There are periods in the history of the Roman Catholic Church where the leadership has been very corrupt. It occurs today, on occasion, as well. I don't see where there is any mechanism for the laity to remove these corrupt bishops, cardinals, or popes.
Yet,.. if the member leaves the Catholic Church ( and the corruption under which they suffer) they are guilty of a mortal sin and in danger of eternal condemnation. The only possible solution is to raise up righteous sons and then ( maybe) in two or three generation there would be reform but the member likely won't live long enough to see it. This type of threat ( separation from the “true” church and the “true” sacraments) seems to be almost cult-like mind control.
NY....I am trying to be respectful here. These really are questions that I have about the Catholic Church that I have never been able to resolve.
Your never going to purify the Church, however, what we believe about the purity of the Catholic Church is that doctrinally the Church led by the Holy Spirit will not teach error. Its doctrines are sound and truthful. Which doesnt exactly prevent a priest from telling you bunk. But that bunk will disagree with the ‘teachings of the Church’, its doctrine!
If you can find another church like this, then you have a winner.
There are periods in the history of the Roman Catholic Church where the leadership has been very corrupt. It occurs today, on occasion, as well. I don't see where there is any mechanism for the laity to remove these corrupt bishops, cardinals, or popes.
While it is true that there have been some bad apples amongst the hierarchy, no pope has ever erred on doctrines of faith or morals! The Church is Christ's bride (Ephesians 5:29) and has "no spot, wrinkle or blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Christ also stated that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18) so how can the Church commit error? Individual clergy may commit sins, even popes commit sins because in the Church there are both "weeds and wheat" (Matthew 13:30).
Yet,.. if the member leaves the Catholic Church ( and the corruption under which they suffer) they are guilty of a mortal sin and in danger of eternal condemnation.
I can appreciate the consternation felt by catholics that reside in dioceses run by some of the more progressive bishops. That has been the situation here for 30+ years. Some leave, others go underground. In the course of my life, I have stepped away from the church several times and justified the decision with similar arguments. But as each liturgical season approached, there would be a tugging at my heart. At one time I even considered leaving the catholic church but a small interior voice would not allow it.
The diocese in which I reside is run by one of the worst (i.e. progressive) bishops in the US. Rather than flee, I recalled the bishop's message to us on the day of our Confirmation: "You are now soldiers of Christ!" Soldiers don't flee, they fight back. Reminded of our Lord's admonition to "seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you", I began with prayer and asked our Lord to guide me to "a holy priest, a reverent liturgy and a community in need of whatever God given gifts I had". Visiting a different parish each week, I continued that prayer. On my list, there were 2 Eastern Catholic Churches. On the day I visited the Maronite Catholic Church, our Lord let me know in no uncertain terms that here was the answer to that prayer. That was 8 years ago and I have been truly blessed by His response.
This type of threat ( separation from the “true” church and the “true” sacraments) seems to be almost cult-like mind control.
Cults lock their doors; the Catholic Church's doors are always open. According to Scripture, Christ wanted us to be one (John 17:22-23). We are all as a Church to be of one mind and to think the same (Philippians 2:2; Romans 15:5). There is only to be one "faith" (Ephesians 4:3-6), not many. For the Church is Christ's Body and Christ only had one Body, not many. Also, since the Church is Christ's Bride (Ephesians 5:29), can Christ be married to more than one wife (essentially a spiritual form of the the sin of polygamy)? No, Christ can only have one wife (i.e., one Church, not many).
Should you feel more comfortable doing so, please feel free to freepmail me about your concerns and I will do my best to respond. We are entering the Season of Lent this week. This is a good time to retreat into daily prayer and ask our Lord for His guidance. Jesus, I trust in you!