“I Followed Every Catholic Marriage Rule… Until I Realized the Harm" - An Ex-Catholic Wife's Story

Intrinsically Ordered

In this episode of Intrinsically Ordered, I sit down with Isabelle, who grew up immersed in traditional Catholicism—daily rosaries, novenas, and all. Over time, she shifted toward progressive Catholicism before beginning a slow and painful unraveling of belief. We talk about mental health, OCD masked as virtue, the reality of Catholic marriage and NFP, gender and sexuality, and the psychological manipulation baked into so many teachings. Isabelle shares how motherhood, philosophy, and her relationship with her non-Catholic husband helped her reclaim agency and begin truly living. It’s raw, real, and deeply moving.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:21 Early Catholic Upbringing
01:08 Struggles with Faith and Mental Health
01:57 Deconstruction Journey Begins
04:42 Neurodivergence and Religion
13:18 College Years and Evolving Beliefs
19:11 Marriage and Catholic Rules
25:16 Challenges with Natural Family Planning
32:32 Realizing the Harm of Church Teachings
33:59 Questioning God's Behavior
35:12 Struggles with Church Teachings on Parenting
36:32 Self-Doubt and Leaving the Church
43:58 The Impact of NFP and Personal Choices
45:45 The Tipping Point: Intersex Identities
48:46 Final Steps Away from the Church
49:42 Life After Leaving the Church
52:21 Reflections and Final Thoughts

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