| Born in the USA in 1952. |
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| Practised yoga and eastern religion for decades. |
As a senior in high school, I got involved in yoga and eastern religion/philosophy/theology. I eventually joined a spiritual community.
If I had been introducted 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"
- 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" dialog 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 developed the theory 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. |
| Re-committed to Catholicism in 2007. |
After studying Orthodoxy from Orthodox writers I realized that the Orthodox claims were suspect. There was only one option remaining -- that the Catholic Church is the true apostolic church founded by Jesus. I am compelled to live in complete unity with her. |
