I’ve heard that same or approximate figure bandied about for some time. As to whether or not it’s true is debatable. But just on a hunch I spoke with five Catholics that I know just to find out. two are neighbors, three co workers. Of the five two did not believe in the real presence and one said the host only became the body and blood after you ate it. Two believe in the real presence.
Three did not believe that baptism was necessary in order to be a Catholic, two said you only had to go to mass once a year, four didn’t know what the sacrament of Holy Orders was and that it was a sacrament, three had not been confirmed and did not know that was a sacrament either. As to the annoiting of the sick, two still called it the last rites, and all l believed it could only be done at the time of death. Three said there was no reason to confess to a priest, all you had to do was ask Gods forgiveness and everything would be forgiven. All sadly supported abortion rights for women and agreed that divorced couples should be legally allowed to re-marry in the church and have their unions blessed in the church. Three supported the concept of married priests and two did not.
Maybe not a scientific example, but who knows, maybe close to what the real problem is with the Church these days.
Lack of catechisis., lack of instruction in the faith. Too much time placed on faith formation whatever that is, socisl conscience development and Bible study groups. All good endeavours, don’t get me wrong. But if you leave out the doctrines and dogma of the church when instructing people, you really can’t complain if they don’t know those doctrines or adhere to those beliefs.
