Have you explored other religions?

[vera_dicere]

I was raised Catholic with almost a nil exposure to other Christian faiths. When I got to university I met a lot of fallen away catholics and all of my friends were Protestant, and they dragged me along to their worship services, and quite frankly, I found it incredibly empty of any meaning, I might as well have been going to a rock concert for all the good it did. I went to several youth group meetings run by a Baptist minister and his wife, - again, dragged along by my Protestant friends who were trying to “save” my soul. What I heard there was nothing but hatred and ignorance of teh Catholic faith. I found myself defending a faith I had taken for granted!

Then a close friend took me to her “indepedant” church which was held in a hotel seminar room where an ex-Catholic priest spent more time bad mouthing the Catholic church and saying that Pope JPII was sick because he was a devil worshipper. The more I heard the mroe it sounded like a cult. I think it turned out to be one too, because I haven’t heard from my friend since I left the area 9 years ago, despite my best efforts, the most I found out was from a mutual friend who said that our friend had gone on a “mission” with her “church” and hadn’t been heard from since.

I ended up defending my faith so much that I researched more and mroe into it, and lo and behold found out that everything else in life I accepted, politically and scientifically matched up to Catholic teachings I didn’t even know existed and were so complex in thought! Not to mention all the doubt I started to have as other Chrisitains were telling me I was going to hell for beign Catholic, in fact, some of the Baptists at the youth group said there was no Hell, just a cessation of existance! But I did go through a “evolution is of the devil, God made dinosaur bones to test our faith” stage when I was about 19, but grew out of that quick smart.

I basically found the truth was in Catholicism and that even beign a Catholic all my life, I hadn’t looked into why it was the truth or how amazing it was! I have no doubt that God works in Protestant churches and they love Christ as much as any of us, but I’m rather “black and white” and rather “logical”. Faith and science can exist, and that faith is Catholicism.

I also understand that not all protestant churches are like the ones I attended, they can’t be all that bad!

Never ventured into other faiths since then, I’ll research, but they ahve no appeal to me outside an academic standpoint for discussion.

 

[scottm]

Hey Scott (nice name, man, I’m your namesake! )

Dude, is there a religion you haven’t joined? WOW! that thing reads like a laundry list! I thought I had a need for dramamine with my constant going back and forth between Anglican and Catholic! You put me to shame son! LOL

You left out scientology and devotion to Kali, the black mother of Hinduism! LOL

Seriously though, I’m glad you found a spiritual home in Christ…

Actually the four-armed women and boys with elephant heads turned me off from Hinduism, but I inadvertently left out my Taoism excursion. (How did I forget that? The Tao of Pooh is such a cool book.) Scientology didn’t last a week with me. What, sci-fi author admits that he invents a religion? Puh-leeze!

Thanks man. Peace.

 

[Australis]

Not really a religion but occultish for sure. During my mid teens I got into the habit of reading astrology and doing the I-Ching and I always felt hopeful about predictions but also a little ripped off coz nothing ever came true .
I often felt that people were unjustly pigeon holed. I noticed that enthusiasts developed prejudices against people born under certain star signs which wasn’t fair. Nothing ever ever came true, the predictions were at best things that happen to everyone and the telephone hotlines were outrageously expensive. In the end I decided astrology was dominated by unskilled people trying to earn a living as charletons.
I also dabbled in I-Ching but found the “answers” vague and kind of one size fits all. I felt guilty about doing that ungoldy stuff so I threw all my fortune telling books in the garbage. Actually I was so concerned that I tore the books to shreds so no one could use them to waste their time like I had.
I still occasionally peek at the Astrology forums and most enthusiasts are still pigeon holing everyone. “I’m an Aries, will I get along with a Sagitarius man?” or “I want to have a baby, will I be compatible with a Gemini child”. “Who is best at winning a fight, Leo or Aries?” I sometimes pipe up and explain that it’s nonsense and we have to actually work at our lives to achieve outcomes, not rely on “star signs”. I am also Internet friends with a serious astrologer who I’ll admit, gives compelling celebrity readings (it’s the buzz that gets you) but I just don’t think his readings stack up against the evidence I’ve seen about the celebrities concerned. Other fans take his readings seriously but I just feel that it can border on slander at times:confused
Oh I nearly forgot to mention the two times I paid to have my fortune told. The first guy told me I was going to meet a really handsome meditteranian man with a hairy chest and have fantastic sex and beautiful children…:nope: The next one told me I was going to give up religion and meet a man who lives on the coast with a boat…:nope:

 

[MartinJordan]

I have researched over some like Islam and Buddhism, but never really explored it by trying it out to find which one is the true one or anything like that.

