Saltpetre

On rash judgements, I agree, totally.

The RC church has done a lot of good, for a good number of people, of course. The balance sheet though could be traumatic to read. Just like what the communist regime has done in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty in China. All authoritarian regimes that manage to brook no criticism are capable of gigantic outcomes, one form or another.

If you happened to have received some impulsive charity from Kerry Packer after a personal tragedy, don't forget that he was one who paid less tax in the dollar than an office cleaner. The individual gain must be weighed against the dispenser who sucks blood out of the common-good bank.

An old tree was taken out of a neighbour's yard across the road last month. It had provided shade from the western sun for the adjourning property. It was a haven for birds and possums. But the white ants had got to its core. All the same it was far from terminal. Now I have a view to the mountains to the north, and the black sooty dust in my entrance is gone. The leaves of that tree were full of some black mould which I did not detect until the branches were being fed into tree cutter's mulcher.

Some old trees are rotten, no matter how attractive they might look.

Squeers:

...And to sum it all up…this question from a poster at your link:

Question:

… In which of the following do you find Catholic priests widely practising all of: money laundering, mafia involvement, murder, corruption and paedophilia?

1. Germany.

2. Sicily.

3. Prisons.

4. The Vatican.

Answer: The Vatican.

(Germany only has widespread child abuse in the Catholic Church, Sicily is not known for widespread paedophilia and prisons do not yet harbor many Catholic priests.)

Thank you, Chek, for your very nice analogy. I take your point. Some problems are invasive and possibly near-terminal, perhaps from internal infestation, or from viral or fungal infection, and possibly allowed to flourish through misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment or neglect. To amputate the non-salvageable and effect repair to save a structure providing succor and harbour in abundant diversity, or to tear down and destroy for want of more diligent effort?

A mighty tree with branches spanning continents has a limited infestation at its head, weevil-ling and weakening the crown, but the tree has strong roots, deep-seated in what many consider nutrient-rich soil. A harbour of hope, aid, and inspiration towards what may be possible for a brighter future for human society. Some may only view a vast shadow, or gnarled and misshapen limbs, neglecting the shade and protection afforded to the weak and struggling, disregarding the fruit falling freely for any to gather, scoffing at the timeless messages carved deep into its bark and embodied in the ethics and justice we so prize. Some can only covert the nutrients it must absorb to produce its abundant fruit, and others only focus on the warts and bruises attesting to its struggle to rid itself of corrosive and destructive elements detracting from its pursuit of exemplary conduct and of illumination of what may be possible if we are able to work together in harmony and goodwill.

Introspection and review are at hand, and a struggle to address contemporary pressures and values in what amounts to a very troubled world. Will you condemn an orchard on account of some spoiled fruit?

We may hasten to judge and regret at leisure, but the rejection of virtuous endeavours because of a broken spoke or two can only leave us unclad in a harsh and uncaring winter of terrible discontent.

Saltpetre
I'm glad your wife received a new heart at St Vincents, but its no surprise she wasn't discriminated against on the basis of her religion: it would have been illegal. It is a public hospital, so no surprise either that there was no charge.

I happened across another article by Geraldine Doogue from 2010 on the subject of institutional reform within the Catholic church. Although this article is little more expansive, the later article seems to reprise the theme. She appears frustrated that, even in her position, she is unable to do more than broadcast lay community disaffection to bishops in the hope they will move to refresh the church.

http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2010/08/03/2971914.htm

(judging by Squeers' link, the Vatican could do with a good dose of something)

Saltpetre:

...You’d no doubt be aware of the following:

“ He made a whip from small ropes and threw everyone with their sheep and cattle out of the temple courtyard. He dumped the moneychangers' coins and knocked over their tables”.

...This quote of course, is a condemnation of the willingness of the Jews to allow the encroachment of worldly matters to interfere in the worship of God! ... Sound familiar?

...The Roman Catholic Church can stand roundly condemned for leading the flock AWAY from God…Be honest with yourself at the least! … A point Geraldine Doogue plainly makes in this article!