I was raised Catholic and then transitioned to a nondenominational church and now I don't go to church at all but I still believe in God. For those that follow a similar path, what do you use as a moral compass? Do you still read the Bible? Does that matter to you?

I'm similar. Grew up Baptist, the non-denominational church and now I just call myself Agnostic though I believe in God. I don't read the bible anymore. My moral compass is the golden rule: to treat others the way I would want to be treated. When I see someone do something I admire, I want to emulate them and do the same for someone else. Not for the return of karma or heaven, just for the happiness that it gives me. Empathy, consideration and compassion are the foundations of that.

Same. I realized no matter the religion, I just hate people in general.

When I think of all the harm the Catholic Church has caused, with everything from wars to colonialism to protecting pedophile priests I am doubtful and skeptical of any moral compass stemming from that religion.

I follow the golden rule and the no harm principal. Treat others how you want to be treated. Don’t be bothered by what someone else is doing unless it is harming someone. Leave it better than you found it - both with people and with places you visit

I am sort of in the same boat. I was born into a nondenominational church and even wanted to be a pastor but I left the faith when I was 17. After that I spent a lot of time looking into what other religions believe so I could better understand people in general. I also looked into philosophy, mythology, mysticism, and the occult. None of which to change my ideologies to something specific but to just widen my perspective into what make this universe and all who live in it tick.

As far as a moral compass, I think on how I would want to be treated but also understand that all people are unique and have different customs and cultures that might vary from what I believe is a correct way to be treated. This is where researching into other faiths and cultures has come in handy. There is good and bad in everything we are taught and learn; it’s up to you to sift through it all and be a good person on your own terms. Be accepting, willing to listen and learn as well as non-judgmental and you will do fine.

I don't think the church has ever been a moral compass for me. I think your relationship with God is a very personal one (probably why I never cared for church and stopped attending the moment I could). Certainly still read the Bible and pray.

My moral compass is probably most influenced by Philippians 4:8.

Your moral compass is basic human decency, equity and respect. If it actively harms someone, don't do it.

Guys, I know it’s just a thing to say without thinking too hard about it, but I invite you to meditate upon the difference between “I treat people the way I would want to be treated,” and “I treat people how they want to be treated.”

I came from a very religious background, and I made my exit about 13 years ago. This is what I've learned:

You don't need a book to serve as a moral compass. Morality is not something that is given to people from some external source of truth. It comes from our individual and communal senses of empathy. Ask yourself, "will this action exploit someone? Cause pain to someone? Ease someone's burden? Cause someone to smile?" and then strive to act in accordance with the things you wish to realize in yourself and others.

This decision-making is much harder to do than to pass off onto some pre-existing book of morals, but it is more rewarding. And really, truly, you will feel more like a person with agency if you make conscious moral decisions like that.

I kind of went a semi opposite way. Raised Catholic, but became nominally Catholic in my teens/early 20s, then became much more diligent in my early 20s because my wife’s (then girlfriend’s) mom was pretty anti-a Catholic. Now I teach apologetics for Catholicism/Christianity.

I know it may seem inappropriate, but I would suggest reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Read it like a philosophy book. It really does delve deep into what morality is, second order consequences, etc.

I would even be happy to send you one, if you would like.

I went the opposite way. Non-denominational > Seventh Day Adventist > Episcopalian > Catholic.

The Bible has been my constant throughout. Beyond that, basic moral principles have also been a constant throughout, and those line up well with the morality taught in each of those sects.

Same OP. Raised Catholic and the minute I was confirmed I never went to church again.

As far as moral compass goes, I treat people with respect and the way I would want to be treated, feel empathy and apologize if I do end up hurting someone, and I think that my childhood full of Catholic guilt has done a good job in forming a baseline for me morally. It’s also wreaked havoc on my self confidence, but that’s something I’ve largely been able to deal with.

I think if you grew up Catholic as well then your moral compass is already much stronger than you think it is. In fact I’d bet real money that it is based on the fact that you’re concerned and are asking this question at all.

Raised Mormon and have left. Like other said, the golden rule is really all that is needed. If the afterlife is a thing I'll be in good shape.

I raised catholic went to catholic school til high school. Still attended mass semi-regularly through college. Now don’t go to any church, I still believe but just don’t feel the need to crowd into a church with a bunch of other people. I find God where I am, whether it beautiful sunrise on my way to work, beautiful sunset at home, a quiet still morning in the woods etc. As far as moral compass I generally try to not be an asshole. I try not to actively cause harm to myself or others.

Had a similar upbringing! Grew up in a Black Baptist church (that matters for cultural implications) and was raised very conservatively. As I’ve grown up and found my own identity, I’ve realized I definitely believe in God, but the idea of a formalized religion doesn’t sit right for me. I became progressive through education during this shift which definitely aided in the pillars of my belief system shifting.
My moral compass is usually driven by the needs of people around me. Underlying foundational values are autonomy, support, and empathy — basically just being a good neighbor/human.
I don’t really read the Bible much (and never really did outside of bible study to be honest lol). Gospel music is much more my cup of tea.

Just don’t do anything to anyone that you wouldn’t want to be done to yourself. That’s the best and most simple moral compass regardless of your religion choices.

Raised orthodox, went nondenom. Left Christianity, explored many other religions, now identify as a follower of Christ and his teachings. Volunteered hundreds (maybe thousands?) of hours in the church. Was also kicked out of church. Ended up in seminary at one point.

I’m still a person of faith, but I struggle to align with many Christians today, especially in the church. I use Christ’s life as an example of morality. Not all issues are as black and white as “be a decent human” or “treat others as you would like to be treated.” I wish life were that easy… I still read the Bible but focus on New Testament, and I take in a lot of podcast content from the Bible Project which adds the much-needed context to the Old Testament. I still also read about other religious leaders, especially the Buddha. I don’t think our religions are too fart apart or different. Most of us are striving for goodness, peace, and understanding.

I will also say that, yes, most religions do have dark histories. I do not believe this has to be a reflection of the teachings. Rather, it’s the folly of man. In the case of most religions, the commandment is non-violence.

Was in a similar boat. You need the people you need a group. We just all fade away eventually if we don’t. Get connected and get encouraged. No church is perfect but find a group of prayer warriors that can help you through time of trouble. Things always hit the fan in your life having that group there helps a lot. I didn’t have it when I needed it and by Gods grace I made it through the other side. Hind sight. Wish I did thing differently.