| Born in the USA in 1952. |
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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 concluded that the Orthodox claims were suspect. There was only one option remaining — that the Catholic Church is the true apostolic church founded by Jesus. |
| Defected from Catholicism and became an "Ecumenical" Christian in 2009. |
After studying church history  in depth I concluded that corrupt, unbelieving, sinful bishops cannot teach truth. Read more here and here. I invented the term "Ecumenical Christian" — it means I accept all true Christians as brothers and sisters in the faith. No more religious wars for me. Read more |
