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Mega Church or Catholic Church?? Ugh, what a choice. Joel Osteen preaches a feel good sermon that’s not judgmental (smooth sermon for itching ears) which is good if you’re feeling a bit down but he lacks the Jesus died for us theology which is THE central part of Christianity. I choose neither.

Rom 10 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.....

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Poor teaching for children is the problem for the Catholic Church today. They grow up with a second grade understanding of their faith so it’s easy to pull them away from the faith... they don’t understand it! Megachurches prey on the easy pickings of ignorant Catholics and use their weak faith formation against them. Informed, well taught Catholics are impossible to mislead.

I’ve had a cradle Catholic who’s fallen away tell me “Catholics don’t read the Bible.” This was someone who heard the Bible read every Sunday at Mass and attended Catholic school where there were religion classes. How can such a disconnect be possible?

Catholics don’t “spout” the Bible, but we know the Bible. I think the problem is we now spend a lot of time telling the children Jesus loves them, but very little telling them who Catholics are and what we accomplish in this world. We downplay our unique strengths in the name of ecumenism.

It’s a shame because I can’t imagine leaving the Eucharist for any reason whatsoever and I love being Catholic, despite the fashionable Catholic bashing that goes on these days. My heart is wrung when I hear a non-practicing Catholic has thrown away the “pearl of great price.”