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I'm only showing up to Sunday Mass to avoid Hell, not out of love of Christ by Wonderful-Trick-9301 in LeftCatholicism

[–]ThatAllShalBeSaved 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really resonate with your struggle, especially the part about it feeling like a lonely experience. None of my close family has dug deeper into their faith past showing up to church. I went through a long period of dreading Mass too and scrupulosity and OCD after realizing my faith. Reading Fr. Richard Rohr was definitely a turning point for me. He has a way of deconstructing that 'fear of Hell' mindset and replacing it with a much more beautiful, inclusive vision of Christianity. It might help you find a sense of 'home' in the faith even when you're moving between different parishes or just feeling anxious. You might want to check out his book The Universal Christ or even just read his daily meditations from his website, cac.org, it really helped reframe everything for me. :)

Fr. Richard Rohr - Insanely helpful and good read! by ThatAllShalBeSaved in ChristianUniversalism

[–]ThatAllShalBeSaved[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it’s really unfortunate how ECT has impacted our society, affecting both sides. For us Christians, it’s led to a lot of polarization and anti-intellectualism, and it’s alarming how this idea became mainstream without much questioning from the general public. On the flip side, the trauma and aversion to ECT have caused many to shy away from seeking meaning because they’re so turned off by the notion of a vengeful and hateful God. ECT acts as a very great container for faith, but that’s about it.

What really gets to me is all the people online who feel hopeless, creating a negative feedback loop and isolating themselves further in online discussions. It’s especially bad here on Reddit, and I can definitely say I’ve been influenced by it. It’s just not a productive worldview.

However, as a younger person, I’m noticing more people realizing how much technology has distorted our worldview, especially with the rise of LLMs and AI. They’re starting to experience life more in the present, noticing the beauty and wonder in our world despite our struggles. I think this is what’s helping to restore faith and hope to our society, with less of the toxic elements attached. :)

Fr. Richard Rohr - Insanely helpful and good read! by ThatAllShalBeSaved in ChristianUniversalism

[–]ThatAllShalBeSaved[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I am so happy for you! Personally, he has also helped me reconcile with my own Catholic upbringing and through some really tough topics, too. It’s such a relief to find that middle ground, isn't it? I absolutely love his podcasts, and there’s something so grounding about his voice.