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What about Catholicism? There are 1 billion Catholics worldwide, 65 million in the US. The body of Catholic doctrine is based on the old and new testaments as interpreted by the church fathers over the centuries. All humans except Jesus and Mary are born with original sin. Catholics believe the bread and wine consecrated by the priest during mass to be the literal body and blood of Christ. They also believe the pope to be free of error on matters of faith and morals. Officially, Catholics must attend mass on Sunday and on 8 holy days of obligation as well as perform their Easter duty (confess their sins and receive communion once a year.) Mass is a symbolically rich reenactment of the last super that culminates in the mystery of the Eucharist. It is celebrated daily and on special occasions. Other important devotions include the rosary, the Stations of the Cross and benediction. Birth control and abortion are condemned, as is all discussion of women becoming priests. Divorce is forbidden. Annulment is increasingly easy to obtain. Catholics remain the most observant weekly worshippers in the nations. And the most active in social causes. Catholics are mostly democrats (editor's comment) |