianity confusing?

[ilovemyhens]

I have been a Christian for a few years now and would like to become a Catholic.

However, I find some things confusing.

You are taught not to judge people, but how are you supposed to accept that a lot of people are living contrary to Christian teaching? Take the case of the people who turned away those two gay men from their guesthouse. Weren't they acting in sin by judging those people and turning them away?

How is it possible to exist in a liberal society whilst following a faith that has such strict rules without appearing to be unreasonable and judgey?

Hello, not sure I can answer your questions but am taking steps toward Catholicism myself.
My philosophy is " hate the sin and not the (so called) sinner". Therefore I would never presume to judge anyone else. My best male friend is gay but it is not the overriding factor in my head when he visits. Nor would I see his sexuality as wrong - he harms nobody and is very kind hearted. I believe in a loving God who has great mercy and kindness and think He would judge my friend on all the good and kind things he does. People are about more than their sexuality.
Likewise I have huge issues about the Catholic church's attitude toward abortion and to women. I feel able to have an opinion on this and to voice it - even with our priest who is as cockney and "cor blimey" as they come! Thankfully he is always up for a good debate and even agrees with me in part on some issues ( then says " I'll never make Bishop" while raising his eyes heavenward lol).

What draws you to Catholicism? I was baptised Catholic, but not raised as Catholic. I followed my dh to a C/E Church, but have been feeling that I would like to return to Catholicism really. My dcs attend Catholic school.

I find Christianity a bit difficult at times, but know it's normal to have questions and to think critically about things.

And it's very possible to be a liberal Catholic and not be anti-gay at all (and I mean not anti-gay sex)

You'll be in a small, liberal Catholic minority though [bgrin]

Some people interpret God's will differently to others.
I was brought up a Christian ( CofE) but I never believed that God judged anyone against a set of rules or condemned them.
Its about following your conscience and the intention behind your deeds - If you believe something to be 'wrong' but do it anyway - thats a sin. If you truly in your heart believe something to be right - you follow that belief even if someone else judges that belief to be wrong.
I think God would look at the intention more than the deed,

Well said Davsmum...

I don't know about strict rules of Christianity - for me it is all about WWJD.

This is what Rick Warren has to say:

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.
That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..

Thank you, this is so helpful

I don't think Christianity is about following rules - in the gospels jesus seems to have a go at the scribes and pharisees for doing just that, as it leads to a judgemental attitude 'we're better than you'. I think it's more about your mental state/what's inside you, in a nutshell, love God, love your neighbour, love yourself. hopefully this comes out in the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control - at least on a good day/ hour. hope that helps, sorry for religious jargon

Especially when we are told to turn the other cheek and love our neighbour.....