[boatbums]

I never believed what I read here. I may have been Protestant and thought I was a Christian but, I never did an altar call. I literally couldn’t and I was just a child at the time. I was not baptized. I was unlearned and untaught. For whatever reason I just didn’t believe what I heard. In fact at one point my mother was afraid I was becoming an atheist and had the local Methodist pastor come to our home and answer my questions. He did not impress me. And yes, these are honest questions. I am not a gotcha type of person.

I understand. Thanks. Please know that you are not alone in your experience. Many people "grow up" in a church but never take to heart what is taught and some never hear the truth. Many here, including me, grew up Catholic but left by God's leading. You are where you are for a reason, and I would never tell someone to leave where they believe God has sent them. What is more important than where you are is what you believe and why you believe it. It is no sin to question and any faith that is worth anything should be able to withstand scrutiny.

Your screen name was new to me though it shows you have been a FReeper since 1999. Some of the questions you asked, and, yes, sometimes the way you asked them, sounded as if you came here with a preconceived idea about whom you are dealing with. Not everyone is out to attack you, not everyone is trying to confuse nor offend you. None are "bigots" nor "anti-Catholic". We may dispute doctrines of Catholicism but they are not meant to personally attack anyone. I hope you can see the difference.

[Judith Anne]

None are "bigots" nor "anti-Catholic". We may dispute doctrines of Catholicism but they are not meant to personally attack anyone. I hope you can see the difference.

On that, we disagree. I can't believe you are blind to the bigotry and anti-Catholicism here. If you are, in my opinion, it's by choice.

[Not gonna take it anymore]

I posted my reply before I saw this one.

Just so you know. ;>)

[Not gonna take it anymore]

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Many here, including me, grew up Catholic but left by God’s leading
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boatbums, you left the Eucharist. I have found it. I could never give it up.

Wow, you left the Eucharist. It truly boggles my mind.

Please understand, I am not being unkind here. I am just amazed. That is something I have searched for all of my life and finally found and you and metmom gave it up.

Wow.

It doesn’t matter to me whether or not I agree with the teachings of the Catholic Church (though I do), I could not leave because of the Eucharist.