Atheist considering a return to the Church

[Adam1980]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

 

[bzkoss236]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I fell away in my teenage years to become more of an agnostic. Then, after learning a lot of various sciences (biology, physics, astronomy), I became a deist with similar beliefs to what Einstein held. It was after much reasoning and back and forth that I finally came to the basic Christian concept of God being real. After that I became Christian again in my early college days, and finally call myself Catholic with all the bells and whistles, instead of saying I was Catholic as more of a “my parents raised me Catholic”.

If you really feel a drawing back to the Catholic Church, then you have a difficult road ahead, but it is do-able. There will be many hurtles to overcome. I wish you luck and pray for your journey.

 

[ericc]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I became a non-practicing catholic when I went to college. God works in strange ways. Almost 2 decades later, I find myself back in Church, did my confession and received the Eucharist. I can not explain why I went back, there was no sudden change in spirituality. But I got married and I didn’t want to live in sin in my civil marriage. So I got the priest to bless my mix marriage, Mrs wasn’t a Christian then and one thing led to another and now I am practicing again.

 

[mab23]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I was an Atheist ex Catholic and had a calling to come back, wanted to get my 6 month old daughter baptized and realized I had to register at a perish for 6 months and do classes and it made me think do I want to go through with this, do I even beleive in this … because they told me what baptizing her meant which is promising to guide her in the faith.

so after months and countless hours of research I found sufficient evidence for God and overwhelming evidence for the Catholic church and I am back and would claim to be a practicing Catholic and I am immensely grateful that I came back. this website and this forum helped a lot because I didn’t know where to turn when faced with anti-Catholic rhetoric and allegations but with God’s grace and a bit of research I found what I was looking for.

been a registered Parishioner for almost a year now and even my family and friends some most who are not Catholic or at least are not practicing Catholic noticed that I am much happier and are amazed to see what the church has done for me

 

[Godisgreat23]

God is always hoping we come back to him

The parable of the Lost son

biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A11-32&version=NIV

God always believes in us even though we don’t believe in him. He always puts faith in us that we will return to him he will send people in our lives who will motivate us to grow in Christ…

God bless you and Welcome back

 

[shepclothedwolf]

Read the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Know that God is eagerly waiting for you to come back. And when you do, he will meet you along the way and restore you.

Know also that satan will make you doubt. He may say things like “What you are experiencing (need for Mass and confession) is not real. You are not longing for God, he does not want you for you are a mess.”

But have faith that God Loves you and He wants you to be with Him.

God Bless

 

[Steinway]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I’m in the middle of reading this book: Vost, Kevin From Atheism to Catholicism:How Scientists and Philosophers Led Me to Truth Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Inc., 2010

Get it! Great book.

 

[aemcpa]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

There is a God, and He is personal, and He is active in the world in the person of the Holy Spirit. He assumed a human nature and walked among us as a man in the person of Jesus Christ, and He died and rose again in atonement for our sins. He established His Church and the sacraments as the means to connect people in every time and place to that one atoning act and as the means to teach us what He has revealed about Himself and what we need to know about ourselves and how we are live in the world. Just because we can’t detect Him scientifically, or just because we can’t discern a need for Him to exist, doesn’t mean He isn’t there. We can’t detect him for the same reason that Flatlanders can’t detect a 3-dimensional being - he exists at a higher level of being than we do, and we can only know of Him what He chooses to reveal to us.

If you believe all this, then you need to talk to the pastor of the Catholic parish in the geographical boundaries of which you live. You committed the sin of apostasy when you declared your atheism, and you may have to make a public profession of the Catholic faith in order to be readmitted into communion with the Church (“public” meaning to a minister of the Church, as opposed to just in your heart - you won’t have to get up in front of the church or anything like that).

 

[phoooiee]

This was exactly my situation- was a very devoted atheist for a long time but then knew I had to come back to the Catholic faith. Since then my life has changed a great deal and I am a much better person for it. But- each time I take a step toward God- such as the initial step to return to the faith- I have experienced horrible doubts and anxiety beforehand.

