Religious Rant

Matt and I went to go see "The DaVinci Code" last week. I've not yet read the book, so for me it was just a movie. Matt's read the book, so he had some opinions on how Ron Howard "pussied-out" on the religious tone of the book as it translated into film. But, that's not the main focus of this post. I'll let Matt comment on that, if he so chooses. My rant is about Catholics.
Now, those of you who have known me for awhile are aware that I disagree with the Catholic faith about a great number of things. The role of women in the church, confession, communion, & celibacy just to name a few. I do not see why a woman cannot be a minister of Christ's teachings. I do not understand why they feel that you need to confess your sins to another earthly being when the only One you need to be absolved by is God - why the middle man? If you believe in God, and accept Christ as your Savior, why aren't you welcome to partake in the ritual of Holy Communion? And if God gave us sexuality as a gift and NOT a sin, why is it a sin to enjoy the gift we were blessed with? I'm not saying to flout the gift by giving it away to everyone you run into, but why be shamed for putting your sexuality to good use?
Anyway, my biggest problem with Catholicism is the idea of deprivation - during Lent, and, as discussed in "The DaVinci Code" - in Opus Dei. (*caveat - I understand that the representation of Opus Dei in "The DaVinci Code" was exaggerated and that the real organization is different. However, the physical affliction of "self denial" or as I see it "self mutilation" is, to some extent, real for some Opus Dei members.) I've never understood the concept of "giving up" something for Lent. the whole idea of the Crucifixion was so that mankind would be saved from our sins. Christ gave His life for that idea - that we would not have to suffer our own crosses because He had done it for us. I find it an insult to His ultimate sacrifice to think that giving up chocolate or potato chips for 40 days can come close to wandering through a desert fasting and being tested by the Devil himself, only to ultimately end up nailed to 2 boards with 3 nails. I celebrate my faith by trying to do at least 1 nice thing for someone every day during Lent - that seems a more appropriate homage.
I know it seems strange for me to bring up my beefs with Catholicism so far past lent, but as I said, "The DaVinci Code" is what brought it to mind. I thought it appropriate since self-denial and "humiliation" goes beyond this 40 day period for some pious Catholics.

I have more about the Catholic faith, particularly about the concept of a Pope, but I'll save that for a later rant. Mostly I wanted to vent about thinking our puny sacrifices could be considered on the same level as the suffering of Christ.