Then what you say makes no sense. It’s almost by definition impossible to be devoted to the Church and not to Christ.
But if they’re telling you you’re going to hell because you’re a Methodist, then they aren’t very good Catholics.
I am going to be as delicate as I can with as poor of a communication medium as the Internet allows :). So pardon me if it sounds strong, because it is not meant to be.
I know some Catholics who are ready to pounce on you if you dare to even question the Immaculate Conception of Mary as taught by the Church. If you mention the Pedophile “scandal” (which I do think is a big deal only because some were moving priests around) then the defense of the Church goes into full swing.
However, if in the same conversation a person dismisses the Bible as a bunch of stories, or that we do not even know if Christ walked the earth — this same group of Catholics will not even get involved in the discussion (and often, they will even tell you that they do not believe most of the Old Testament).
Now, most of the Catholics I know on FreeRepublic are NOT of that mold (though there are some that are) — but the ones I know in my life for the last 30 years DO fit that mold.
It’s sad because there’s so much that unites us as believers in Christ — but when I need them to jump to the defense of Christ or the Bible I rarely have them around.
However, they are usually staunch allies in the defense of life — both young, old, wanted, unwanted, sick or in great health. So, what are you going to do but love them? :-)