Serious Question on Faith
 

The prior thread drifted.

Just want to say thanks to everyone who participated.

I may not have agreed with all the views, but enjoyed the education.

:coolsmiley:

You’re welcome. :)

Damn, I missed it.

I've been going To St. Mattress Of Asleepy for years. :pray:

I noticed that although it didn't have a large variety of participants it was widely read. I was surprised that such a subject of interest was closed for just going off track. The OP was asking, to me anyway, a rather general question about priests and nuns and why nuns didn't report abuse. It is very hard to know why people do anything. And of course the answer is the writers opinion, which is how MOST mainstream media news articles are titled these days, but that is another subject.

I found myself drawn in because I feel sad when any faith is misunderstood or gets a bum rap because it is misunderstood. I myself was surprised at how many members certain Protestant denominations had in the U.S., not that is anyone's criteria as to value to people.

I am not a good example of a church goer but I am pleased to see our churches and synagogues filled here in The Villages. We are all facing fewer years ahead than we left behind and often the support of a community of God is needed and helpful to older people.

I am still surprised about the misinformation people hold about the Catholic church and although it is in the spotlight these days for a horrible cover up of child abuse, I have to say that it has been in the past a good guiding influence for millions of people who never ran amuck of the laws of the land and were excellent parents and caring souls all of their lives. It always had it's share of sinners as most faiths do, but that is one of the reasons for any church being, at all, in my opinion. I personally wish that the Catholic church would allow married clergy and woman priests, but wonder if that will ever happen. I think it is one of those rules based on some interpretation of sacred scriptures somewhere that may someday be changed. I wonder. I am far from a canon lawyer.

I also surprised that in 2013 the Catholic church had 77 million members in the United States. It was far more than I would have thought. Of course it too has the same enormous turnouts on Christmas and Easter, but hey, I think that is a good thing.

What I am surprised that was not brought up was the opulence of Catholic church buildings which I personally love. I see it as a tribute to the almighty but I have often heard criticism because there is so much poverty in the world that needs addressed.

Religion is not easy. The churches showing the most growth these days are the "easy" / "show" churches (as I call them). I found the closed threat interesting.

The closed threat was highly informative to me in many ways. I am appreciative of all the thoughtful and considered posts.

I was brought up in the Episcopalian Church, stained glass windows, statues, Minister in Robes preaching from a pulpit, and even incense. I do not like the modern churches with all the singing and swaying and a Pastor in jeans and flannel shirt. It seems that churches can suddenly appear out of nowhere and claim that they are a church or house of worship.

When I was a little girl, my local house of worship where I went every Sunday with my family was a Cathedral and I miss the grandeur of an old fashioned house of worship. If someone is going to tell me I am headed for hell fire and damnation he has to look like he knows what he is talking about and not like the kid across the street.