The moment you begin with “every a cursory reading,” no need to read further. All the great early Church fathers and theologians, and the renowned constellation of theologians over a 2000 year period history (Catholic writers whose works are a must read in all the major theological departments of colleges and universities, to say nothing of the scores of Lutheran and Evangelical theologians and converts to Catholicism) to say nothing of the writings of saints, martyrs, and stigmatists, all got it wrong.
This is so risible it explains why a number of articles have been written that treats Bible Christians as some sort of exotic species analyzing them for their insufferable shallow thinking. You take them outside the shallow level of Scriptural reading and they drown. You know, the kind you find in Billy Grahams, Joel Osteens, and your corner street Foursquare Church pastors. Add Jeremiah Wright, the Moonies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Mormons to this mix.
As to the Catholic Church’s “wealth” this includes the priceless art works for all posterity and the glory of God. It’s the largest charitable organization in the world in schools, hospitals, nursing care centers, soup kitchens in just about every country in the world. There is no use of religion to accumulate “personal wealth for wives and children.
Yes, the catholic church with all those theologians and the renowned constellation of theologians, etc, have got it wrong...especially on Mary. The catholic church teaches one must go through Mary to get to Christ in direct contradiction of the Word.
"Mary is the intermediary through whom is distributed unto us this immense treasure of mercies gathered by God, for mercy and truth were created by Jesus Christ. Thus as no man goeth to the Father but by the Son, so no man goeth to Christ but by His Mother." (Vatican Website: Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on the Rosary, Octobri Mense, Pope Leo XIII, 1903-1914)
Contrast with the Word: John 6:65. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father."
There's more incorrect teaching by the catholic church on Mary, but that's a pretty glaring error.
There is no use of religion to accumulate “personal wealth for wives and children.
Then the catholic church should have zero problem in revealing its finances for all to see.