Most Catholics have never critically examined the doctrines of Roman Catholicism. They didn’t join the Church because they found its doctrines to be true, but, as they will tell you themselves, they are Catholic because they were born Catholic. The reason that they remain in the Church is because that is where they feel most comfortable.
Most Catholics will say they are Catholic because in the Church they found the moral framework that they needed for life. It’s a place for their children to form proper values and to learn about God. They like the emphasis in the Church on loving one’s neighbor, right living, and social justice. But doctrine is not important to most Catholics. They didn’t join the Church because of doctrine and they don’t stay in the Church because of doctrine. Many of the reasons people give for why they are Catholic are just as valid for explaining why they belong to a social club. Unconcerned about doctrine, they pass through life without ever having seriously questioned the veracity of the institution to which they have entrusted their eternal souls.
Most Catholics have never critically examined the doctrines of Roman Catholicism. They didn’t join the Church because they found its doctrines to be true, but, as they will tell you themselves, they are Catholic because they were born Catholic.
The reason that they remain in the Church is because that is where they feel most comfortable. Most Catholics will say they are Catholic because in the Church they found the moral framework that they needed for life. It’s a place for their children to form proper values and to learn about God. They like the emphasis in the Church on loving one’s neighbor, right living, and social justice. But doctrine is not important to most Catholics. They didn’t join the Church because of doctrine and they don’t stay in the Church because of doctrine.
Many of the reasons people give for why they are Catholic are just as valid for explaining why they belong to a social club. Unconcerned about doctrine, they pass through life without ever having seriously questioned the veracity of the institution to which they have entrusted their eternal souls.
I can assure you that the faithful Catholics of my acquaintance have indeed examined doctrine quite critically.
Excellent observation .. and very true