I DO think this is a Catholic/Protestant thing. The Catholics tend to use ritual and priests as an interpreter and Protestants tend to just read. Not bad or good in either direction, both are beautiful in their own way. Protestants can be clumsy and also very knowledgable on their own. Catholics can be rigorous in their faith, but rely on others to learn and speak for them. And France, Spain and Italy are higher percentage of Catholic, right?
Please do not be offended, I do not think bad about either.
Protestants hear the minister speak about different topics from the bible, some take notes, and then they return home to study what was said during the week. Catholics attend mass, hear the scriptures and hopefully go home to meditate on the subject.
“And France, Spain and Italy are higher percentage of Catholic, right?”
Not any more really. Many will state that they are Catholic...but this is a case of nominal catholicism only. They do not practice their Faith.
“Catholics can be rigorous in their faith, but rely on others to learn and speak for them.”
Absolutely not! We are encouraged to PERSONALLY seek to grow closer to God and to read the Sacred Scriptures prayerfully, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ;-)