[NGFP-BookClub] Addendum: Organised Religion

[Danielle James]

An addendum to my last posting regarding catholics.

Once a catholic is baptised a catholic, they are identified as catholic 
even if they convert to another religion.  Practicing catholics are 
those who
dip the knee  to the catholic religion.  Those who don't are considered 
lapsed catholics - such as  non-practicing catholics; those who are 
anti-catholic ; and converts to other religions.  The reason is that, 
perhaps, even on their deathbed, they may confess and return to the 
bosom of mother church.  This is so recognised, that a priest may give 
the last rites to an unconscious 'catholic.'  Even 20 minutes after 
death (the soul is supposed to stay around for this length of time) a 
priest can enjoin with the soul in an act of confession/penitence.  
Thus, freeing the soul of sin (albeit not of pergatory) and returning 
the deceased to the church.

Only in the case where a catholic has been publicly excommunicated from 
the church, is he/she considered no longer a catholic.

Danielle