Re praying for the Jews, why not? If you believe in Heaven, it’s a nice thing to pray that others will go there. Here is what Catholics pray on Good Friday in the service:

“Let us pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God, that they may continue to grow in the love of his name and in faithfulness to his covenant. Almighty and eternal God, long ago you gave your promise to Abraham and his posterity. Listen to your church as we pray that the people you first made your own may arrive at the fullness of redemption.”

Although there were earlier versions which mentioned “faithless Jews” there was no mention of Christ-killers in Church prayers. From a Catholic perspective, Jews didn’t share the true faith so it made sense to say they were faithless in respect to the divinity of Jesus Christ. Although these prayers were said in the Church and not in public, more modern versions have changed the words to water it down. The Catholic Church has done this on many occasions, so that outsiders are not offended and in a spirit of generosity and compassion. Don’t see that from many other parts these days…

I think there has been an increase of religiphobia, not just catholicophobia, along with the rise in christianophobia.

But are these really phobias? Or just some sections of the community at last refusing to accept domination by religious groups of any flavour?

Believe what you want - I don't want you to be prevented from that. Just don't try to turn your beliefs into laws for those of us who don't share them. It isn't phobic to disagree with you.

That would be right : make up things to suit the era you live in. Nothing but a heap of bunkum. Does the church get church privaledges ?
If this is what they are teaching they should be held accountable for it. You have to remember the sort of people being taught must be succeptable to fairytale and can't destinguish between reality.

IN many ways secularism is like Catholicism was. It is very intolerant of any view other than its own. Secularism ignores simple facts such as the need for children to have a loving father and mother, the destruction caused by pornography in society and the poison of radical feminism. Secularist hate the fact that their dogmas have failed and are just as slow as the Catholic church to admit they are wrong.

Most of all secularist hate the thought that one day they will be called to account to their Creator. They act as if they can make up their own morality or immorality and never have to answer for it. At least Catholicism in all its faults acknowledges they are answerable to a Creator. That is why socialist like Stalin and Mao can kill millions with little to no conscience. That is also why millions can murder their babies and use pseudo science to justify this genocide.

Many secularist are so full of pride and arrogance really believing they can bring peace to earth when most can't even hold a family together. Thankfully Christ died in order that Catholics, secularists or anyone else willing to humble themselves can receive forgiveness and pardon.

It's high time the Catholic Church is dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century where victims of previously
'unspeakable' crimes are pointing fingers and demanding action.

If the Pope is serious he must take steps to remove every last paedophile priest/teacher/layman from positions of access, power and trust and wipe out this despicable culture imbedded in the Catholic hierachy. Then keep it thus!

Do I think this likely to happen? NO! Do I think the Church is more interested in wealth & power than the welfare of it's followers? YES! Do I believe the requirement of celibacy (behind which men not sexually attracted to post-pubescent females may hide) can attract a certain undesirable element to the priesthood? YES! Could this be one reason that while other Christian denominations have had similar cases of Clergy abuse, the Catholic Church stands alone in the sheer enormity and scale of the problem? Seems likely! Is the Pope complicit in past and ongoing abuse? Mmmm ...

I feel outrage for victims who have suffered first at the hands of perverted 'Priests' then through cover-up and denial. Also sympathy for those Catholics trying to live according to their faith and follow Jesus' example. It must be difficult to believe in the leadership of the Church.

If I had 5 minutes with Joe Ratzinger I would quote from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 18 verses 1 - 7 and remind him of Jesus' promise concerning those who would harm a child whilst hiding behind the disguise of piety.

divine_msn

'If I had 5 minutes with Joe Ratzinger I would quote from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 18 verses 1 - 7 and remind him of Jesus' promise concerning those who would harm a child whilst hiding behind the disguise of piety.'

So you feel castration would be an appropriate response? If not what is your point and what do you recommend? Personally I think repeat offenders should be castrated.