Former Catholics, Please Post Your Story Here

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ktm:
On these boards there are a few folks who are either former Catholics, or are Catholics considering leaving the Church.

I think it would be an interesting discussion to understand the reasons you left or are considering leaving.

I decided to start this thread because a similar one called “Which religion is grabbing the most Catholics?” is getting too long and hard to follow.

(For the record, I am a cradle Catholic.)
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Knowing full well that a thread of this type usually degenerates into a “let’s lay into the apostate” feeding frenzy, here goes:
I ultimately left the RCC because it seemed like a more intellectually honest thing to do than to maintain an association with an institution whose claims no longer held credibility, whose doctines flew in the face of biblical admonitions to the contrary, and whose members’ lives came nowhere near to the standards of godliness I saw in the lives of others who supposedly were not “in the fullness of the faith”. For me to have remained and to engage in perpetual conflict with the Catholic Church , served neither the best interests of the RCC nor myself. It was not an easy decision, and it was one that I did not engage into without examining arguments, pro and con.Finally, when I did leave, I knew it was the right decision, and one that I have never regretted.
I appreciate the Catholic upbringing and education I received, and I am mindful of the positive contributions of the RCC throughout history. Likewise, I refuse to don rose colored glasses as to its shortcomings. Ultimately, we all must answer to God to account for how we have acted as stewards for what God has bestowed upon us. I make no judgement as to how anyone else will be held accountable, but knowing that I will one day stand before the throne of God to do that, I can never embrace a religion which, in my heart, I know is untrue to the Gospel of Christ and the word of God.
As I said, I fully expect the feeding frenzy to commence: that I was not “properly cathechized”, that I was “led astray by an anti-Catholic minister”, that I embraced a new faith to placate a non-Catholic spouse, blah, blah, blah. False accusations regarding either my faith in Christ, or myself, only underscore my conviction that my decision of over 30 years ago was the right one.
 
Binky,
You started an interesting thought, something with some meat on it. But you left us wondering as to what untrue doctrines and lost credability you speak of. I will not atack you, but this is an interesting thread and I would be interested in learning more about your specific objections to the Catholic Church.

Thanks
Chris G
 
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ktm:
On these boards there are a few folks who are either former Catholics, or are Catholics considering leaving the Church.

I think it would be an interesting discussion to understand the reasons you left or are considering leaving.

I decided to start this thread because a similar one called “Which religion is grabbing the most Catholics?” is getting too long and hard to follow.

(For the record, I am a cradle Catholic.)
Click to expand...
I was baptized a Catholic, my mother was Catholic, my father was told he had to be Catholic to merry her. I truly wanted to be a good Christian, of course this has no meaning at all. I add it to try to point out that I was sincere, though often I have been called a liar. I had to wait to go to my first communion because of an accident that left me in the hospital for over a year, again irrelevant but offered for why I was waiting. When I went to my first communion I could not read, Learning disabilities, another charactor flaw to be sure, but I learned the prayers by having them repeated to me over an over again.

As I was preparing for my first communion I started watching WCG broadcast on TV, the images scared the heck out of me, another Charactor flaw to be sure. At my first communion I did not know what to do, some just said make up something for the priest, I did not wish to. As I understand it as this story is told to me because others were there, me and my mother were chased out of the church by the priest because I said I could no go to confession, of course I was 9 years old and full of charactor flaws by this time. He caused us out and chased me out of my holy communion. Most people tell me Im a liar, I dont know what I would gain by lying but so be it.

Many years later I talked to this preist, another vile charactor flaw, as often pointed out to me by christians, and we reconiled. I have become convinced that there is no way to come home, where ever home is. I know that to is a charactor flaw. This and almost every other single christian experience I have had has lead me to believe in the utter fulitlity of trying. Of course this to is a charactor flaw. I dont wish to offend, I have often asked what to do, what is the gospel and so on. I have great hope for the Christian faith, but being a reprobates soul from the foundations of the Earth, and an eternal enemy of God it is hard to believe that applies to me. Agian a Charactor flaw.
 
Lets establish one thing, I am not here to “come home” as many have to firmly put it for others.

Quite on the contrary I am here to show you what I have learned in my time of this planet, and to explain why hope can be found without a higher power. Why god is not needed, and why people can be good without the help of someone more powerful.

