Independent Catholics...A summary (Main Forum)

by clommer , United States, Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 00:10 (345 days ago) @ Sue

Thank you Sue. I do not know if I should post since I am not an ex-priest, an ex-seminarian or an ex-theologian. In fact, I am not even Australian, so please forgive me. I cannot help but wonder if we should be more fundamental than your summary. I have read many posts and the things that trouble are many and myriad. Perhaps we should start with belief in God and belief in Jesus. If we concentrate on those two we should be able to discern that the church i.e.. the People of God, the laity, are not much different than first century christians. The Roman Catholic Church i.e.. Vatican, is a far cry from first century apostles and disciples.
The structure and the myths ;and lies that prop up that structure are the keystones of all our complaints and criticisms. I was talking with a priest friend of mine about reform and he said its about time the Church stopped lying and started telling the truth. I was dumbfounded but upon reflection that certainly is the key. The oath of office of the Cardinals provides that they will not tell the truth if it would reflect badly on the Church. What organization needs avoidance of the truth for its survival? Cardinal Schonbron condemned a pedophile Cardinal (as well he should) but was called to the Vatican and scolded by B16 because Cardinals are forbidden from criticizing other Cardinals.
So the first order of business would be to tell the truth, the whole truth ;land nothing but the truth and discard mental reservations and other jesuitical devices.
Since Constantine, not Jesus, set up the structure of the Church, we should discard that structure, Popes, Cardinals, Bishops and priests. From the Vatican viewpoint that would leave us with chaos. But would it? We would be like first century. We would be loving God and loving each other and worshiping together. No Peter's Pence, no men in dresses, no golden devices or idols, all equal no one better than or higher than any one else, donations given to the poor, respect for one's conscience, allowing each to worship in one's own way without rigid rules, no more magic or superstition, no "holy" water. no novenas, no 9 this or 5 that, no indulgences, no purgatory, no oppression. A bit scary but as catholics do we want to scrap the traditions that got us here? Do we really want to concentrate on God and Jesus? If we are to be positive and reform we will need great faith because I think it will take a greap leap of aith in addition to the first twok beliefs above mentioned. Again, please forgive me.