General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I am a Catholic, Baptized, First Communion, Confirmed, Altar-Boy... [View all]moondust
(20,030 posts)I'm sure you've seen plenty of lavish cathedrals just in the U.S. The riches on display in the cathedrals of Italy are stunning. You really get a sense of what the church is all about. All that gold did not go to the poor and hungry as I'm sure Jesus would have preferred. Catholicism impresses me as being largely about amassing wealth and power. And, of course, rigmarole.
Anecdote: My friend and I, both non-religious, went into St. Mark's in Venice to look around. Lavish. We got up by the altar along with a small crowd. A guy came over and said we could go back behind the altar and see the baby Jesus made of pure gold for a small admission fee. My tightwad friend rolled his eyes and ran for the exits. I followed, laughing my ass off.