Can I still call myself Catholic?

[HelenRose]

It seems as if the greatest fear of this generation is the fear of being a hypocrite. Trust me, there are worse things than being a hypocrite.

A great man once wrote, “i would far prefer to live next door to a hypocrite who, though he outwardly lives a law-abiding life, fantasizes at night about robbing banks and killing people, than next door to a thieving murderer who feels the need to be ‘true to himself.’”

Over time, the hypocrite will stop fantasizing, and will come to enjoy living as a law-abiding citizen, but the thieving murderer, how ever “honest” he may be, can only ever come to a bad end.

My daughter, trying to overcome extreme shyness, was given this advice. “Fake it 'til you make it.” She did and wasn’t being a hypocrite. She lived her life as if she wasn’t afraid and shy and soon the fear went away.

I think that people have confused the word hypocrite with the word inconsistent. We may have ideas that seem inconsistent to others. Many pro-abortion people will make the statement that pro-life a person is a hypocrite because they are against abortion but still accept capital punishment. Whether or not these two beliefs are consistent with one another is an all together a different matter. To hold these two views is not hypocrisy. To decry abortion while secretly paying for abortions - that would be hypocrisy.

 

[PJM]

Originally Posted by Andrew1983
]The same thing holds true in terms of Confession (I’ve also heard a former Protestant argue this), “Why do I need to tell a priest my sins and not go direct to God. After all, if no one’s perfect and we’re all sinners, what’s so special that I need to go through an intercessor?” My own personal thoughts on this has more to do with being able to humble oneself before another, almost a test of sincere confession of wrongdoing. I could also be very wrong.

REPLY by: PhilotheaZ…
I don’t think you’re wrong at all. I personally think the Protestant notion that we don’t need to confess to a priest stems from inability to humble ourselves. What a tragedy, that human pride can separate people from the great fountain of God’s mercy!

Friends, while well entended neither of you are holding a true and actual Biblical position of this issue, nor is your understanding God’s.

First allow me to share the Biblical foundation for this practice.

First allow me to share the Biblical foundation for this practice.

**1 John 1: 8-10 **“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

1 John 5: 16-17 “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal.** There is sin which is mortal;** I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.”

*As this verse indicates, there are two categories of sin. Less serious. “Venial sins,” [can and are forgiven by active participation at Mass] and much more serious, “Mortal sins” which can only be forgiven through God’s direct intervention, by a priest /bishop. The term “Moral” means literally; “unto death.” These sins require three things: 1. Serious Matter 2. Knowledge that this will be a Mortal sin AND freely willed. One must WANT to do it anyway [even if the opportunity does not present itself as a viable opportunity. For example if you REALLY want to kill me, but don’t have the chance; it is still a Mortal sin. If any of these conditions are NOT present, no Mortal sin exists.

A Mortal sin completely severs our personal relationship with God, until it is confessed and Absolution is granted. I have a document of this topic I can send if you’d like more information? This means that if we were too died with unconfessed /unrepeated Mortal sin; we have condemned ourselves to hell. It also means that the sacraments of Eucharist, Marriage and Confirmation cannot be received licitly. Christ instituted all Seven Sacraments. Some like this one, explicitly, others implicitly.

John 20:19-23" On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” hen he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ***“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” ***

This mandate becomes part of the "authority of The Church and of the See of Peter, given by Jesus in Mt. 16: 15-19 [note in particular v. 19] and again in Mt. 18:18

[15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! [his actual name is changed by Christ] For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, [singular] you are Peter, and on this rock foundation 'singular/ you “Peter”] I will build my church, [singular] and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] **I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” **

**Mt. 18:18 **“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”

These terms; “bind” and “loose,” have a OT meaning and a NT meaning. In the OT they referred to ABSOLUTE POWER to freely govern Christ New Church, make law, enforce them, without consultation; and answer only to “the King.” [Christ is KING of Heaven.] Again I have a document of the “keys” if you’d care to read it?

***In the NT, the OT definition still is in full force, and additionally added are the power and authority to ABSOLVE Sins. The Priest uses the term: "I absolve you in the name of the Father, the Son and the HS [because it remains GOD who forgives sin.]

