[Larue]

Maura you brave soul you! Shall we discuss circumcision or vaccinations next?! Or maybe the cry it out method?! Tee hee.

As for the question, I can relate. I was also raised Catholic. I attended Catholic schools and a Jesuit college for my undergraduate degree. I have to say I absolutely loved my college. I was a business major, but my curriculum placed a great deal of emphasis on professional and personal ethics. Although I have disagreements with Catholic doctrine, I love the rituals of Mass. I have attended services at other churches, but so far they feel artificial to me. Yet I feel I cannot embrace a faith that is intolerant of others. Hence the dilemma….

I took the “test” and I am a Unitarian Universalist. Interestingly, a faith I have been considering exploring. Best wishes to you. I’m sure you’ll get lots of advice. I would say, the answer is in your heart. Which I believe is where God is. Best wishes with your journey!

[ourdreamcametru]

We are Southern Baptist and our preacher says every Sunday, "It's not about the church it's about knowing Christ as your one and only Savior!" Find a church family where you feel comfortable and one that is a Bible beliving, God fearing church. It doesn't matter if it's Catholic, Baptist, Church of Christ.... as long as they believe in what the Bible says and live it daily! The most important thing of all is your relationship with Jesus Christ so until you find a church home be sure you are keeping that relationship alive elsewere.

[Devora]

Although I think having a personal relationship with Jesus is wonderful, it is not the answer for everyone and by no means is that the only way to define religion or to replace the missing piece. There are many other religions out there that provide that sense of belonging/belief in god

Thanks for adding this thought to the discussion. As someone who was raised Roman Catholic, was active in my faith, and even spent two years doing a master's degree in theology at a Catholic seminary --- but then converted to Judaism, I agree heartily that there are many religions that provide a sense of belonging and belief in God. I realize that for those who take a fundamentalist/literal interpretation of scripture it is difficult to understand how someone can read the Bible and come to a different conclusion about Jesus. But the fac tis that there are many people who interpret scripture in many different ways. Jews and Christians are a good example -- all of the references in Isaiah that Christians interpret as being prophesies about Jesus as the messiah, Jews do not interpret that way.

As for the original question, no one else can answer that question for you. They can say what their experiences have been, but as the responses here show there isn't one answer or even a clear consensus. It is your journey through your life. Keep listening to the questions in your head and heart and you will eventually find your way to answers that make sense for you.