Ha! Thank you for this (you've got the First Friday crowd all in a tizzy I'm sure). I believe it was those Greek pagans who noted that as immortals the gods couldn't apprehend human suffering. Well Christianity resolved that one.

I love the liturgy that's been handed down through the ages and think like all great art it should be conserved for posterity. But, yes, it's the 21st century and time to put away childish things.

I think salvation functions in this life and the gospel offers the way. But it's very difficult and elusive, and that's just the way the way is.

Incidentally, I was intrigued by your mind-bending theory in that Marian thread about the origins of Christianity. It's so unconventional I have to ponder it a while. :)