[Oceanus]

The Catholic Church will survive because of the Holy Spirit.

I’m surprised to hear you say that. I would generally expect a good Catholic to say "because of the Virgin Mary, the Pope, and my local priest..." Isn’t that the true Catholic trinity?

I don't have any issues with celibacy. I was celibate until I was married, and I encourage others to do the same. My issue with the church is that it went off the deep end, has trashed Biblical authority and usurped it with dogma. I'm quite inclined to believe that the Catholic Church is little more than a cult. That is why when I first heard a 7th Day Adventist talk about how they believe the Catholic Church (and in particular the Papacy) is the Antichrist, it made immediate and serious sense. While I don’t advocate for saying "this is how it is going to be," nor do I give much credibility when folks start naming dates, I found the Adventist belief about the Catholic Church to be potent, compelling, and interesting. In fact, it is the most compelling explanation of end times prophecy I’ve ever heard.

In short, the Catholic Church is the most messed up organization on the planet and I believe it left God long ago.

[Mfkmmof4]

It is sad you feel God left it long ago. There are many good faithful Catholics today who are representative of what this faith is about.

I don't know why you would be surprised by my saying the Holy Spirit.

I have never been tempted to leave nor do I find other religions to be of any interest to convert to since I accept the tenets of my faith.

The church is not perfect because people are not perfect. But I have chosen to stay and believe the Catholic church will too.

I am not happy about the misguided priests anymore then I am about fathers who molest their daughters.