I am a Cultural Catholic....Lapsed Catholic is another word. I like the traditional Catholic Mass, and loathe the current , guitar filled, shake hands with the guy next to me (the one with poor hygiene), Vatican 2 Mass.
That is not the reason I lapsed. That goes much deeper. Back to the First Council of Nicea. Politics and Canon and large organizations and the discarding of dozens of ‘gospels’ in AD 325. The Church is edited. I want the Director’s Cut.
The men who interpret the written rules can damn me to hell all they want. Only one Supreme Being can make that decision.
There was a 'big change' once Christianity was 'accepted' by the Roman Emperor and the state became a so-called 'sponsor' of the religion under Constantine.
Imagine that the basis for his 'conversion' is that he visioned a "Cross" to lead him to victory in the process of killing (battle). The one who died for all of humanity in meek and peace, becomes the inspiration to kill during battle!
You’ve been misinformed. No “gospels” were “discarded” at Nicaea. The council didn’t address the canon of Scripture; it concerned itself with rejecting Arianism (the belief that Jesus was a lesser god than the Father) and setting the date of Easter.
As you supposedly worship the Lord who touched lepers and washed feet and died for us filthy rotten sinners. And 5 times exhorts to "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss," (1 Thessalonians 5:26; cf. Rm. 16:16; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26; 1Pe 5:14) as the prodigal's father did to his son's neck and Paul's brethren "fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him." (Acts 20:38)
Now i will admit that as a "Yankee" i have a hard time with that, and never have with a man, even if Russians/Italians etc. don't, but the Christian assembly should at least include giving each other the right hand of fellowship. (Gal. 2:9) And which also is to include prayer meetings in which all men may be able to share something edifying with the body. (1Cor. 14:31) But you first must become truly born again with its profound changes in heart and life to want that over watching a static sterile ritual.
You’re an interesting character! Hope your lapse is resolved in a renewal in Him alone...the Director.