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Robert Ringo wrote:

Hi, guys —

Thank you in advance for taking the time to (read and answer) my question.

I have struggled with severe anxiety in the past, much of it having to do with irrational fears of God punishing me for promises not kept and not being what I know God wants me to be. I went through a very dark time and managed to get myself out of that hole.

I know God was with me and He is the reason I was able to push forward. I know I am blessed. God has been good to me and my rational mind knows He is not out to get me. The main question I have is the following:

  • Is it a sin to listen to sermons or advice from other Christian preachers who are not Catholic?

The reason I ask is because lately I am going through a bit of a relapse with my anxiety and I have found very comforting sermons regarding anxiety, but then I think it may be a sin and that God will punish me for listening since this advice is not coming from a Catholic, but it is Christ-centered advice.

I know this is not rational thinking as the advice given is not taking me away from Christ, and I cannot expect every counselor or bit of advice to come from a Catholic perspective. I know God knows my heart, but it's so difficult to get over the irrational mind.

Please help.

Thank you once again and God bless you

Robert R.

  { Is it a sin to listen to sermons or advice from other Christian preachers who are not Catholic? }

Bob replied:

Dear Robert,

Thanks for the question.  

Sometimes we can find good advice coming from non-Catholic sources so that is not a problem. However, you must be careful not to confuse doctrinal points that may contradict Catholic teaching.  

If, for example, the Protestant preacher convinces you that you need not worry because "once saved always saved," that is heresy. (There is a lot more nuance than that.)  

Salvation is an important area to understand in terms of Catholic/Protestant differences.  

We hold to "moral assurance", vs. "total assurance".  While I don't want to get too far into the particulars here, suffice it to say that you must know your faith and its doctrine well in order not to be confused or led astray by other denominations.  The only chance for sin, in this regard, would be reckless custody of your intellect, should you be vulnerable to error.  Be vigilant in seeking the truth, study your Catholic faith in the important areas of salvation, authority, scripture, etc. and you will be fine.  

God definitely wants you to be at peace, so likely He used the Protestant preacher for that purpose.  He loves you and will continue to refine in you all you need to be fully in the Kingdom.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Robert replied:

Bob,

Thank you very much for your reply and for taking the time to address my question. 

I will keep working on being easier on myself and trusting in the fact that God wants me to be at peace.  Please pray for me. I will keep you in my prayers as well.

God bless you all! 

All the best,

Robert 
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