My Journey Beyond Being Catholic

'For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ - Jeremiah 29:11 Being part of the Catholic religion was a fundamental aspect of my identity for nearly fifty years. Never one to question what I had been taught, I clung to the comfort and security of being Catholic. Being Catholic in and of itself isn’t wrong. Rather, I wrote this book to first of all encourage others who left, or are considering leaving Catholicism. Second, I wish to share what was revealed to me as the fundamental difference between Catholicism and Christianity. In reading this book, it is my hope that my dear Catholic friends may know, that in spite of the route I chose, there can be such a thing as Catholic Christianity. By leaving Catholicism, you are, to some, leaving the saints, the church, the fold - but it’s really about finding God. Thinking back, I can still remember the particular moment when it occurred to me that although I was a good person, went to church, and didn’t sin much, I was not absolutely sure I was going to heaven. That realization was pivotal in my journey, as I began to allow truth to take root that did not mesh well with my otherwise comfortable Catholic religion. The events, circumstances, and relationships that make up my journey do not at the outset appear spectacular or amazing in any way. However, putting my life on paper allowed me to view with awe and wonder the way God pursued my heart. When seen as a whole, a most remarkable image evolves, depicting how, as I was in pursuit of God, it was really God who was lovingly drawing me to Himself. I am thankful for the opportunity to share the story with you, and hope that regardless of your religion, you are wholeheartedly stepping out in faith and embracing Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation. The reward is sweet, my dear friend, and you only stand to gain from what He has done. My sincere hope is that all readers, regardless of their own journey, will be richly encouraged by my own life’s journey.