Not necessarily so. We are obligated only to believe DOGMA, nothing else. DOGMA is explained in our religion classes, catechism, sermons, etc. There isn't THAT much DOGMA.
By the way, how do you KNOW that Catholics "around the world choose what they believe..."?? Do you have a crystal ball or something? NO ONE knows that except God. Or do YOU have some special ear to the Almighty OR to the minds/souls/hearts of all 1.6 billion Catholics [Google] around the world?
Who makes his own truth? I don't. I doubt that you do either.
God bless you and yours.
Millions of Catholics in America alone make up their own theology. I base that on the consistent voting patterns, the consistent survey results they answer... And the 2.6 children per catholic family - identical to the culture the live in here in former America.
As to 1.6 billion Catholics...
Nah. There are whole nations where +85% never attend all year. It is a stretch to call them anything but people in need of a Savior. Other than puffery, it carries little meaning to count them.
Best.
Cc Daniel1212 - I seem to remember you posted extensive catholic survey results before...