Concerning the Crusader attack on Constantinople: my liberal history teachers kept us well informed about the "evil" Catholic Popes. What isn't mentioned in many history lessons are the "special demands" that European bankers made on expeditionary soldiers to Outreamer.
Venice wanted to be the central hub of European commerce. If a Crusader force was going to be funded by wealthy bankers, they had to bump off the competition. This included more than just Constantinople. Other Christian port cities were attacked and plundered too.
"Namely the problem of rampant liberalism and open dissent, so serious, that in some places clergy and even bishops who are Catholic in name either secretly or openly are in favor of making changes in the doctrines of the Catholic Church that would be much more in line with Protestantism. Many of these changes, such as the ordination of women, the acceptance of homosexuality, and a more tolerant attitude about abortion would certainly be unacceptable to the Orthodox."
Why do you think that the Catholic Faith is inundated by both non-Catholic and Catholic clergy propelling unacceptable errors?
Please examine it as thus: Jerusalem is under constant demonic attack as it has been ever since Christ died. Even over the very site of His execution there were pagan offerings (I think Cesar Hadrian built an altar to Jupiter there). That the Roman Catholic Church is under demonic attack for: liberalism, ordination of women, acceptance of homosexuality, a more tolerant attitude about abortion, etc. clearly show a focus against an institution effectively preaching the Teachings of Christ and shepherding the Sacraments. To be fair, the Orthodox Faith has also been under attack (and not necessarily by Crusaders funded by European bankers).
So, hasn't history spoken enough concerning the Blessedness of God's Chosen? That the Jews are still in existence proves that their God is the One True God. Thus, in similar explanation, how should one see the Presence of Christ among a celibate Priesthood that still exists...and prospers!?
I don't disavow history's crimes. I'm ashamed that "Christian" soldiers sacked Christian cities. I doubt Christ would approve. However, arguing over Catholic/Orthodox differences is like two brother Apostles' mother demanding that both St Jimmy and St Johnny get a chair next to Jesus in Heaven. (Matthew 20:20-28)
http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew20.htm"That the Roman Catholic Church is under demonic attack for: liberalism, ordination of women, acceptance of homosexuality, a more tolerant attitude about abortion, etc. clearly show a focus against an institution effectively preaching the Teachings of Christ and shepherding the Sacraments."
Holiness attracts demons. Ever notice how when things seem to be going good in parish, when the Faith is in full flower, converts and inquirers are coming in, the bills are paid and orthdoxy of praxis is seen daily, that trouble shows up? Our holy monastics have always maintained that the most powerful demons perch on the mountain crags and cliffs just outside the monasteries and that their howling can be heard in the night. The danger is not recognizing demons when they are at work. The Evil One's greatest success has been making so many belive he doesn't exist.