The Catholic Church is rich. Nobody knows exactly how rich. Money, banking, land, artistic and literary treasures…and ancient antiques which boggle the mind. In the name of Jesus they have become a multi national, multi layered business run by people who say they are doing the almighty’s work. But they have grossly failed the people of their faith, the common people who wanted only to do the right thing. They depended on the priests, archbishops, cardinals, and the hierarchy to lead them.
Instead they got abuse, sexual, physical and mental. They were led like lambs to the slaughter, but said not a word….until recently.
I was not Catholic, but instead was brought up Baptist. We learned that Jesus healed the sick, gave to the poor, and had very few worldly possessions of his own. We were taught the golden rule, and John 3:16. We sang “Jesus loves the little children of the world….red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight.”
The church gave a large amount of money every year for “foreign missions”. Money earmarked to help bring people in poor countries to Jesus.
But things change. I’ve seen the rise of the prosperity gospel money mongers like Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar…and on and on. These men and women who flaunt their riches with jet planes, 5000 dollar suits, and multimillion dollar mansions.
I’ve seen television preachers like Pat Robertson, Falwell Jr., Graham Jr., and Robert Jeffress become more and more scions of politics and political leaders, instead of leaders of people towards morality and decency.
I started moving away from organized religion shortly after my open heart surgery in very late 2010. I have moved away from some many long held beliefs due to my vision of the world and its inhabitants. I have taken a new path because my heart told me I was not treading the right one. I still believe in a creator, but in a much different way now then before. There are other things I still believe in, including many of the teachings of Jesus himself….and only himself.
I say these things not to create discord or anger, but simply to let my friends know where I stand. I stand for justice, equality, tolerance, charity, love and happiness for all of the inhabitants of the world.
Writing for Sanity's Sake 