Hello from Georgia

First of all, thanks for the kind words and the sincerity. I can absolutely appreciate what you said about the other forum, and I'm glad at least ONE person took the time to properly understand what you were asking.

I'm always open to discussing differences among denominations, but I'll tell you what really bothers me right up front: We all know that people are passionate, and we all know that there are some key differences among the thousands of Christian sects - particularly the larger ones - that everyone debates ad nauseam. The only time I'll wash my hands of a discussion is when there is a blatant attempt to misrepresent. (And to be clear, in NO WAY am I implying that you've given me this impression...in fact, just the opposite!) The two topics you brought up - Baptism and Confession - are so often misrepresented in terms of what the RCC *actually* teaches, that it's far more common for me to come up against a misrepresentation than it is an accurate one.

Although a bit rusty, I've spent countless hours researching and studying Catholic apologetics, so it's not something I've arrived at on a whim in terms of my faith. That being said, I'm also VERY critical of the RCC these days, and for good reason, IMO. But the main point Im making is that I think it's always important to discuss things in a fair manner that is actually representative of the other's stance. I'm a bit over-tired at the moment and getting ready for bed, so hopefully I articulated that in a way that makes some sort of sense lol.

As a quick example, I'll toss out Mary. I can't even tell you how many times I hear people tell me that Catholics worship her, or that Catholics put her on par with Christ. Catholics venerate Mary, as she is considered the greatest of the saints. The only one worthy of worship, or adoration, is Christ, and that is what the RCC actually teaches. So while I can CERTAINLY understand why someone would react very strongly if they were told, or believed, that the RCC taught Marian worship, it's just simply not true. In their defense, there have been Catholics who have used terminology that was very misleading (e.g. "co-mediatrix), and others rightfully jumped on based on what it would seem to imply at first glance, but it's simply not true.

So I would absolutely welcome a discussion of the areas you mentioned, with the understanding of what I mentioned above, but also that 1) I have no intent or desire to convert or persuade anyone, and 2) although I often feel Im in the minority or a weirdo because of this, I am very ecumenically-minded, and I sincerely believe that we all are on a journey to Christ. Some of us are at mile marker 5, others may be at mile marker 500. I entrust God, and the sincere heart of the individual, to be the guide on that journey, and I would never attempt to impart my own beliefs on that of another On the other hand, I genuinely love to discuss and hear about the experiences of others - what led them to where they are now, what direction they feel they're headed in, what their stumbles and hurdles have been like, etc, etc. I think it's very easy nowadays to just assume someone has ulterior motives or some desire (unconscious need?) to prop up or validate their own belief system by attacking another. I find that really annoying, and it's a bit of a turn off.

So anyway, yes! Let's have a talk sometime lol

PS. Sorry to ramble!

Many of us need to be more sensitive and kind the way Christ was. I include myself in this.

Isaiah
42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

We all want to have the last word. I must learn to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of trying to grind them into the dirt before they do the same to me. Don't give up on the BDF. It needs you.