X cATHOLICS....WHAT MADE YOU STOP BEING THIS?

Question

AND WHY AFTER THE HUGE SCANDAL OF THE LEADERS OF THIS RELIGION ....DO PEOPLE STILL GO AND STILL GIVE MONEY.....THE PAYOUT FROM THE EXPOSE WAS IN THE BILLIONS WORLD WIDE....

Answer 1

Realizing the fallacies of religion

Throughout most of my life I had doubts about religion and god, despite being baptized catholic and attending catholic school for twelve years. I never really cared for attending mass, unless it was for a wedding or funeral, but still had a belief in god.

In December of 1986 I attended Christmas mass to pray for the well being of my grandfather who had been in and out of the hospital with cancer since the summer. Coming home from mass I heard the phone ringing; since we received calls from family members who live in Italy, it was common getting calls this early in the morning. However on this day, I felt nauseated at the sound of the phone, my instincts told me this was not going to be the normal holiday greetings.

My mother answered the phone, seconds later I could see tears running down her cheeks, I knew what that meant even before being told, my grandfather had passed away. I inquired about why my prayers were not answered and the answers that I was given were: god works in mysteries ways or it is not for us to question god. I felt let down, and that no definitive answers to my questions could be answered. My faith in god decreased as the years passed on, I started to question religion and god. The more I questioned religion and god the more I realized the logical fallacies with religion and how it is used to exploit the ignorance of people.

Prayer is defined as a spoken or unspoken communication with god, a saint or deity. Prayer is either performed during mass or privately. Now if prayers are answered by god then not only would my prayers have been answered but also others prayers ranging from diseases being cured to world peace and yet, people are still diagnosed and die from various diseases, world hunger still exists and fighting between various nations still rages on. So what are the reasons why prayers are not answered? What are the explanations given by clergyman? The answers boil down to: gods will, god does answer prayers, god answers them in a different manner, it is not meant for us to know; we are not to question why god did not answer our prayers. These are nothing more than copout answers given by clergymen to ensure that people do not stray away from religion and not question their belief in god. To try and make changes in society for the better, people should take action or attempt to make a difference in society rather than relying on some verbal ritual with god.

For example, in grammar school during a religion class, we were told that god is everywhere. I inquired if god is everywhere, couldn’t I simply pray to god from my home instead of going to church on Sunday? I was told that I had to attend church on Sunday. At that time, I just accepted the answer being young and naïve, but later began to question more about religion and god. The three concepts of god as I was taught were: all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, it is my opinion all three are logical flaws. The concept of god being all-powerful could be refuted with the omnipotent paradox; could god create a rock so heavy that he himself could not lift it. The purpose of this paradox is to expand a person’s intellect. Of course there are a few religious people who despise this paradox simply because it questions god being all-powerful; and a few others would blindly state that god can do anything and still refuse to open their mind to the question.

The concept of god being all-knowing and all-loving is inconsistent with what has been mentioned about him in the bible. If god was “real” and was all-knowing then he would already know in advance, that Adam and Eve would disobey him for eating from the forbidden tree, even before “creating” the universe. However, the bible says that god was angry and tossed Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden; if he was all-loving he would have forgiven them for what they had done; according to the bible he did not, therefore, disproving that he is all-loving as well as all-knowing. If god is all-knowing and knows what is going to happen before it happens, wouldn’t it be logical for god to change an event or action that displeases him? If god is all-loving then why is there a hell? Religious people make the claim that the reason for a hell is for those who refuse to accept god; but if god is all-loving wouldn’t he still accept a person into the kingdom of heaven? Of course he would, but hell is used as a fear factor to condition people to follow the rules of the religious denomination they belong to.

An interesting quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca: Religion is regarded by the common people as true; by the wise as false and by rulers as useful. I feel that this quote is an excellent example of how religion is used by influential people to convince others to blindly follow their ideology regardless of who is affected by it. Most times in order to achieve this goal, quotes from the bible will often be used and interpreted to conform to the ideas of the person giving the interpretation. Jim Jones founder of The Peoples Temple, David Koresh head of branch Davidians are example of people using religion and quotes from the bible to convince people to follow their ideology and way of life.

Of course the end result of these two individuals is known due to media coverage.

