General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Rock Legend Tom Petty Slams Catholic Church And Conservative ‘Christians’ For Un-Christian Behavior [View all]Pogue
(2 posts)As someone who was brought up in the Catholic religion, I can't imagine criticizing him for this - he's absolutely correct. There are those die-hard fundamentalist Catholics just as there are rabid evangelical "Christians" who don't seem to have caught up with the New Testament and unfortunately they are very vocal. But what I see is the great majority, like many good people, are silent about the wrongs done yet won't leave because they have no alternative - if you truly believe in the Catholic religion, you can't switch to another church as you could if you are some form of Protestant Christian. Plus, if you leave, there is little chance of change because the change needs to come from within.
The best hope we have, IMO, is the current Pope. I wish him well and hope he can change things. Unfortunately the rabid "Catholics" despair of him as he is a strong follower of Christ's example, more understanding of human nature, and less of a rules-for-rules'-sake pontiff. In every religion, in every society, in every civilization, there are those who rigidly cling to rules so they don't have to think too hard. Rules also provide a handy club to bludgeon those you don't agree with. I sincerely hope Pope Francis can effect some change and those entrenched in Vatican hierarchy and the "rules" don't put roadblocks in his way.