I've officially left the Church

[onetimeposter]

I didn’t make a big deal out of it here, since I have much respect for our Catholic brethren and for the simple fact that making such a thread would be in bad taste.

Posting a small blurb about leaving the Catholic Church is making a big deal about it? Nope, it is not.

Holding a big party to mark the occasion and taking an advertisement out in a local paper, now that is making a big deal about it.

The only people making a big deal about it are the Catholics who are throwing stones at me.

Anyway, I think my post takes people out of their Catholic comfort zones and that is why they lash out that I must be an ignoramus for leaving.

 

[Carolinagirl411]

I spent 24 years as a Protestant, Baptist to be exact. I always felt hollow and every church i went to seemed superficial. Nothing seemed right. Of course I was trained/brainwashed to believe the Catholic church was the root of all evil. Luckily I broke through that…Yes Catholicism is hard but I feel like getting to heaven shouldn’t be easy as stated in the bible that someone mentioned before. The Catholic Church had her faults, especially in history. I will not deny it, but she is Christ’s Church. The only faults were caused by human error and sin not by Christ. Every protestant church I have been a part of def. has faults!! I found home and I’m not going to run away scared just b/c I find things a little difficult. Confession is my hardest hurdle but I have been doing much better.

After being Catholic I can’t imagine why I ever was protestant. They are fooling themselves in my opinion. But Christ loves all of his followers even the ones wandering out of the fold.

 

[Milliardo]

Posting a small blurb about leaving the Catholic Church is making a big deal about it? Nope, it is not.

Holding a big party to mark the occasion and taking an advertisement out in a local paper, now that is making a big deal about it.

The only people making a big deal about it are the Catholics who are throwing stones at me.

Anyway, I think my post takes people out of their Catholic comfort zones and that is why they lash out that I must be an ignoramus for leaving.

Again, I would disagree on you here–by posting in a Catholic board, you’re practically advertising yourself and making a big deal about it. Of course you will rile Catholics because this is a Catholic board. It’s not a small blurb either, since again this is a Catholic board (note that I emphasized on this a number of times already). As I’ve made as an analogy, it’s akin to going in a party and then subsequently badmouthing your host. The host’s friends will naturally come up and defend him; the same way that Catholic posters here will defend the Catholic Church and castigate you for your decision. But hey–it’s your decision anyway. If you feel that making people mad is fun, then there’s not much I can do about it. All I’m saying is that this isn’t exactly in good taste, and you’ll have to expect more negative reactions about it.

 

[onetimeposter]

I spent 24 years as a Protestant, Baptist to be exact. I always felt hollow and every church i went to seemed superficial. Nothing seemed right. Of course I was trained/brainwashed to believe the Catholic church was the root of all evil. Luckily I broke through that…Yes Catholicism is hard but I feel like getting to heaven shouldn’t be easy as stated in the bible that someone mentioned before. The Catholic Church had her faults, especially in history. I will not deny it, but she is Christ’s Church. The only faults were caused by human error and sin not by Christ. Every protestant church I have been a part of def. has faults!! I found home and I’m not going to run away scared just b/c I find things a little difficult. Confession is my hardest hurdle but I have been doing much better.

After being Catholic I can’t imagine why I ever was protestant. They are fooling themselves in my opinion. But Christ loves all of his followers even the ones wandering out of the fold.

I don’t subscribe to absolutism and don’t believe there is one true anything. I will experience God through Christ Jesus. I do not need the institution of the RCC to do that, the RCC was too distracting for me.

As you cannot imagine not being a Catholic, I cannot imagine staying in the RCC.

 

[onetimeposter]

Again, I would disagree on you here–by posting in a Catholic board, you’re practically advertising yourself and making a big deal about it. Of course you will rile Catholics because this is a Catholic board. It’s not a small blurb either, since again this is a Catholic board (note that I emphasized on this a number of times already). As I’ve made as an analogy, it’s akin to going in a party and then subsequently badmouthing your host. The host’s friends will naturally come up and defend him; the same way that Catholic posters here will defend the Catholic Church and castigate you for your decision. But hey–it’s your decision anyway. If you feel that making people mad is fun, then there’s not much I can do about it. All I’m saying is that this isn’t exactly in good taste, and you’ll have to expect more negative reactions about it.

We agree to disagree…your opinion is tantamount to someone complaining about an offensive radio program…just turn the channel and tune out if you don’t like what your hearing.

If you think it’s in bad taste, I’m politely saying, too bad.

 

[benedictus2]

When someone asks, ’ are you a Catholic’, I will respond, nope I am a Christian!