While the war in Afghanistan to capture Osama bin Laden is justified, due to his involvement with the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001; the Iraq war is not. President George W. Bush stated that god has told him to invade Iraq as a way to justify his reason for going to war against Iraq; Osama bin Laden using Islam to influence his followers to carry out terrorist attacks, both are clearly great examples of the quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

Despite these obvious logical fallacies with religion and the concept of god, people still refuse to let go of their beliefs because they are so dependent on it that it appears to be more of an addiction than anything else. Religious denominations have mentally conditioned people throughout the centuries to think and assume that without religion and the belief in god, society will be doomed. However, society is capable of living an ethical life without being dependent on religion or a belief in god; because we as a society set the tone for what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. There are other examples of how the use of religion has had a negative impact on society than a positive impact. The Crusades, the Inquisition, Salem witch trials, Native American Indians killed for not converting to Christianity.

Therefore; religion exploits the ignorance of people and attempts to take away a person’s individuality, and independent thought; because of this, I have turned away from religion and freed myself in order to be an individual, with independent thoughts. Relying and believing in god only creates a false sense of security and when society starts to realize this, the better off everyone will be.

Answer 2

In my case it had nothing to do with 'scandals'. It was a gradual process. I am a fallen away catholic because, at17, I could not believe in Limbo, where unbaptized babies were supposedly sent to a place where they "would never see the face of God" for all of eternity.. This seemed grossly unfair, to say nothing of the millions of babies belonging to other religions. As I grew older, I began to have doubts about other Catholic teachings, yet sent my children to Catholic schools because they are taught ethical behavior.They, too ,are fallen away Catholics.
As for the scandals, cardinals, bishops, and monsignors are only men, and a such there are bad apples among them. This does not affect the Sermon on the Mount, or the Ten Commandments, or the great amount of charity given to the poor. Mother Teresa was certainly a believing Catholic and there are others like her.
Incidentally, I would not change my religion, and would defend it in case of attack. Others, who have more faith than I, go to Mass and contribute money.

Answer 3

I guess I am considered an "x-Catholic".

The main point is the B.S. that the Catholic church has been preaching and teaching. They need to seriously update themselves.

Never before in the history has humans jumped from the "stone age" (late 1800's) to high-tech in 100 years(2000's). Such a drastic change requires drastic updating in the church.

No women priests? Priests molesting boys? Priests caught stealing money? The whole scenario. They are always begging for money. I feel that church services can be held outside for free. You don't need a palace to serve God.


The Catholic church needs to be more appealing. Change the MUSIC! Change the services.

More and more Catholic schools are closing down, and parishes are disappearing. Nobody in the church can't figure why. Heh, I already gave enough reasons why here.

Answer 4

I stopped being a Catholic back in the 70's. What caused it for me was a traumatic incident in church. No it had nothing to do with a priest. I had taken communion and was saying the communion prayer when the wafer just jumped out of my mouth. I then heard a voice saying that I don't belong there. So I left and never returned. I was 14 or 15 at the time.

Answer 5

I read the entire Bible which was often ridiculed within my Parish.

Also, I did not understand how the church could simultaneously tell parents to reject their homosexual children while transferring priests to unsuspecting communities to shield them from outcries of sexual misconduct.

I also don't agree with the cover-up of nuns being raped inside in convents.

I also don't agree that one should, could or can "Honor" parents who are abusive, neglectful or otherwise harmful to their children.

I disagree with the blanket generalization that birth control is wrong especially when the use of condoms can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Society turns a blind eye to cheating, but why should women be emotionally blackmailed into not using protection when they know their husband has strayed?

I think it's deplorable the jewels on the Pope's crown are worth more than the average single family will ever see in their lifetime, yet people go to bed hungry.

All in all, I realized that I had been physically beaten and emotionally battered into submission to accept a faith that is the epitome of hypocrisy, abuse and strong-arm bullying.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Reading the entire Bible for myself made me leave ... there was too much church doctrine that was tradition instead of being based on the Word of God...

I am still a Christian, even though I'm not a Catholic anymore ...

Answer 8

Too many manmade doctrines. One example is infant baptism.If they are not baptized,that somehow they are not exepted of God should they die.The bible clearly teaches the baptism of repentence.

Answer 9

My Story

This sinner was born in Regina Canada of Roman Catholic parents,
and as an infant was "dedicated" to become a Franciscan "Father".

At the age of thirteen, while attending Roman Catholic grade school,
I became suspicious of "The Church" because of the day to day
actions of the priests in charge of the school, and more so, from the
catechism lessons.
I found that all of the rituals, garb, and beliefs were either "borrowed"
from other religions or beliefs or just plain invented.

