Do you like or dislike Father Corapi?

[Strummer]

I think we get too caught up in ‘personalities’ to be honest. Fr. Corapi has a charism, which is preaching. He would not be a very good preacher if he didn’t preach.

I wholeheartedly agree! Furthermore, there are other charisms as well. But let us not confuse the critique of the effectiveness of how one exercises a particular gift with a debate about the value of the gift itself.

Our opinions really don’t matter much in the long run, what matters is when they stand before their creator, did they do what they were given to do to the best of their abilities.

While true, that attitude contravenes the raison d’etre of this or any message board. Sure, in 100 years we’ll all be dead. But in the meantime, someone asked a question and those of us who felt called to answer it have done so. I believe this parade will march on despite your rain.

 

[Lepanto]

As I have posted elsewhere on this board, I LOVE Fr. Corapi. I have been listening/watching him for years and still do “religiously.” I love his preaching, and he has definitely changed my life in tangible ways.

However, I think it’s time that I said a few things I thought I’d never come out with, since I have so much respect for the man.

First, I think he has become over-commercialized. Yes, I know that this is how he earns his money (or so that’s the conventional wisdom on this board). But his website is more like Amazon.com then that of a religious. I know of many other priests/religious with websites, but they are nothing like Fr. Corapi’s. Hardly anything on his website doesn’t have a price tag attached to it. The latest thing is a “Weekly Wisdom” service that one must pay to subscribe to. The focus of the website does not appear to be the salvation of souls, but for the selling of Fr. Corapi-brand products. Perhaps if I knew what his financial situation was vis-a-vis that of his congregation I might have a different opinion, but as it stands, I honestly find his website somewhat scandalous.

Second, Fr. Corapi is a wonderful preacher, but a lousy teacher in the sense that he can’t present something systematically or stay on topic. Take a look at his catechism DVD series, for example (I own a set). This set purports to teach one the essentials of the catechism. Each DVD has a topic. Within minutes of each lesson, he is off-topic and preaching on other things. The preaching is phenomenal, certainly, but instead of teaching the Trinity, for example, he’s off preaching on the evils of avarice.

Third, is it really necessary for him to remind us in every other talk that he has five university degrees and graduated with honors? (Or to mention same on the backs of his DVD cases?) Sure, he credits the Holy Spirit, but it also smacks of pride.

What I just wrote was painful for me, because I really do love Fr. Corapi, and have voted accordingly in the poll. I’ve internalized these three criticisms for years, but they had to come out now. Nevertheless, I pray for many more years of Fr. Corapi’s preaching, and I hope to see an army of young priests be inspired by him!

 

[anamchara]

Ana, I understand what you’re saying. His style is not my style either. But there is one thing that all of us lay people keep forgetting. I can’t say it enough on CAF. So I’ll write it capital letters, but don’t take it as a disrespect. I just want everyone to notice it.

1. SOME PRIESTS BELONG TO RELIGIOUS ORDERS OR RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS
2. RELIGIOUS WILL PREACH ACCORDING THE THE SPIRITUALITY OF THEIR ORDER OR CONGREGATION
3. THE LAITY HAS NO RIGHT TO TELL RELIGIOUS ORDERS WHAT THEIR SPIRITUALITY SHOULD BE. THIS WAS DONE BY THEIR FOUNDERS.

This is not just for AnaM. It’s for all of us. Here on CAF there are too many who don’t pay attention to their priests and think that they are all the same, just because they’re priests. Not true, religious are cut from a different bolt of cloth.

JR

JR, With all due respect, no one, especially not me is telling any religious what their spirituality should be. And I don’t see why it matters what order he is from. I don’t like his message and since this thread was asking people if they liked him or not, I decided to give an opinion.

I don’t like his content or his style. He reminds me of an evangelical tent preacher. Whatever order he is in, my opinion still stands.

 

[JReducation]

JR, With all due respect, no one, especially not me is telling any religious what their spirituality should be. And I don’t see why it matters what order he is from. I don’t like his message and since this thread was asking people if they liked him or not, I decided to give an opinion.

