Levels of "Crimes" in the Catholic Bureaucracy


A few years ago a guy in a coffee shop wanted to argue religion with me. His deal was that Christians were better than Jews. This is because Christians just admit the truth and let the chips fall where they may while Jews, I think he was referring to Jews as they were portrayed in the Bible, were always trying to cover up their wrongs or mistakes. I don't recall much else of the conversation except I wanted to get away from this know-nothing.

I don't know of a better example of the practice of papering over problems with denial they exist than Christianity. In fact, the entire enterprise seems to be about hiding things. The God is hidden. And, so is the enemy, Satan. Heaven and hell are hidden. Every Sunday millions go the churches to hear clergy tell them again, "All that stuff exists, you just can't see it."

The Catholic church has many rules all aimed at presenting itself as a unified institution. All the faithful are to regard the Pope as its authority on all things. The faithful are not to criticize the Pope. If one does criticize him there are various levels of "crimes" against the Pope, all carefully spelled out in definitions. Pope Francis has been giving the boot to a few every year. Perhaps other Popes did the same. I'm sure Popes confer with staff but they seem to be the judge and the jury. Why not, they live under the myth Jesus told Peter to run church so he was the first Pope and since then the claim is made every Pope has this direct link to Jesus. Thinking about the outlandish lies former President made last night the Popes sound just as outlandish. It's incredible educated people today can believe a Pope has authority because someone wrote back in antiquity Jesus said something no one claims to have personally heard him say and that is the "law" today. 

I've never seen nor heard what Bishops wrote in their files when in the past they found one of their priests was committing child sex abuse. Was there a written rule, "Send them to another diocese"? Or was this a conclusion reached after prayers for guidance, "I prayed and used discernment about what I heard back from God to guide my decision to send him to a diocese a few hours away. Yes, he will continue to abuse but God's favorite denomination will avoid bad publicity is the priest is gone from here where parents are complaining."

The Catholic system of "justice" is another reason to keep Christianity out of our government.

 


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