[Superman]

We don't disagree much Rick, at least on the subject of religion. Yes, each person should have a personal relationship. Both Catholics and protestants rely on clergy for help in interpretation. Interpretation can be tricky. I look much further than my local parish priest. I look to the accumulated body of theological learning. Also known as "The Church." It's not a matter of some guy dreaming up his answer to various questions and mandating agreement from everyone. Nope. The Pope sits on a GARGANTUAN mountain of existing wisdom. That wisdom is embodied in a document called The Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Two things: Yes, Catholics and every other kind of Christian should have a personal relationship and should do their own Bible reading. But I also believe strongly that anyone with theological curiosity and an interest in deepening their understanding of their relationship with God should pick up a copy of the Catechism and read it. It's very inexpensive and PACKED with theological wisdom you would instantly recognize. When folks diss The Church (I know this is not what you do), they are dissing two thousand years of prayer and study. Protestant religions after all, have about one fourth that experience. And as far as I know, two thirds of the Christian world is still Catholic. America is the land of the fast food burger, and the pick-and-choose faiths.