Catholicism

With the Pope's visit to the U.S. Coming soon, there is a huge amount of media coverage on the preparations. As I see more, the clearer it becomes that I do not understand or subscribe to the Roman Catholic religion.

Honestly, so many of my friends who do identify as Catholic don't really seem to understand it either. All they really know is that they grew up and remain Catholic. Some, who can not give me a basic understanding of the religion are being raising their children as such.

Here are some basic things that I know about Catholisism. Not that it is all correct, but it is my perception from family members and friends, what they've said and how they live their lives.

My understanding and relationship with Jesus is not the same as a Catholics. When I pray, I have a direct path to Jesus and God. The bible is clear that I don't have to be perfect to come to them, nor do I have to go through anyone else. Catholics have an indirect route to Jesus and God. They have saints they have to petition to, so their prayers can be relayed to God.

To be forgiven, I only need to ask for forgiveness from God. It doesn't matter the type of sin, I am forgiven and need to turn away from the sin. They require a confession with a Priest, who then requires verbal repentance and the Priest offers forgiveness once that is done.

I am saved by grace and grace alone. I can do nothing of my own power to make myself good enough to enter heaven. The only way I can get to heaven is the grace offered to me and the sacrifice of Jesus. They believe there are a long list of things that have to be done before you can get to heaven. Otherwise, you are stuck in pergatory until your family has paid your high penitence.

For the most part, you can see Jesus in the lives of most of my friends. Most of them do not drink alcohol and not heavily. They don't smoke or swear. They go to church. Don't get me wrong, those things do not make you a Christian. However, those are the common marks of those who are.

I'm not trying to over generalize, but that's not the case in the lives of so many of my Catholic friends and family. They are excessive drinkers. They swear like sailors. They rarely go to church. I would say 19 out of 20 of my friends and family fall into that description.

There are so many little nuances between the religions. Too numerous to name.

Obviously, I don't understand those differences. I also don't understand why a visit to the U.S. By the Pope has Catholics crawling out of the woodwork. Even non Catholics are excited about the visit. I don't get it. I've been taught that there is no higher power than God. Nobody should be idolized. But here we are, as a nation, waiting in excitement for someone who is favored above God and Jesus. Someone who is idolized.

Keep in mind, I'm only being honest about my own confusion. I'm not pointing fingers or saying someone is right or wrong. But, it doesn't align with what I've been taught. Godly, wise people have put a lot of effort in teaching me. They laid out a gospel that looks nothing like what I see in Catholics and definitely not what I see in this media spectacle for the Pope's visit.

With all transparency, I have to say that my first experience with a Catholic priest was not favorable. As my cousin molested me in a Catholic Church yard, I watched in anguish as a priest watched through his parsonage window and did nothing to help. I've long since forgiven and this has nothing to do with my opinions now.

Truly, my only opinion is that I'm sad for my friends and their children. I'm sad that they are stuck in a religion they cannot explain. I'm sad that they don't believe they have a direct route to Jesus. I'm sad that their relationship with God is circumvented by their church and distorted from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.