Having grown up Catholic until I was about 12, I can say the things I love about Catholicism are the things that ultimately don't matter. I love the pageantry, the "officialness" of Mass, the Latin, the very formulaic service in general (communion, sermon, etc.). It is really good at giving off an aura of "this is how worship should be." It's the message though where I, cannot, and will not, ever fully go in on. My mom left the Catholic Church for basically being chastised for being a cafeteria Catholic, and hence why I was only grew up until 12 being Catholic. New Priest was extremely hard lined.
Honestly, I don't know how you can be a cerebral individual and be a hard line Catholic (obviously can have argument for any religion in general but I won't go that far right now). I absolutely abhor someone telling me what to believe, and how to believe it, especially from some bully pulpit. At least Pope Francis is doing his best to being a more normal person when it comes to Catholicism, which believe me wacks, I totally get the dirty looks part. Catholics can be some of the most judgey people ever, which is so ironic giving how often mumped their kids are. Looking right at you Kapaun Mt. Carmel rainbow party herpes riddled spoiled brats.