Here is my story…

I was born into a catholic family. I enjoyed it quite a bit. In fact I loved it. I never felt so wonderful to help people, and to be good under the eyes of god.

I did this unquestionable through it all until I was about 14. That is when I saw on a chalk board the question that changed my life. “If there was no god, would man have created him.”

My answer - “Well duh!”

In my adolesance I still remember the extremly odd feeling I felt. The warmth of God I always felt dissappeared, I realized that the warmth I was feeling may be a product of the people, and not of an almighty god. From that moment I questioned my faith, and dozens of others, I read the old testament, the new testament, and the apocrypha. I researched history. Always through Christian resources. Catholic first, then when I didn’t find an answer, I went to the “next best” denomination. Until I realized that no one could answer my questions.

I found there were no answers, because the questions became more and more blatently answered. The god I was searching for cannot exist.

I found atheism, and since then I’ve been happier, stronger, and felt stronger love for my fellow man since. I have carefully watched since I was young, and my faith turned out to be nothing more than a stumbling block.
 
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ArisSlatr:
Lets establish one thing, I am not here to “come home” as many have to firmly put it for others.

Quite on the contrary I am here to show you what I have learned in my time of this planet, and to explain why hope can be found without a higher power. Why god is not needed, and why people can be good without the help of someone more powerful.
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I tried to be an atheist, many of my Christian brothers often directed me that way because I was such a lost cause. Being a souless createn on a good day I thought maybe it would be easier, but I did not find peace in being an atheist. It was atheists who told me not to stop being a Christian because of what other Christians do but because I really saw it that way. I find the Christian faith compelling and totally futile at the same time.
One must be good enough and never can be at the same time.
 
“I find the Christian faith compelling and totally futile at the same time.
One must be good enough and never can be at the same time.”
 
“I find the Christian faith compelling and totally futile at the same time.
One must be good enough and never can be at the same time.”

Ive always found this a compelling point of christianity, and also, in agreement, sometimes christians themselves can be the worst enemies. Don’t despair, if you need faith, that is great, but remember not to let it wipe you out. Faith is dangerous, because it is that, faith. It cant be proven.

I find it compelling because the people who wrote the bible were writing in a time where people were meant to be kept where they were in power.

Kings wanted to stay kings, and they wanted their peasants to stay peasants. That is why the religion makes you feel as if you can never reach the standard, control.
 
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kyrie_eleison:
You must be looking for more answers.
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No, not really. But thanks for offering.

Hawkeye, I don’t consider myself an athiest. I don’t think I have enough evidence one way or the other to decide whether God exists, so that makes me more of an agnostic.
 
I am here (on Forum) to let you know that it is OK to think differently - and to let you know that there are many thousands/ millions outside the Roman Catholic Church that “bear the Name of Christ” (Christians).

We are all running the race and seeking the truth. You must be careful when you think you have or understand it all.

I struggled for many years with my decision to leave but did what I thought was right. The key here is struggled - If the change is easy- you have to question your motives. If it costs you dearly - then you are probably taking up your cross.
 
Binky…
**I appreciate the Catholic upbringing and education I received, and I am mindful of the positive contributions of the RCC throughout history. Likewise, I refuse to don rose colored glasses as to its shortcomings. Ultimately, we all must answer to God to account for how we have acted as stewards for what God has bestowed upon us. I make no judgement as to how anyone else will be held accountable, but knowing that I will one day stand before the throne of God to do that, I can never embrace a religion which, **
in my heart, I know is untrue to the Gospel of Christ and the word of God.<<
*I appreciate the Catholic upbringing and education I received, and I am mindful of the positive contributions of the RCC throughout history.
**That is a most honest and blessed answer ! I feel the same ! I found much truth and hold many great memories of my Catholic upbringing…the teachings and the Gospel read at every Mass that sticks in my mind and heart…but as you say…there came a time when my heart said…‘you alone are responsible for your beliefs and you will stand alone before God…before Jesus…be ready’, so I am no longer a practicing Catholic but am a very strong Bible believer. blessings **
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TOm,
Your presentation of LDS theology is WRONG. Your views about what your church teaches is very much different from what is taught within the wards and stakes of the Mormon faith. It is your own spin taken to a extreme. LDS men are promised Heavely increase and Godhood through exaltation in the Temple rites and that this will make God and God of gods. Your versions are takeoffs on these teachings. You might as well be starting your own faith.

