Biden is OK with China's one-child policy...

[JohnnyD]

I support the one-child policy as well. China is dealing with massive, massive overpopulation. While there are definitely significant downfalls to the policy, without it, China would be on track for the overpopulated, diseased, starving state that most of Africa is in.

But, I'm someone that wishes there was a way to prevent people from having children without them taking a test first and proving that they can afford the child.

To your last sentence, the downfall of Catholicism will be that people are expected to unquestionably accept and practice the Catholic interpretation of the Bible's teachings, yet those of the Catholic faith selectively persecute "sinners".

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I support the one-child policy as well. China is dealing with massive, massive overpopulation. While there are definitely significant downfalls to the policy, without it, China would be on track for the overpopulated, diseased, starving state that most of Africa is in.

But, I'm someone that wishes there was a way to prevent people from having children without them taking a test first and proving that they can afford the child.

To your last sentence, the downfall of Catholicism will be that people are expected to unquestionably accept and practice the Catholic interpretation of the Bible's teachings, yet those of the Catholic faith selectively persecute "sinners".

Johnny -

"I support the one-child policy as well. "

If you suport the government's righ to haul a woman off, give her an abortion, and tie her tubes, that's your right.

"the downfall of Catholicism will be that people are expected to unquestionably accept and practice the Catholic interpretation of the Bible's teachings'

I'm a devout Catholic. In my opinion, the idea that Catholics should be allowed to believe whatever they want, THAT is a bigger threat to Catholicism. If you want to sleep around and say abortion is swell, there are plenty of religions that will have you...and most of those religions are rapidly dwindling in size.

Catholicism includes certain "binding" beliefs, which Catholics are not allowed to violate (like believeing in God, believeing Jesus is the son of God, being opposed to abortion). Speaking as a lifelong devout Catholic...I'd rather have a small number of genuine Catholics, than a larger number of phonies.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

Catholicism includes certain "binding" beliefs, which Catholics are not allowed to violate (like believeing in God, believeing Jesus is the son of God, being opposed to abortion). Speaking as a lifelong devout Catholic...I'd rather have a small number of genuine Catholics, than a larger number of phonies.

The above is just another way of affirming my point. Catholics selectively follow the teachings of the Bible that best suit them. How many "devout" Catholics do you know that have committed adultery? I know quite a few. I also know a huge number that are divorced

"Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. " Less than 50% of "Catholics" go to church regularly.

Catholics are the epitome of the hypocritical slogan "do as I say, not as I do."

While we're discussing religion, you of all people should know that "pride" is the most serious of sins, even though you tend to try to present yourself as more intelligent than others while looking down upon the lowly liberal and calling for their destruction.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

The above is just another way of affirming my point. Catholics selectively follow the teachings of the Bible that best suit them. How many "devout" Catholics do you know that have committed adultery? I know quite a few. I also know a huge number that are divorced

"Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. " Less than 50% of "Catholics" go to church regularly.

Catholics are the epitome of the hypocritical slogan "do as I say, not as I do."

While we're discussing religion, you of all people should know that "pride" is the most serious of sins, even though you tend to try to present yourself as more intelligent than others while looking down upon the lowly liberal and calling for their destruction.

Johnny D -

"Catholics selectively follow the teachings of the Bible that best suit them. "

If you knew a bit more about the faith, you'd know that we follow the teachings that theologians believed were intended by Christ for us to follow. I guess I can't disgaree when you say we're "selective", but there's nothing sinister about which teachings we consider to be binding, and which we do not.

"How many "devout" Catholics do you know that have committed adultery?"

More than zero. But if the adulterer admits his sin and is truly sorry, he/she is forgiven. I don't know any "devout" Catholics who think that adultery is acceptable behavior for a Catholic. THAT'S what makes politicians like Biden and Pelosi so disgusting. They go on TV every day and support abortion. That's different from having an abortion, but then being repentent. Christ was the last perfect Catholic Johnny. Since him, we have all been flawed. We aren't expected to be perfect.

Catholicism sets out the rules. We all break them, to some extent, from time to time. I have missed Church, of course. But I know that I shouldn't miss, and confess my sin when I do. I don't deny that I'm supposed to go to Church. If I denied that I need to go to church, THAT would place my beliefs outside of what is allowable to a Catholic.

""Catholics are the epitome of the hypocritical slogan "do as I say, not as I do."

Who isn't guilty of that hypocrisy? I have driven my car while drunk. When my kids are 16, i will forbid them to do the same.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

Johnny D -

"Catholics selectively follow the teachings of the Bible that best suit them. "

If you knew a bit more about the faith, you'd know that we follow the teachings that theologians believed were intended by Christ for us to follow. I guess I can't disgaree when you say we're "selective", but there's nothing sinister about which teachings we consider to be binding, and which we do not.

