@ Katelyn : It's called Sodom & Gomorrah

@ Linda Hernandez : No, they are not just labels. Again, the bible doesn't teach that we should pray to Mary or the saints. They are dead. we are not to pray to the dead, but to Christ. So it is not the same as asking for someone who is living to pray for us. The pope is not infallible, only Christ. Religious traditions and sacraments will not save you, nor does baptism, only FAITH alone, but with faith comes with good works. In other words, one who shows faith in Christ would obviously be doing good works, but good works alone does not save. These teachings are considered a hearsy. So there is a difference between Catholics and Christians. Although there are some Catholics I would consider Christian, of they display more reliance and faith on Christ alone.

@ John architect : I consider myself a "cultural Catholic".. I don't necessarily practice as a Catholic but was raised in a very Catholic family and with Catholic traditions... This is one thing that has always bothered me; the assumption that Catholics are praying to saints or to Mary. In reality, we are ASKING them for intercession... To pray for us. Think of it this way... Have you ever asked a friend or family member to pray for you? Its the same thing. For example, we ask Mary to "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death". We DO NOT ask Mary to grant us grace- she can't because she is not God. But it doesn't hurt to ask for a prayer from someone whose soul is immaculate (as the Mother of God, she is sinless). Also, although Church doctrine states homosexuality is a sin, in my experience, Catholics tend to be more accepting (following the "judge not lest ye be judged" principle). I know several very devout Catholics who are also extremely passionate LGBT activists and supporters. I also personally know many Christians who are virulently anti-LGBT. I do know there are some Protestant churches that accept gays with open arms (which is awesome), but, most Evangelical Christians absolutely do not accept that gays are worthy of Gods love or grace and are much more intolerant than Catholics.