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I would recommend that you follow the same course when writing or reprintng articles which make reference to Catholicism. A good place to start would be to fact check what you write about the RC's

Yet, even when we quote directly from the catechism, criticism still is found to follow. The catechism, in many places, must be "interpreted" or put into simpler words. Many euphemisms and "code words" are utilized throughout and even Catholics must use their own understanding to explain the various doctrines to themselves and to others.

Case in point is the oft-argued Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Mass. Words such as "transubstantiated" and "made present" have to be parsed out and further explained. Catholics may say that the sacrifice of the Mass is a "re-presentation" of the same sacrifice of Christ on the cross of Calvary or that the Mass carries the sacrifice forward into all time, making it effective for salvation, but it needs further expounding. VOLUMES of men's thoughts and opinions have been written to explain it all.

There is also an "order" by which Catholics make themselves ready for participating in the Eucharist that involves a recent confession and penance and only then can they righteously receive the body of Christ. The Mass and the reception of the sacrament of communion are said to be, in themselves, propitiatory for the satisfaction of sins. Catholicism makes the regular attendance at Mass and the reception of communion necessary for salvation.

I believe Scripture tells us that it is believing on Christ, having faith in him to save us from our sins, is what brings us salvation. The participating in the Lord's Supper observance is thereby done as Jesus said it was to be done - in remembrance of him, showing his death until he returns.

My dear boatbums, your explanation makes it all seem complicated --- and yes, I understand that your point is that the Catholic Church makes it all seem complicated -- but it's all comes down to a simple response, to me.

Christ says "This is My Body."

You say "Amen."

Or you don't.

That "Amen" does not mean "I have a postgraduate degree in Church-talky-ology" or "I just totally understand everything implied in this incomprehensible mystery." What, is my God no bigger than my hat size?

Scripture says that He is "the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world." The real action happens in eternity, where there are no befores and afters. That's why it can be the same action, by the same Christ, the same now and forever, inasmuch as we're talking about something that goes beyond this little hazelnut held in the hand of God, known as the physical Universe.

Y'know?

Good night now, and God bless you.

See how Catholics proclaim we are saved:

By believing in Christ (Jn 3:16; Acts 16:31)

By repentance (Acts 2:38; 2 Pet 3:9)

By baptism (Jn 3:5; 1 Pet 3:21; Titus 3:5)

By eating his flesh and drinking his blood (Jn 6)

By the work of the Spirit (Jn 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6)

By declaring with our mouths (Lk 12:8; Rom 10:9)

By coming to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4; Heb 10:26)

By works (Rom 2:6-7; James 2:24)

By grace (Acts 15:11; Eph 2:8)

By his blood (Rom 5:9; Heb 9:22)

By his righteousness (Rom 5:17; 2 Pet 1:1)

By keeping the commandments (Matt 19:17)

By our words (Matt 12:37)

By enduring to the end (Matt.24:13)