“I’m not Catholic because _________.”

Most of my writing deals with Catholic topics. And that makes sense because, after all, I am a Catholic.

But from the statistics and feedback I receive, I know my blog draws many non-Catholic readers. That’s probably a result of being a former non-Catholic myself, and it’s something I’m really happy about.

My problem, though, is that I do a poor job of listening to them. I’m often caught playing ‘inside baseball,’ writing and talking with people who believe exactly the same things I do while ignoring those who don’t.

So in the interest of venturing outside the Catholic bubble, this post is an invitation to all non-Catholics. Whether you’re atheist, agnostic, Mormon, Muslim, Evangelical, Reformed Calvinist, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, Eastern Orthodox, Zoroastrian, Baptist, or even Pastafarian, whatever you are, I want to hear from you.

More specifically, I’d love for you to fill in this blank:

“I’m not Catholic because __________.”

It’s easy for Catholics like me to assume we know the reasons why others reject Catholicism. But I don’t want to assume; I want to listen. I want to hear your own thoughts.

What’s the one thing that really bugs you about Catholicism? What teachings do you see as utterly irrational or morally bankrupt? What are the biggest barriers to you believing in God or in the Catholic Church?

This isn’t a debate. I won’t attempt to refute you. I just want to listen.

So share your answer below: “I’m not Catholic because ______.”