I think the better comparison would be literature studies. You don't mind bringing lots of other fields, you don't mind praising or blaming people in the field, and your own opinion is important but also largely irrelevant.

No one really reads textbooks outside of a class, but (A) a LOT of people take classes and (B) a lot of people read non-textbook works of theology.

Theologians are ALL about religious criticism.

Assuming you want an honest answer…

In the burbs where I am now, there just aren't enough priests. The parishes are in the multiple 1000s for like 3 guys at most - unless you get into a splinter group - and so you end up guided by whoever has the good will and a bit of training while the clergy do emergency work.

I grew up in West Texas where Catholics were considered pagans with a Christian veneer and amid a bunch of academic Catholics from various parts of the nation who'd ended up with careers in the area. The local churches had been founded as missionary projects by orders whose other responsibilities were in Africa. It…

Yeah, there was an attempt at rapprochement early in the decade but the SSPX rejected it. They are out doing their own thing.

When I say anti-clerical, I mean these are people I know who hate clergy. From that it's not too unreasonable a step to hate what clergy are selling.

Oh, I've met more than a few. There's a strong anti-clerical sentiment, sometimes it goes all the way.

incorrect.

I will totally grant it would have been a great end credits gag.

You wanted a fleas within fleas type situation?

And Cars 2 is also, to my mind, at least a semi-honorable miss. It does some decent work within the limits of the franchise and is way LESS horrible than something like the last 2 Matrix or Alien movies.

Yeah, I think the argument for witch-hunting as a distinct commonly occurring phenomena is pretty strong.

I think the most active privilege Texas enjoys from the annexation is a much clearer scheme for state/federal control of coastal waters than other states enjoy. Right now it mostly means Texas can force people to enjoy wind farms off the coast without having to go through longer Federal processes. While it's pretty…

The first ACA ruling also had a just ludicrous win in it for state's rights.

Your IRB committee is watching!

I don't know that I agree, but you get all the upvotes for your brief and baroque prose here.

Everyone gets another month! Enjoy the garden parties!

Presumably next week!