"How many "devout" Catholics do you know that have committed adultery?"

More than zero. But if the adulterer admits his sin and is truly sorry, he/she is forgiven. I don't know any "devout" Catholics who think that adultery is acceptable behavior for a Catholic. THAT'S what makes politicians like Biden and Pelosi so disgusting. They go on TV every day and support abortion. That's different from having an abortion, but then being repentent. Christ was the last perfect Catholic Johnny. Since him, we have all been flawed. We aren't expected to be perfect.

Catholicism sets out the rules. We all break them, to some extent, from time to time. I have missed Church, of course. But I know that I shouldn't miss, and confess my sin when I do. I don't deny that I'm supposed to go to Church. If I denied that I need to go to church, THAT would place my beliefs outside of what is allowable to a Catholic.

""Catholics are the epitome of the hypocritical slogan "do as I say, not as I do."

Who isn't guilty of that hypocrisy? I have driven my car while drunk.

The above is nothing more than a long-winded verification of everything I said in my last post.

Since you made the assumption that I know little of the faith... Church every Sunday for 12 years with my grandmother, been through years of teachings, read the Bible cover-to-cover and done a lot my own research. The teachings of the religion isn't the issue, it's the people that selectively follow it and then blindly hide behind religion and state "because the Bible says so" while they live a life that is anything but pure and sinless.

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." is a very widely known and understood teaching of the Bible, yet ignored by most followers.

You call yourself a devout Catholic yet 90% of your posts on here are filled with hate and criticism of your fellow man.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

90% of your posts on here are filled with hate and criticism of your fellow man.

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."


what you said

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

The above is nothing more than a long-winded verification of everything I said in my last post.

Since you made the assumption that I know little of the faith... Church every Sunday for 12 years with my grandmother, been through years of teachings, read the Bible cover-to-cover and done a lot my own research. The teachings of the religion isn't the issue, it's the people that selectively follow it and then blindly hide behind religion and state "because the Bible says so" while they live a life that is anything but pure and sinless.

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." is a very widely known and understood teaching of the Bible, yet ignored by most followers.

You call yourself a devout Catholic yet 90% of your posts on here are filled with hate and criticism of your fellow man.

You are ignorant of the basics of the faith. If you think we are consciously "selective" about what we believe, you are ignorant about the foundations of the religion.

If you thing the presence of imperfect Catholics means the faith is flawed, you are ignorant of the most basic principles of the faith.

"90% of your posts on here are filled with hate and criticism of your fellow man"

There are politicians I hate, which makes me imperfect. Maybe you need to read slower, as I mentioned the acceptability of imperfection among Catholics...as long as we recognize our imperfections.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

There are politicians I hate, which makes me imperfect. Maybe you need to read slower, as I mentioned the acceptability of imperfection among Catholics...as long as we recognize our imperfections.

Ah yes - the all encompassing loophole of sinful Catholics "Vilify others for not abiding by the book, then do whatever you want. Just admit you aren't perfect and Jesus will forgive you."

I believe the whole point of "recognize your imperfections and you shall be forgiven" is also followed up with the intention to "strive to remove those imperfections."

Also, I didn't say "selectively believe". I said, "selectively follow".

Also, never said the faith is flawed, but those who leverage that faith while being overwhelmingly hypocritical - like those that vilify someone for one sin while the accuser is committing another.

Any more of my words you wish to spin to change the meaning of?

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

But, I'm someone that wishes there was a way to prevent people from having children without them taking a test first and proving that they can afford the child.

That and required parenting classes starting in JR High. I've seen some
programs where kids are required to take these dolls that cry when they
require attention home for a week and they have to take care of them 24/7.

Parenting, the most important job there is, and it get's close to zero time in our
education system.

Why not give a monetary reward to all who get a vasectomy.
That would go a long way to prevent the need for abortion,
the welfare costs and misery of so many children that are born into poverty.

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by justplugit

That and required parenting classes starting in JR High. I've seen some
programs where kids are required to take these dolls that cry when they
require attention home for a week and they have to take care of them 24/7.

I'm in agreement. However, we have seen many people here complain about schools teaching things which folks don't think the schools should be doing.

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by PaulS

I'm in agreement. However, we have seen many people here complain about schools teaching things which folks don't think the schools should be doing.

Education, imho, is about preparing for a sucessful life.
I don't know why parenting, one of the most important jobs we
ever do in our lifes, should not be taught in schools.

