[marshmallow]

Your report of the pagan influence in that Catholic joint is one of a thousand examples of what happens when a church tries to influence the culture by befriending it, rather than be satisfied with proclaiming the Gospel and trusting God.

Firstly, it's not a "joint". Thanks.

It's an ancient stone house believed to be the former home of the Mother of Jesus. No need to believe that but there's also no need to be deliberately offensive if you don't.

Of all the interesting aspects and details about the Marian house at Ephesus, you choose to zero in on a Turkish souvenir salesman outside.

I'm beginning to think that you guys can't help yourselves.

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

“joint” is not pejorative term. It’s a generic descriptive and if the use of it offends you, that’s your choice.

“We” - meaning us Reformed Christians - indeed cannot help ourselves. God’s Spirit within us testifies of Truth and warns of errors. Ergo, we identify false doctrine as a “little leaven” and warn others to not accept such as Truth.

[arthurus]

Some folks cause me to believe that they are not confident enough of the validity of their own church and have to justify it by railing at the Catholic Church.