I don’t like his content or his style. He reminds me of an evangelical tent preacher. Whatever order he is in, my opinion still stands.

Ana:

I’m not saying that anyone has to like him. If you read my post, I said that he’s not my style. Remember, I said I like more the Francican and the Carmelite style of preaching, which is more gentle and more ubeat.

Yes. I never thought of it that way, but he does sound like those preachers in the tents.

I’ve only seen them on TV, so I don’t really know if that’s what they’re really like or if it’s Hollywood. I’ll take your word for it, because you came from the Protestant tradition. I didn’t, so I can’t say I know anything about that style.

There’s nothing to be offended about. I’m not pushing his style or his content. I was just making a point that this is the style of his community.

Personally, it doesn’t always appeal to me. Sometimes I find something that I like. Usually, I read Scott Hahn or Benedict Groetchel or one of the Carmelites. I feel more comfortable in that camp.

I hope this is clearer.

JR

 

[Strummer]

I do believe that some of us on CAF have developed a very bad tendency, that is to be judge, jury and prosecuter.

Indeed. This is always a danger when humans discuss and analyze subjects that evoke a strong emotional response. Still, I think it would be a mistake to completely eschew all such debate merely due to the potential danger. Surely we can converse like adults here…at least most of the time.

Since when does the laity have the right to say how religious are to exercise their charism? Father Caropi is a religious and belongs to a congregation of preachers, as I said. That is not his charism, but that of his congregation. He joined them and he has the oblgiation to follow what they expect of him and that’s what he’s trying to do.

Who are we to judge someone for living according the the charism of their religious order? If this is the way that his congregation thinks and this is what the Church approved for them, then all we can say is, it is what it is. Take or leave it, but don’t try to change it. It’s a gift to the Church.

You seem to be defending a position that has not been challenged. No one is arguing against Fr. Corapi’s right to preach. Rather, the question was posed whether or not one “liked” him. We must assume that this question was posed in the context of his media presence since that is how nearly all of us know him. If one likes him and especially if one does not, a decent respect to the opinions of the community require that one should declare the causes of that separate opinion. While I appreciate and share your concern that the unique characters of the various orders be respected and maintained, I cannot agree with your seeming conclusion that the laity must then be censored from ever uttering an opinion on their preferences regarding them.

 

[Strummer]

1. THE LAITY HAS NO RIGHT TO TELL RELIGIOUS ORDERS WHAT THEIR SPIRITUALITY SHOULD BE. THIS WAS DONE BY THEIR FOUNDERS.

However, the laity has every right to express their opinion and/or preferences concerning their effectiveness for them personally. Do not confuse critique of a particular instance with criticism of the whole entity.

 

[Strummer]

What I just wrote was painful for me, because I really do love Fr. Corapi, and have voted accordingly in the poll. I’ve internalized these three criticisms for years, but they had to come out now. Nevertheless, I pray for many more years of Fr. Corapi’s preaching, and I hope to see an army of young priests be inspired by him!

Criticizing those we love and respect can be painful. I appreciate the effort it took to write that. While I share your dismay over those same concerns, I also have other (previously stated) issues with him. Yet, as you are so well fed by his preaching, I hope you do let your issues with the man disuade you from hearing his message.

 

[anamchara]

Ana:

I’m not saying that anyone has to like him. If you read my post, I said that he’s not my style. Remember, I said I like more the Francican and the Carmelite style of preaching, which is more gentle and more ubeat.

Yes. I never thought of it that way, but he does sound like those preachers in the tents.

I’ve only seen them on TV, so I don’t really know if that’s what they’re really like or if it’s Hollywood. I’ll take your word for it, because you came from the Protestant tradition. I didn’t, so I can’t say I know anything about that style.

There’s nothing to be offended about. I’m not pushing his style or his content. I was just making a point that this is the style of his community.

