It's been that way for a LONG, LONG time.
Preachers molesting boys never made me dislike the catholic church. Many protestants and others say thats the case for them. Those are men, individuals, whose hearts are wicked above all things according to the Lord. To my knowledge, the church never condoned it.
My problem is with the things they actually did endorse. I have seen pictures of the actual documents from centuries ago when members could purchase what they called "indulgences" for 10 bucks to the church you could cheat on your wife, for 20 bucks you could cheat with a boy...etc etc..thats the worst sin of the church IMO but there are plenty more and I am sure others would have similar feelings about the history of my church. That is valid, and each has a right to their opinion. I respect that. I have plenty of sins of my own, and am in no place to judge anyone. This is merely my opinion
Edit. For the record, i also believe Calvinism and predestination are crap, and any church whose doctrine follows that. That belief system removes free will, which i believe is really what its all about. God wants us to choose to love Him. Hes not gonna force it.
God forcing or predetermining pur choices would be like what happened on our last cruise. This is quite personal but I dont care.so....
Wife and i were on a cruise, its the only week of the year that we drink...she was tired one night and went back to our cabin. I stayed out another hour, had another drink or 2, and headed to bed. When i got there, after polishing up a little, i slip into bed with her and start loving on her. Rubbing her back,slowly getting more adultish, i was drunk and so couldnt really tell if she was game or not honestly. After prolly 30 mins of this she just pulled her clothes off from the waist down and said "go ahead." In an aggravated tone and manner. I laid there for still about 5 seconds, then said "you can keep it." In the same tone she gave me, as i was pissed...and went out on the balcony. After about 20 mins she came outside, half asleep and beautiful as always, and asked me why I was pissed.
I told her that i wasnt angry at her, i was hurt. what she had actually said was "rape me.you're my husband so its ok." I told her the same thing i had told her a half dozen times over 17 years, if you dont want to have sex just tell me. Rape is taking sex from someone who doesnt want sex. I never want that. I can jerk off like any other man if i needed a release. I was hurt and insulted that she thought i was so selfish that i would take sex from her. Never have never will take sex from a woman. If shes not into it, i will never enjoy it anyway. Taking sex would be like making her tell me I am handsome...would i then believe her when she said it??? Of course not.
Thats free will. God isnt going to take your love or worship. If he did, it wouldnt be real. Pointless. He will not ever...every man on this planet is exactly as close to God as they want to be. He never moves. Never changes Himself either. Those who really seek His love are very close to Him. Those who reject Him are far away. What really hurts is to get pretty close to Him, and then slowly backslide back into sin..the pit of misery.
Anyway, longest post ever. Yall have a Merry Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season. Only person whose birthday is so special that everyone gets presents.