12-09-2006, 10:56 PM
Hi Ruggedtouch,
Thanks for your post!
Considering this isn't the time or place to discuss Catholicism, I'm not going to argue with you, but I'll just say this...
It has been a constant teaching of the Church that God has inscribed the Natural Moral Law (as opposed to Divine Revelation) on every human's heart, therefore, we're all able to discern good from evil regardless of our religious beliefs (cf. St Paul's letter to the Romans). This is why Catholicism teaches that Heaven isn't reserved for Christians only, but rather for anybody who lives a decent, ethical life according to their conscience (we're obliged to form our conscience correctly though & not remain ignorant).
For lack of a better analogy, faith in the Blessed Trinity & dogmas of the Church is like flying from Australia to the USA rather than travelling by foot - it's a shortcut :)
John Paul II wrote a brilliant encyclical called "Veritatis Splendor". Do yourself a favor & read it :) You don't necessarily have to agree with our doctrines, but at least understand them before you reject them.
Peace & blessings!
P.S. I live in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood with a minority of Christians & I'm glad to report that we co-exist wonderfully together! We both practice our faiths openly & publicly... which is the way it should be all over the world... ideally!
Faith Hope Charity... Openness Acceptance Equality.