Deconversion From Catholicism/mainline Protestantism?

[DT761138]

I'd like to hear from others that deconverted from a "high Church" tradition such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or mainline Protestantism. I am formerly Eastern Orthodox and left the church, in the process of conversion over several years, because I disagreed with the church's position on human sexuality and women in the priesthood. In time I also deconverted frmo Christianity altogether. It's been almost a year now since I left for good.

 

If i had been in a more liberal area I might have stayed a liberal mainline Protestant, as I attended Episcopalians in the past. But... down here in the South (In Orlando), religion is heavily influenced by socially conservative forces, even in relatively liberal denominations, and I found the Episcopalian church here not the least progressive though "tolerant" (which is far different). I miss the sense of community that these religions often fostered (being autistic it is difficult for me to just get that in other ways). But.. I do not miss the fearful, myopic and hurtful views of sexual minorities.

[MrsRoper]

Well, I may not be exactly what you are looking for I was raised as a born again Christian in the Catholic church until I was about 20. When I attended an evangelical non-denominational seminary they jokingly called me Half-Cath.

 

I began losing my faith in Christianity at seminary, by the time I left I was completely over all forms of evangelical Protestantism. When I moved back home to my family of origin, I was more of an agnostic with Christian leanings. I attempted to return to Catholicism, not by getting involved in a particular church but by attending mass here and there, mostly to give my Grampa company. Part of me has a lot more respect for Catholics & Episcopals because at least they aren't pressing sola scriptura, it's really more about the tradition. I actually enjoy high mass & contemplative prayer. After years of people being all out emotional nut jobs during church services the quietness of mass was like a meditation for me.

 

When I talk to my mother about losing my religion I tell her there are things from my Catholic upbringing that I actually appreciate (um, but really nothing form the Protestant half, other than the few people I love who happen to be evangelical). What I appreciate from my Catholicism are the commitment to social justice for the poor. I appreciate the secular humanism that was taught to me in religious education. These are things I can practice without Catholicism.

 

I also appreciate the discipline of attending mass, I like the drama of it. I appreciate that my Polish/Italian Cathloic extended family & I have rituals for birth, family & death that we all understand. My grandfather's funeral mass this past summer was comforting to me because it is a tradition I understand. I think giving up those family rituals are really the only things I am sad my children won't get to experience.

 

I thoughtfully considered being a cafeteria catholic, I wrote about it a little but in my extimony. But the bottom line for me is this, mass is a celebration of the life, execution & resurrection of a godman I don't believe in - it would be a great hypocrisy for me to practice Catholicism. Not to mention, I am in no way over the immorality of the leaders protecting pedophiles & violently abusing children. The sexism of the Catholic hierarchy, their homophobia, and shame of natural sexuality disgust me. To bring up my son & daughter in an organization where only men can be leaders in the 21st century? I think not. I didn't fully come to terms with this until I had a baby of my own and realized this is not what I want for him, to label him a Christian.

 

So that's my Half-Cath perspective

[dyanaprajna0]

I spent a few years in the Eastern Orthodox church. Having been baptist and pentecostal up until then, it was quite different. But, I eventually left it, due mainly because of the Greeks and Russians, even though I was Antiochian. I was pissed more at the history of the church at that time. I ended up in the Methodist church, before I left xtianity all-together.