I worry that I might sound as though I am picking on Catholics when such is certainly not my intention. The problem is that, because of the cloud of sin that covers this world, we can have people with two very different views of Christ without truly knowing which is the objective truth. The objective truth does in fact exist; I’m not being a relativist here. But people have this great tendency to just assume that it is whatever they happen to believe and they think it ought to be obvious to those that truly do believe otherwise.
I believe Christ knows this and weeps. I honestly believe that the most important thing to Him is that we accept Him and follow Him to the best of our ability within our limited understanding of Him. I personally try to predicate my view on the very real possibility that I may in fact be wrong - if I am wrong, I hope to God that He will look upon my intentions and faith instead of my errors. Likewise, if I am to hope for such grace for myself, it is only reasonable that He will extend it to others with whom I disagree as well.
In the end, all we have that we can trust is God’s Mercy, upon which we are all utterly dependent. I think as Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians we can all agree on that.
I meant to say, "Likewise, if I am to hope for such grace for myself, it is only reasonable to hope that He will extend it to others with whom I disagree as well."
I feel the same way sometimes. I too hope that I am on the right path. If I am not, I do hope that God in his infinite mercy will take the fact that I have worshiped him the way I have because I believe it to be the correct way and because I love him.
God Bless you for being such an open and honest person. (Sorry if that sounded sappy)