[annalex]

I thought it was a Protestant position that going to hell is the default condition of man.

This is a fuller explanation: Link

As you can see, the picture could be worse for Catholics. Of those whom much was given, much will be required. When a Protestant separates himself from the Church he often has the excuse that he was raised Protestant. It is often a valid excuse, especially if one never learned Catholicism other than from his anti-Catholic pastor. On the other hand, when a Catholic violates the disciplines of his Church such as regular Mass attendance, indissolvability of marriage, sinfulness of contraception, obligation to evangelize others -- he cannot say that he did not know better.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

When a Protestant separates himself from the Church

If, by "Church" you mean the Vatican magisterium, then when a man separates himself from that misguided institution and becomes a Protestant, the heavens rejoice.

It is often a valid excuse, especially if one never learned Catholicism other than from his anti-Catholic pastor.

I learned most of what I know about Catholicism from ex-Catholics and even current Catholics.

From those discussions with Catholics on FR I've learned to recognize and rebuke rebuke the manifold errors of Rome such as viewing Mary as a "co-redeemer;" believing priests are "another Christ;" thinking relics and statues of dead people have any place in the Christian life; putting Scripture on the same (and often lesser) level than tradition; and buying into the wholesale mysticism and alchemy that is the errant Lord's Supper as interpreted incorrectly by the RCC.

I do agree with you, however, that "of those whom much is given, must will be required."

Therefore, considering the bounty men have in the Holy Scriptures and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we Protestants are required to preach the Gospel in truth which thankfully, illustrates the many transgressions of Rome and its false bishop.

[OLD REGGIE]

When a Protestant separates himself from the Church he often has the excuse that he was raised Protestant. It is often a valid excuse, especially if one never learned Catholicism other than from his anti-Catholic pastor.

Rather an unfortunate understanding of Protestants, Protestantism in general, and his "anti-Catholic" pastor.

Did you learn this from your anti-Protestant priest?