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We each will stand before God and be judged. I'm relying completely on Jesus death on the cross, because I know my church, my works, and no other person will get me into heaven.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through. John 14:6

I agree. But I also believe that Jesus graciously and lovingly gave us many tools to use to help us in our journey to him, including the Bible, prayer, other humans who share the Gospel with us, instructors who help us learn the teachings of God better, and the Church which Jesus himself promised to build, for a very good reason. He did not build it just to pass the time.

Now the consecration to Mary to my mind is a kind of antiquated way of reaffirming what Jesus said from the cross. When he said, "Father, forgive them...", he not only meant it for the people actually there that day, it would end up applying to all of us down through the ages. Likewise, when he told John, "Behold your Mother" and told his Mother, "Behold your son", many Christians believe that applies not only to simply John, but to all Christians down through the ages too, so she becomes in a sense our Mother too, and we become her children. Those dedications just serve to reaffirm that, using colorful language.

Also, I deeply share your desire that we Christians not be divided. I am pretty sure that none of us perfectly understands everything God is trying to teach us, and ALL judgment will be done by God, not by any of us.

all Christians down through the ages too, so she becomes in a sense our Mother too, and we become her children

No, we are children of God only by the righteousness of Christ, and Mary is not God.

If you think I will come back to the Catholic Church, I won't. I know I am right where God wants me. I am no longer that person who tried to play the rules and tradition games with God or the church. I don't have to. God set me free from the bondage I was in; thinking I had to earn my salvation, when Jesus already did it.

If I had to work to earn God's grace or if I depended on a church for it, WHY did Jesus have to die at all? I hope you are in a good Catholic church where you grow in God's word and find peace in Him.

You did not answer my question. Why do the rich get out of purgatory sooner because they can afford the masses, novenas and candles lit? I know the answer, but maybe you can think about that. I say that in love and respect, not meaning to sound judgemental.

Also, as to your first question, to all. God's word is inspired. Men put your book together and men put my book together. God inspired. Good night all!

—Likewise, when he told John, “Behold your Mother” and told his Mother, “Behold your son”, many Christians believe that applies not only to simply John, but to all Christians down through the ages too, so she becomes in a sense our Mother too, and we become her children. —

OTOH, maybe he was saying that John was to take care of Mary as though she were his mother.

But I am beginning to see where Catholicism errs: It finds way too many things between the lines. It is as if it is “too smart by half”.

But it’s worse. When the bible speaks plainly (refers to Jesus’ mother and brothers), to preserve it’s teaching that Mary never had sex, they must twist the scripture in unconscionable ways to make His brothers into “cousins”.

So Catholicism sees things between the lines and misses the clear meaning of the lines themselves.