Nope your not just Christian. You’ve decreed that you are a law unto yourself and that you will decide for yourself what is right and wrong.

You are pretty much saying you will be an authority onto yourself and will Church hop until you find one that suits you. That seems to me no different tot he materialistic I, me, mine mindset.

Don’t fool yourself. Pride kills.

 

[Pro_Domina]

So, I just, in great detail, explained to my wife why I no longer consider myself a RC and why I have left the Church. She totally understood and supports my decision.

I feel great, like the chains of bondage have been removed. The RCC is a fine institution and if some people can find God within that particular Church, then it is a very good thing.

The Church was holding me back, for years, this is an exciting time. I no longer have the distraction of the all the Catholic requirements that are necessary for any hope of my salvation. Those distractions also prevented me from forming any relationship with God.

When someone asks, ’ are you a Catholic’, I will respond, nope I am a Christian!

I agree. The Church definetly puts distractions to adoring the god called “I” .

You know what the second worst thing about Hell is apart from never seeing God?

You are no longer part of the Church.

 

[Johnny_Dollar]

The RCC is a fine institution and if some people can find God within that particular Church, then it is a very good thing.

That’s exactly how I felt when I left for a long spell of atheism. A certain amount of love and respect remains. It’s a generalisation, sure, but I think there’s something to the notion that the most reasonable atheists are usually ex-Catholics.

There are many different ways of being Catholic- different devotional styles, different philosophical and theological viewpoints, mystical traditions, more rationalist/legalistic/hard-edged mindsets, different attitudes. I’m new to “Internet Catholicism”. It is… different, somehow. It isn’t the be-all end-all. The kind of Catholicism that prospers on the internet is not the only strand in the rich tapestry of the Church.Maybe in time you’ll find a thread that works for you. I hope you do.

The Real Presence part though- that’s kind of non-negotiable.

Peace

 

[onetimeposter]

Nope your not just Christian. You’ve decreed that you are a law unto yourself and that you will decide for yourself what is right and wrong.

You are pretty much saying you will be an authority onto yourself and will Church hop until you find one that suits you. That seems to me no different tot he materialistic I, me, mine mindset.

Don’t fool yourself. Pride kills.

Your monarchical theistic and institutional view of God does not work for me. I’m glad that you have found God within the RCC.

 

[onetimeposter]

I agree. The Church definetly puts distractions to adoring the god called “I” .

You know what the second worst thing about Hell is apart from never seeing God?

You are no longer part of the Church.

Your monarchical theistic and institutional view of God does not work for me. I’m glad that you have found God within the RCC.

I am however sorry to hear that you have absolutist view of salvation.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Food for thought.

 

[twopekinguys]

Although, as a Protestant, I agree with your decision to not be affiliated with the Roman communion; I must ask why you felt the need to post that decision here? It seems to be of a personal nature and all you are doing is exposing that decision to the harshest ridicule this forum can muster.

As brotherly advice, make sure that you submit to Christ in humility and not carry a chip on your shoulder about this decision

Very well said.!!!

 

[placido]

Your monarchical theistic and institutional view of God does not work for me.

Is Christianity all about “ME”? About how “I” “fill”? Seems like worshiping other god - “myself”.

 

[grandfather]

It’s a monumental moment in my life…heck people post opinions about everything around here.

Leaving Catholicism was a big decision and if it makes people feel uncomfortable that everyone isn’t happy in the Church or that some Catholics walk away from the one true faith…then I suppose that’s too bad.

This is a fairly open forum, so if people don’t want to read about my journey…my title is self explanatory, then don’t open the link.

Over a number of years I have seen people leave the Church and also seen people leave Christianity and religion. Initially they all expressed a feeling of freedom, being set free from restrictions, or bonds, or some burden that religion placed on them.

Imagine, these people on becoming atheists felt like they were freed from a heavy burden and were happy for the first time in their lives. They became their own masters and it felt great as they moved into the future they would make for themselves.

Also over the years I have been involved in pro-life work and met a number of women who suffered greatly from the decision to abort their babies. Many of them, perhaps most, said that immediately after their abortions they intitally felt free, like a great burden was gone, a problem was solved.

We all choose our paths and as time goes by we all make decisions that have to be lived with for all eternity. No one makes a decision that he thinks is the wrong one, but we see many people make decisions that destroy their lives and souls, all thinking that they were right.

 

[Cobbfmly]

“saints **( don’t feel the need to pray to a middle man)”

**So you will no longer as others to pray for you? Will you not pray for other people? In the first case other people are being a middle man for you. In the second case you are being a middle man for other people.

