It's all about love and understanding. I like the new Pope. He gets that it's all about love. I'd be interested to hear what he has to say about mental illness.

Id also be interested about what the pope has to say about mental illness. Seems like The catholic church doesnt talk much about it or other churchs for that matter. Ive heard Rick Warren talk about it due to his sons death but thats pretty much it.

I was raised Catholic, and even had the same nuns my mom had throughout her school life. I never had any problems in school, were never preached to either. We just lived a nice life of being kind, accepting, didn't curse, do drugs, disrespect our parents or anyone else. I can't complain about that, and wish more kids were raised that way.

I just ran across this post and was raised Catholic, as a young adult I went more for a non-denominational thought. I always felt better knowing my own relationship with God. I try to be a good person, ask for his forgiveness and pray. I agree with those who say, it does not matter the religion, but the belief and faith one may hold in God.

If koolman has not gone blind yet, I think he's on the right path. Although I will say reply #14 has me LMAO! ... I mean *cough cough* giggling.

I was born and raised Catholic. I often call myself a watered down catholic. I dont buy into every rule and regulation but I am devout to Jesus. Above anything I beleive in a loving God not one that is to be feared. I am not naive that the Church and institution have been corrupted. I dont go to church for the church but my personal relationship which God which I am trying to allow grow. Every human being walking this earth was given free will and yes every one of us will sin. Jesus loves the sinner and is actually more concerned with saving him than anyone else. I have a tremendous respect for most religions because they call God by different names but all teach a basic principle "love each other'. I also believe a gift we can give ourselves is to forgive ourselves. Sometimes we are a louder personal critic than God ever would be. The journey of a relationship with God is a personal one which changes overtime. My faith has carried me through some of the darkest hours. That is my personal journey. Everyone has a different road to be traveled. I beleive God is not focused on punishment but encouraging us to be the best person we can be. It Is up to us what we do with that message.

No chatholic bashing?

All I an say is if you were a chicken and punching your way out of the shell.... then you have just cracked it.

keep going U'll make it.....GOD watching every thing 24/7-365 = major pervert.

I would never bash what someone chooses to believe. I don't even call myself a Christian anymore. I am just a follower of Jesus and try my very hardest to try and live the way he would like me to live. It is not easy but that is why the Lord gave us free will, right? I'm sure you will receive some replies that will help you and I wouldn't worry about being bashed. That is not what DS is about. Hugs GB

I was also raised in the way you describe. I also went to a Catholic school for 10 years and was lead to believe through guilt. :(

Message me some time my friend if you want to talk more about this.

I worked in a Presbyterian Seminary, but the students were from all denominations. It was an eye-opener to see how some were so biased and bigoted towards other religions. I would doubt if anyone is a true believer in Jesus, that they would talk that way if He were there in front of them. And if they did, I doubt if He would be a happy camper :)

..... the point being, religion doesn't make a person good or bad. The person is good or bad because he chooses to be that way.