Welcome to the Board, Ignorance_is_Strength!
You sound a bit like my daughter, who was about 12 when she realized how chauvinistic and disapproving of "independent thinking" the organization is. All of my kids found it easier to make friends with "worldly" kids -- let's face it, the JW kids were not allowed to be themselves and thus it was hard to know who, exactly, one was making friends with -- JW kids always had to wear a clock of righteousness which served as a mask.
I'm glad that you made your way out and hope that your dad, not being too strong, won't turn his back on you. I take it that you never did get baptized, so you won't be subject to shunning from your family, although you'll likely be an outcast as far as the local congregation sees things. As this prospect does not appear to bother you too much, and as you are planning on university, I think you'll do just fine.
My advice about religion is similar to Dawn's: religions are man-made and worship of God does not require adherance to any one sect. I can understand Catholocism's appeal -- when I was young I figured since the Catholics claimed the unbroken chain back to "Pope" Peter, that was a very good place to start for one believing in Jesus as Savior -- and it IS rich with tradition and beauty (in stark contrast to KHs).
I think it would be better for you if you went away to university and explored various Christian churches then, rather than upset your parents while you are still at home. I agree that it is easier for a JW parent to accept that their child has lost all faith in god (become an atheist) than to reject "true Christianity" for what a JW has been conditioned to believe is "Christendom." (I speak from experience.)
Good luck in whatever you decide is best for you, and again, welcome!
outnfree
