Catholic Guilt

[hodge]

I was born and raised Catholic. But when the news came out strong about child abuse within the Church in 2002 I started having panic attacks in church and have never gone back. I like our current pope. But the whole system would need to change before I would go back. Starting with allowing priests to marry. The system we've had all these centuries just attracts pedophiles. We need to open the gates to healthier ministers!!!

 

[CJGiordello]

The Catholic Church has been a source of great joy, comfort, and solace as I have recovered from PTSD as a result, in part, of a sexual assault by an former Anglican priest.

I am eternally grateful for the Church, for her sacraments, for the presence of Christ in the Church and for the many blessings and helps it has given me to recovery.

 

[Anonymous E]

I am experiencing the same thing. I was raised by two strict catholic parents and attended catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. This affected me very deeply and there are many things I learned that I believe are not healthy. I never felt like I was good enough or doing enough. I have not attended church for five years and do not call myself catholic. I am in counseling right now and am working through a lot of issues. I would recommend finding a good therapist. Sadly, what you're feeling is very common but please know you don't have to go through it alone. I promise you will heal and find a new purpose for life.

 

[void]

@Chrisc0295

It is certainly normal to be plagued with guilt and fear after leaving a religion.

They programmed you to feel those emotions, precisely so that you would never leave.

It is the very basis of all indoctrination, the basis of control.


Often when people realize the above, they feel angry and disillusioned.

It hurts to discover that you have been manipulated, doesn't it?


Let me assure that you can overcome these feelings with time. There is life outside the Church, and it can be a positive one. It is OK that you wanted to leave. There are millions who have gone through the same transition you are facing. May you find peace.:hug:

 

[agirls]

I am having serious issues with the Catholic Church right now. I am so angry that I don't know if there's room for guilt. I recently recovered memories of sexual abuse by my father and we are aware of very close ties between my father (deceased) and a know pedophile Catholic priest. He was a very important part of my family. After doing some research my sister and I are almost certain my father was victimized by him. I also watched The Keepers. So I'm just Dad one with Catholicism in its current form. Problem is I work in a a Catholic school. Desperatel looking for a new job. No guilt though. Just intense anger.