My advice- judge what you should do not based on what makes “sense” but rather on what makes you a better, more loving person, more capable of making a joyful gift of yourself to others. Then you’ll know what to do

 

[PRmerger]

I was an Atheist ex Catholic and had a calling to come back, wanted to get my 6 month old daughter baptized and realized I had to register at a perish for 6 months and do classes and it made me think do I want to go through with this, do I even beleive in this … because they told me what baptizing her meant which is promising to guide her in the faith.

so after months and countless hours of research I found sufficient evidence for God and overwhelming evidence for the Catholic church and I am back and would claim to be a practicing Catholic and I am immensely grateful that I came back. this website and this forum helped a lot because I didn’t know where to turn when faced with anti-Catholic rhetoric and allegations but with God’s grace and a bit of research I found what I was looking for.

been a registered Parishioner for almost a year now and even my family and friends some most who are not Catholic or at least are not practicing Catholic noticed that I am much happier and are amazed to see what the church has done for me

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[PRmerger]

My suggestion is that you study the teachings of Catholicism through the encyclicals and the CCC (do NOT go by what Catholics you know say the Church teaches. More often than not they have been poorly catechized :sad_yes, and follow the mantra: *fides quarens intellectum. * Faith seeking understanding.

As Cardinal Newman said: “Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt, for a man may be annoyed that he cannot work out a mathematical problem, without doubting that it admits an answer.”

 

[Julian0404]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

GOD works in mysterious ways, and your “recent stress” may be the hand of GOD touching you so that you begin to reationalize that the world is a tough place without GOD, and very little comfort can be found in the world, but GOD offers comfort, rest, peace and joy to all who believe in HIM - even during times of stress.
Accept that this is GOD reaching down from the crucifix and saying, “Adam, please come home to ME”. Spend some serious time reviewing your conscience, make a list of your mortal sins, and I go to confession. I would even suggest you call the rectory and make an appointment so that you can have all the time you need - if your list is long. You can decide.

 

[JRKH]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I was away from the Church for 35 years and while I was never an Atheist - I might have well have been given the way I lived my life…
I too felt the call to return but for a number of years believed I would be unable to.
My advice is to…

1. Follow the desire that you have to go back to mass. You cannot receive of course, but merely going back and immersing yourself in the liturgy, the love, and the community will give you great consolation and grace to pursue the other things that you are dealing with.
2. For a Baptized Catholic - all that is necessary to return to the sacraments is a good confession (I’m assuming you have already received first communion and confirmation). Of course saying “all that is needed” is an oversimplification since a good confession can only be made with a repentant heart.
   However - that said - going to confession while you are in this process of discernment and sharing with the priest what you are sharing with us could lead to some good advice and maybe some counseling / instruction with this confessor…
3. It is not unusual for us to hear the call to return in times of stress. This is not because God has not been calling us back all along, but rather because it is in the difficult times that we are more disposed to hear the call.
   There is an old adage in the military that one learns more from defeat than from victory. Likewise we learn more about our need for God in adversity than we do in abundance.

I hope that the above is of some help to you.
CA is a great place to come and ask questions and learn about our beautiful faith and our Loving Father.
Welcome to the Forums

Peace
James

 

[LegoGE1947]

I was away from the Church for 35 years and while I was never an Atheist - I might have well have been given the way I lived my life…
I too felt the call to return but for a number of years believed I would be unable to.
My advice is to…

1. Follow the desire that you have to go back to mass. You cannot receive of course, but merely going back and immersing yourself in the liturgy, the love, and the community will give you great consolation and grace to pursue the other things that you are dealing with.
2. For a Baptized Catholic - all that is necessary to return to the sacraments is a good confession (I’m assuming you have already received first communion and confirmation). Of course saying “all that is needed” is an oversimplification since a good confession can only be made with a repentant heart.
   However - that said - going to confession while you are in this process of discernment and sharing with the priest what you are sharing with us could lead to some good advice and maybe some counseling / instruction with this confessor…
3. It is not unusual for us to hear the call to return in times of stress. This is not because God has not been calling us back all along, but rather because it is in the difficult times that we are more disposed to hear the call.
   There is an old adage in the military that one learns more from defeat than from victory. Likewise we learn more about our need for God in adversity than we do in abundance.

I hope that the above is of some help to you.
CA is a great place to come and ask questions and learn about our beautiful faith and our Loving Father.
Welcome to the Forums

Peace
James

God is more than willing to take you back. He didn’t leave you–You left Him!
There are all sorts of good resources where you can learn about the faith including Catholic Answers, Church Militant.tv, EWTN, etc. etc.

