[joesbucks]

I, unlike you, don't want authority as in telling me what to do, but rather leading and teaching me the proper way to have my faith.

You can have authority, yet be kind and thoughtful, but many (most) can't balance both.

[fdcc]

I, unlike you, don't want authority as in telling me what to do, but rather leading and teaching me the proper way to have my faith.

We largely agree. The Church does lead and teach in the faith. As for the first part, what does the Church command its followers to do?

1. I must attend Mass on Sundays.

2. I must confess my sins at least once a year.

3. I must receive Holy Communion during the Easter season.

4. I must observe the Holy Days of Obligation. [i.e. attend Mass on these special days.]

5. I must observe the days of abstinence and fasting. [No meat on the Fridays of Lent and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.]

These are the precepts of the Church. They aren't onerous and they are for my own good.

Now, the Church has condemned many practices that the modern world has embraced. Since I believe that the Church is an authority on faith and morals, I obey.