Replies

I have been reading this discussion on and off all day. I grew up in suburbs of Cleveland and many (most) of my friends were Catholic. My first vivid memory of Catholocism was at a sleepover in 6th grade. We were discussing religion, and a Catholic friend who attended Catholic school said that "Martin Luther was the devil." and later that " I can't EVER come into your church (Lutheran) because I am afraid the walls will fall down on me." Conversely, my father always ranted that we would NEVER be allowed to date Catholic boys. So I did alot of reading. I educated myself. I also attended catechism for 3 years and listened with a 13-16 yr. old open mind. I am now reading "The Reformation" by Will Durant, who is a Catholic. Here are a few of my observations from my formative years: 1) Many Catholics don't attend or believe in thier church, but are afraid of the consequences of leaving. 2) Mysticism: many catholics where I come from wear the gold "evil eye" necklace and swear that this wards off the devil 3)I was told by Catholic friends that NOT attending church was a sin, but most I knew didn't attend. 4)Having attended many Catholic marriage cermonies, the emphasis seems to be on Mary. ie) the bride kneels before Mary's statue and prays and lights candle. 5)You can take communion in my church but I can't in yours. 6)The Catholics I know are good people. But not a spiritual way....they do not think for themselves. Depend on Pope for answers, and yet do not practice what the church teaches. They profess they are "Catholics" but do not adhere to the churches teachings. I always found Catholocism to be a dicotomy. For me it was strange growing up in a scriptural based church, welcoming all, compared to scare tactic church. I always felt sorry for my friends as they lived in fear but not to the extent that it stopped them from being the first to "explore" the rights of adulthood! We had one Catholic school in our little town and the girls were notorious for being "fast". Somehow I think the Catholic church has missed the boat. But hey, I live in TX now and the "catholics" here are Baptists. The Baptist church here asks the kids "which of your friends will go to hell?" and then lists them on chalkboard! I know this is discombobulated. I am not the best at putting down what I am thinking! Peace +