I have a cousin who is a Dominican priest and two uncles, both
Jesuits, stationed at the "Catholic Think Tank" in California.

After many hours of conversation with these clergy I left "The Church".
Discussions with ( the now late ) Archbishop Duke of Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada did not bring me back in to the fold.

because ~

I Believe;
That Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation.
That I should pray directly to God only through Jesus Christ.
That I am saved - through Jesus Christ - and I KNOW I am going
to heaven.

It is the OFFICIAL word of "The Church" that if any Roman
Catholic believes ANY of the above he or she is anathema, that is
condemned to hell for ever!

I Also Do Not Believe;
That the pope is infallible in matters of religion.
That salvation is achieved through the eucharist.
That Mary must be worshipped as God's mother.
That praying for the dead can help get them to heaven.
That I must confess "through a priest".

I am "in anathema", convicted to hell by the Roman Catholic
Church eight times over ! I have found, over the years
that there are MANY ROMAN CATHOLIC Clergy who agree with
Me on at least one of these eight points...... That leaves them
OFFICIALLY EXCOMMUNICATED from their church --- yet they
continue to say their daily mass, hear confessions, and give
out communion. Of course, the flock at the church either
do not know the priest's mind ---- or knowing his mind --- are
totally unaware that his mass, absolution, and communions
are, according to their church not only totally valueless, but
condemned !

Because of my experience with catholicism, from the age of fourteen to
thirty I passed through many phases. From Agnostic to Atheist, from Scientism,
to becoming a full Buddhist, only to realize that all these beliefs are valueless.

About the year 1977 my mother challenged me !
She asked me what I knew about THE BIBLE !

I felt like an illiterate! ~~ and indeed I was, as far as
THE BIBLE was concerned! Having been brought up as
a Roman Catholic I had, for all practical purposes, NO
BIBLE TRAINING WHATSOEVER !

I solved that problem by obtaining a Bible from a local
used book store ( I was surprised when the store keeper
refused money for it! ) and began to "devour" every page.

THIS BOOK had to be either the greatest fabrication in history
OR IT WAS INDEED WHAT IT PURPORTED TO BE ~ THE
VERY WORDS OF GOD !

I wrote to, or otherwise contacted, every religious institution
I could locate. Anglican, Baptist, Charismatic, Reformed, Nazarene
and others. I requested Bible lessons -- and Bible lessons I got !

I studied, filled in Q & A forms, mailed them, received telephone
calls, and had conversations with many lay people and Clergy.

I discussed with, and "sat in" on debates between, some of the Faculty
of the Theology Department of the The University of British Columbia
and four Rabbi, held at the Jewish Community Centre, Oak street,
Vancouver, B.C. Canada. I utilized the vast library to the extent
I was asked if I would like to be one of the library staff !


Final Results ? I found The Book IS THE BOOK !

After some months I was able to organize my home and business
life so that I could study with an accredited theological institute.
This I did, and because of my being starved for so many years,
immersed myself in study "to the uttermost".

After passing all the examinations and written thesis, I was
momentarily satisfied, so put my diplomas in to storage, and
returned to the "dollar" world.

I was interested in so called "secret societies" from the day my
dad showed me his ornate sword, hat and cape. He was a
fourth degree member of the "Knights Of Columbus". Many years
later I found that my brother had been a third degree "Knight" !
All very secret. I studied all of the so called secret oaths,
handshakes, and books of the many degrees of the Masonic
Orders, up to and BEYOND the thirty third degree.
"Adoptives" such as the I.O.O.F., Foresters, etc. were included
in my studies. The offshoot religion of the Masonic Order, The
Mormons, was particularly easy to delve in to because ALL of their
so called secrets have been published. Because of personal
involvement I also spent much time studying various Cults and
religions.

My area of "expertise" is therefore
Religions, Cults, and Secret Societies.

After many years of business world activity I began to notice
that the television and newspapers were echoing some of the
things I had read and studied about in the Bible.
Cultural changes around the world and activities in Israel in
particular.

Many people are crying out for help, totally lost as to where they
are, were they are going, and what to do next. Families are in
disarray and with no leadership. The world is moving faster and
faster, but going downhill, not up !

Answer 10

My beliefs in abortion and birth control to fit in the catholic society.

Answer 11

a former priest and now our fellow brethren in faith said:

"To remain as catholic is to remain ignorant of the scriptures"

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