tommiesaquinas

I disagree that they are "the same questions." There can be several questions addressing various issues within the broad topic of "sex abuse." It's kind of a hot topic you know.

Yeah but you kinda do though

You mention in the posted article of Fictional Character Day that your brother was at the time also an atheist. Have his views changed as yours have?

With due respect, this sounds like a classic case of leaving the Church because you found it too difficult to follow her teachings.

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.

G.K. Chesterton

This was followed by you "taking a break" from the Church in order to pursue those urges. After you did this, you lost faith.

If you don't behave as you believe, you will end by believing as you behave.

Ven. Fulton Sheen

On a sidenote, I also had a period in my life where I stopped practicing, for reasons not entirely disconnected to yours. I hope you will find the right time in your life to make a return to Christ.

You've stated in the past that you're with von Balthasar in stating that "we may reasonably hope that all may be saved." How do you reconcile this belief with the Council of Florence, which taught, "The souls of those who depart this life in actual mortal sin, or in original sin alone, go down straightaway to hell to be punished, but with unequal pains"?