I believe I MUST first truly understand mine, live mine the way it asked and therefore, still I’ve still LONG way to go. However I have (pardon the expression) Faith that Catholicism is the One True Faith

MJ

 

[Moscati]

On the Christian side I have been a member of WELS, LCMS UMC, SBC, GARBC, CBC churches, and an “independent” church that for all practical purposes was Baptist. I have attended Pentecostal, Hope Chapel, and Calvary Chapel churches . . .

Oh, do we get to count all the variations on “Christian”? I can claim Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, Christian & Missionary Alliance, Calvary Chapel, Anglican, and about three kinds of “emerging” mish-mash non-denominational church (none of which actually met in a church, come to think of it).

 

[Izdaari]

I don’t consider different Christian denominations to be different religions (Christian is Christian and minor doctrinal differences are just that, minor), but I’ve been a regular attender at the following churches:

Baptist (GARBC) (non-crazy fundamentalist)
Christian (Disciples of Christ) (kinda liberal)
Open Bible (mainstream Pentecostal) (baptized in this one)
Baptist (ABC) (liberal)
Lutheran (LCMS) (conservative)
Assemblies of God (mainstream Pentecostal) (my current church, and the only one I’ve ever formally joined)

Though I’m an AG member (and very happily so, but it’s my particular pastor and congregation I’m pleased with, not necessarily any other church of the same denomination), my theology is probably 1/4 Anglican, 1/4 Lutheran, 1/4 Pentecostal, 1/8 Catholic and 1/8 Orthodox.

I’ve had some interest in other religions too. I’ve explored various New Age and Pagan paths, Zen, Taoism and Vedanta. Also LaVey’s non-theistic version of Satanism and Ayn Rand’s Objectivism. Most of the rest I’ve discarded, but my belief system retains considerable elements of Zen and Tao, neither of which is really a religion but rather systems of mostly non-verbal insights about man and the universe. Rand is mostly evident in my politics, which is strongly libertarian-right and grounded in Lockean natural law and Austrian School economics.

 

[ZDHayden]

I was raised Southern Baptist, went to a Pentecostal Church for some time and a United Methodist church (Don’t call it a chapel if it’s a church people!!! … sorry its a pet peeve of mine). I also explored various forms of atheism: Objectivist Atheist, Marxist Atheist (if you now anything about these, you’d know that philosophically, they are as opposite as two atheist sects can be), Religion-is-historical-necessity Atheism, and Religion-is-inherently-evil Atheism – not in that order. I studied Baha’iism and Buddhism (the Indian variant). I also had a bout of Greek paganism. My reason for such wide religious exploration was the fact that I had been wounded by many Christians before, even entire congregations, and had been lied to by others (Your mother will be-ah cured-ah of her cancer-ah if you place this blesséd cloth beneath her head-ah as she sleeps!). Strangely, I haven’t studied LDS until recently (mostly after being Confirmed this past Easter) – not because I’m interested in converting, but because some of my friends are LDS.
I think that each of my former faiths eventually culminated in Catholicism. With Southern Baptist I gained a respect for orthodoxy and authority. With the Pentecostal: miracles. With the United Methodist: the fact that a congregation is made of individuals, and the pastor is one of us – just as culpable, just as good. With objectivist (Randist) atheist: a respect and reliance upon objective reality and reason. From Marxism: a respect and duty to the community. From RIHN Atheism: a respect for history and historical facts. From RIIE atheism: a realization that blind faith – faith without reason – is dangerous. From the Baha’i: a need for unity. From Buddhism: a knowledge that sin harms the soul.
I have found my home in the Church Militant, and hope one day to join the Angels and Saints in the Church Triumphant. I shall work to this like St. Paul, in fear and trembling.

 

[catsrus]

A methodist till age 4
A lutheran till age 17
A nothing till age 25
A disallusioned lutheran again till age 30
A jehovah witness for 18 months age 32 - 33
An enthusiastic hedonist till age 52
A happy and fulfilled Catholic for the past 11 years.
And so I will die in the One True Holy Catholic Church.
Lord.

 

[GerardMajella]

Disappointed with the Novus Ordo Mass, I started attending an Anglican (Church of England) parish because it was the closest liturgy I could find that was still traditional. Then, I started attending a Novus Ordo Mass said in Latin, until I was finally turned on to the traditional Latin Rite “Tridentine” Mass, where I feel most comfortable.

Growing up, as an altar server, our parish priest (now deceased) was very conservative, and very traditional, and very reverent. The church I attended as a child was very traditional in terms of the liturgy.