The role of the priest is to determine SINCERE repentance, and acknowledge it before God, by granting Absolutation and God’s forgiveness as a DONE DEAL!

Hope this clarifies it for you?***

All Mortal sins MUST be confessed by description of the act and the frequency of the act. For example using contraception.**

 

[Fran65]

Hello Andrew,

I am a little older than a GenXer, but not by that far.

I can tell you that my difference with respect to contraception was due to lack of knowledge and understanding of the theology behind it. Now that I understand it better the teaching against contraception is making more sense to me. Bear in mind that I have worked in the area of sexual health and gynaecology and was raised and educated as a feminist. The educational system I was raised in was liberal, the priest who instructed me was liberal, and it is only through God’s grace manifested in my desire to learn about my faith that I am starting to understand my earlier mistakes!

 

[char1963]

I would like to clear something up. I dont remember being taught any of those things, and finding out that I am supposed to believe them was a complete shock to me. My faith is founded on the fact that I believe Jesus died for my sins and try my best to live my life as he did. Of course, being a sinner with free will means that I am bound to fail, but the Good News is Jesus redeemed all of us.That doesnt mean I dont keep trying. I dont understand why the Church thinks all the rest is important.

 

[jmcrae]

I would like to clear something up. I dont remember being taught any of those things, and finding out that I am supposed to believe them was a complete shock to me. My faith is founded on the fact that I believe Jesus died for my sins and try my best to live my life as he did. Of course, being a sinner with free will means that I am bound to fail, but the Good News is Jesus redeemed all of us.That doesnt mean I dont keep trying. I dont understand why the Church thinks all the rest is important.

It gives us solid ground to really understand who Jesus is, and to be able to know Him a whole lot better. Keep in mind, nobody is just making this stuff up - it’s what the Apostles were teaching, even if it was only in a very raw form in their time. They didn’t teach explicitly about the Trinity, for example, but that idea was certainly in the background of what they were teaching about Jesus’ relationship to the Father and to the Holy Spirit - this is the kind of thing I’m referring to when I say “raw form.”

 

[PJM]

=char1963;6165560]I would like to clear something up. I dont remember being taught any of those things, and finding out that I am supposed to believe them was a complete shock to me. My faith is founded on the fact that I believe Jesus died for my sins and try my best to live my life as he did. Of course, being a sinner with free will means that I am bound to fail, but the Good News is Jesus redeemed all of us.That doesnt mean I dont keep trying. I dont understand why the Church thinks all the rest is important.

Hi Char

***You obviously don’t wish to admit it, but like it or Not, Believe it or Not, is NOT going to stop God from judging YOU by what He allows you to know, NOT simply what you choose to accept

So the Bible is what? Only for those who choose to accept it?

The Commandments ONLY apply to those who acknowledge them.

Your kiddin right?

Love and prayers,

Pat***

 

[char1963]

PMJ, I dont understand your post at all. Did you think I said I didnt believe in the Bible?

 

[ProVobis]

Question: Do you think if one does not believe in the Sacraments, or honor them, one will still receive Grace?

Beats me. But I would say if you don’t want the grace, you won’t get it.

 

[ProVobis]

There have been studies done on the 7th day adventists which say they live 4-10 years longer than the average person.

So why would I want to postpone my eternal reward?

 

[PJM]

=char1963;6165876]PMJ, I dont understand your post at all. Did you think I said I didnt believe in the Bible?

:blush:No, at least not in those specific words. HOWEVER, your reoccuring statement of believing in the “Divine Mercy of Christ”, [implied] as sufficient for ones personal salvation, is indicitive of either not knowing what the Bible and Church teach, or, with the same result, not accepting what the Bible and Church say and teach.

There seems to be a signifiant disconnect in your beliefs and understanding, and what are the facts and essential things necessary for ones’ personal salvation.

