Why did YOU leave The Church?

[CMatt25]

Dear Ted, never stop seeking and asking God to reveal to you all Truth, through humility and trust in Him.
Many don’t consider the evil one in this day and time, but that fallen angel never sleeps and is always on the watch to deceive. He is there at the bottom of kidding ourselves, a wolf in sheeps clothing, he never gives up always waiting for that opening to dig in with his tools. God bless you with the peace you seek.Carlan

So if Ted finds God’s peace and truth in a place other than the Catholic Church, that’s ok with you Carlan? Or are you then going to say no Ted you haven’t found it?

 

[CMatt25]

Many parishes now offer Life Teen masses and many have singles groups for the over 30 crowd. These groups are very involved in their parishes. If your local church didn’t do squat for you, go to a different one that has an active group. Different Pastors run their parishes differently. Look around. Ultimately it’s not how the people behave, even the pastor of the parish that should cause you to choose your faith, it’s what we believe in.

I’m Catholic, active in my faith, in the pews, and I for one say “Come on back!” :hug1:

Yeah sure but spend just a bit of time on the traditionalist board and you will find a vast number of CAFers who would do away with LT in a heartbeat if they had their druthers.

 

[JohnnyReb]

For former Catholics, and even Former Christians. WHY did YOU leave?!
If you came back To The Church. Please say what it was that drew you away, and tell me your story!

I will trace my church history:

Raised Baptist: My parents left our church for personal reasons. They never found another church so we quit going. They tried Methodist for awhile, but didn’t like it. It was not my choice.

Assemblies of God/Church of God. Started going to a vibrant youth group at a local A/G church. Got “saved” at a revival. Became very involved in the church and enrolled in seminary to become a minister. My seminary experience was not positive. No affirmation while in seminary, because I was a single man, but they had no problems falsely leading me on and accepting my money. I began to doubt the initial evidence doctrine and many other A/G beliefs. I found Pentecostalism to be hopelessly rigid.

Catholic Church: As I conducted my studies, I began to fall in love with historical liturgical worship, doubt sola scriptura, and see how the RCC conducts discernment for the religious life, something lacking in the A/G. Attended Mass with RCC relatives, loved it, enrolled in RCIA, and was confirmed.

I currently attend an Anglican Church and I wrestling with where I stand with the RCC. I can say that I agree with 95% of what the RCC teaches. The priest at my local parish told me “well you are doing better than some priests and most people who are a part of this parish”. Yet where I differ, I see as irreconcilable with the RCC.

 

[lax16]

I will trace my church history:

Raised Baptist: My parents left our church for personal reasons. They never found another church so we quit going. They tried Methodist for awhile, but didn’t like it. It was not my choice.

Assemblies of God/Church of God. Started going to a vibrant youth group at a local A/G church. Got “saved” at a revival. Became very involved in the church and enrolled in seminary to become a minister. My seminary experience was not positive. No affirmation while in seminary, because I was a single man, but they had no problems falsely leading me on and accepting my money. I began to doubt the initial evidence doctrine and many other A/G beliefs. I found Pentecostalism to be hopelessly rigid.

Catholic Church: As I conducted my studies, I began to fall in love with historical liturgical worship, doubt sola scriptura, and see how the RCC conducts discernment for the religious life, something lacking in the A/G. Attended Mass with RCC relatives, loved it, enrolled in RCIA, and was confirmed.

I currently attend an Anglican Church and I wrestling with where I stand with the RCC. I can say that I agree with 95% of what the RCC teaches. The priest at my local parish told me “well you are doing better than some priests and most people who are a part of this parish”. Yet where I differ, I see as irreconcilable with the RCC.

JohnnyReb-

I admire your hard work and diligence!
Can I ask how people who are so close to Catholicism find their way to Anglicanism? To accept a King/Queen as the “Supreme Head of Church” seems so odd to me…

 

[Australis]

I would debate with whomever would listen over the interpretation of particular bible verses and VERY few Protestant people I ran into could explore the historical context of a verse to explain why it means THIS and not THAT.

That’s a big call and I question it.

 

[cheese_sdc]

Just as you should ask for empirical evidence that God does NOT exist.

This statement has no meaning. There is no proof for the existence or non-existence of God.

The car doesn’t go without gas. Humans don’t work correctly without a real reationship with the Real God and that relationship is defined from God Himself, not from our perspective.

Except that there are atheists who live long, happy, and moral lives without relying on a Divinity.

