I know you are truly seeking , there are others here that can help you much more than I, I am the least of God's creatures. I consider myself a literal Christian. And I always do my own research and interpretation. Some churches and preachers tend to pick and choose what scriptures they want to live by. For example, some churches say homosexuals will go to hell, that is true , but that verse that they ride on also list the adulterer , the alcoholic , thief's , murderer ect , all in the same paragraph. Must read everything into context. And you don't need a priest to talk to God for you, you can have your own personal relationship with Jesus. Catholic Church is like the pharisees.