Love and prayers,

Pat

 

[michaelsuh123]

i felt that way before and when i was alone and belived that GOD was a joke and there is no GOD. but after i started to be more open and i dont know what but i felt like a magnet just pulled toward GOD.
but now im a one of GODs children and i love him so much~~
i think that for many people putting trust in GOD and making the first step toward GOD is the hardest and the MOST IMPORTANT thing is NEVER give up and GOD will take care of everything~
GOD BLESS^^

here is a video that could open up your mind:
youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ&fmt=18

 

[Andrew1983]

Thank you all for letting me sound off and also for taking the time to respond. I do apologize for not replying earlier, I’ve been a little bit busy the past few days with work, getting new car tires, and forming rebuttals against an adversary in the Secular News section with regards to using the “BCE” and “CE” dating suffixes over the “BC” and “AD” suffixes, (I am for maintaining the traditional BC and AD calendar system).

I’ll try and go through the list of each person’s response and reply as best as I can.

Vasian

If you and the rest of us were to wait for that then there would be no one in Church including the religious and the clergy

All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
We are capable of sinning every hour of the day and mentally in sleep.
That is why Christ died a propitiatory sacrifice for all of mankind.
Never will you be perfect enough without believing and accepting that Christ has sacrificed even for you, washing you clean of your sins everytime you ask for forgiveness.

I understand what you’re saying or at least on a reading comprehension level. My primary concern is in terms of rebuilding enough my spiritual immunity so as to erect a wall of purifying fire around the heart so as to not give in to any lustful desires, or more accurately not repeat acting out on the impulses on a high frequency basis. Certain sins are easier to take care of and repent of wrong-doing. Others require… a bit more spiritual strength to put back in their cage.

My big schtick is this: When I go to confess my sins before God and my brothers and sisters, I don’t want to simply apologize. I want to be secure in the knowledge that I have truly expelled the wrongdoing from my heart and henceforth not make a liar or hypocrite of myself.

You may be right though about my being unrealistic in setting the bar to a point where only God could reach. I suppose my own vanity may be what’s getting in the way, (which is another sin I indulge too heavily in).

PhilotheaZ

I’m not sure what you mean by “an error.” A Sacrament is a gift of grace from God, and thus cannot be an error. You don’t need complete “purity of intent” in order for a sacrament to be valid. (Very few young people do.) I suppose that if you had not even the slightest intent to receive the Sacrament, it might possibly be invalid. That could possibly be corrected later when you are ready, but my guess is that the Sacrament was valid unless you completely rejected it at the time. What you need to do now is to USE the Sacrament. Like any gift, it does you no good until you open it. Call upon those gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation. Many graces will be made available to you; just ask God.

No, I never completely rejected by Christianity, at least in terms of belief in the existence of a deity who shares a personal relationship with each and everyone of us. I was unsure about Christ, mainly because I didn’t truly understand the concept of the Holy Trinity and the Godhead. I didn’t doubt the existence of Jesus, but I was truly struggling with the rationalization of how Jesus was the Son of God, yet was God, yet is seated at the right hand of the Father, yet we believe in one God, but Father is one person and Son another, and oh look I’ve gone cross-eyed. In truth, I just hadn’t had reached the proper level of abstract thinking and philosophical/theological reasoning to understand. Actually, hearing an old podcast from Bishop Sheen’s Life Is Worth Living deal with this issue and explain it in such clarity, I was finally able to complete the puzzle on this.

I suppose the things I did reject were laws I didn’t truly understand, as well as the Sacraments (I still don’t to be honest, at least not outside of a symbolic and academic reference). I could probably form my own theories as to the importance based off of what I’ve read in the Bible (it took me a good while to understand why the Israelites had extremely harsh penalties in the Old Testament for breaking the Law; it never occurred to me that the cultural mindset of Israel is more akin to a functioning military where disobedience in certain circumstances may be construed as treason and therefore punishable by death), but I might be throwing darts in terms of where Truth is concerned.

I feel because my beliefs didn’t/don’t conform entirely to what the Church preaches, I effectively did the equivalent of lying while taking an oath or pledge. Basically another blaspheme and offense to the King.

I don’t think I really appreciated what was being done and thus kind of blew it off as more of one of those things that was purely ceremonial, kind of like graduating High School, I was glad it was over with.

