In the interest of clarification let's clarify further. Are you saying that rites are inherently pagan? Would that include the rite of baptism and marriage? Or are some okay and others not based on personal preference? Furthermore, doesn't there have to be a finding of fact before one can label something an idol? Last time I checked an idol is a representation of a deity. So did you find that there are indeed deities within a Catholic Church that are being worshipped? Or perhaps that is an assumption on your part?
You or anyone else saying these are not “issues” with the catholic faith does not make it non-issue because you say so. God has purposely addressed these “issues” in the scriptures and we are not to do as catholics do regarding these.
So what is this? The majority of one argument? I say it's an issue so it is one and must be given serious consideration and addressed? Don't we see this mentality in the secular world, particularly with liberals and their phony issues, "don't mock me. This is SERIOUS!" To the second part it all hinges on how you interpret scripture, doesn't it?
You claim that.. “Christ is central in Catholicism ....but your practices etc. and denials of 'speak louder' than your words....as does your dogma. As for Jesus becoming a wafer in your eucharistic rite.....
I'll get to your scripture quotation in a second (I'm assuming you meant MT 24:23-24), but I can't help but notice you really don't have much to say on the actual doctrines and teachings of the Church. I have to ask, is that because you can't address them on those merits because if did you wouldn't have much to say on the issue so you use the paganism "issue" as a back door to taint the Eucharist?
As for your scriptural warning, putting aside your errant interpretation, let us assume for the moment (from your point of view) That the Eucharist is actually Jesus, made present. What would be your response and would it be idolatry? Would it be false?
We see this mentality in the SPIRITUAL world far too often, particularly with CATHOLICS and their phony traditions, "Don't mock me. This is SERIOUS!"
... let us assume for the moment (from your point of view) That JPX2001 is actually HAL the computer, made present. What would be your response and would it be a gross violation of FR etiquette? Would it be FUN???
(For ASSUMIN' sure seems to be!)