I'm too tired for this. Find somebody else who thinks that kind of thing is reasonable. Maybe I'll feel more like it tomorrow.
Mad Dawg, you have built a beautiful model of the behavior. You’ve absolutely nailed The Game AND Argument by Attrition.
Is this a discussion of Christianity or a game of Three Card Monty?
Sorry, you're the one who sees no difference with asking someone physically sitting next to you for something and asking someone who has been dead for 2,000 years for something. I'm starting to understand the Catholic definition-weaseling that goes on. "Worship" doesn't include, revere, prostrate to, sing about, or pray to. "Mediator" has been expanded to include anyone that will intercede. Even "dead" has been expanded to becoming little angels who minister to the living. For what purpose? To protect the image of a church that wishes to dole out forgiveness of a small set of sins while making up new ones?