Catholics markedly less devout than most Americans: poll

[Cygnus_X1]

If indeed true, this is disturbing:

Article

The profile of Catholics raises concerns about that faith segment according to George Barna, who directed the study.

“The history of American Catholics is that of a pool of immigrants who have successfully blended into the native culture. They have done well at adapting to their surroundings and emerging to become a backbone of the community and the national economy. The questions raised fifty years ago about the political loyalties and social objectives of Catholics are no longer relevant in this society,” Barna commented. “Yet, the cost of that struggle to achieve acceptance and legitimacy is that Catholics have largely lost touch with much of their substantive spiritual heritage. They retain an appreciation for tradition and consistency, but have much less of a commitment to knowing and practicing the commands of Christ. For instance, the data show that some of their long-held distinctives, such as being champions of social justice, are no longer a defining facet of their community.”

“The trail of Catholicism in America is a clear example of culture influencing faith more often than faith influencing culture,” Barna continued. “The faith of tens of millions of Catholics is affected by the prevailing culture more than by the central principles and teachings of the Bible. Spiritual leaders who are passionate about remaining true to the scriptures and to Catholicism’s historic commitment to Jesus Christ and the Word of God must address this spiritual drift within the body. If they fail to do so, in the next quarter century American Catholicism could well lose its ability to shape people’s minds and hearts in ways that conform to the historic teachings and purposes of Christianity.”

 

[francesco920]

If indeed true, this is disturbing:

Article

I think that this is true, but only for the last 50 years or so. I do not think this is news. From what I hear, before the “Spirit of Vatican II” took over, Catholicism was pretty strong here.

I think the situation is getting better, though, thanks to John Paul II and Benedict XVI:thumbsup:

 

[katy]

All I know is that for a long time after I came into the Church, I had my hands smacked often for “wanting to be too Catholic”. And we are only talking Rosary, visiting Christ in the Sacrament, wanting the kids to really learn something instead of just color. No wonder many thought “Why bother?”

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

I think that this is true, but only for the last 50 years or so. I do not think this is news. From what I hear, before the “Spirit of Vatican II” took over, Catholicism was pretty strong here.

I think the situation is getting better, though, thanks to John Paul II and Benedict XVI:thumbsup:

I would not blame the “Spirit of Vatican II” as much as I would the sex abuse scandal. This has effected the view of the church and everything from all sides.

 

[katy]

It started way before the abuse allegations surfaced, tho.

 

[DWPC]

I would not blame the “Spirit of Vatican II” as much as I would the sex abuse scandal. This has effected the view of the church and everything from all sides.

The decline is directly attributable to the abuses of VCII and the “Catholic Lite” religion now preached in parishes across America. Just look at the annual attendance figures. To paraphrase Pres. Reagan, many didn’t leave the Church, the Church left them.

 

[RobDH]

The decline is directly attributable to the abuses of VCII and the “Catholic Lite” religion now preached in parishes across America. Just look at the annual attendance figures. To paraphrase Pres. Reagan, many didn’t leave the Church, the Church left them.

Right on the head

 

[rayne89]

I would not blame the “Spirit of Vatican II” as much as I would the sex abuse scandal. This has effected the view of the church and everything from all sides.

This started decades before the abuse scandal came out.

 

[RobDH]

This started decades before the abuse scandal came out.

Exactly, though it was another straw straining the camel’s back.

 

[thomasf]

This is what happens when a church stops teaching what it believes to its members. You get generations of members that don’t know what’s going on, just going through the motions.

I am hopeful though, and I see change happening, and there are lots of very faithful, knowledgeable catholics championing the faith. That must continue to grow and spread through the church.

 

[John_Romanoski]

In recent years almost all the congregation goes to communion.
Years ago this was not so. They respond with a loud voice when it
is time to respond during Mass.I am the the only sinner that is a regular penintent. Many more say the rosary now then in past times. One third of the parish does not go to Weekend Masses.

 

[4HisChurch]

If indeed true, this is disturbing:

Article

I think this is true. When JFK ran for president, there were those afraid that a Catholic in the White House would mean loyalty to the Vatican over the United States. JFK assured them that

"I do not speak for my church on public matters — and the church does not speak for me.

Unfortunately, this is a common sentiment, not only among “Catholic” politicians, but in the general “Catholic” population. Many Catholics would be horrified at the idea of having to take something as old fashioned as Church teaching into account when making every day decisions.

America really is a Protestant nation and the idea that we are each our own Pope and Magisterium is a very intoxicating one.

As someone else said, though, this is slowly changing in some groups, thank God.