After college, I had a difficult time finding the same reverence and tradition until I found the Tridentine Mass. I kept finding churches where the music was just bloody awful with banjos and guitars, the liturgy watered down, and the parishioners dressed in jeans – Basically, all of the things you here the vocal traditionalists complain about. I just couldn’t seem to find a church like what I grew up with - And the Anglican Church was as close as I could find. Now the traditionalist Anglicans want to join the Catholic Church!

In recent years, I have been closely studying Judaism, and have learned a lot in the process. I have been pleasantly surprised by the commonality between Judaism and Catholicism, despite – of course – some very significant theological differences. I have gained great insight from reading rabbinic commentaries on the Old Testament, and have great respect for our Jewish brethren.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

But boy that Krishna sure knew how to score with the chicks, didn’t he? Man, he and those gopti girls LOL

Actually the four-armed women and boys with elephant heads turned me off from Hinduism, but I inadvertently left out my Taoism excursion. (How did I forget that? The Tao of Pooh is such a cool book.) Scientology didn’t last a week with me. What, sci-fi author admits that he invents a religion? Puh-leeze!

Thanks man. Peace.

 

[Miserys_Fence]

Actually the four-armed women and boys with elephant heads turned me off from Hinduism…

C’mon, you don’t think elephant heads are way cool??

I wish I had 4 arms. I might actually get all my housework done.

Miz

 

[Wesley7]

Yes.

 

[cobbler]

I was born Catholic - and truly felt my faith.

But, being rather bright, the limited ability to understand and explain the faith on the part of my Parish started to push me away. Having a childhood friend who was a Jehovahs Witness did not help. (Although even my childhood brain quickly determined that the JWs were twisting things and failed the measures for a prophet outlined in the old testament and the new testament).

A few poor choices (like very bad personal choices) drove me from the faith in an attempt to avoid them. I had studies virtually all the sects of Christianity, even the mystery sects, Judaism, Islam (Which sounded very appealing, until I listened to what was actually being preached.), Taosism – then I became a non-denominational Buddhist. Really an athiest with Buddhist psychology.

I was rather satisfied with this, or so I thought.

One day, out of the blue, I asked God if he could show me he existed.

He did. It was irrefutable. The odds of it being a coincidence were astronomical.

I knew my home and what I hungered for was in the Catholic church. I would have to atone, make right and walk the path. For the other one led only to destruction. Of course, it was not a straight path - I had to appease those around me, indulge them and guide them home with me.

I still struggle with my return to faith. It is easy to ‘forget’. But thankfully, we have the deposit of faith in the one true holy and apostolic Church.

The community of faith is far from perfect, but that’s why we need it. And it is still not an easy thing - but I love being home.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Born Southern Baptist. Couldn’t deal with illogical Sola Scriptura. Thought all Christianity was based on the Protestant model. I had been fed so much anti-Catholicism it never occured to me to consider it. So I chuckled Christianity altogether as a young adult and became an agnostic and drifted into atheism. Long story short, after many years of studying the world’s religions from a purely academic, anthropological POV, I bought a book by an apostate priest for my anti-Catholic mother. I read it. It sent me into the library and Catholic book stores. I was stunned and intrigued by the history, logic, symmetry, and beauty of Catholicism. And I was touched by the God I didn’t believe in. I couldn’t escape the magnetism of Catholicism, and still can’t, and don’t want to. I am home at last.

 

[CMatt25]

Forgive me but I laughed out loud at the Wicca comment. You quit Wicca because it was too expensive?.. I think I’ll go back to Catholicism. Most of the cheapskates I see only put a buck in the basket!" LOL

Well see Gurney you keep directing me to TEC and that’s one of my hangups with them. TEC priest tells me they require tithe at minimum. But in the wks I don’t have it, I can drop less in the Catholic basket.

Now a DoC pastor once told me his church doesn’t even pass the plate. He has boxes by the entrance if you want to donate. But says he usually tells folk if they don’t have it that wk do not put in. Now there’s a pastor after souls instead of dough.

Seriously in response to the OP. Oh yeah I am always exploring. I’ve explored quite an alphabet. UU, Unity, TEC, UCC, DoC, UMC, PCUSA, ELCA. UU’s are only 10% Christian now so it’s not for me. PCUSA pastor told me I’d have to wear a suit and tie. Uh no. That ain’t gonna happen.

Even took a SDA Bible study once just to learn where they are coming from and passed with flying colors! Looked @ LCMS. But determined might as well stick with RC instead of going there. Know a bit also about the non Christian faiths of Islam and Judaism but never have considered them for me since I am a Christian.

