[metmom]

American Protestants read the Bible in the light (or I’d say darkness) of individualistic modern American culture. If anything is cultish, it’s the Evangelical worship of American nationalism.

No. I started reading the Bible in light of the Bible. I hadn't even left the Catholic church when I had started reading the Bible, so any preconceived notions I had about it were of Catholic influence.

The Holy Spirit Himself was what enlightened me and guided my reading and then it's not hard to see where Catholic doctrine and tradition diverge from the plain, clear teachings of Scripture.

[boatbums]

The Holy Spirit Himself was what enlightened me and guided my reading and then it's not hard to see where Catholic doctrine and tradition diverge from the plain, clear teachings of Scripture.

That is my story as well. I think, for some here, it is impossible for them to imagine anyone would leave the Catholic Church for purely theological reasons. They have been so brainwashed to believe only the Catholic Church is the true church and no one can possibly be saved outside of "her", that they totally miss the point that the body of Christ is truly universal and that to be part of this body is to be born again into the family of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.