TOPIC:

"Shiny":232vj2ml wrote:

"flemishgael":232vj2ml wrote:

"mr happy":232vj2ml wrote: I think there are legitimate reasons why people in Belgium may have mixed feelings in this area, much like people in this country.[/quote:232vj2ml]
I'm aware that not every Catholic or priest is a saint and that not all that the church does is correct.
To quote Father Ted:
[b:232vj2ml]"If theres 100 Million priests in the world, and 10% of them are paedophiles, that's still only 10 Million."[/b:232vj2ml]

Scientific fact is that not 10% of all humans seem to have pedophile tendencies but most don't give into that, nor does 10% of all priests. The sad fact is that it's a small number of priests but it would be really stupid to think it would't ever happen. Just like not all teachers or policemen are guilty for the few.
It happens and it's unfortunate and it's even more unfortunate that some bishops and priests have done their best to cover it up but again it happens in all professions. I'm also not a big fan of of some of the church's view another issues like abortion or contraception, but do people really expect the pope to stand up and say: "Let's all copulate with as many people as we can and use condoms so you won't get terrible diseases and if you do happen to get pregnant let it be ripped from your womb." ?
The church believes marriage is a sacred bond and so do I. I'm not saying one should forbid condoms but they can hardly say they're great.
I think the last pope, John Paul II, was much better but part of my faith is that it will be tested. In the end I think there are still more good sides to the Catholic faith than bad ones and it's much better than any other religion.
Unfortunately, in this quick consumption, capitalist society there is no longer a need for salvation or religion. Greed and money is all that counts.
Is it coincidence the church lost it's position in Ireland as the Celtic tiger roared its devious head?[/quote:232vj2ml]

What do you think of the Westvleteren beer though?[/quote:232vj2ml]
As I explained before I think it's a great beer. It's not my favorite and nor do I think it's the best in the world but it comes close. It could do with a bit more hops and a bit more of that deep caramel flavor but as with all great beers it needs the right conditions to live up to the miracle and the hype. I find that when drunken with a nice, creamy but mature cheese it gains a lot in flavor.

"SOS_OPA":akqchtwe wrote: Silenus, I might take one of those off your hands if they're still available?[/quote:akqchtwe]

No problem. I'll leave one aside for you.

"SOS_OPA":3c12pncn wrote: Great stuff. As it happens I have to go in to Dublin City Council at some stage tomorrow - what's a good time to collect?

Stephen[/quote:3c12pncn]

Hi Steohen, anytime really. If I'm not here anyone can sort you out.

Geoff