On the other hand, secular sources aren't very reliable when it comes to Liturgical, Ecclesial, and Eschatological Theology; not to mention, the graces and blessings associated with them.

The term “Religion” is based on the Latin word ‘religio’ which means ‘to bind.’

Religion isn't merely a pastime, it's part of our essence as human beings. If we don't bind ourselves to God, we will attach ourselves to something inferior and slowly self-destruct.

Piety is linked to the cardinal virtue of justice. It demands that we render to God the love and respect that we owe him as our Creator. Religion inspires us to do just that. Restricting access to religion (especially to children) is called censorship.

Every monotheistic religion is ordered to God but there are major theological differences between them. The one area where most share some common ground is the temporal benefits it provides mankind.

• Religion orients the mind toward God.
• It encourages virtuous living.
• It raises personal standards.
• It promotes solidarity and subsidiarity.
• It teaches respect for duty and law.
• It has a high regard for physical creation.
• It encourages intellectual and scientific progress that doesn't violate human dignity.

Temporal benefits are good but truth matters more. Every believer must deal with the fact that different faith traditions and different denominations within a faith tradition can't be equally true, at least not without violating a basic tenet of logic called ‘the law of non-contradiction.’

If you're a former Catholic, maybe you received lousy catechesis as a kid or became disillusioned with imperfect people (like me), who let you down or didn't always set the best example. Sin, disappointment, and betrayal are real and they hurt, but don't let them deprive you of the abundance of grace available in the rich intellectual, spiritual, sacramental, and apostolic tradition established by Jesus Christ.

Another thing, ninety-nine percent of all faith traditions have something else in common, they’re not Catholic. With numbers like that, Catholicism is either an extreme form of idolatry, or just maybe its doctrines and practices contain sublime things the others lack.

Put your preconceived notions and prejudices aside, and consider the evidence for yourself. It's coherent, extensive, and reasonable.

If you're a former Catholic, maybe you received lousy catechesis as a kid or became disillusioned with imperfect people (like me), who let you down or didn't always set the best example. Sin, disappointment, and betrayal are real and they hurt, but don't let them deprive you of the abundance of grace available in the rich intellectual, spiritual, sacramental, and apostolic tradition established by Jesus Christ, as part of God’s new and final covenant that will prevail regardless of politics, persecution, heresy, schism, war, and treachery.

Get yourself better informed! Take the time to do a deeper dive into Catholic Theology, which is far different than Catholic opinions, myths, and poorly contextualized history. A simple way to start is by checking out Father Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” and “Catechism in a Year” podcast archives.

If you prefer a scholarly analysis, also dig into the “Summa Contra Gentiles” and the “Summa Theologiae” written by St. Thomas Aquinas, the preeminent Catholic Theologian and Philosopher of the High Middle Ages.

Most especially, contact a Catholic Parish for information about their Adult Education Program (aka RICA). The only commitment is some of your time.

Try making a New Year's resolution with eternal benefits! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. At the very least it will improve your knowledge base; however, more importantly, it could lead to a deeply profound Eucharistic relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, that will transform your life forever.

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