[PapaBear3625]

Everything within the Catholic religion seems to be so ritualistic, down to the removal of the Pope’s red shoes and the “defacing” of his ring. Why is that? Why is it necessary?

The Church has survived for two thousand years. Name a currently-surviving institution that comes close.

[Hot Tabasco]

The Church has survived for two thousand years. Name a currently-surviving institution that comes close.

Why would you respond to my honest question with such a question as yours?

If you want my honest answer then here it is, how about the church of HYPOCRISY, after all that's been around as long as anyone professing to be a Christian or a Christian leader. Is it necessary for me to mention Swaggert, Baker, pedophile priests and thousands of others?

I'm trying my damnest to get beyond that huge road block bro but you ain't helping me one bit.

[Syncro]

The [Catholic) Church has survived for two thousand years.

Not the Catholic church, it started about 1700 years ago give or take a few decades.

Name a currently-surviving institution that comes close.

During New Testament times, with the inspiration of Jesus, His Deity and his sacrifice on the cross, His church was started.

It is made up of every person that "hears what I say and believes in the one who sent me" (Jesus, in John 5:24) who therefore is born again and has that personal relationship with Jesus.

It has been going strong for about 2000 years, and will continue forever. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it.