I do a lot of writing so I end up reading many blogs, news releases and editorials. One thing that has become blatently clear to me is that some of Catholicism’s worst critics are Catholics! I read one article declaring that extremists were trying to shut down free speech in reference to the debate of ND and Obama speaking at its commencement.
This article proceded to say that those darn pro-life Catholics (that’s me) are extremists and are following an antiquated religion by an “out of touch” pope.
I have been Catholic for almost 9 years now and was shocked to realize this author was a Notre Dame alum, claimed to be a good Catholic but was concerned about the extreme views held by many other Catholics.
It was like having cold water thrown in my face. This person was referring to me and almost every other Catholic I know!! In my writing, I get some pretty nasty comments from non- Catholics but just never expected it from one of my brothers or sisters.(the above example was not directed at me but to a general audience)
The question I have is this: have I been living in my post-confirmation bubble for years now or have times changed that much in 8 3/4 years?
Since when is following the teachings of the Church, including the respect for life, considered by other Catholics to be “extremist”? Are those of us who do that a minority?
This has profoundly shaken me in my spirit. Any insights or suggestions I am missing here?
Pax,
Pam
Hi Pam,
There are too many vocal people who call themselves Catholics who do not follow many Church teachings or they are misinformed. Take Nancy Pelosi who said the Church is still not sure when life begins. And we must realize that there are wolves among us who wish to scatter the flock by bringing in destructive heresies. This has been true for the entire history of the Catholic Church. And finally, we must realize that on the internet, anyone can say they are Catholic but are actually lying and causing us to think that they are Catholic when they are not.
In the 1960s, there was no cussing and swearing on TV. Movies were still under the influence of the Catholic Legion of Decency.
But a coordinated attack was made against the Church in 1968. The Pope had issued Humanae Vitae, telling Catholics to avoid artificial birth control, including the Birth Control Pill. The integrity of the Catholic family was at stake along with the proper use of human sexuality. Even some priests and nuns were confused or even rebelled against this teaching.
The Hippies and radicals appeared and yelled freedom! Free love! Sex with anybody. I was there. A Hippie friend, raised like I was, told me: “I don’t need no piece of paper to live with my old lady.” He acted as if he had just left Hippie Boot Camp. The way he talked, dressed and acted was a perfect imitation of other Hippies. It was strange to see my fellow Catholics, in small numbers at first, smoking dope or trying illegal drugs or having sex with their girlfriends.
In 1973, the gift of human sexuality is given another blow. Legalized abortion. Catholics were told to have compassion on young women who would die if they sought a back alley abortion. We were told to consider the victims of rape and incest. That this law was to be used in emergencies only.
In the meantime, the same radicals were encouraging Catholics to have sex outside of marriage. To be free! Otherwise, we were called sexually reppressed.
Also, in the 1970s, the “freedom” to publish graphic images of prostitution appeared all over the country in Adult Bookstores.
Too many Catholics were being led to believe that if something was made legal then that made it OK.
The Catholic Legion of Decency closed its doors and movies became more sexualized and began adding profanity. But too many Catholics thought, Hey. That’s not so bad.
By 1978. Another blow is dealt to the family. Women’s Liberation told all women that they are or will be the victims of the eternal enemy – men. “Sisters! Throw off the chains of your oppression!” Burn your bras (which were designed by men, by the way.)
And this created fear, anxiety and suspicion. Which was the perfect marketing plan for…
1980s No-fault Divorce. No kids? $75 and you’re out. You need freedom! Freedom from the men who would hold you back. Who needs kids? Get a career!
Then cable is available and you have the freedom to get porn in your own home or the local motel.
TV becomes more sexualized and more dysfunctional. The evil JR Ewing, and his wife Sue Ellen, drinking liquor straight out of the bottle while driving. A perfect example of how marriage can be, even for the rich.
In the 1960s, a man would appear on TV and tell viewers that he was from the Standards and Practices Department. It was his job to ensure that everything on TV was suitable for the entire family. Already, by the 1980s, all bets were off.
1990s Into the abyss. Now that No-Fault Divorce was running at full speed and many men were paying child support, remarrying or living alone in bitterness, the next step is taken. Profanity and partial nudity on ABC. Network TV decides to take a roll in the mud. Turn on the radio and you get Shock Jocks. Freedom of speech also comes out in the form of Rap, now relabeled Hip-Hop. Aging pervert Howard Stern has porn stars (prostitutes) on his show.
Freedom of speech. Freedom of speech. Freedom of speech. At some point, strippers are relabeled Exotic Dancers.
Today, some Catholics are so far away from Church teaching that they’ve substituted the wisdom of the world for the Wisdom of the Church. I read an article in my local newspaper that said everyone should support embryonic stem cell research and that any objections to it were only “religious.” The writer went on to say that people need to realize that embryonic stem cells do not have fingers and toes – so, they’re not real babies.
On the weekend, especially around major cities, Church parking lots are almost empty and mall parking lots are almost full.
Tell other people the truth, give them clear Church teaching, ignore or correct those who are against it. Be clear, be polite, and continue with the truth no matter what.
Peace,
Ed
It actually turned out to be pretty good but it was merely therapeutical at the moment. I didn’t publish and am not sure that I will.
lol!