Read the complete article below. It is very thought provoking. Our biggest problem in the Church today is with our very own Catholics let alone non-Catholics or the world.
I have always tried to teach the more controversial aspects of Catholic morality, i.e. natural law as it concerns so many moral issues, in a way that makes sense. I do this not to condemn Catholics who don't buy it but to lead them to a deeper truth about their Church and possible conversion.
I find these two excerpts very true:
I only note what I think an observable fact: that cultural Catholicism has become untenable; that more and more, except for the privileged who can still afford to blur lines, the choice between Catholicism and conventional cultural morality has become too stark to ignore, more and more a choice between Nietzsche or Jesus Christ. And, of course, it's a choice for non-Catholics too, and that's because it's nature we're talking about, not something merely religious.
This is also precisely where we Catholics should begin if we truly want to promote a culture of life, if we want to win arguments again. Not with our declared enemies, but with ourselves and with our own ignorance. Which is the more daunting task.
It's an anniversary more important than you might think. This summer
marks 50 years since the publication of Pope Paul VI's encyclical,
Humanae Vitae, the document clarifying the Catholic Church's opposition
to artificial contraception. Both hated and hallowed, it signifies a
watershed. As with other half-century cultural anniversaries marking all
that happened in 1968, this very brief papal document shaped our epoch
too, as much as anything, pitching battles still fought. The birth
control question was controversial since first posed, and Paul VI had
removed it from discussion at the Second Vatican Council, putting it
rather to a select commission of theologians, doctors and married
couples. ...
I have always tried to teach the more controversial aspects of Catholic morality, i.e. natural law as it concerns so many moral issues, in a way that makes sense. I do this not to condemn Catholics who don't buy it but to lead them to a deeper truth about their Church and possible conversion.
I find these two excerpts very true:
I only note what I think an observable fact: that cultural Catholicism has become untenable; that more and more, except for the privileged who can still afford to blur lines, the choice between Catholicism and conventional cultural morality has become too stark to ignore, more and more a choice between Nietzsche or Jesus Christ. And, of course, it's a choice for non-Catholics too, and that's because it's nature we're talking about, not something merely religious.
This is also precisely where we Catholics should begin if we truly want to promote a culture of life, if we want to win arguments again. Not with our declared enemies, but with ourselves and with our own ignorance. Which is the more daunting task.
The church can no longer ignore the chasm between Catholicism and Catholics
Dallas Morning News
3 hours ago
12 comments:
Of course it's true that most of those sitting in the pews of the typical Catholic Church each Sunday are non-Catholic in their beliefs. But where would the Church be if the Mass attracted only informed sincere Catholics? Obviously, far fewer priests would be required. Is this--a leaner and more faith Church--the preferred solution to the vocations problem? Is it where we're headed anyway?
"Read the complete article below. It is very thought provoking. Our biggest problem in the Church today is with our very own Catholics..."
The truly biggest problem in the Church is that the phrase "our very own Catholics" includes an enormous number of bishops and priests, many of whom do not believe the Catholic Faith, and this apostasy goes all the way into the highest echelons of the Church.
As long as men such as Charles Curran, Hans Kung, Robert Drinan, Edward Schillebeeckx, et al., ad infinitum, are permitted to parade in front of the world as if they are/were actually Catholic, while men like Archbishop Lefebvre are excommunicated, there will be no "renewal" in the Church.
If you want to find out how "tolerant" and "open minded" your progressive, liberal parish-goers really are, take the traditional Catholic position on ANY issue and politely stick to it. You will be wearing the "nut-job fringe" label faster than you can take your next breath.
Henry, you are right. But I have this very strong feeling many of those in the pess would be greatly satisfied to see the Church confess what it truly believes and wish those who won’t believe it good travels. And there are many, many more who would love, I mean truly Love, a Church that confidently stood by the revealed Truth.
How right Solon
I was involved in planning a 175 year anniversary mass for our parish, we talked about having a TLM for the event, good holy heavens the old ladies came unglued, and it was ALL elderly women, Threats of disruption and far worse. And this is a normally very conservative germane Catholic area, My sons high school class of 85 had only one non catholic in it, that is how Catholic it is
Solon said..."If you want to find out how "tolerant" and "open minded" your progressive, liberal parish-goers really are, take the traditional Catholic position on ANY issue and politely stick to it. You will be wearing the "nut-job fringe" label faster than you can take your next breath."
Go to a "traditional" Catholic parish, then take the "traditional" Catholic position on electing Popes and bishops — the ancient tradition involved laymen having a direct say in said elections. Folks at the "traditional" parish will label you a "nut-job modernist."
Or, take the ancient "traditional" Catholic position that concerned lengthy penances...penances that lasted for years. How many "traditional" Catholics desire to restore that ancient tradition?
Or, at "traditional" parishes, take the "traditional" Catholic position in regard to the Ecumenical Movement, Eucharist Fast, Holy Week liturgies...that, and adherence to additional "traditional" Catholic practices would involve the repudiation of Pope Venerable Pius XII's teachings.
Good luck attempting to repudiate teachings advanced by the "last traditional Pope."
But that is required should one wish to adhere to certain "traditional" teachings, rather than novelties.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Solon said..."If you want to find out how "tolerant" and "open minded" your progressive, liberal parish-goers really are, take the traditional Catholic position on ANY issue and politely stick to it. You will be wearing the "nut-job fringe" label faster than you can take your next breath."
Go amongst "traditional" Catholics. Then promote the following traditional teaching:
His Holiness Pope Francis speaks in the name of Jesus Christ. The Faithful are to accept his teaching and adhere to his teaching with a religious assent.
Submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authentic magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra; that is, it must be shown in such a way that his supreme magisterium is acknowledged with reverence, the judgments made by him are sincerely adhered to, according to his manifest mind and will.
Please report as to how "traditionalists" received the above.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Solon, try to promote Traditional Catholic Social Teaching amongst "traditionalists."
You will be labeled a "communist," "tree-hugger," "bleeding heart"...then informed that you work for George Soros.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Well I am tolerant and Traditional. I say we bring back a tradition from the 9th century and do to Francis what they did to Pope Formosus.
MT, please take your med before posting
We need everyone in the Church. The informed and the uninformed, the good and the bad. What we need is good, orthodox priests and bishops who read the Bible and remain faithful to tradition handed down. In time many more Catholics would be Catholic.
Anonymous @8:21:
“We need everyone in the Church. The informed and the uninformed, the good and the bad. What we need is good, orthodox priests and bishops who read the Bible and remain faithful to tradition handed down. In time many more Catholics would be Catholic.”
Yes, indeed we do...I think Jesus would agree...thanks.
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