“And plainly people leave for two reasons, poor catechesis, or unconfesed sin. anything else they tell you is a lie to make themselves feel better. “
Hi verga. Hope you are well these days.
I will gently disagree with your conclusion. I suspect there are a great many reasons people make decisions. Based on the discussions I’ve personally had with people who left catholicism and were now worshipping at another Christian denomination, I’d add:
A desire to know God in a personal way.
Assurance of eternal life.
Relevant worship and teaching.
A desire for the joy and comfort they witnessed in their Christian friends lives.
I suspect you could add to that, since it is off the top of my head and it wasn’t a large survey. Just Christians I’ve talked to over the decades.
Most of those I know/knew were confirmed and well catechized and frequent attenders. They had never personally entrusted themselves to Christ for salvation.
Some were infrequent in their attendance. They had quit going because they didn’t feel the mass was relevant culturally.
You may disagree or disbelieve this list, but it’s what I’ve heard in conversations.
I rejoice that they found Christ and are pursuing Him, as I rejoice when anyone follows Christ.
If the Catholic Church is correct, and I know it is. Catholics know Him in the most personal way through the Eucharist.
Assurance of eternal life.
As Paul says: "If we persevere to the end"
Relevant worship and teaching.
Honestly the word "relevant" scares the snot out of me. To many relevant means contemporized and innovative. Innovation leads to all sorts of bizarre novelties. Women's ordination, unity ceremonies,.....
A desire for the joy and comfort they witnessed in their Christian friends lives.
Just because something brings you joy or comfort does not mean that it is good or true. Some of the best antibiotics are very bitter and difficult to swallow.
No need, as he's shown quite a thick skin here on FR.
Skull; too...