As have I.
http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/hidden-exodus-catholics-becoming-protestants
One in three people in the US raised a Catholic no longer identifies as so. But I left 20 years ago and became a born again Christian because as a Catholic I had zero relationship with Christ, and I had never really accepted Him. I went to CCD for years, was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Roman church. I went to confession. I attended Mass every week. I said the rosary. I had prayer cards. I wore medals around my neck of dead people. I went through the motions.
But I wasn't living life as the Bible said, and sure had not accepted Jesus. I was going to Hell - and I knew it. It was very real to me, and terrifying.
When I finally accepted Christ and realized what Biblical Grace was (not the Catholic definition of grace), I was overjoyed, relieved, humbled, and awed beyond measure. I had starred at crucifixes and paintings of Christ on the cross for decades. I never put 2 + 2 together and realized what Salvation was really all about. To this day, when I see depictions Jesus being crucified, I still am awed that He did that for us.
You have a great story, with a thoughtful analysis to boot.
Happy for you!
I am continually offended when I see a crucifix with Christ depicted still hanging on the cross.
The whole point of Christianity is the resurrection. They completely ignore the good news.
I find your story to be rather sad. On well, to each his own I guess.
The present "pope" demonstrates the utter spiritual bankruptcy of Roman Catholicism and its false doctrine of "apostolic succession" through his ongoing statements and actions on a continual basis.
From a spiritual, doctrinal and biblical standpoint "pope" Francis is a DISGRACE. That said, sadly I have no doubt the regular, spiritually blind and deceived RC defenders here on FR will once again come to his defense by making never-ending excuses for his absurd words and actions; "his words are taken out of context"; "he didn't mean what he said"; "you are just 'bashing' RC"; ...Their list of excuses for this so-called "pope" grows longer by the hour. However, not withstanding their arguments, the guy in charge of the RCC is a proven Marxist, socialist, heretic proclaiming a false, man made "social, environmental 'gospel'" which will lead his followers straight to hell. He certainly isn't proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Christ.