Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 3
November 22, 1951
NUMBER 29, PAGE 11

"Why I Left The Catholic Church"

R. Ervin Driskill, Columbus, Georgia

(Dear Brother Tant: I am enclosing an article which we ran recently in our local paper, written by a former Catholic on "Why I Left the Catholic Church and Became A Christian." Evidently some Catholics do not believe we have been reaching any of their members with the truth, for they have been asking, "why don't you print any statements from Catholics whom you have converted'? We felt it would not be to the best interest to reveal the name of this man, as he would undoubtedly be discriminated against by Catholics with whom he might have association in business and under whom he might serve. But if any reader of the Guardian is interested, this man may be contacted through the church here. — R. Ervin Driskill)

Several Catholics have obeyed the gospel in this area since we started reviewing their ads through the local paper, and another, a soldier who has seen our reviews a Catholic teaching, has expressed his desire to leave Roman Catholicism and embrace the teaching of Christ on his next return from Ft. Bragg. Certain Catholics have asked, "WHY don't you have some of those leaving the Catholic Church give their reasons for so doing"? We are glad to let a former Catholic, and a Knights of Columbus, tell why he renounced Catholicism and became a member of the Lord's church. (Acts 20:28)

"My first resentment to Catholicism goes back to about the age of seven. I never resented tipping my hat to the "sisters," because they were women but, since the priests were mere men, and other men were not accorded this respect, I saw no reason why I should take my hat off to them. I have now learned, from the Word of God, that such distinction is not to be accorded a class of men in the church of God. Jesus said, " . . . all ye are brethren." (Matt. 23:8) Here Jesus condemned showing respect of person among his people. Later, in a rural school, the scriptures were read (Matt. 23) and as the teacher read—"and call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven"—it made a lasting impression on me.

Later, when I thought I was old enough to "sow my wild oats," so to speak, (and began dancing, drinking and carousing) I began to wonder why the priest condoned such conduct as he never lectured me on the evils of such a life but, on the contrary, would even drink and gamble himself.

Early in life I began to wonder how any man could receive power to forgive sins. Catholics deny that they claim to forgive sins but, the fact remains that the priest says, "I" absolve thee. I have learned, from the scriptures, that the scriptures used by the Catholic Church, to justify their claim, has been perverted to their liking. As men obeyed the teaching of the apostles their sins were remitted and as they disobeyed, their sins were retained. (Acts 2:38, 41)

Not satisfied with Catholicism and having asked the priest for a Bible (after returning from overseas and he telling me I didn't need a Bible, that only the priest could interpret it) I began to attend Protestant churches, to see what they had to offer. I was not satisfied with Protestant religion and because of my parents and my early training I decided to go back and be a good Catholic. I went to the mission and talked with the missionary about my discontent. As time passed and I observed the dancing, drinking and gambling, sponsored by the Catholic Church, and the conduct of the members, at the Knights of Columbus meetings, (the priest being one of the biggest gamblers) I could not see that that was the right life for a child of God. Experience thus, taught me the priest was a poor example. All the questions I asked the priest were cleverly averted and I became dissatisfied and unhappy. Finally, in my work, I came in contact with the church of Christ and was given a Bible. Through a study of the New Testament and attending the services, while the scriptures were being taught, I learned that it taught and practiced what the church in the New Testament taught so, believing (Mk. 16:16), repenting (Acts 2:38), and being buried with Christ in baptism (Col. 2:12), I became a New Testament Christian (Acts 11:26) a member of the church of Christ (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 16:16) I have been a member of the church, two years, and I am completely happy because I have done what God's Word says to do and I therefore trust Him for His promises.

If anyone would like to know further why I left the Catholic Church and became a Christian, contact me through the Rose Hill Church of Christ, Hamilton Rd. and 23rd Street, Columbus, Georgia."

—O—

Frank Trayler, Chaplain, USAF, Boerne, Texas, Nov. 13: "The work starts well in Boerne, Texas, where I am giving some "spare-time" effort from my duties at Lackland. More than 60 attended each of the past two Sunday mornings, and the congregation is making plans for much improvement. Attendance at Chapel No. 4 at 2:00 p.m. last Sunday reached 159, and two Airmen were baptized into Christ."