 

[cheese_sdc]

I would agree with you that we Christians are a poor reflection of our Lord. We are indeed a pitiful lot.

Please continue with your story, how you’ve experienced the Divine, if it’s not too personal or too off-topic. And why you see this divinity as different from the one of whom you were taught.

I’d rather not. As soon as I do explain my experiences, I get labeled heretic, new ager, wolf in sheep’s clothing, etc. Sufficient to say that when I have experienced Divinity, it doesn’t fit into the neat categories that is comfortable to Christians (or even to me, to tell the truth).

 

[John_of_Woking]

I left the Church because I had to go home and write a wretched report but I’ll be back again for Mass tomorrow

 

[John_of_Woking]

I never left Christianity but did stop going to a large Presbyterian church for a long time because I was paranoid I was the target of a smear campaign and bullying from an older man there. I also felt that the intellectual pastor thought I was unworthy to even weed the church garden. I summed this up after I completed the volunteer tick sheet but was never called in.
I often felt he was showing favourtism to a young woman who was popular with the boys…she was stunning, say no more. Suddenly she started appearing at the front of the church giving readings and things women didn’t usually do. She was always big-noting herself and being a know all. She had the audacity to raise her voice at me once (she WAS a school teacher ) like I was a child (I was actually 27). I admit I looked very young but I resented the likes of her for assuming they could treat me like a child. Another lady did worse, she yelled at me when I had stage fright during christmas carol service and I couldn’t go up on stage. She yelled for me to **“get out there!!” **and the entire audience heard. I will never forget that.
I never went back to that Presbyterian church. It was simply over-run with obnoxious Baptist women.

I used to tag along to a pentecostal churches with friends but would soon stop attending for various reasons. They’re an unusual bunch for sure. They say you must speak in tongues and be baptised by submersion. I didn’t like how they act like only pentecostals are saved. It’s insulting to other Christians.

I went to a BBQ with Baptists once and totally unprovoked they got stuck into me about how Presbyterians are wrong and in the next breath were making “cultural” excuses for why women couldn’t become ministers in Bible times. They lacked consistency and just got got up my nose. Oh and the guy training to become a Baptist pastor called me a “pig” behind my back because I was a probation officer. Very insulting!

I went to the little Presbyterian church out in the country but got the frosty treatment from the pastor for wearing a tshirt with a pop star on it. Then an elderly man jumped on the bandwagon and made an issue of it too.

I feel like Betty Butterfield looking for a church.

This story could yet have a happy ending

 

[Karmartia]

I’d rather not. As soon as I do explain my experiences, I get labeled heretic, new ager, wolf in sheep’s clothing, etc. Sufficient to say that when I have experienced Divinity, it doesn’t fit into the neat categories that is comfortable to Christians (or even to me, to tell the truth).

Fair enough.

I am always reminded of Jesus’ statement to Thomas, that those who have not seen are more blessed than those who have seen. I think people often tend to understand that in only one way, quite often a mistake when hearing the words of Christ. It is, I think, sometimes easier to believe in a God you have not met, than in one you have seen with your own two eyes. May you always be seeking after Him, in your own way and in your own time, for I believe that He is always seeking after you.

 

[Dokimas]

This statement has no meaning. There is no proof for the existence or non-existence of God.

Just because you don’t accept ‘evidence’ doesn’t mean there isn’t good observable reasons to think it’s far more logical to believe in the Creator God than not to.

Except that there are atheists who live long, happy, and moral lives without relying on a Divinity.

And the sun shines and it rains on us all; if God made us all, atheists just doesn’t know Who to give the credit to so they take if for themselves (or gives it to science).

 

[John_of_Woking]

I’d rather not. As soon as I do explain my experiences, I get labeled heretic, new ager, wolf in sheep’s clothing, etc. Sufficient to say that when I have experienced Divinity, it doesn’t fit into the neat categories that is comfortable to Christians (or even to me, to tell the truth).

If it is the new age it is probably not Divinity you have experienced.

You are right in saying God does not fit into neat categories.He is far more awesome than that. I can call God Trinity I can learn about Internal Spiration but the Mysteries of Faith are called Mysteries for a reason - they can not be exhausted by the confines of the human mind (Mysteries are revealed and we profit greatly from drinking from the well of Truth but we will never get near to plumbing the depths - our human reasoning is insufficient)

 

[Nicea325]

Dale M-- Did you ever take time to investigate exactly what the C.C. truly believed?

