I agree with Lyra Jane that the Catholic church does not stand alone in this. Almost every religious organization that has been powerful and has endured over time has much to be ashamed of. It's just that the Catholic church is the big dog by virtue of its long history and the extent of its influence.

What I should have said is that their anti-birth control beliefs are based on their view that sex should always lead to the possibility of life. Not my view, but it's hardly immoral.

A hardline anti-condom stance in the age of AIDS, particularly in the parts of the world where the disease is rampant and so much of the transmission is in the boy-girl format the church approves of, isn't that far from only approving sex that always leads to the possibility of death.

It saddens me that people single the Catholic Church out for criticism so much over other Christian denominations

In this country, nsm. The politically active religious right is comprised of various flavors of Protestantism.

Worldwide and historically, well, nobody's ever had more money or more power than the Catholic Church. It's nobody's fault but their own if they don't have a history of using either one terribly well.

My niece:

CUUUTE!

And with that, I'm gonna have a bit of a lie down.

Thanks, -t. Much healing ~ma, Betsy. I hope it gets better soon. At least you know now so you can start treatment.

OMG - Chikat! She is totally TEH CUTE!

My ire is not just directed at the Catholic Church. Don't worry.

Nonono, Hec, it's not you, dear heart. It's the whole discussion, and me being in a bad bad headspace right now.

Sorry to be all wet-blankety, everyone. I will defend Paul some other day, but right now I'm just feeling kicked in the teeth by life in general. For no very good reason, just a lot of selfish wallowing in pity for other peoples' unhappiness, so I don't need any punctuation. I just feel all surly and prickly and full of wrong wordiness, so I'm'a go soak my head and resurface later.

I will be vibing ecumeical vibes in the direction of Betsy's rotator cuff, though.

No. I have outrage enough for...well, The Four Corners area. But also for many institutions.

Worldwide and historically, well, nobody's ever had more money or more power than the Catholic Church. It's nobody's fault but their own if they don't have a history of using either one terribly well.

Please point me to an organization of any sort that's been around for 2,000 years -- heck, even 1,000 or 500-- that has used power and money particularly well. I certainly can't think of one.