I Was Once a Catholic - What I Learned from my Journey.

I Was Once a Catholic

I was raised in the Catholic Church. I attended Mass, said my prayers, and even received my First Communion. For years, I followed its traditions, and trusted its teachings. But as I began studying the Bible for myself, I started to notice contradictions, practices that sounded spiritually meaningful but did not align with God’s Word. Slowly, the Lord began opening my eyes.

I want to share some of the things I discovered, not from secondhand opinions, but from my own journey out of the Catholic Church. This is my account, my beliefs, and my journey. This is not to discredit or belittle the Catholic Church, its leadership, or its members. This is simply what I found and what ultimately changed my mind.

The Origin of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church traces its roots back to the early Christian community and claims apostolic succession from Peter, whom they consider the first Pope. Over centuries, traditions developed alongside Scripture, including doctrines, sacraments, and church authority structures. The Church became a central spiritual and political force in much of the world, influencing culture, governance, and the lives of millions of believers.

While the Catholic Church has undeniably contributed to history and spiritual formation for many, some teachings and practices raise questions when measured against Scripture alone.

1. Salvation Through Sacraments

Catholic Claim: Salvation is received through faith plus participation in sacraments, including baptism, confession, and the Eucharist.

Bible Response:

Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP — “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast.”

Romans 10:9-10 AMP — “Because if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Christ’s work on the cross is sufficient. No ritual or sacrament adds to the power of His sacrifice. Salvation is a gift received by faith alone, not by human action or repeated ceremonies.

2. The Role of Mary and the Saints

Catholic Claim: Mary and the saints can intercede on our behalf. Praying to them is encouraged for guidance and support.

Bible Response:

1 Timothy 2:5 AMP — “For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Revelation 22:8-9 AMP — “I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!’”

Jesus is our sole mediator. The Bible calls believers to pray directly to God through Christ, relying on Him for help, guidance, and intercession. Asking the dead to intercede or giving them veneration adds human authority to God’s unique role.

3. Transubstantiation

Catholic Claim: During the Eucharist, bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, which must be consumed to maintain spiritual life.

Bible Response:

John 6:63 AMP — “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

1 Corinthians 11:24-25 AMP — “And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ Likewise, He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’”

The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance, a symbolic act, and a proclamation of Christ’s sacrifice, not a magical transformation requiring repeated participation. Faith in His finished work, not ritual, sustains our spiritual life.

4. Purgatory and Indulgences

Catholic Claim: Souls must undergo purification in purgatory before entering heaven, and indulgences can reduce this purification.

Bible Response:

Hebrews 9:27 AMP — “And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.”

Romans 8:1 AMP — “So now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Salvation and eternal life are secured in Christ. The Bible teaches a direct transition from death to eternal life or separation from God. Purgatory and indulgences are not supported by Scripture and can shift focus from God’s grace to human effort.

5. Authority of the Pope

Catholic Claim: The Pope holds ultimate authority on Earth over spiritual matters and is considered the successor of Peter.

Bible Response:

Matthew 23:8-10 AMP — “But you are not to be called Rabbi, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders, for One is your Leader, the Christ.”

God alone is the ultimate authority. While church leaders can guide and teach, Scripture warns against elevating any human to the position of spiritual infallibility. Christ is the head of the Church, not any man.

Personal Reflection

When I was a Catholic, I loved the rituals, the sense of history, and the beauty of the liturgy. I admired the community and the dedication of those serving in the Church. But my personal study of Scripture revealed the sufficiency of Christ alone, the freedom of believers in Him, and the clarity of God’s Word over human traditions.

I still respect and care for Catholics, and I see their faith and dedication as genuine. Many are committed to loving God and loving others, striving to live out their beliefs with integrity. My journey is not about condemnation, but about finding the truth of Jesus in His Word, outside of man-made systems.