The reason that I asked is that I was in the same boat several yrs ago. Before I made the decision to leave or stay I decided to look for, not only what the OFFICIAL doctrines of the C.C. church were, but WHERE did those doctrines come from and WHY the church believes them.

I entered the Seminary as a Lay Student and had a Bishop as a professor, plus the local Cardinal’s Secretary as another professor. They discussed with us just what had happened in the last hundred years or so that allowed heretical professors and books into the Seminary and how that produced many many heretical priests that, although able to function as priests choose to teach countless people falsehoods behind the backs of the Pope and Cardinals. They have been working hard in the last 20 yrs to “clean house” and have changed the books and in many cases the professors that have been teaching the garbage. They are also teaching something called the “New Evangelization” which is a renewed way of teaching the faithful so that we have a better understanding of our faith and the Sacred Scriptures. Unfortunately because of the lack of proper teaching of our faith in the past, many, but not all, adults still do not have a clear understanding of our faith, even if life-long Catholics. Which is why, I caution all to be very careful when being told by a “Catholic” member what the true faith is. Always ask to be shown where in our Catechism it states that. The Catholic Catechism is the book which states what our beliefs are. Not even a priest or nun should be believed without some proof.

Mind you not all of the priests or nuns from this period of time were poorly taught or choose to believe and accept the heretical teachings, but unfortunately many did; especially since Vat. II in the mid 60’s.

Take another look at our faith. Read what we truly believe and search to see where in history those beliefs come from. The followers of the apostles wrote a good deal about the faith of the early Christians and I don’t think it’s possible to read much of that without realizing why Catholics believe and worship the way that we do.

Peace in Christ brother.

But unfortunately,most ex-Catholics I encounter are simply to LAZY to learn and study what the CC has always taught,regardless of all it is weaknesses and failures.

 

[cheese_sdc]

If it is the new age it is probably not Divinity you have experienced.

That is exactly the reaction that keeps me from sharing. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[cheese_sdc]

Just because you don’t accept ‘evidence’ doesn’t mean there isn’t good observable reasons to think it’s far more logical to believe in the Creator God than not to.

I quite agree. But you can’t prove it.

 

[John_of_Woking]

That is exactly the reaction that keeps me from sharing. Thanks for reminding me.

Hey Cheesy - My intention is not to upset you. Although from what ex-new agers tell me is an apt emoticon. Some of the stories even incite a :bigyikes:.

Anyhow I hope you find Consolation and Love in Christ. I wish you Peace

 

[Carlan]

So if Ted finds God’s peace and truth in a place other than the Catholic Church, that’s ok with you Carlan? Or are you then going to say no Ted you haven’t found it?

Matt, of course you know by now, that without a doubt, I believe and accept every thing the Magisterium of the Apostolic Church teaches.
I do not believe that our separated brothers are going to burn forever if they do not find the whole Truth before they die.
You and they may not believe it, but they will find, in the “State”( the big “P”) after death, that place which prepares them for perfect unity with the Trinity which awaits them in the Kingdom of God, heaven forever. So there!Peace, Carlan

 

[bok1]

I no longer believed that Jesus is God, so I left.

Believe me I only wish the best for you but a brotherly warning, don’t wait
when you’re in a “foxhole” facing a dreaded disease when you’ll cry - “Jesus
Lord, save me!”

 

[HauntedJame]

Believe me I only wish the best for you but a brotherly warning, don’t wait
when you’re in a “foxhole” facing a dreaded disease when you’ll cry - “Jesus
Lord, save me!”

That is a terrible thing to say to another person.

 

[Angel7]

Just as you should ask for empirical evidence that God does NOT exist.

The car doesn’t go without gas. Humans don’t work correctly without a real reationship with the Real God and that relationship is defined from God Himself, not from our perspective.
I don’t want a God made in my image. I want to grow more and more into His image.

People ask for proof of The Lord’s existence.
There are many miracles. In order for someone to be a Saint, they must have atleast 2 recorded miracles attributed to them (correct?)

But you can also see The effect The Lord has on our lives!
If you notice a person’s behavior after a sincere conversion, you see many wonderful things.

Also. If you think about the big bang, and how nothing all of a sudden turned into something. It does give you a head ache. What scientific evidence is there for this.

Here is an interesting link to a question on this forum. forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=475977&highlight=Does+God+exist%3F