This has been a great thread. My hat is off to all of the well thought and written posts. Like, ER, I haven't been around the .org in some time. Need to make money so I can buy another bike plus numerous other things.
I am Christian, and a proud Catholic at that. I am a cradle catholic and completely understand the confusion and misunderstanding that surrounds the church. For the last 3 years I have been on a journey to re-learn what catholicism is all about and whether or not I am in the right place. I have merely scratched the surface but the more I scratch the happier I am and the closer I feel to Christ. Catholics believe in the bible, every Sunday mass is based on three scriputres that are read out loud. In fact if you go to church every sunday for 6 years you will have heard something like 95% of the bible. We talk directly to Christ but do belive in the intercession of the saints.. For example you might ask one of them to pray for you just as you would pray for someone on earth or they for you. We believe in the bible and we also believe that the church is guided by the Holy Spirit. For anyone who is a a cradle Catholic or has grown up in anyone denomination I believe that it to be very important that you take nothing for granted. Get out there and learn what it is that you practice.. make sure you agree and make changes if needed.
I should add that I don't believe that there is anyone perfect denomination. I'm not here to convert anyone.. As we all know the Catholic Church has been hit with numerous scandals. I'm absolutely sick about the things that have happened. However, the vast majority of Catholics whether they be people like me, Priest, Deacons or Bishops are good people and doing everything we can to right the wrongs that have been done. Again, I am still learning... here is a link that gives a better history/summary of the Catholic faith.
http://www.catholic.com/library/Fund...r_Catholic.asp