I'm only responding to this thread because it is a topic that I, as an excommunicated Catholic, have researched at some great length.
First, there is documentation to support the argument that the creation of the "Holy Roman Catholic Church" was the "Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" response by a Roman emperor to the growing Christian faith. Numerous aspects of the older pagan religions were incorporated into the dogma of the church, and indeed, into the Mass itself (example: the offering of the wine is analagous to earlier blood sacrifices). The Romans were unsuccessful in quashing the growing Christian movement, so started a religion resembling Christianity and made it the official religion of the Holy Roman Empire.
Second, as possible proof of this, is the fact that the staff carried by the Pope is the Staff of Ra.
Third, there has been much theological discussion of a certain Catholic Pope (his name escapes me at the moment) who had entire passages stricken from the Bible. Specifically, those that deal with what some call reincarnation. He didn't want anyone to think, evidently, that there were any second chances. you get one shot at life, and that's it. I do not recall chapter and verse, but at one point, a person approaches Jesus and asks who he is. Jesus responds "Who do the people say I am?" "Some say that you are John the Baptist returned to us. Others say you are Elijah." "Child, John the Baptist WAS Elijah."
Fourth, I do not believe that it is coincidence that most, if not all, of the traditional Catholic seasonal happenings (lent, advent, etc) coincide on the calendar with ancient pagan rituals and feasts.
Please do no misunderstand me. By no stretch of the imagination do I condemn Catholics to hell. In my opinion, their beliefs are correct as far as they have been taught. I have come to the belief that the Roman Catholic Church was founded in heresy, and its followers have been deceived. If anyone, the deceivers will burn, not the deceived. Further, I believe that organized religion was intended as a means of protection (read as "Strength in numbers") from persecution, but has outlived its usefulness. No man has the right to tell any other that his way is wrong simply because he does not conform to conventional ideas of faith.
I consider myself a deeply spirtual person. I do have a personal relationship with my Creator. If I go to Heaven, it will NOT be because I stood in front of 300 people and cried as someone asked me if I accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour. It will be because I simply do.
