Being Silent

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ThereseAdrianna

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I have an idea for a research paper that I have to write for one of my theology classes and I was wondering if anyone knows of any Church documents, encyclicals, etc. relating to this topic.

I was learning about freedom in my moral theology class the other day and this came to my mind: freedom of silence. We live in a world today where freedom is seen more as “I can do what I want.” or “We have the freedom of speech, I can say whatever I want whether it’s hurtful or not.” However, that also includes having the freedom not to do anything. Like the famous quote goes: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Do not allow evil to triumph. Do not do sit by and do nothing.” So I was going to base my paper around that, and talk about how we as Catholics are called to be a witness, to be an apostle. Does anyone know of any documents or encyclicals, etc. that I could use as resources that relate?
 
Right now we and other countries are being silent in strongly speaking out about inhuman treatment and abuses of our fellow travelers. We seem to by flying first class while we observe the poor, the hungry, the disenfranchised, holding on by their fingernails. How would silence work in such cases? How did silence work for the masses in Nazi Germany and other emerging and power hungry nations? When does silence become a weakness, a sin or an immoral response in opposition to speaking out and being pro-active.? Yup, inquiring minds might just want to know and you might want to write how silence can be damage a nation, its people and topple a government, religion and moral platforms and change the ebbs and flows of history. Just open ended thoughts. Would love to read your paper when your done.😛
 
Giggly_Giraffe said:
Certainly, this is NOT catholic … But the first thing I thought about when reading the title of your thread was " the silent room"… Silence will drive you Insane!

today.com/news/sound-silence-sailor-finds-peace-worlds-quietest-room-1C7219583

smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/earths-quietest-place-will-drive-you-crazy-in-45-minutes-180948160/

m.youtube.com/watch?v=mXVGIb3bzHI
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I was thinking about the “Silent Room” and God. iDK where I heard this before, but it was said seeing God (the Father) could lead a person crazy too. So, silence therefore in extreem cases is not what past persons who honor silence are seeking … And like a glimpse of God (the Father) a short experience of silence to experience God would indeed be worthy.
 
Giggly_Giraffe said:
I was thinking about the “Silent Room” and God. iDK where I heard this before, but it was said seeing God (the Father) could lead a person crazy too. So, silence therefore in extreem cases is not what past persons who honor silence are seeking … And like a glimpse of God (the Father) a short experience of silence to experience God would indeed be worthy.
Click to expand...
Just wondering is Therese Adrianna received the information she was requesting by her post?

Silence, in my experience, can be both negative or positive! It depends on the situations. At times a person should speak out if there is a wrong being committed. Even Saint Paul does mention this; and, the Gospel does also.
Positive silence is very difficult to attain, especially the inteior silence of the soul or mind. We get so easily distracted, and worry about many things!

As to Church Documents on “SILENCE” I’m not sure that there would be a total Document focused on this topic.

Many Saints in their writings speak of the necessity of the “Silence of the Heart”.

So, I suggest, Therese Adrienna, that perhaps change or tweek the HUGE topic of “SILENCE” and focus on one aspect. I’m sure that if you Google, look at indexes of Theology books, Lives of the Saints, the Holy Scriptures, you could find a topic for your research.

Blessings! Let us know how you have done in this particular “research paper” and, finally what you did choose as your subject of focus!

thank you!
 
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