I find myself unable to align with your reasoning and the selective use of scripture to substantiate your viewpoint.

Okay you said selective use of scripture to substantiate my viewpoint. But out of the two of us on the only one that actually used scripture. Would you like to provide some scripture that substantiates your own viewpoint? Then I'll respond. Because either God's word is the ultimate authority, or your own thoughts and feelings are.

You know who else doesn't think that God's word is the ultimate authority? The Catholic Church.

I don't fault you for having a bad experience with that organization that has deviated so far from and added so much to God's word and made their own standards.

However I believe that's led you to an over generalization fallacy. Not all churches or organizations are equal. That's like saying you won't fly an American flag because LGBT Q+ and Nazi flags exist so you're holding flags as a whole accountable.

At the end of the day God's word commands believers to be a part of the body of Christ. That is part of worshiping God. If you love God you will obey His commandments. Just as Jesus said that the Sabbath wasn't for God, it was for men, the same can be said for attending church. It's not so God can grow in himself, it's so you can be surrounded by other believers and grow.

I would encourage you to find a solid local, non-catholic Church and attend.

I understand that you've been burned before and your instinct is to avoid the kitchen entirely. Fair enough. But the answer is not starvation, it is finding a place that actually cooks real food.

Here's what I would suggest looking for:

📖 1. Scripture Is the Final Authority Preaching comes straight from the Bible, not opinions dressed in religious language The pastor explains the text in context, not cherry-picked slogans Look for steady teaching through books like Romans or Ephesians

✝️ 2. Christ-Centered, Not Institution-Centered Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the focus Salvation is taught as grace through faith, not earned performance No sense that the church itself is the gatekeeper of salvation

👥 3. Healthy Leadership (Plural and Accountable) More than one elder or leader, not a one-man show Leaders are approachable and accountable No celebrity-pastor culture

🧱 4. Clear Gospel, Not Guilt Manipulation Sin is taken seriously, but grace is bigger No pressure tactics, fear-based control, or spiritual intimidation Repentance is real, but not weaponized

🤝 5. Real Community (Not Just a Weekly Event) People actually know each other Opportunities for fellowship, service, and mutual care You are not just a seat-filler

🛐 6. Simple, Reverent Worship Focus on God, not production value Music and liturgy support truth, not emotional hype Ordinances like baptism and communion are practiced thoughtfully

⚖️ 7. Transparency and Integrity Financial clarity No secrecy around leadership decisions Willingness to answer hard questions without getting defensive