Lapsed Catholics weigh in on why they left Church

So what’s the reason people leave, in your opinion?

I know a girl who became an atheist after she was raped by three guys in the Baptist Youth Choir she was part of. The Church and her parents worked on her for weeks to take a cash settlement and not make a police report so she did then moved to SC from Alabama.

I think that was just pain in her life.

I think the lack of continuity you describe really hurts parish life; while I understand the Church’s desire to prevent parishes from developing a cult of personality around a priest over several decades, the transition between Pastors when a polar opposite replaces one is unhealthy. If there was more consistency among the clergy it would be a non-issue, but that isn’t the case since Vatican II.

Thank you for posting your testimony to this thread. It is never easy to dredge up painful, old memories from childhood and air them in a public forum. You are not alone; I know others who share similar recollections. As one poster pointed out, you, as a christian, must forgive those who injured you.

I started to research the Church out of curiosity.

There is nothing anyone of us can say to alleviate the pain you carry in your heart. In embracing the Bible as your source of justification for your new found beliefs, you have surely found much comfort and solace. However, Christ stated that the Church, not Scripture should be the final authority: "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:17 ) The Church is Christ's bride (Ephesians 5:29) and has "no spot, wrinkle or blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Christ also stated that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18) so how can the Church commit error? Individual clergy may commit sins, even popes commit sins because in the Church there are both "weeds and wheat" (Matthew 13:30).

Can there be more than one interpretation of the Bible? No. The word "truth" is used several times in the New Testament. However, the plural version of the word "truth" never appears in Scripture. Therefore, there can only be one Truth. So how can there be over 20,000 non-Catholic Christian denominations all claiming to have the "Truth" (i.e., the correct interpretation of the Bible)? For that matter, aren't ALL non-Catholic Christians as individuals claiming "infallibility" when it comes to interpreting the Bible?

Is the Bible to be taken literally - "word for word?" No. The Bible doesn't state anywhere that It should be taken literally. The Bible was written by different authors with different literary styles at different times in history and in different languages. Therefore, the writings should be interpreted with these circumstances in mind. The Bible is a religious book, not a scientific or a history "textbook." Does the Bible state It is the sole or final authority of Christianity? No. Neither this statement nor anything even close to it appears anywhere in the New Testament. In fact, Christ said that the Church is to resolve disputes among Christians, not Scripture (Matthew 18:17).

Again, nothing we say can erase your memories. However, it is wrong to fault the Catholic Church for the actions of certain members. In its 2000 year history, there have been some bad popes but not one has ever erred in teaching on matters of faith or morals, testimony to the promise of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Church is comprised of both saints and sinners, like us.

I too reside in Albany and am active in a small eastern Catholic Church. Let me take this opportunity to extend an invitation to join us for mass on the Sunday of your choosing. What do you have to lose? Please freepmail me.

You are wrong.

Since they are not receiving the literal Body and Blood it is the theological equivalent of self gratification.
Eergo it must by definition be in vain.

You are still wrong.