Against many expectations...

I'm about to declare something that I'm sure will disappoint more readers than it pleases:

I am converting from nondenominational Christianity...to Roman Catholicism. Complete with the doctrine of papal infallibility, including on politics.

I had talked with my family about the prospect months ago, and unsurprisingly, while they respect Christianity, they find full-fledged Catholicism hard to tolerate. It's certainly one of the least popular denominations of any religion among people I know personally or vicariously. But the social stigma has lately been my primary reason for staying nondenom, and I've finally admitted to myself that I can't morally justify keeping my faith secret.

My decision has come after a hostile religion course, an off-forum debate with a Mormon, certain philosophy course debates, many expressions of annoyance by LJ users, and even some discreet jabs within the local Christian community. So don't think I've listened to one side only.

Also -- don't any of my LJ friends fear that this entry signals a significant change in my entries from now on. I expect to stay as non-preachy as before.