The English word "religion" is etymologically derived from the Latin word religo, meaning to "bind up." Religion binds people up in rules and regulations or in ritualistic patterns of devotion. Christianity, on the other hand, was never meant to be a religion. Christianity is the dynamic spiritual life of the risen Lord Jesus indwelling the spirit of man so as to create functional behavior to the glory of God. Granted, men have attempted to force Christianity into the molds and forms of religion. That is evident by all the steeples and sanctuaries and ecclesiastical programs that dot the landscape of our society. It is the propensity of man to formulate religion to take that which is of the invisible God and attempt to make it visible, tangible and controllable. Man-made religion! The apostle Paul refers to it as "self-made religion" (Colossians 2:23), and goes on to indicate that it is of no value against fleshly indulgence. In essence, Paul is saying that "religion is of no value against man's sinfulness." In fact, religion is a co-dependent enabler of the sins of mankind. It is itself an addiction. "I have had enough of burnt offerings...Bring your worthless offerings no longer...I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts; they have become a burden to Me... So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you... I will not listen..." (Isaiah 1:10-15) "I hate, I reject your festivals; nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies...take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps." (Amos 5:21-24) I dont see how you could possibley pray to anyone but God, mary was cool and all, but what is the point of praying to her? how is that biblical? Does mary have spiritual "power" that God doesnt? (i didnt feel like typing, and i only found kings james version online, forgive me for the thees and thous)Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Romans 8:34 "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Plus, Im assuming that you believe mary never sinned, when romans 3:23 said everyone falls short. I didnt say anything about the literal size of the church, i was talking about the luxerious icons, and expensive things, do you think christ would put up golden statues of himself, or million dollar stained glass windows of his bros? I dont see how you could justify that. So what if it "represents" his life on earth? Thats what the bible is for. I think of a million biblical ways to use a million dollars rather than a huge window. The blood thing, im not saying that he actually didnt turn it in to blood or his body, whatever, that has nothing to do with my theology. I do believe( and its biblical) that god can use man to do miracles. But what is gained through actually eating christs body, and blood? do you really think God would just turn it into his kids actual body, just for kicks? and im guessing you trace the church back to peter? if we follow your way of thinking and theology, than peter is Satan! matt 16:23 and please explain how the pope can talk to god, and you cant...