Perhaps you are making a round-a-bout criticism of the Catholic Church. If so, your thesis is flawed. The Catholic Church provides more services to those in need than most state governments. In many nations, the Church is the leading provider of social services. Ask a Haitian who is more likely to help – the government or the Church.

I don't mind people disagreeing with me on this forum – just be clear.

I believe that all men and women are capable of salvation, all are worthy of forgiveness. I would love to be able to add Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Joe Courtney, and scores of other politicians who openly defy the Magisterium to this list. I believe that God is calling them to listen – and pray they have the ears to hear.

I feel so confused about Catholics these days… it seems you can be the most disgusting human being ever… lie, cheat, get divorces, etc… yet if you go on tv and say, "abortion is bad" you could considered for sainthood almost…

I did agree with you on one thing though, about not being a hypocritical judge. That is how I feel as well and I don't think we're as unalike as you think. I also think you were right when you scolded people who "proclaim that money is the root of all evil–yet surround themselves with the trappings of wealth." I see this often, mainly from the so-called conservative politicians in our society (not all of course). What you call "secular libs" are the ones who fight against such hypocrisy in our society. I wouldn't be so quick to judge them.

Again, this was not an attack against you personally, just a disagreement regarding your statements. I am not perfect; I get things wrong, I certainly have an ego at times, lol. And now I will go and tend to that, rather than continue to concentrate solely on you. Because THAT is what Jesus taught. Again, I wish you well. Merry Christmas.

The argument is far from flawed theologically. I believe that I provided sufficient passages from the Gospels and the Letters of St. Paul to corroborate my thesis. To cast Christ as an 'anything goes' God is an attempt to trivialize Him. If we were to subscribe to your line of logic and not render judgment, then the concept of Free Will would be meaningless. In a world where there is no judgement, there is no right or wrong. In such a world, choices would have no meaning because there would be no consequences for bad choices. Furthermore, rendering judgement – if done correctly – is not punitive but corrective intervention. It allows people or societies to apply a common measure to adjust and correct behavior. If a person is doing something contrary to the teachings of the Church, failing to address the situation is a much greater sin than to ignore it or not act for fear of the 'log in my own eye'.

Being Catholic is not always easy. The discipline of the Magisterium is sometimes difficult and I have struggled with some tenets of the Faith for years. But I am a Catholic and I follow the teachings of the Church. You are more than free to judge me – and you have. I am content that when I exercise my judgement, it is in accordance with doctrine, with the Gospels, and done not out of malice but out of compassion.

I have nothing against you personally, I just found your argument theologically flawed. But I wish you luck. And Merry Christmas.