Finding God

Katelyn N

Hi guys, so I grew up Catholic, went to a Catholic school the whole 9. I really lost my way with God but always knew that faith was important to me. I met people when i was about 18 or 19 that introduced me heavily into Buddhism and while I learned a great deal I am now 25 and recently (thankfully) found my way back to God. I am so happy in so many ways but I am also almost scared?? When say I really turned away from God and to the Buddhist religion I mean full blown. AND as I was ripe "of age" I also tattooed my body (not small ones either). Like I said before I learned a great deal from Buddhism and I think at its core it's a beautiful philosophy but I don't view it as faith anymore. I don't really want (nor do I have the money) to go remove the tattoos because I am not ashamed of my journey. But I am scared I won't be accepted back into the Catholic community and maybe that's stupid but it's the truth. I have been going to church and I make sure to cover them because I don't want to come off as disrespectful. I know at the end of the day it's really only God that matters when it comes to acceptance and forgiveness of me, but like I said I still value the community and do not want to come off as disrespectful..... ALSO (kind of all over the place but I have nobody to discuss all of this with as of now) I want to get my own bible. Does anyone have any knowledge on the Douay-Rheims Bible? I am not the most familiar with it. If not this then any reasons why? Or recommendations?

Sarah

Hi and welcome back. The most important part is, that u found your way back to God. No one is perfect and everyone has their baggage to carry. There might be some people that will judge the tattoos but there will be also a lot of people that will welcome you no matter what. Don’t worry as long as u are open, respectful and kind you will find a wonderful community and home.
And also: Im using the King James Bible personally.
Lots of love🤍 you can do anything with god

Texas Apostolic Ladies

Try reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and see which "faith" lines up with it most closely. Is it Catholicism? Do they teach what the first church (found in the book of Acts) taught? If not, it isn't truth. I hope God will reveal Himself fully to you. Try an Apostolic-Pentecostal church.

Anonymous

So glad we have a FORUM!! I've been asking for this in the comment sections! yay!!! whoop whoop!!

Anonymous

Their "ai" and 1 world gubment, money sistim... and 1 world religion of enslavment is what they are REALLY hiding as they are right on it right now as well

@RealCandaceO This is also about taking TRUMP down and about taking AMERICA down by you know you!! This what they did to ROME and all over Europe and china and india and middle east and africa etc etc etc. they are doing their playbook they'v been doing for 2500 years pedooophelia, destroying the minds of children, blk malin' politicians and other notables, etc. they've been controlling propaganduh for AND duh moonoo for a VERY VERY VERY long time! controling the minds of men!!

Geeslaine's lawliars are USING this whole "there are no files" FOR HER PETITION to be relased!!

This whole epsten no files bs is a HUGE theatrical thing for so many reasons! it's ALL lockstep for Sleezlaine's upcoming lawliars will USE that to try to FREE her aka EXTRADITE HER to England and then ENGLAND who is RUN by the -oooz wil free her! duh!! these are the connections! it's insane! Trump and all politicains READ A SCRIPT! Written BY the oooesh mahfeeuh and all trickled down from the rotten childz to their propaaganduh writers!

What's the "Streissand effect"? btw she spoke up against trumpp for years but she's CRICKETS when it comes to protecting the children in gaza who are innocent!

Mabavee

Hey! Also a Catholic, (F29), I have so much I want to say on your post! But I will comment on the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is the best version to get, because it is the most closely translated Bible that there is.

Anonymous

Hi Anon, good for you in finding your way back to Christ. I've never heard of the bible translation you mentioned, i hope you researched it using Google or some academic resources to find out more info. My suggestion with you being at the start of your journey, find a bible translation that speaks to you. You can always acquire other versions too and if push comes to shove, there is always the Bible Gateway web site (and app) which offers some interesting translations. Please work on your growth with Christ. Know His Word and Him will sustain you during the tough times in life. You will need to remind yourself of His promises and Words when times get challenging. He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. So, build your house on the Rock and stay strong. God bless you every day!

Anonymous

I won’t bore the forum with my story, but I am covered in tattoos and a newish member of a Parish. I, at first, covered my tattoos, too. I thought I would be judged, but the first time so attended with my arms uncovered and joined the coffee and doughnuts fellowship afterwards, the priest joined my table and asked jovially, “Those must have hurt! But they are beautiful!” No one treats me differently at all. I wouldn’t worry about your tattoos so long as you’re moving forwards under Christ. Your Parish shouldn’t judge you, either. I love my Parish and I feel so welcomed and happy to be there.

