God has apparently given us humans the ability to think for ourselves and to work out what seems reasonable and sensible and what seems not.  If this is the case what is the justification for religious dogma?  Or, to put it another way,  why are Roman Catholics told that if they do not follow the decisions of the infallible Pope they are at the very least committing a mortal sin and be consigned to hellfire in the life hereafter?    Either we are free to make our own decisions or we are not.

If there is a God who knows our every thought and who has designed us as we are, why does he seem inconsistent and muddled on this matter?  I am very confused.  Would a Catholic solidly versed in  dogma and the right way of thinking please explain?

This is not a Jesuitical debating point –  I really want to know.