Certainly, the Catholic Church and other religious organizations are responsible for current ills. I've made no attempt to deny that. All humans, all human endeavors, and all human organizations are flawed to some extent - but it doesn't logically follow that one has to leave or destroy or outlaw an organization that isn't perfect. Reform is another alternative.

The Catholic Church has been MY church for my entire lifetime. I have disagreed with many of its practices, and I have worked hard to move toward change in areas where I felt change was needed. But as a whole, my experiences in the Catholic Church have been very positive, and it has allowed me to get a very good education and to do many very worthwhile things. Why should I leave all that behind?

It goes back to the logical flaw that started this thread - the implication that I am bound to accept and obey all the activities of my religion, even if I disagree. My Catholic church just isn't that monolithic. That's not what my religion is all about. And I think I can say the same for most denominations, Christian and otherwise.

-Joe Offer-