The *Church* (presuming by which you mean the Catholic church) is NOT our *mother*.
And it is highly debatable that it is very holy in light of its history of corruption of popes, the Inquisition, and the rampant homosexuality and immorality that's existed within it for centuries.
St. Peter Damian's Book of Gomorrah: Homosexual Situation Graver than Damian's Time
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/929551/posts
I believe Dante had a good description about the future of those who turn against the CHURCH.
His opinion about those who turn against the church (presuming again that you mean the institution of Catholicism) is meaningless.
It's what one decides to do with Christ that counts.
One can certainly reject a system of religiosity and still belong to Christ.
I would say that everything Jesus said about the Pharisees we can say about the CC and much more.
Metmom, i don't think it gets any worse than this. I really don't. To be reprimanded by a reprobate is just the height of arrogance, deception, and complete darkness.
Apparently you think the Church is evil because of the actions of the Corrupt prelates, etc. The sacraments are no less valid. Those men will receive their reward.
Apparently you think the Church is evil because of the actions of the Corrupt prelates, etc. The sacraments are no less valid. Those men will receive their reward.
I’m reminded of the illustration Jesus gave in Matthew chapter 21 of the the landowner that let out his vineyard to cultivators while he traveled abroad.
Well the conclusion of the illustration was that the kingdom was to be taken away from that nation, Israel, and given to a nation producing the fruits of the kingdom. (vs 43).
Great age, having sacred rites and rituals, being in a favored status would not prevent that kingdom from being taken away from them and being given to another.
We can note that it wasn’t a few bad apples and that those who abandoned that corrupt nation saved their lives.