Well, I am a practicing Catholic, and I can't really speak for all Catholics or the Church, but ... What the heck! I will!
First off, let me say that I can't believe that other faiths don't also have this issue of people dropping out (usually at around the late teens, or early twenties).
Perhaps someone here from a Protestant or Non-Christian faith can comment.
As for Catholics, well yes, many of us leave the Church. I certainly did.
Why??? I'm not sure. I guess I can say that I left because having to go to church for one hour every Sunday was a real pain. It was wayyyyyyyyyyyy to much to ask for. I mean, I had things to do, like... sleep off my hangovers, and watch football!!
And it was SO boring!!! Pray the same stuff. Stand; sit; stand; kneel; sit; stand... I mean, come ON!! And... just WHO were these people, anyway!??? First off, this ol' priest... in his usual boring, monotone voice... "Blahhh, blahhhh, blahhhh...Amen."
And whats with the cookie and the wine?? I don't get it!?
And the Church... Fascists!! Why can't I get laid? Hell...Sex was made for pleasure, right?? And all these rules...Its all bull, man!! We're not in the Dark Ages! What about MY rights!? I don't want no kid, you know... "Too many unwanted babies already"... and all that stuff. Sex...YES! Babies..no! Birth control doesnt hurt anyone. Its not like its a "real life" anyway... Is it??? I don't wanna hurt anyone. I just want what I want! Thats ok, to want something for me, and if people get hurt.. Hey too bad!! Life's a bitch!
And all these people sitting around me...Hypocrites!... Kneeling there...with those "holier than thou" looks on their faces...Judging me! Thinking they are better thann me!! SCREW THEM!
Hell, I don't need this crap! God is everywhere, right?? I don't have to get all dressed up and go fake faith for an hour! I can fake...err... I mean, I can pray to God here at home...Ummm, when and IF I ever do get around to praying... I mean, come on. God knows I meant to pray... There's plenty of time to get all religious later in life, when I get old and am afraid to die.. I mean, that IS why you see all those old people in church, right? They are going to die, and they want to make sure they go to heaven. Thats the ONLY reason they are there.. Those hypocrites!
Hell, I'm young! I deserve to party! I don't need all this guilt crap! Life is to have fun while you can! Its about "me"! Satisfying me. Finding pleasure for me! Me, me, me! Hey... I just want what I deserve!
Hell, why is everything fun a sin! That's stupid!
Besides... I don't know... I mean, is there REALLY a "God"??? I don't see Him. I don't feel Him. Look at all the bad things that happen in the world! Why does God let it happen! I suffer a lot, you know! Where's God for me?? ... What if God doesnt care? What if there is NO God!?...Ahhhhh! I dont wanna think about it! I have way too many important things going on in my life! School, career, bills, and of course, the girlfriend... Well, I need to find one. Hell, I need to get laid!! Sex, my friend... THAT's what its all about! Getting laid... Gettin' high! Havin' fun!
God knows I believe in him...If He really does exist, that is. I pray in "my own way", ok!!!??? Get off my back!!
I don't need it! It's a crutch, man! "God" is for the weak! Those that cant handle life, and need to beleive in something to make them feel better. The "opium of the people", right!??...Who said that? Ghandi, right? Some smart dude!
Hypocrites! All of you! I don't need your guilt trip... get off my back!
It's MY life!!!
.
.
I was wrong. I found it out the hard way... I WAS wrong!
Like I said, I am practicing again. "Practice makes perfect", right?
I AM "the Prodigal Son."
You know, a kindley elderly nun once told us during a lecture that one time a concerned couple came up to her. They were concerned about their teenage son. "Sister! We're afraid that he is losing his faith!", they said.
"No.", Said Sister St. John, "He's not losing his faith... He's losing YOUR faith!"
She explained that that boy, like most all of us, had this "faith" BECAUSE of his parents. It was what he was taught since a very young boy. He was told to believe this.
It was, in fact, his parent's faith... Not his.
He had to find his own, IF at all. Some do. Many don't. ( "Many are invited...")
"Free will", right?
Peace
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My love for you
It's in the things I do and say
If I wanna live I gotta
Die to myself someday.
Surrender.