Nigel's original comment (see below) deserves some consideration. The Catholic faith (compared to some protestant denominations) emphasizes religion as a relation between the individual and God; with the church and priests as an intermediary in that relation. I think looking at my Hindu friends, perhaps they have similar perspectives.
Hence while the Goan priests' tradition may be to short-cut philosophical or theological explanations, which Nigel finds discouraging, I submit the shortcoming does not rest with the local priests. Their approach is what is good for the community they deal with on a daily basis. If one does not find convincing answers from the local priest, one needs to seek other intermediaries - other priests, reading and meditating the Bible, studying of other religious texts, other dissertations and textbooks of Catholic philosophers and theologians. I would encourage Nigel to continue to strive to get his enlightenment rather than merely blaming the village priest. I hope Nigel and others do not use questions, questions and more questions (on minor or side-issues) as a camouflage to other deeper seated issues. Many atheists or those with similar leanings, have a fundamental problem with accepting God. Instead of crossing that bridge first and being comfortable with that acceptance, they blame the intermediary (ies) or use some excuse or another as to why they have problems accepting their faith. This approach of making the priest the scapegoat, or putting the intermediary before God is to put the cart before the horse; and to argue in circles. As far as religious teachings: The famous quote - the Bible tells us how to go to heaven and not how the heaven goes. Kind Regards, GL --------- Gabe Menezes RESPONSE: There is no such thing as Papal trait of infallibility. The Pope is deemed infallible only when making pronouncements ex Cathedra .............. a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. ---------- Nigel Britto All priests seem to have inherited the papal trait of infallibility, and if I question it, I'll be condemned a heretic.
