Re: On The So-Called "Reforms"
you obviously have an outsiders perspective on this. i have an insiders perspective. i was raised catholic, and later my family converted to charismatic type christianity. i have seen it all.
the problem with catholicism is that the services are often like attending a funeral for someone you never knew - boring as hell, lifeless and dull. the only thing missing is the corpse at the front of the church.
what appeals to many ex-catholics regarding the evangelical movement is the vibrant and exuberant atmosphere of the worship services, the inclusion of contemporary music, the encouragement of expressions of emotion and feeling in church. also the political angle makes ppl feel involved and enthused about being a part of the community. these things are all severely lacking in modern day catholicism.
you view evangelicals as rigid and repressed, they experience themselves as free and empowered.
none of this is to suggest that i agree with the modern day evangelical notions of christianity, its only an explanation of why many choose that over traditional catholicism.
as for the catholic church in asia or africa i do not know what the numbers are or how it is faring.