<2021-07-06T00:45:34.000Z> hourmutt: Some semi-unsolicited advice:
<2021-07-06T00:47:08.000Z> hourmutt: If you're sure you're ready to start courting a women (sounds like you are, but it should receive a lot of serious deliberation) there are some things you can do to improve your odds of finding someone
<2021-07-06T00:47:55.000Z> hourmutt: It's entirely possible someone will fall into your lap, but it's not something to bet on. In fact, the more you bet on it the less likely it is to happen.
<2021-07-06T00:48:50.000Z> hourmutt: I would recommend joining a christian community first and foremost. There are also some good hobbies and social activities that might be worth it.
<2021-07-06T00:51:35.000Z> WoodshopHandman: That's the plan, but I don't want to be dishonest about it, if that makes sense. Like I don't want to just join a church group if I'm just doing it to meet women. I want to do it because I want a community, but I also don't want to try to force myself into a community that I don't agree with, because it would feel like I'm using them, in a sense.
<2021-07-06T00:51:40.000Z> hourmutt: Obviously I would say go for a Catholic community. You don't have to find an uber-trad latin parish. Pious people show up to daily Masses and youth group devotion/adoration activities. You'll find them. For an orthodox community its best if you have an ethnic or familial tie. I can't really vouch for any other denominations.
<2021-07-06T00:54:36.000Z> hourmutt: You shouldn't have to force yourself to conform to a church community you're trying to join. That just won't work out. But you will need to have some humulity and patience. You'll undoubtedly find things that rub you the wrong way or are hard to process.
<2021-07-06T00:56:43.000Z> hourmutt: The truth is you're not going to find any denomination that is 100% on board with Our Thing. Don't be too picky about that. With a little luck you'll find likeminded/sympathetic people.
<2021-07-06T00:59:51.000Z> WoodshopHandman: Yeah, believe me, that humility bit has been something I've been working on. As it stands, I've never really been to church apart from a Baptist church a few times as a kid, times I can barely remember now. I believe myself to be a Christian because all of my experiences have led me towards that view. It just made sense to me that there's a God and the Christian God was the one that answered my prayers. My beliefs are very "unrefined" because of this though. I'm not terribly well-studied on any texts beyond the KJV Bible, and even then I can't pull quotes like some can. I guess I'm just trying to find which denomination can tell me things I probably already know, but never thought about or put into words.
<2021-07-06T01:07:57.000Z> hourmutt: I would encourage you to go to some different services/Masses each Sunday then. The presentation of the liturgy, the people, and the church itself will tell you a lot about a denomination or parish. You might feel a sense of urgency but this isn't something you should rush.
<2021-07-06T01:11:32.000Z> hourmutt: For Catholicism specifically, contact your local parish and join an RCIA class. It's very noncommittal. They walk through the basics of theology and the Catholic faith (a lot of which applies to other denoms too). They usually start in the fall. If that seems slow, you can always pick up a copy of the Catechism yourself and start working through it. I'd be happy to try answering any questions that come up. 
<2021-07-06T01:12:00.000Z> WoodshopHandman: I appreciate all of the advice. It's not something I take very lightly, but it is something that I'm just clueless on, so I'll take any help I can get.
<2021-07-06T01:13:42.000Z> hourmutt: I'm very glad I can be of some help.
<2021-09-19T16:57:26.000Z> hourmutt: Hey Woodshop. Have you been able to find an RCIA program? They usually start around this time of year if you're interested.
<2021-09-19T17:55:32.000Z> WoodshopHandman: I'll be looking out for them, but it's gonna be a bit tricky this year because of some personal things I've got going on making planning out any sort of schedule right now a fool's errand. When I do this, I want to make sure that I can fully devote myself to it
<2021-09-19T18:17:40.000Z> hourmutt: Alright. Praying for you man