First, I’m sorry, Dr. Ambrosio, but the “myth” about the differences between the Protestants and Catholics is not a myth. Before Vatican II, Catholics only heard Scripture in Latin instead of vernacular, and were also told they could not read Scripture on their own because it needed to be interpreted by a priest. This was obviously a reaction to the Reformation, but it’s still being used against us even though it is no longer applicable.

Secondly, I am unusually well-educated in Scripture, and most people will comment on it. My response always is the same: I’ve read the Bible from cover-to-cover 12 times over a 12-year period (plus long stetches limited to just the Psalms or Proverbs). That usually makes them drop their jaws….to which I respond: in 12 years, you’ll be 12 years older than you are now; whether or not you will have read the Bible 12 times is entirely up to you.

Finally, the “no pain, no gain” adage does not and should not apply here. Our God is a loving Father Who cares for us and wants us to care about Him. If that doesn’t “knock your socks off”, you’re not paying attention! HIS pain is our gain!!! I’d much rather face the pain of looking in a mirror NOW and using the experience to correct my behavior to please my Father than refuse to look, to change and have to face that pain in Purgatory…..assuming I made it there. Think about it.