 

[Andrew1983]

PhilotheaZ

I’m not sure how old you are or when you were catechized. I am 53, so I was initially catechized (grades 1-12 and college) between 1963 and 1979, just about the WORST period of catechesis in recent history. Very little doctrine imparted, kids were encouraged to “find themselves,” to “explore” how they felt about issues (teachers rarely had the “audacity” to impose their beliefs on anyone), etc. The “Hippie generation” of catechesis! Unfortunately, we have not fully recovered from this as a Church, since my poorly-catechized generation has, by and large, been unable to hand on to our children (and by this point some grandchildren) a faith which we never fully received ourselves. It is beginning to turn around, but it may take a couple more generations.

I was 15 going on 16 years of age when I received Confirmation back in 1999. I don’t think I had the feeling of being led around by moral-relativists, though the impression that I had people who while well-intentioned, didn’t know how to teach the catechism outside of an academic perspective without really delving into the hard-core philosophical and cultural ramifications of why certain things are important and others immoral.

For example Catholicism’s stance on abortion is that it is murder and goes in to some of the religious and moral reasoning for its position, but doesn’t truly articulate with real-world examples of how abortion affects countries’ ability to produce the follow-up generation which is essential if one wants to maintain the country and culture they grew up in. Europe is currently a mess with its atheistic/hedonist lifestyle and is slowly being Islamified. And while I may disagree with the Muslims about their religion being The Truth, it does contain more Truth than those who only wish fulfill every base desire and addiction.

Call me crazy, but I’d rather deal with the Muslims then the Atheists for this one reason. Despite severe cultural differences, we share common religious beliefs, though the specifics are in conflict. They are able to wear their faith with pride and without fear.

The Atheists on the other hand, seem to strike me as communists who are in denial. When accused they claim that they’re not, but then when asked about what they believe they basically regurgitate the tenets of Marxism. They don’t even have the guts to just come out and say that they’re Marxists. The worst kind of opponent, who embraces the Father of All Lies. These are creatures that seem so devoid of spiritual life that they no longer resemble humans, but seem more appropriately labeled as demons. By the way, did I mention that I indulge my own vanity a bit too much? I’m not sure how to alter this perspective because as much as I disdain them, or more accurately, what they do, our Father is somehow still able to recall them as children before their fall in this life. It’s a hard thing for me to find the correct lens to observe and follow Lady Wisdom.

If they were part of the official teaching of the Church on faith and morals (as opposed to practice and discipline, which can change), they are never out-of-date. God is unchanging, and just because something doesn’t make sense to us (in our fragile nature wounded by original sin), doesn’t mean it doesn’t make sense to God.

Oh no, I do believe in absolute rights and wrongs. This may be more due to a lack of understanding the differences of teachings, practices, and disciplines on my part and simply lumping it all together. I believe that there are reasons for everything simply because God doesn’t make laws that have no applicable function.

Well, it’s late right now and I’ve got work and Bible study tomorrow, but I hope to continue my responses tomorrow. Take care!

 

[jmcrae]

For example Catholicism’s stance on abortion is that it is murder and goes in to some of the religious and moral reasoning for its position, but doesn’t truly articulate with real-world examples of how abortion affects countries’ ability to produce the follow-up generation which is essential if one wants to maintain the country and culture they grew up in.

While that’s a good reason not to abort the next generation (nor to contracept it, either) it’s not the reason that abortion is wrong. Abortion is wrong because it’s always wrong to kill an innocent human being. We are permitted to kill in self-defense, and there is such a thing as just war, (and there are even circumstances when the death penalty may be warranted) but to kill an innocent child is always wrong, regardless of what he may or may not contribute to his culture and society.

 

[ProVobis]

While that’s a good reason not to abort the next generation (nor to contracept it, either) it’s not the reason that abortion is wrong. Abortion is wrong because it’s always wrong to kill an innocent human being. We are permitted to kill in self-defense, and there is such a thing as just war, (and there are even circumstances when the death penalty may be warranted) but to kill an innocent child is always wrong, regardless of what he may or may not contribute to his culture and society.