Where am I going wrong on this ?

[scottw]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

the downfall of Catholicism will be that people are expected to unquestionably accept and practice the Catholic interpretation of the Bible's teachings

yup...probably gonna happen any day now

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by scottw

yup...probably gonna happen any day now

Lack of evolving(no pun intended) with the times. Society's mentality and science have changed the way people think. Church attendance is down significantly. Last study I saw showed fewer than half self-proclaimed Catholics had been to church recently. I don't know a single person under 50 years old that attends church even 2x/month.

Churches aren't struggling for money solely because of the diddling priests.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Church attendance is down significantly. Last study I saw showed fewer than half self-proclaimed Catholics had been to church recently. I don't know a single person under 50 years old that attends church even 2x/month.

Churches aren't struggling for money solely because of the diddling priests.

you are an idiot...

Americans' Church Attendance Inches Up in 2010

WIKI
Church attendance in developed countries has gradually declined. Research has attributed this to lack of motivation, negative media coverage of religion and boredom during the services.
One study published in the Journal of the Scientific Study of Religion, however, argues that at least in America, church attendance since the 1990s has remained stable at 25%.[14] A Gallup poll found that church attendance among Protestants has remained stable at roughly 45% since 1955, while church attendance among Catholics has dropped from 75% to 45%, although it has remained stable since 1995, despite negative stories in the news.

Gallup International indicates that 41%[1] of American citizens report they regularly attend religious services, compared to 15% of French citizens, 10% of UK citizens,[2] and 7.5% of Australian citizens.[3]


The Pew Research Center has linked weekly church attendance with happiness.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by scottw

you are an idiot...

Americans' Church Attendance Inches Up in 2010

WIKI
Church attendance in developed countries has gradually declined. Research has attributed this to lack of motivation, negative media coverage of religion and boredom during the services.
One study published in the Journal of the Scientific Study of Religion, however, argues that at least in America, church attendance since the 1990s has remained stable at 25%.[14] A Gallup poll found that church attendance among Protestants has remained stable at roughly 45% since 1955, while church attendance among Catholics has dropped from 75% to 45%, although it has remained stable since 1995, despite negative stories in the news.

Gallup International indicates that 41%[1] of American citizens report they regularly attend religious services, compared to 15% of French citizens, 10% of UK citizens,[2] and 7.5% of Australian citizens.[3]


The Pew Research Center has linked weekly church attendance with happiness.

While I do find you of all people calling someone an idiot amusing, I'll admit when I'm wrong - shouldn't have assumed parishes closing meant membership was down. Doing some digging: "The Roman Catholic Church continues to see its membership increase in the U.S., while most Protestant churches are shrinking, according to an annual report by the National Council of Churches."
Catholic church growing, Baptist and mainline Protestant numbers decline | Believe It or Not | a Chron.com blog

I guess the whole diddling little kids thing must be the reason for the financial issues then.

[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

While I do find you of all people calling someone an idiot amusing, I'll admit when I'm wrong - shouldn't have assumed parishes closing meant membership was down. Doing some digging: "The Roman Catholic Church continues to see its membership increase in the U.S., while most Protestant churches are shrinking, according to an annual report by the National Council of Churches."
Catholic church growing, Baptist and mainline Protestant numbers decline | Believe It or Not | a Chron.com blog

I guess the whole diddling little kids thing must be the reason for the financial issues then.

Johnny, the goal of the Catholic church in this country is not to maximize membership at the expense of our beliefs.

There are plenty of religions out there that change with the times, in order to attract as many people as they can on that given Sunday. Catholics have taken a different approach. If our numbers drop, fine. Better to have a small number of genuine Catholics than a large congregation that believes in nothing.

If you don't know anyone who goes to mass, I believe you. Somehow, the catholic church will try to soldier on without you and your circle...

"I guess the whole diddling little kids thing must be the reason for the financial issues then"

That statement says a lot more baout you than it does about my church...

[JohnnyD]

Also...

Originally Posted by scottw

you are an idiot...

[scottw]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I don't know a single person under 50 years old that attends church even 2x/month.

guess it depends on who you know...
you're still an idiot...but I'll pray for you anyway

[buckman]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Lack of evolving(no pun intended) with the times. Society's mentality and science have changed the way people think. Church attendance is down significantly. Last study I saw showed fewer than half self-proclaimed Catholics had been to church recently. I don't know a single person under 50 years old that attends church even 2x/month.

Churches aren't struggling for money solely because of the diddling priests.

I agree with some of this but I know alot of people under 50 that attend. One good sign..drive by St Mary's on CCD class nights. It's a traffic jamb