Wads4

"The Catholic approach to the problem of evil is the most convincing one that I know of. If I ever find a better one, I may reconsider my current stance. "

Yes but it is just a made-up dogma isn't it?-just part of the Catholic tradition; but ask yourself-is it actually true?

Wads4

"If the universe were its own cause, everything would have to be perfectly logical, nothing could be arbitrary, isn't that right "

Who says the Universe is it's own cause?-we don't.

Wads4

That is the whole problem. Christians generally have got the whole thing back-to-front.

Reena

As an ex-Catholic I can relate to the conscience aspect of it. There is a lot of wisdom in Catholic morality. But might not the same wisdom be found among any group of people who honestly try to figure out the best way for human beings to live? Plus, Catholic morality is hardly flawless and is at times unjust.

Why do you think that the Gospels and New Testament epistles are an accurate account of what happened? How do you respond to all the criticisms made against them?

Chili

That would be similar to being born protestant and be forced to make a public declaration of faith at the tender age or reason that would enslave you for the rest of your life. They call it 'salvation' for which you have exposed you inner sanctum in front of the entire congregation and will have given them each a part of your spiritual virginity. After that the Catholic Church is the enemy and must be destroyed. Same story, different words.

Chili

Exactly and they got everything just backwards.

Chili

Catholics are known to be sinners and have the confessionals to prove it. Good sacrament, btw.

There is good people all over but that is not the sole purpose of the Church.That is all protestant piss an vinegar.

Butters

Perhaps it would be useful to ask yourself what you would have done if you were born in Belfast in the 60's or the 70's

jackrabbit

The same can be said for the bible the protestants use, though I would say "extemely flawed" and "often unjust". As much as I despise x-ianity, even I recognize that some of the stuff jeebus was supposed to have said is worthwhile.

Who can argue with "love thy neighbor as thyself"?

Or "give all you have to the poor"? Not practical to give everything because then you would be poor and somebody would have to support you, but the sentiment is okay.

Most of the other moral codes found within the bible I consider overly restrictive and unnecessary, i.e. controlling people's behavior for the sake of control.

I wouldn't have a problem with accepting some of the moral concepts of the bible as guidelines. It's the idea that they are mandatory, i.e. they are the commands of some invented god, that I disagree with.

Reena

But it's not individual Catholics who are the problem, it's the Church's standards themselves. They are too extreme. They at times do more damage than good.