You are right and I agree with you totally. But to further define what a “just” war is, it can’t involve killing of elderly, pregnant women, and small children, no matter which side. Killing enemy pregnant women is abortion too. Collateral damage is a phoney rationalization for an unjust war.

 

[CMatt25]

Char, I know since you began this thread you have since decided not to call yourself Catholic. But if your conscience had led you to continue doing so, you could have under Church law. The Church would still consider you a Catholic, perhaps non practicing but still Catholic.

On women priests, in Biblical times the Aposle Paul tells us women were not to speak in church. But nowadays women of course have speaking roles in the Church, are Eucharisitc ministers and the like. We even have girl “altar boys” now. So what if yrs from now God tells another Pope he now wants women priests. There will be women priests at that point. Who really knows.

In any case just know you are not alone. It sometimes amazes me when some will presume another who doesn’t believe everything needs catechized in a better way or a more properly formed conscience. When actually it is quite possible to know what the Church teaches and why but still after sincere prayer and study, a person still can not follow a teaching in good conscience. Has been the case in the Church for a long time. Among laity and leaders alike. God is with you. An all-knowing God understands. And may He bless you with His peace and love.

 

[Alfred_Hili]

While that’s a good reason not to abort the next generation (nor to contracept it, either) it’s not the reason that abortion is wrong. Abortion is wrong because it’s always wrong to kill an innocent human being. We are permitted to kill in self-defense, and there is such a thing as just war, (and there are even circumstances when the death penalty may be warranted) but to kill an innocent child is always wrong, regardless of what he may or may not contribute to his culture and society.

Killing another human being is always wrong, even in war and in self defence and warranted death penalty. We have no right on the life of another human being. Jesus Christ could have killed the men that crucified Him but He did not. Only God is the Lord of Life and Death.

 

[BenjaminLumen]

Birth Control
Married Priests
Women Priests
Abortion
Euthanasia
Gay Marriage

The Church will probably not relent on any of these issues. The question for each of us to ask ourselves: do we agree with the Church? If not: Do we stay with the Church hoping against hope that She will change,or do we move on to a new religion or lack of religion that suits our own particular beliefs?

Before moving on however, it would be wise to study the rationale behind the Church’s teaching. We also need to study closely the rationale for our own beliefs.

I have struggled with the ban against Birth Control. I am still on the fence but: I strongly suspect that Pope John Paul II was right.

It is not easy to give oneself completely to God and that is what must be done if we are to accept these very difficult teachings.

The Church teaches what She teaches. You may agree or you may disagree. You and you alone will decide whether or not you will turn away from the Church.

I will suggest that those who do not accept the teachings of the Church not to assume those who do accept these teachings are no longer “seekers.” It could possibly be that having accepted the Church’s teachings they are on a new journey with new and special goals and wonderful new special truths to learn.

Let me save you some time, all such groups or persons championing the above issues have been Excommunicated by a Bishop of the Diocese in Baltimore.
There is a website dedicated to keeping track of the excommunications and the names
and organizers of these groups. You don’t have to leave the Church, there is a Bishop
handling the matter continually. Excommunicated in Baltimore is excommunicated Everywhere. Your Church is fine… You may still attend.

 

[BenjaminLumen]

I am having some major problems with the Catholic faith. I thought my problem was with opposing gay marriage, women priests and priests not being allowed to get married. When I started looking into what I am supposed to believe , I realized I had much bigger issues. The Pope is infallable, Mary was a virgin the rest of her life, Purgatory? I have never believed any of that. I have always gone to Church to hear the word of God, not for any of the sacrements. If I keep going to the Catholic Church but dont go to communion, can I still say I am Catholic? I am certainly not in communion with the Church. I am sure some of you will say that I shouldnt be going to a Church I dont believe in, but where am I going to go?

You should be taking communion in the first place, your Not-Catholic…

There is a Bishop that is excommunicating all groups, organizations, and persons
championing the above issues, he is from Baltimore, there is a website dedicated
to tracking his work… So, this should clear the way for you to attend RCIA, etc.

