From Atheism to Faith: A Journey of Discovery.

: From Atheism to Faith: A Journey of Discovery, Truth, and Transformation

Welcome to a space where spiritual seeking meets authentic discovery—a guide for those navigating their faith journey, longing for deeper meaning, and wondering if a more personal, profound relationship with God is possible. Whether you’re wrestling with belief, seeking truth, or simply yearning for peace and direction, Psalm 23 Unwrapped by Paula Rose Parish offers a spiritual compass, helping you chart a course toward spiritual renewal, personal growth, and divine encounter.

This blog explores Paula’s powerful testimony, her transformation from atheism to faith, and how her unique journey can serve as a guide for anyone searching for spiritual truth.

✨ A Divine Encounter: From Atheism to Faith

Imagine a life defined by disbelief—where spiritual matters felt irrelevant or even absurd. That was Paula Rose Parish’s world before she encountered Jesus Christ in a moment of blinding light. With just two words, “Follow Me,” everything changed.

For Paula, this was no abstract religious experience. It was a literal encounter with the divine that cut through years of disbelief, pride, and confusion. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would take her from committed atheism to vibrant faith—transforming not only her beliefs but her purpose, identity, and life trajectory.

🙏 From Pastor to Pilgrim: A Protestant’s Path to Rome

After her conversion, Paula was ordained as a Protestant pastor in Australia, serving faithfully for years. But her spiritual hunger led her deeper. The more she studied Scripture, Church history, and theology, the more she found herself drawn to the roots of the Christian faith—the Catholic Church.

Embracing Catholicism wasn’t an abandonment of her faith—it was its fulfilment. She discovered a richer sacramental life, a deeper theological tradition, and a spiritual home in the historical Church that has safeguarded the truth of the Gospel for over 2,000 years.

Her transition was not without struggle, but it was marked by grace and conviction. Today, Paula shares her story as a testimony to God’s guiding hand and as a witness to the unity, beauty, and truth found in the Catholic faith.

📘 Psalm 23 Unwrapped: A Guide for the Weary Soul

In her book, Psalm 23 Unwrapped, Paula uses the beloved shepherd’s psalm as a roadmap for spiritual growth and healing. Like a traveller relying on a map, readers are guided step-by-step into deeper intimacy with God. This book is for the doubter, the seeker, the weary believer—anyone longing for rest, purpose, and divine companionship.

It’s not just theology—it’s a journey of the heart, filled with personal stories, biblical insight, and pastoral wisdom.

🧠 Academic Depth Meets Spiritual Wisdom

Paula’s journey is also shaped by robust academic training:

Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Master of Arts in Counselling, with a focus on spiritual abuse in the Church
Certified Life Coach through BACP
Life Member of the International Society of Female Professionals (ISFP)

Her ministry combines theological insight with psychological care and pastoral compassion—a rare blend that equips her to guide others with both truth and tenderness.

💒 Why Catholicism Matters Today

Is Catholicism Christian? Absolutely. In fact, Catholicism is the oldest and most continuous expression of Christianity, rooted directly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Catholic Church has preserved, interpreted, and lived the faith consistently for 2,000 years—through Scripture, Tradition, and the living Magisterium (teaching authority).

Many today, especially young Catholics, struggle with understanding the unique role the Catholic Church plays in interpreting the Bible, safeguarding doctrine, and offering the fullness of the Christian life. Paula’s story offers clarity in this area.

🔍 Comparing Catholic and Protestant Views on Salvation

Topic	Catholic View	Protestant View
Grace	Salvation by grace, but cooperation required	Grace alone, no cooperation needed
Faith	Faith + works (Gal 5:6; James 2:17)	Faith alone (sola fide)
Works	Integral to sanctification	Evidence of faith, not a requirement
Sacraments	Channels of grace, essential to salvation	Mostly symbolic (except for some traditions)
Assurance	Hopeful, not absolute	Often believed to be certain if faith is genuine

Scripture and the early Church Fathers back the Catholic perspective, showing that salvation is both a gift and a lived response.

🏛️ Early Church Support for Catholic Teaching

The early Church Fathers, closer in time to Christ and the apostles, affirm Catholic beliefs:

Faith & Works: “Faith alone cannot save us, for faith must be accompanied by obedience and love.” – St. Irenaeus
Baptism: “Without baptism, salvation is impossible.” – Tertullian
Eucharist: “They do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of Jesus Christ.” – St. Ignatius of Antioch
Grace & Free Will: “He who created you without you will not justify you without you.” – St. Augustine

📜 Who Gave Us the Bible?

The Catholic Church did.

The Bible wasn’t finalized until the 4th century.
Catholic bishops, at councils like Hippo (393 A.D.) and Carthage (397 A.D.), confirmed the 73 books of the canon.
Protestant reformers later removed seven Old Testament books (the Deuterocanonicals), breaking from historical consensus.

As St. Augustine once said: “I would not believe the Gospel unless moved by the authority of the Catholic Church.”

🌍 Catholicism in Asia: A Growing Flame

Catholicism is growing, particularly in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, over 1,000 people were baptized or confirmed this Easter—a powerful witness to the Church’s relevance and vibrancy. The Catholic Church there is investing in youth outreach, building community, and constructing a massive Catholic Hub set to open in 2026.

These efforts mirror Paula’s mission: to evangelize, educate, and restore trust in the Church—especially for cradle Catholics who may feel lost or disconnected.

🗣️ Final Reflection: Why We Need Faithful Guides

As one online commenter insightfully put it:

“The Bible is not self-interpreting. It’s one of the most difficult tomes there is… You need an authentic, historical interpreter. That’s what the Catholic Church has provided.”

Faith needs formation. Scripture needs interpretation. The soul needs shepherding. And that’s where voices like Paula Rose Parish offer hope and help.

✝️ Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits

Paula’s life is a witness to the grace of God, the richness of Catholicism, and the beauty of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story encourages us not to settle for shallow faith, but to dig deep—into history, Scripture, tradition, and personal transformation.

Whether you’re deconstructing your faith or rebuilding it from scratch, Psalm 23 Unwrapped is a worthy companion. And Paula? She’s a guide who has walked the road ahead and invites you to follow the voice that changed her life: “Follow Me.”