Peace be with you

Glenn

 

[Lisa1967]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

I came back to the Catholic Church in 2011 after 17 years away. It was difficult but I felt the same stirring you did. I emailed a local parish and got a wonderful email from a deacon inviting me to talk things over with him and his wife. I did and then made my confession to a priest. It was that easy.

Call your local diocese or parish and tell them you want to return to the Church. They can guide you from there. Best wishes and welcome home.

 

[Tony2255]

My suggestion is that you study the teachings of Catholicism through the encyclicals and the CCC (do NOT go by what Catholics you know say the Church teaches. More often than not they have been poorly catechized :sad_yes, and follow the mantra: *fides quarens intellectum. * Faith seeking understanding.

As Cardinal Newman said: “Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt, for a man may be annoyed that he cannot work out a mathematical problem, without doubting that it admits an answer.”

I think of it like Rumspringa in the Amish community. Where the kids take a “hiatus” then come back with clarity, in theory. I know I didn’t do it justice but its brief.

Like many others here, I to was a cradle Catholic and fell away after high school. While I never became an atheist I was living by my own rules. Years later I began to realize that all “my” rules were doing more damage than good.

My wife and kids wanted to start going to Christmas mass then wanted to join. I attended RCIA with them and felt God calling me. Like siren blaring in my soul. A heavenly wake up call.

I began reading the Cathecism and started realizing how confused I had been. It was an awaking and I began to read the Bible with a renewed vigor and clarity.

Attend an RCIA class if you have one in your area. Try and remain receptive. I butted heads at the beginning until I learned the full meaning behind traditions and scriptures not other peoples interpretations or views.

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” ― G.K. Chesterton, What’s Wrong with the World

This rang true for me looking back.

 

[Reuben_J]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

The inclination to not believing is a natural experience for most of us. Sometimes I wonder if God is really out there. When my mind starts to wander, needlessly, the only thing that keeps me going is the fact that I am a committed Christian. In other word, I need faith to believe.

I would say, follow the will of your heart. The first move is the most difficult but the journey of a thousand miles begins with that one step. Welcome back.

 

[Tomster]

I didn’t exactly know where this fit in, but I’m a former Catholic who left the faith (and faith altogether). I couldn’t reconcile it with there being any need for a God in the Universe. This Lent though, after 8 years of atheism, I’ve felt something stirring in me and a desire to go back to Mass. I can’t really explain what I’m experiencing other than a need to attend Mass again and make a confession. Has anyone else experienced a falling away to return? If I discern this really is God after all of these years, how do I return? There is a part of me that tells me it’s nothing but some recent stress, but another that’s telling me to return. I’d appreciate any support/advice/counsel from Catholics here, especially those who have been in a similar situation or know someone who has.

Sounds like the “Hound of Heaven” has been after you.

Francis Thompson wrote about his own experience titled “The Hound of Heaven.” An excellent read.

www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-hound-of-heaven/

 

[Adam1980]

I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to those who took the time to read and/or offer support and suggestions. It’s great to know that there is a great community here and that I won’t be making this journey alone. I also want to thank those who gave me reading suggestions, which I will start on. I will be making an appointment with a priest this week and attending mass again starting this Sunday. Thanks once again for your support and prayers!

adam

 

[TarkanAttila]

I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to those who took the time to read and/or offer support and suggestions. It’s great to know that there is a great community here and that I won’t be making this journey alone. I also want to thank those who gave me reading suggestions, which I will start on. I will be making an appointment with a priest this week and attending mass again starting this Sunday. Thanks once again for your support and prayers!

adam

I will add you to my prayers.

Our Lady will be praying on your behalf.

Talking to a Father is a good first step. You may want to ask them if they know about any “spiritual directors” - these are priests who have been considered best to guide the people of the local diocese.

Find a Catholic men’s group that meets weekly, if you can. Even if little of it makes sense, Christian fellowship can really make a difference (especially if dinner is involved, in my experience ).

Do listen to EWTN and Catholic Answers for questions you may have. Feel free to call, too.

And come back here, often. The Catholics here tend to be more educated in their faith than most. If you come across Catholics in university settings, avoid taking anything they say seriously as they are liable to be swayed more by worldly concerns.

If you are unsure whether to take what a person says seriously about Catholicism, ask the guys around here, or see if the Catechism has any information on it (it’s bound to).