ncregister.com/cna/ny-archdioc… Catholic priests warned not to Grant Religious Vaccine Exemptions. Directly from Pope Francis, vatican, mid 2021. “Pope Francis has made it very clear that it is morally acceptable to take any of the vaccines and said we have the moral responsibility to get vaccinated. Cardinal Dolan has said the same,” the memo stated. (Legions of Catholics "complied' with this. Compliance, fear of refusal. Fear of Authority).
in reply to EvolLove

@EvolLove @someGuyNick ..since the Council of Nicea....a very long time ago. FWIW all "Protestant" denoms are derived one way or another from the Holy Roman Empire. Save for the Baptists, which in some form existed since the days after the Crucifixion. Those crazy Christ followers were not partaking in all of the fun Roman orgies, murderous entertainment, etc. Find a secular way of grabbing them, weave their 'doctrine' into an institution, you'll own them.
in reply to Sp4rky

Catholicism, for centuries, has been about Compliance to the Institution. Don't like the pope? Too bad, he's appointed, not elected. Suck it up and do what you're told, don't make trouble, and you'll receive grace. You don't want to upset your local bishop, no? Or worse be seen by your parish as a troublemaker, do you? Compliance, Fear, repitition, theoligical details are too complex for peasants.
in reply to Sp4rky

Just do what you're told, don't ask questions, be compliant, trust the institution and the teaching. For centuries good and decent people have been taught this, I have no quarrel with them. Rather it hurts me knowing so many went along with church closing, denied all sacraments, many literally died with fear. Fear! Fear preached by apostates! Everyone who caved became 'catholic' during these times. Again not bashing the faithful. God is not the author of confusion.
in reply to Sp4rky

Understanding the Reformation, and much later the Founding of the USA, is important to why it's "ok" to push back against bad ideas. The Founding Fathers never wanted a "National Church". Largely they were Protestants, and with the Reformation a lot closer in the rear view mirror, plus with "The Church of England" in their midst, there was good reason to set up a place that could "fire" bad leaders or ideas. Non-compliance. Faith in God directly, no church required.