As I have stated before, I am a Catholic. Curiously, my parents were both Catholic and complained about the abuse of nuns and priests as kids. I guess those were different times, but it is ironic that they still had no problems raising 4 children in the abuse of LCLC. It may seem strange to some that I have chosen to become Catholic, but I was shown love and support by this church throughout several trying times in my life. Always remember that God works in mysterious ways. Matthew 18:20 ""For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."" It seems like a pretty simple formula to me. I understand the folks at Lakeview may disagree, but anywhere that 2 or more are gathered in His name, He will be there. It kind of makes all that talk about LCLC being the only chosen people of God seem a little presumptuous, don't you think?\r
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I have been fortunate to belong to an active, young Catholic parish where the presence of God is felt. Now don't get me wrong, I know that Catholicism probably takes more criticism than just about any other Christian based religion. We've had priests that have done terrible things to children, popes that have clearly been wicked men, etc. But we've had some good ones, too. Our current pope really seems to get what Christianity is all about with his continual outreach. The point I am trying to make is that I am not going to defend every part of my church. I am not going to deny some of the actions of priests and former popes. So why does LCLC feel the need to deny their practices? Shunning is what you do. It's really the cornerstone of who you are as a people. Why deny it? If you truly want to partake of His kingdom and if you think that you need to shun in order to get there, then why wouldn't you just own up to it? Wouldn't your God be disappointed in your lack of loyalty? Luke 14:26 ""If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."" Even though you misapply this verse, this is where it all comes from...right? This is what you believe, is it not? I am astounded that you are so cowardly as to not stand up in your beliefs. But maybe that's good...it's got you thinking and starting to challenge and question what your faith is truly all about. As I said before, I am proud to be a Catholic. It is very encouraging to know I am part of a church where I can question things and in some cases even outright disagree and yet they still welcome me with love, understanding that I am ultimately responsible for me own salvation.
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