I wonder why so many find it comforting to criticize the beliefs of Christians?
Does it really matter what others believe?
Why can't you just live and let live?
Christianity, as most commonly practiced throughout history and all around the world, is an affront to reason and decency. I cite as evidence the crucifixion of Jesus.
You're speaking of Roman Catholic practices.
You do know that it is not really a good example of Christianity?
The Crucifix is a prime example. Roman Catholics use the crucifix with Jesus still nailed to the cross while all other Christians use an empty cross as remembrance of what Jesus did for us. We should not worship any graven image but we keep the cross. But it is important that we do not pray to it. The cross is small consolation to Christians but most keep it like a security blanket.
Most of the complaints about Christian history is the direct result of a diversion from the Bible that Roman Catholics practice.
Practically all precepts of the Roman Catholic institution contradict the Bible repeatedly.
Jesus did not teach us to beat the Devil out of someone. The fact that Jesus taught the disciples to be forgiving and to spread love, not force others to adhere to the word of God seems to escape most Christians.
Jesus is the core of Christianity, not the religions that men dreamed up hundreds of years after his death.
Blame not Christianity for the evils they have committed. Instead blame those who committed evil supposedly in the name of Christianity.