Judy

Come back home!! My son is heavily tatted. He is struggling with his faith, and does not always go to Mass, but he has expressed concern that Catholics will not accept a kid with tattoos. Every time he DOES come to Mass, people flock to him, happy to see him, not caring one bit about his tattoos. GOD loves you. You are His child. If you go to a church and find an uncharitable community because of your tattoos, find another parish. But don't let your tattoos keep you out of your Father's house. Come home. God's waiting for you.

Kate

It looks like God wants to use your tats to bring others that feel the same as you do, home.

Kate

As for the Bible question:
Dont be afraid to try more than 1 version of the Bible.
You can try different ones for free with sites like Bible gateway, Studylight.org, blueletterbible.org, etc.

Blue Letter Bible also has an app that lets you read 2 versions at the same time. (Photo attached for reference) it's helpful when you dont understand a passage.

StudyLight.org: Read, Study and Search God's Word with our Bible Resources

Enjoy our FREE online Bible study tools to enhance your study. More of Bible resources you want and need: 110+ Commentaries, 28 Dictionaries, 8 Encyclopedias and 3 Lexicons, 12+ Devotionals!

StudyLight.org (studylight.org)

301 Moved Permanently

(blueletterbible.org)

Kate

As for the Bible question:
Dont be afraid to try more than 1 version of the Bible.
You can try different ones for free with sites like Bible gateway, Studylight.org, blueletterbible.org, etc.

Blue Letter Bible also has an app that lets you read 2 versions at the same time. (Photo attached for reference) it's helpful when you dont understand a passage.

StudyLight.org: Read, Study and Search God's Word with our Bible Resources

Enjoy our FREE online Bible study tools to enhance your study. More of Bible resources you want and need: 110+ Commentaries, 28 Dictionaries, 8 Encyclopedias and 3 Lexicons, 12+ Devotionals!

StudyLight.org (studylight.org)

301 Moved Permanently

(blueletterbible.org)

Kate

Also, I wish someone had told me this at the stage you're at, so i am going to tell you:
I recommend reading the Bible at least 1x all the way through before reading any commentaries. When you get questions, write them down and look for them in the Bible, NOT the commentaries. ( I did not, and I am STILL struggling to remember what was in the Bible and what was commentary. )

Anonymous

Hi! I was heavily tatted too before coming to God and I actually blacked out all my tattoos. I don’t think you should feel pressured to cover them at all! I think they can help to bring more people to God and serve as a visual testimony of what He has done for you! If people at your church truly love and serve God, they will not be looking at your tattoos and external things.

Anonymous

Hi, I just wanted to share my thoughts on tattoos.
If you can’t afford to remove them, perhaps it’s a sign that you’re being called to integrate your past and embrace your evolution—not by striving to live as a realized immaculate being, but by accepting the path itself.
Whatever you’ve been will always remain a living part of you. You must accept it and live in peace with it. And once you truly have, you may find you no longer feel the need to remove them—even if you have more than enough to do so.

Curious.Catholic

I am Catholic and I would say that your tattoos are part of your journey and the important part is that it helped you find your way Home. Thank you for sharing your journey, and welcome back!

LiberteeBelle

I love talk radio. I listen to Relevant Radio (relevantradio.com) and have learned more about my Catholic Faith in 5 months than I leaned in 50 years--and I went to Catholic school as well. Patrick Madrid who is on 8:00 - 11:00 central time is an amazing Catholic apologist (and you can call into the show to ask questions -- even anonymously). Another is Fr. Simon's "Father Simon Says" can be a hoot sometimes. He's witty and charming and there to answer any question about the bible, readings of the day etc. And as he says, what he doesn't know he can always make up. Another favorite of mine is Drew Mariani who does a daily Divine Mercy Chaplet but his show is the latest info and news through a Catholic lens. I also daily join in to the Family Rosary Across America with Fr. Rocky at 7:00 PM Central. The miracles and prayers abound. I usually watch this on YouTube but recently they have Relevant Radio on my Roku and watch that on the Relevant Radio app. The app can be downloaded to your phone. You want to learn and live your Catholic faith and get there quickly, listen to Relevant Radio. you may even have a station where you live.