My dear friend,

I appreciate your view on my faith! The fact that anything I do can amaze another person is a deeply humbling experience for me :)

When I first read this, my immediate thought was of Cardinal Ratzinger. When the future Pope Benedict was asked how many paths there were to God, he answered, simply, “As many as there are people.” This is the tone I wish to impart.

I think the emphasis of your ask might be a bit too focused on externals. Let’s delve into the internal, existential struggles. What is truth? How do we discern it? What has and can be revealed to us? How do we react in love to the one who first loved us? How do we worship the one who gives us eternal life?

The Church rightly teaches that all creation is inherently good, because it is, after all, from God. And because all creation is from God, who created something out of nothing, then all creation in some way or other points to the Truth and gives praise to God. This includes non-Christian religious thought! The Church teaches that the religious traditions, which seek to search for and discern God’s presence in the world, must by their virtue in some way have truth (though to what extent is a question for another day).

We as Catholics believe that because all creation and the natural order points to God, the Truth, then therefore all humanity can enough discern and come to know the Truth. We, as humans, are wired to search for God, whom our heart longs for. St. Augustine’s famous quote “My heart is restless, O Lord, until it rests in you” beautifully sums this up.

I encourage you to continue in your journey to God. To continue questioning reality and determining truth. Maybe don’t focus too much on specifics for now like doctrinal creeds. I feel a more fundamental basis of faith should be explored. 

I realize I haven’t given you a direct answer—just more questions to ponder. And this was my goal. If you were to ask an apologist, I’m sure they’d give you a quick and easy answer or some set of ‘proofs.’ This in my view is dangerous—an attempt to rationalize the irrational, in my opinion. This is not what I wish for you. Never take easy answers. QUESTION. EVERYTHING.

I sincerely wish you blessings along your journey. Life is tough, it is complex, and doubt is just a part of faith. I would stay away from anyone that tells you their faith is perfect and they never doubt. This is nonsense.

God bless,

Raymond