My Journey to Catholicism: A Path of Discovery and Faith

Introduction: Welcome to my blog, where I share my journey as a growing Catholic and my fascination with the rich teachings of the Catholic Church. Having been raised as a Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) with influences from the Davidian movement, my path to Catholicism has been both challenging and enlightening. Through this blog, I hope to encourage others to explore the beauty and depth of Catholicism.

Early Influences and Misconceptions: I was introduced to the Catholic Church through my SDA upbringing, which often portrayed Catholicism negatively. Pamphlets labeled the Catholic Church as the “Whore of Babylon,” creating a biased view in my young mind.

The concept of the “Whore of Babylon” is a controversial and often misunderstood topic within certain Christian circles, including some Seventh-Day Adventist teachings. According to these interpretations, the “Whore of Babylon” is a symbol of apostate religious systems or churches that have strayed from true faith. This figure is often associated with corruption, immorality, and false teachings.

In the context of my upbringing, the Catholic Church was sometimes portrayed as the “Whore of Babylon” in literature and teachings. This characterization was intended to emphasize the perceived deviations from what was considered true Christian doctrine. However, it’s important to note that this interpretation is not universally accepted and is viewed differently by various Christian denominations.

In my journey, I’ve come to understand that such labels are often oversimplifications and can hinder genuine dialogue and understanding between different Christian traditions

I was taught that following the old Levitical laws was the mark of true Christianity, leading me to view Catholicism as a false alternative.

Leaving Christianity and Finding Atheism: The extremism and judgmental nature within the SDA community pushed me away from Christianity altogether. I felt disconnected from the confusion and lack of community, which hindered my spiritual growth. This, coupled with encounters with Christians who had wildly different interpretations of the Bible, further solidified my decision to embrace atheism.

For about a decade, I embraced a secular, atheist viewpoint.

Embracing veganism seemed like it was a natural partner to atheism. I was able to be apart of an ethical framework that focused on the suffering of animals while maintaining a moral baseline. I was able to love animals and process my personal trauma in a safe and affirming environment. Yet, the antinatalist views of many vegans and hatred of other humans was always really difficult for me to reconcile with. I always wanted to be a mother, and this desire was seen as anti-vegan. Why have a baby when there are so many needy animals? Veganism seemed like a solid framework for living life at first. The philosophy gave me a clear sense of direction and ethics, providing a way to live in harmony with my values. It felt like I was making a positive impact by reducing harm to animals and the environment.

As an atheist, I felt a sense of freedom from religious dogma and the burden of having to adhere to strict beliefs. I thought I could rely on my own reasoning and ethics to navigate life’s challenges. However, over time, I began to feel the weight of responsibility that came with this worldview.

Being an atheist forced me into a position where I had to play God, making ethical decisions and finding solutions to complex problems on my own. This constant pressure took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I realized that I was searching for meaning and purpose in life, something that atheism alone couldn’t provide.

While veganism was a valuable tool for understanding ethics, it couldn’t offer the deeper sense of fulfillment and meaning that I was seeking. It became clear to me that building a life solely around the avoidance of animal suffering was not sustainable for long-term happiness.

In the end, both veganism and atheism fell short in providing me with the deeper sense of purpose and meaning that I craved. It was through my journey to Catholicism that I found a more profound connection to something greater than myself, which brought me the peace and fulfillment I had been searching for.

Rediscovery and Conversion: My journey took a turn during a stay with family members who had their own unique beliefs. Wanting to improve myself and not wanting to enter into conflict surrounding their own interpretations of the Bible, I decided to start going to church again, but without the extremist perspectives the often circulate among Seventh-Day Adventist.

I went to a non-denominational church, but I found a lack of depth in the service. The music was great, and there was coffee, but where was God?

I then happened to stop near a Catholic Church, and attended a mass out of curiosity. The experience was transformative, as I witnessed a profound love for Jesus within the Catholic community.

I was so shocked to see how Jesus was the central theme of mass. The sitting, the standing, the devotional hymns, I felt an overwhelming sense of inner peace that I hadn’t felt, well, ever. The beauty of the Christmas decorations and seeing others so devoted to worship truly moved my heart to feel love for Catholicism. This mass had destroyed all the biases created by the negative things typically said about Catholics, and filled me with renewed hope.

Since embracing Catholicism, I’ve made it a daily practice to pray the rosary, and it’s truly been a heavenly gift, offering me a powerful tool for both mental health and spiritual growth. Currently, I’m actively participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and look forward to being confirmed next Easter. Due to missing some sacraments, I’ll be receiving those this fall. Alongside these experiences, I’ve found apps like Hallow and Ascension to be invaluable aids in deepening my spiritual journey.

Current Journey and Blog Focus: Since embracing Catholicism, I have been on a journey of learning and growth. This blog serves as a platform to discuss topics related to evangelization, Catholic teachings, and addressing modern-day issues from a Catholic perspective. I hope that my story inspires others to explore their faith journey and consider the beauty of Catholicism.

Conclusion: My journey to Catholicism has been one of discovery, faith, and transformation. I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore the richness of the Catholic Church and its teachings. Together, we can learn, grow, and deepen our understanding of God’s love and grace.