Kathleen interviews David Ross, a man who underwent a profound transformation from atheistic Satanism to Catholicism in 2009. David, the creator and host of the CVS podcast, shares insights into his spiritual journey, his struggles, and the intellectual and emotional aspects of his path to Catholicism.
David's journey, as he describes it, has been one of intellectual exploration and discovery. A self-proclaimed seeker, he delved into various worldviews and philosophies before finding solace in Roman Catholicism. The pivotal moment came after years of studying Western philosophy when he embraced the belief that Jesus Christ is God and joined the Catholic Church.
The conversation touches upon the head-heart dichotomy in David's spiritual evolution. While his journey was largely intellect-driven, he acknowledges the importance of integrating the emotional and intuitive aspects into his faith. Kathleen emphasizes the significance of opening one's heart to experience the emotions connected to a relationship with God, recounting her own powerful moments of divine connection.
David also shares his struggle with emotional expression, attributing it, in part, to his gender. He acknowledges the challenge of accessing emotions and expresses a desire for a more heartfelt connection with his faith. Kathleen suggests that nature and experiences like hiking can facilitate heart-opening, encouraging David to explore emotional healing in his spiritual quest.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Kathleen raises the topic of trauma in David's life. He reveals a family history marked by suicides, hinting at the potential impact on his emotional well-being. David admits to bottling up emotions since childhood, but he also acknowledges moments of authentic emotional release, such as laughing fits.
The discussion transitions into the role of prayer and spiritual practices in David's life. Kathleen suggests a rosary novena as a powerful tool to open his heart further. David, who already prays the rosary regularly, appreciates the suggestion and acknowledges the ongoing improvement needed in his prayer life.
The conversation concludes with Kathleen and David discussing the role of crisis in opening the heart. David shares a personal experience of a drug-induced breakdown in his early twenties, which, despite its dark aspects, provided a profound sense of aliveness. Both caution against resorting to such extreme measures and emphasize the need for a natural, God-guided process of emotional and spiritual growth.
In summary, David Ross' journey from atheistic Satanism to Catholicism offers a unique perspective on the intersection of intellect, emotion, and spirituality. His openness to exploring both the head and the heart aspects of his faith showcases the complexity and depth of the human spiritual experience. As he continues on his path, guided by prayer and a desire for emotional connection, David serves as an example of resilience and transformation on the road to spiritual awakening.
