For eight years, Bert received a rigorous classical education: History of Religion, Philosophy-Ontology, Epistemology, History of Philosophy, Biblical Studies, Scientific Issues, Latin, Greek, Music. The curriculum was demanding. The environment was strict. The expectation was clear: these young men would serve the Church.
Bert excelled. His transcripts show marks of 17 and 18 (out of 20) in philosophy and epistemology. He absorbed everything they taught him—the tools of critical thinking, the frameworks for understanding the world, the discipline of sustained intellectual work. For eight years, his thirst for knowledge overshadowed his disdain for the strict and structured life he was living.
But he never took vows. He never intended to.
The seminary was the only library available to a farmer's son. Bert had used it. He took what he needed—the education, the foundation, the credentials—and when both he and the priest recognized it was time, he walked away.
Finally, Bert went to the lead priest and told him how he felt. The priest felt the same way. He told Bert that he should leave and seek a life in the secular community.
The Church had expected a priest. They got a philosopher who would spend the rest of his life questioning everything, including them.