When Catholics “pray” to saints we are asking the saints to pray for us, just as we would ask another person to pray for us. Unfortunately, the in modern times the definition of pray has become much more restrictive (basically restricted meaning “to ask God”) than it traditionally has been. Catholics use the traditional meaning of pray which is “to ask”. Read older books, poetry, etc (religious and/or secular) and you will find pray used like this.

 

[KephasAugustine]

Your monarchical theistic and institutional view of God does not work for me. I’m glad that you have found God within the RCC.

I am however sorry to hear that you have absolutist view of salvation.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Food for thought.

It’s funny you would reject absolutes, and then give that quote Gandhi, when Christ was pretty absolute about salvation Himself.

Seriously, have you even read the Gospels?

 

[panoikei]

Your post is the type that really validates a decision like his…what condecension! What arrogance!

So now we gone from a self-proclaimed scriipture expert to a psychological expert. Interesting. Sounds like you have reached it. SO now you have to proselytize more Catholics. This is something the Moderators should know about. There are at least 5 fallen away Catholics on this board that get away with this kind of thing. You have stuck you head in the sand and are ignoring God in the truth. I am praying for all of you. I’ve been in your shoes. So I know where you are right now…and one day, you will be eating lots of crow, just as I have.

You are being ver condescending…not I. I’m just running down a list of problems that will ultimate pop up along your journey now that you have rejected the truth. I’m a bit snippy because I know far more about this kind of thing than other Catholics since I’ve been in the proselytizing shoes telling others trash like now they can get to know Christ. If you have read the ancient church fathers then you should know better… Sin of pride. Allowing oneselve to doubt is a sin. Perhaps we should just drop trying to help you. I’m sure you would love that. But I like to show other Catholics that our faith can be defended. “Seek out your faith with fear and trembling”.

 

[KephasAugustine]

I don’t subscribe to absolutism and don’t believe there is one true anything. I will experience God through Christ Jesus.

No one true anything? Do you believe in one True God? One True Christ? Who are you seeking amongst the many “Messiahs” to the Jewish people? Be careful with your relativism.

 

[Isa_Almisry]

I don’t believe in the real presence…not even a bit…just admitted that to myself about a month ago.

and followed through on it, like John 6:66 (always thought that verse number was a sign from the author of Revelation).

 

[Armenian_cpa]

This is what I believe. Catholicism no longer works for me and it has not for years. I should not be in a place that fills me with anxiety and fear. If it works for you great!

I have this anxiety and fear, not because I am ignorant, but because I am aware of the teachings of the Church and at times fail to live up to the institutional requirements of the Church…hence, I have removed myself from having to feel guilty all of time.

I have been watching this whole thread with some sort of amusement. Especially since “onetimeposter” ( and wow what a misnomer as far as a name goes) is obviously good at yanking every ones chain here.

But this quote about guilt got me going and is usually at the root of all this anti-Catholic talk. I have learned in life most people, including myself, have a hard time being humble. It’s difficult for us to say sorry to our spouses, children, loved ones, or even to a stranger we happen to meet. To show some true love even when we are not loved in return. So as a result we lose touch with ourselves and the Lord.

In addition, we kid ourselves into thinking this behavior and other behaviors which separates us from God is OK. So when the church tells us its wrong many get angry and refuse to obey. People do not like to be told they are wrong, they want to hear they are doing the right thing even when they are not.

The bearer of bad news is never popular, but real love is to correct when needed even if feelings are hurt. This is no different when a child is corrected by a parent. However, we as Catholics ( and all Christians) need to have this guilt and humility because without it how would we ever live a decent life without it. What a selfish world it has become with all this individualism. I too will plead guilty of this at times also.

Now the guilt can be troublesome and hurtful, but the key is this. We are all sinners and need to remember the Lord wants to forgive us. He is there with open arms ready to forgive us.All we must do is pick up our crosses, be truly sorry, and hope the grace of God give us the strength to avoid this sin again.

So when we hear from people who reject the church, just show some love and pray that the Holy Spirit works within them to return someday. This is all we can do along with setting a good example for them.

You too onetimeposter I will pray for you whether you want me to or not! Your rejection of my prayer will not influence me at all.

Peace be with you onetime.

 

[KephasAugustine]

and followed through on it, like John 6:66 (always thought that verse number was a sign from the author of Revelation).

Interesting…though I’ve never thought of it as intentional. Fueled, perhaps, by the Holy Spirit?

I, too, think it would be pretty anti-Christ to reject the words which come out of the very mouth of the Lord.