i must say though that i think the article is far from unbiased and in the end creates several misconceptions.

for example the article confuses being able to trace a lineage of practices to the early church and being the same thing as the early church. i personally find it amazing and exciting that the Catholic church can trace that connection, but it does not mean that those early church goers would be able to walk into a Catholic meeting today and feel right at home. it also does not mean that the Protestant or Orthodox demoninations are any less able to trace a lineage to the early church. the only real difference is that the Protestant demoninations don’t put any real value on such lineage because they don’t see the head of the church as being heriditary.

the other thing that kept on creeping up was the strange use of the term ‘religion’ which ultimately reinforced the myth that Catholics and Christians are seperate things, rather than denying. inspite of the authors adamance that Catholicism is a form (if not the original form) of Christianty, later refering to other denominations (such as protestant ones) as other ‘religions’ really undermines the connection that they tried to explain.

Christianity came to our nation as a tool for conquest. The Spanish friars used church teachings as a very effective form of control. To this day, the vast majority of us know very little to nothing about our culture prior to the arrival of the Spanish.

One of the ways they did this was to substitute Christian images/symbols in many of our established forms of worship. That is where you get some of our stranger forms of local Christianity. Over the centuries, many different sects emerged from this synthesis. From relatively benign ones like the Rizalista Church (who venerate our national hero as the second coming of Christ) to stupidly reckless ones like El Shaddai (who could give American pentecostal churches a run for their money). Even “mainstream” Catholicism does not remain untouched by this synthesis.

Thankfully, The modern Catholic church in the Philippines discourages idolatry. But centuries of indoctrination do not change overnight.

i would like you to prove to me that you exist. seriously try it. It can not be done. Cogito Ergo Sum (i think there for i am) is the best proof of existence but it only works when applied to oneself, you cant prove to me that you are capable of thought. what then is my reaction to this then? Do i get to freely discredit everything you say? can i ridicule everyone who claims that you do in fact exist? Further more if you were to teach me some lesson, lets say about how life is valuable and i decide to follow this lesson the rest of my life then what is wrong with my belief in your existence?

Second, the key to obtaining both knowledge and faith is having an open mind, so that you can make your own best judgement on matters of faith. I’m a devout Catholic; however, I do not blindly follow. I read numerous texts and writings, both ancient and modern, to learn more about my faith and God. Most priests and nuns that I know are intellectuals who are very open-minded, logical and accepting to the many diverse people around them.

To the individuals who are making comments about priests and alter boys…shame on you. You are being judgmental. Research will show that pedophiles do not belong to a particular religion, race, or culture. There are pedophiles in every religion, race and culture. Priests are human beings and therefore, are not perfect. This is not an excuse for their actions at all, but let’s remember that most priests are not pedophiles. Those who have preyed among young children should be punished for their actions and receive medical treatment. Also, being celibate does not create a pedophile. It is a mental disorder that needs proper treatment.

I believe that there should be a good, healthy debate among people of all religions and beliefs. That is, having an open mind and heart to the many possibilities that God presents to us each and everyday, to become more understanding and loving individuals.