It seems you have spent a lot of time making Mormon theology palatable to yourself, but what you have developed is almost unrecognizable.

You try to paint the Catholic Church and the LDS Church as being two sides f the same coin. They simply are not.
 
Auberon Quin:
No, not really. But thanks for offering.

Hawkeye, I don’t consider myself an athiest. I don’t think I have enough evidence one way or the other to decide whether God exists, so that makes me more of an agnostic.
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Where do atoms come from?
 
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SPOKENWORD:
I LEFT THE RCC BECAUSE OF THE ANGER AND BITERNESS OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE HIARCHY OF THE RCC. I FELT BETRAYED BY THE ACTIONS OF BISHOPS AND CARDINALS, WHO REPRESENTED THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST. I LOST TRUST AND NOW HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP MY EYES ON THE LORD. I KNOW HE WILL NOT DISAPPOINT ME. I WILL SERVE HIM ALONE FOREVER. 😦
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Please don’t post in all caps. It is the online vesion of shouting at the top of your lungs. Also, it is really hard on the eyes.😦
 
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briand:
Many years later I talked to this preist, another vile charactor flaw, as often pointed out to me by christians, and we reconiled. I have become convinced that there is no way to come home, where ever home is. I know that to is a charactor flaw. This and almost every other single christian experience I have had has lead me to believe in the utter fulitlity of trying. Of course this to is a charactor flaw. I dont wish to offend, I have often asked what to do, what is the gospel and so on. I have great hope for the Christian faith, but being a reprobates soul from the foundations of the Earth, and an eternal enemy of God it is hard to believe that applies to me. Agian a Charactor flaw.
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I cut a portion of your story for length.

I’m sorry to hear that you were not catechized sufficiently (i.e., taught the faith properly). I think the smartest thing you did was to talk to a priest. It’s unfortunate that some non-Catholic Christians said it was a bad idea to talk to a priest. They did you a terrible disservice.

One thing you have to remember is that we are all sinners, we all have character flaws as you said. However, the worst thing you can do is just to give in! Nay, we must persevere and try our best. God is not asking us to be perfect, because that is impossible. Rather, He asks us to try our hardest to follow His will.

I would recommend you give the Catholic Church another try. Go talk to a priest, see what he can do for you. If he isn’t helpful, go talk to another, and another, and another, until you have your questions asked. Keep seeking and you will find what you want. Above all, remember that God loves you. He loved you before you were born and he loves you now. The fact that you even posted on this website leads me to believe that God is working in you and leading you to something wonderful! Don’t lose heart and keep trying!
 
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Monarchy:
Please don’t post in all caps. It is the online vesion of shouting at the top of your lungs. Also, it is really hard on the eyes.😦
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My appoligy, I just get lazy sometimesbut thanks for making me aware. God Bless. 👍
 
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ktm:
Where do atoms come from?
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When a mommy atom and a daddy atom (who are, of course, lawfully married in the eyes of man and God) love each other VERY much…
 
Auberon Quin:
When a mommy atom and a daddy atom (who are, of course, lawfully married in the eyes of man and God) love each other VERY much…
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haha, thanks for the chuckle!

But seriously though, how can you explain the universe? Did it just pop out of nothing? Why are there X atoms in the unverse and not Y? The only way I can explain it is to believe that God created all of matter at some point and put the wheels in motion, so to speak.
 
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ktm:
But seriously though, how can you explain the universe? Did it just pop out of nothing? Why are there X atoms in the unverse and not Y? The only way I can explain it is to believe that God created all of matter at some point and put the wheels in motion, so to speak.
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If it works for you, go with it, that’s my thought.
 
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ktm:
What works for you?
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I get up in the morning. I put the dog out. I meditate, or sometimes I do my karate warm-ups on the deck. I let the dog in. I feed the fish. I wake the kids up and get them moving. I shower and get dressed. I make sure the kids get to the bus stop.

I go to work and do my job.

I come home. I make dinner, play with the kids, put the dog out again, and feed the cat. I take the kids to karate, and maybe I go myself, or run instead. I talk with Mrs. Quin. We put the kids in bed. I read or do chores, then I go to sleep.

(repeat)
 
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