| Born in the USA in 1952. |
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| Was brought up as an Atheist. |
My Mom was agnostic; my Dad worked with NASA, taught me science, and mocked religion. I assumed that science disproved the existence of God. |
| Practised yoga and eastern religion for decades. |
As a senior in high school, I suddenly became obsessed with yoga and eastern religion/philosophy/theology. I eventually joined a spiritual community.
If I had been introduced to Christianity instead, I likely would not have gotten involved with eastern religion. |
| Converted to Evangelical, Protestant, Fundamentalism (Calvary Chapel) in 1990. |
Problems with the eastern view:
- didn't explain the problem of evil
- many contradictions in the worldview
- the goal of spiritual life was unsatisfactory
- the New Age movement was just plain wacky
If I had been introduced to Catholicism or Orthodoxy instead, I likely would not have become Protestant.
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| Converted to Catholicism in 2002. |
Problems with Protestantism:
- contradictions with biblical interpretations
- no continuity with the early church (because the "church went bad")
- annoyance with "hit-em-over-the-head" evangelism
- emphasis on "christian-ese" (special language used by Christians)
- annoyance with sermons
- emphasis on getting everyone "saved" (even though most already were)
- constant exhortations to be good (but the Holy Spirit dwells within and enlivens us to be good — I guess they didn't really believe it)
- uneducated "surfer" lingo by preachers
If I had been introduced to Orthodoxy instead of Catholicism, I likely would have become Orthodox instead of Catholic.
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| Accepted Orthodoxy as authoratitive in 2006. |
I discovered Orthodoxy and began to believe that both Catholicism and Orthodoxy (when in unity) are the truest expression of the church founded by Jesus. I had no basis for choosing one over the other even though both demand we choose. I remained in the Catholic camp. |
| Became an "Ecumenical" Christian in 2009. |
After studying church history in depth I concluded that corrupt, unbelieving, sinful bishops cannot teach truth. I coined the term "Ecumenical Christian" — it means I accept all true Christians as brothers and sisters in the faith. No more religious wars for me. |
| In early 2011 I began calling for an Apostolic Reformation of the Church. |
As a "cafeteria" Catholic I accept the foundational teachings of the early church but I reject such Catholic ideas as:
- immoral or unbelieving priests and bishops can teach the gospel
- you must join the Catholic Church in addition to being baptised to receive the sacraments
- Apostolic Succession
- Papal infallibility
- the Eucharist in Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches is invalid
- contraception is a mortal sin
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