[adiaireton8]

I hear you. There is no excuse for what those men did; it is absolutely reprehensible, damaging those children deeply (perhaps for eternity), and it has dragged Christ's name in the mud.

I can only say this. I didn't decide to become Catholic by determining the state of the Church. I decided to become Catholic by determining the identity of the Church. (Also, a solid understanding of the Donatist controversy is absolutely essential for dealing with this sex abuse stuff.) Furthermore, I want the sacraments, not mere symbols. And I want to obey Christ's three-fold prayer (in John 17) that we would all be one, as He and the Father are one. That's why I am a Catholic.

-A8

[Petronski]

You provided much more answer than that deleted comment deserved. I commend you for that, and for your wise words.

[kerryusama04]

I can only say this. I didn't decide to become Catholic by determining the state of the Church. I decided to become Catholic by determining the identity of the Church. (Also, a solid understanding of the Donatist controversy is absolutely essential for dealing with this sex abuse stuff.) Furthermore, I want the sacraments, not mere symbols. And I want to obey Christ's three-fold prayer (in John 17) that we would all be one, as He and the Father are one. That's why I am a Catholic.

I can only say this. I decided to leave the Catholic church because I read the Bible. The power to loose and bind cannot trump God's Word.

[Uncle Chip]

I am confused on something and you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. Does the Catholic Church still stand by Jerome's and Eusebius's historical scholarship regarding the dates of Peter's alleged Bishopric in Rome? According to them it was from 42 to 67 AD --- 25 years. Does the Catholic Church still hold to that Tradition or have they backed away from it?