I love the open Communion of many. Love the greater openness in general of TEC and UCC. Love a church that preaches Christ’s social gospel of service to the poor, the sick, the homeless, the huingry. Had another DoC pastor tell me once he believes to be a Christian it takes emphasizing the poor and peace. Got my signature in fact from DoC. Love their idea of our unity in Christ.

But despite all this searching, have never actually worshipped in any church other than the CC. Hense combine that with my Baptism, Confirmation, informed catechized conscience, along with whom the Church defines as a Catholic, and presto my ID! :yup:

 

[Nine_Two]

Just out of curiosity, and sort of expanding on the OP’s question, how did your friends and family think about your decision to switch to a different tradition?

I’m especially curious about those who went from Evangelical or Baptist to Catholic, since there is often a lot of stigma.

 

[Sherry_G]

Yes. I fell away from the Catholic Church in order to solve that little problem with “guilt”. In ohter words, I wanted to do things that were totally opposite of what my faith taught and the only way I could silence my conscience was to leave the Church behind and deny the truths taught in it. Self will ruled in my 20’s and 30’s so I could “enjoy” living. What happened was anything but enjoyable.

In finding my way back to the Catholic faith, I investigated and atetnding numerous other churches that had “easier” rules or teachings. Somewhere in the back of my mind I always knew that what our faith taught was correct, and it was me who veered off the path. By God’s grace I received a second chance through the Sacrament of Penance and have never looked back since. What has followed has been pure joy, regardless of circumstances around me. Praise the love and mercy of God.

 

[mangy_dog]

Hi all! I am just curious if anyone here were from a different religious background than Catholic, or have explored other faiths. Just…well, I am always the curious cat, aren’t I?

I have to admit, I was raised Catholic then moved away from it. I was a Lutheran for awhile but I missed the “glitz and glamor” as my dad calls it, of the Catholic Church. I tried to get into Wiccan but realised it was too complicated and expensive. So now I am drifting, and I supposeI wonder what other people have experienced.

The Catholic Church is the one, true church that Christ intended to exist after His ascension into heaven and of which He left Peter as its first pope - 263 popes later to Pope Benedict XVI…and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her.

I personally have no need to [explore] other religions for the purpose of changing faiths.

“glitz & glamour” is not what I would miss if I ever left the Catholic faith. I would miss the Eucharist,…that is, the true and real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. There is no glitz or glamour - just the reality of the Eucharist.

Wiccan is of the devil - point blank.

I recommend that you get your spiritual/religious priorities in order and realize what you have in the Catholic Faith.

 

[bauerice]

I was raised Church of Christ. As a teenager I went exploring and joined the Church of God, then after a move across country, joined a Presbyterian Church. When my wife left me and my 3 children, I had many questions. I converted to Judaism. I was a content Reformed Jew until one day I believe I heard the voice of God say “it’s time to come home”. I was dating an Episcopalian at the time. I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church and attended there for years. Once again I felt the call of God saying “it’s time to come home”. I enrolled in RCIA and became RC 7 years ago. I have never regretted it, though from time to time I do visit an Episcopal Church. I do enjoy the openess to questions in the EC, wish the RCC was as open to questions.

 

[Publisher]

Hi all! I am just curious if anyone here were from a different religious background than Catholic, or have explored other faiths. Just…well, I am always the curious cat, aren’t I?

I have to admit, I was raised Catholic then moved away from it. I was a Lutheran for awhile but I missed the “glitz and glamor” as my dad calls it, of the Catholic Church. I tried to get into Wiccan but realised it was too complicated and expensive. So now I am drifting, and I supposeI wonder what other people have experienced.

I was brought up in the Church of the Nazarene. At 19 I became “convinced” of the message of the Society of Friends…that God’s Light is present in each of us and that each of us has the capacity to “listen to the Light” and have direct access to God without need of priest, minister, rabbi or saint. Friends ethical stance on peace and justice issues and their stance for non-resistance against violence embodied the very essence of Christianity.

I have explored other faith traditions in the last thirty some odd years…but find them lacking, for me anyway. I am a Friend because of the simple message that the Light Within, the Living Christ, is present to teach us how to walk in His ways. I am a Friend as I believe in a “realized eschatology”…I don’t look toward a “future” kingdom of God…but live within the Present and among us Kingdom of God…if this world is to be transformed…it will be transformed by those of us who follow Christ and live according to the two great commandments…which all the law and prophets rest upon…“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind…and the second is like unto it…Love your neighbor as yourself…”

I have friends and acquaintences that hold other religious traditions…and I honor their own inner struggle as they seek to “mind the Light.”