[Polycarp]

I left the catholic church because after 12 yrs in catholic schools, and 21 years in the church I had no clue what the catholic church actually believed, so it didn't mean alot to me.

I think this is common, or at least it's what I have heard most former catholics claim. I believe it. If you had been properly grounded in the tenets of the faith you wouldn't have left.

This story closely parallels mine. When I was challenged, I left briefly too. But reading the writings of the Karl Keatings and Scott Hahn's helped. Reading the three volume "Faith of the Early Fathers" clinched it.

Early Christians were completely and unequivocally Catholic in practice and belief. No other modern Christian denomination comes marginally close to the beliefs of the earliest Christians. Period.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

This story closely parallels mine. When I was challenged, I left briefly too. But reading the writings of the Karl Keatings and Scott Hahn's helped. Reading the three volume "Faith of the Early Fathers" clinched it

I just read the bible for myself and did not let other MEN influence me. Something that we NEVER did in 12 yrs of catholic education. What we studied in school was non-inspired stuff like the catechism. Yes I know you are going to say men do influence me because of bible translation, history, etc. But you know we have to have faith in God completly about some things. I have faith that what the bible tells me is exactly what God wants me to know, and that He has the power to keep it exactly the way he wants it.

Becky