“Everything else is bells and whistles.”
I’m afraid that I must disagree most strongly.
How can I begin to describe the contribution “bells and whistles” have made to the salvation of souls? To the conversion of entire peoples, for that matter?
Music, art, and poetry are powerful. God often uses them to move hard hearts and exalt the hearts of the faithful. (When I say “poetry,” I mean prayers such as the Anima Christi and the Salve Regina, in the original Latin.) Sacred music, sacred art, and incense can help a person prepare for prayer.
Catholicism that scorns “bells and whistles” is halfway down the aisle to Protestantism.
I didn't know bells and whistles "contributed" to saving our souls.
I believe Jesus saves my soul.