Papal Infallibility will better be understood from the point of view of THE HOLY SEE being the Seat of Peter and the Pontif Being Christ Viccar on earth… How Papal Infallibility is possible will be better understood from this point of view.

Purgatory, the Roman Catholic Church is powerful enough spiritually to create a place for you when you die that is not Hell, but can be a place for Atonement. Now it is a common
conception that Purgatory may not be bad enough, but I don’t know that that is the case, It could be worse then HELL… It could float right above Hell.

You have to also look at the actions of Christ with respect to the Church and what he is capable of doing to bring man to perfection. I think you should definately give Purgatory at least an intellectual assessment.

The Catholic Church is the most powerful church that I have ever set in… So, give it a whirl, I can say this, you cannot go wrong being Catholic…The Scholarship of the Church is impeccable, its credentials verifiable, its weight staggering. And she is completely Beautiful…

I can tell you this, That since becomming Catholic, it feels like I am having water dripped on my almost daily… There are many things that I have experienced, after… AFTER I was Baptised and Confirmed and recieved First Communion…

I did what you are doing for 6 months, didn’t know anybetter, but then I actually joined RCIA, and I haven’t had any regrets at all…

Benjamin

 

[Andrew1983]

Okay, I got back from Bible Study. That was an interesting experience.

Anyways, back with the responses

PhilotheaZ

If we are to be completely honest, these (sanctity of life and quality of life) do not conflict. They are in perfect harmony, because we, as persons made in the image and likeness of God, are most truly happy when we live our lives as He created us to live them. Those who reject God’s laws regarding the sanctity of life, the use of God’s gift of our sexuality, etc. are not TRULY happy. There is a difference between pleasure (which is fleeting) and happiness or joy which comes from living authentic lives the way our Creator created us to live them. (A car runs better when you follow the owner’s manual.)

Perhaps I need to rethink that one a bit. I was going by a model which gauges the quality of one’s life based off of convenience. A typical rationalization for abortion is that a person’s quality might suffer because they are now having to take responsibility for their actions that will change their life in a way that will have them unable to go back to participating in what they considered to be ‘enjoyment’. Other arguments a person might make is on euthanasia, etc.

And yet further arguments attempt to portray bringing up an unwanted child would be too detrimental to their well-being that it would be cruel and inhumane.

My stance is that these are nonsense arguments. The quality of one’s life can change for better or worse based of our perception of reality and how we deal with events. Sanctity argues that where there’s life there is hope, henceforth the opportunity to further your quality of life. You can’t do that when you’re dead.

Some things are not properly explained. Sometimes we reject what we hear because of our fallen nature and inclination to sin. Sometimes what kids are taught in Catechism class conflicts with what they see at home in their parents, who in many ways have rejected their faith (or never “got it” to begin with) and are barely going through the motions of being Catholic.

Yeah, there are things here that ring very true. At this point, I’ve come to certain truths using my own set of reasoning, which may or may not coincide how the Church got there. As for implementing correction… this may take a while to work.

This lack of faith in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist is one of the greatest tragedies of “Catholics” today.

In truth, I’m not sure I entirely understand it, but I haven’t gotten beyond the Book of Jeremiah, so I still have the remainder of Old Testament Prophetic Books, the New Testament, Catechism of the Catholic Church, plus a few other books by St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Eusibius.

Would you like to come help me teach my Old Testament class in CCD? That is what I try to convey to them all the time — God’s merciful love, that no matter how many times God’s people rejected Him throughout history, God was (and is) always able to bring good out of evil.

I’m honored to be asked, though I live in CT. I would be interested in helping to address any questions to the best of my abilities. My initial reasons for going into the Bible was to rebut many of the insane arguments that cultural Marxists use to belittle religious and conservative people by warping Scripture to mean something it’s not.

It’s one thing to sin and incriminate yourself, but it’s worse (IMO) to go and twist God’s law to mean the opposite, and then preach to everyone that it’s okay to indulge in everything under the sun without fear of negative repercussions.

Gotta go again, I’ll be back later on to continue this.