Personally, it doesn’t always appeal to me. Sometimes I find something that I like. Usually, I read Scott Hahn or Benedict Groetchel or one of the Carmelites. I feel more comfortable in that camp.

I hope this is clearer.

JR

I didn’t come from that side of the Protestant world which is probably why Fr. C does not appeal to me at all. I grew up in a fairly low key liberal Protestant faith. United Methodist and then Presbyterian USA. So I never attended said tents, however, I have read about them and yes seen them on TV as well, but more documentary style. I personally love Fr. Greeley, Fr. McBrien and yes I have even read Kung which makes people nervous around here.

I didn’t think you were pushing his style at all. My point was that it doesn’t matter what order he is from, it doesn’t make what he says right. The spiritual health of others is a concern. Many people buy his books, videos etc. It becomes “the gospel according to Fr. Corapi”. Much of what he preaches I seriously question and as a Catholic I have every right to speak up if I think something isn’t right.

 

[JReducation]

However, the laity has every right to express their opinion and/or preferences concerning their effectiveness for them personally. Do not confuse critique of a particular instance with criticism of the whole entity.

I can accept this position without problems. Maybe I have sounded too harsh on this.

My reaction is not with the intent to offend, but from a sincere concern that I have developed since visiting many of the traditionalist forums where people seem to feel very free to attack every priest who does not do things to their liking.

When you explain to them that some priests are religious first and that their first commitment is to their religious congregation, then the parish that they serve or you explain that religious priests must often get permission to do certain things or not do others, people go on the attack.

There is a large group on CAF that doesn’t understand the whole concept of religious life and the difference between that and the priesthood, much less how a priest who is a religious has to submit to his superiors, even when he works in your parish.

I come from doing a lot of battle in defense of these poor priests who get bashed on some of these threads, because people feel certain entitlement to demand what they can’t demand.

I apologize if I came on too strong and failed to recognize that your question was whether or not one liked this particular preacher’s style and content, not an assualt on his spiritual charism.

I am sorry if I did any harm or was rude to anyone.

JR

 

[JReducation]

I didn’t come from that side of the Protestant world which is probably why Fr. C does not appeal to me at all. I grew up in a fairly low key liberal Protestant faith. United Methodist and then Presbyterian USA. So I never attended said tents, however, I have read about them and yes seen them on TV as well, but more documentary style. I personally love Fr. Greeley, Fr. McBrien and yes I have even read Kung which makes people nervous around here.

I didn’t think you were pushing his style at all. My point was that it doesn’t matter what order he is from, it doesn’t make what he says right. The spiritual health of others is a concern. Many people buy his books, videos etc. It becomes “the gospel according to Fr. Corapi”. Much of what he preaches I seriously question and as a Catholic I have every right to speak up if I think something isn’t right.

I have to be honest and say that his style is not my style. But I also have to be honest and say that I have never heard him say anything that I can point the finger at and say, “That’s wrong” or “That’s against Church teaching.”

He may have done so. I have not heard it. He’s just not my style. I don’t tune in to his program. I know people who love his style and his message.

Don’t get nervous about Kung. I’ve read Kung and Rahner. But I also read Luther’s writings. There is nothing wrong with knowledge. People have to relax. Reading doesn’t mean you’re “one of them.”

JR

 

[Strummer]

My reaction is not with the intent to offend, but from a sincere concern that I have developed since visiting many of the traditionalist forums where people seem to feel very free to attack every priest who does not do things to their liking.

I truly appreciate your voice and wisdom in this arena. I myself am somewhat ignorant of these constraints within the orders. You’ve gifted me with knowledge for which no apology is necessary.

I come from doing a lot of battle in defense of these poor priests who get bashed on some of these threads, because people feel certain entitlement to demand what they can’t demand.

I apologize if I came on too strong and failed to recognize that your question was whether or not one liked this particular preacher’s style and content, not an assualt on his spiritual charism.

I am sorry if I did any harm or was rude to anyone.

As one whose opinions are often less than well received, I believe that I myself was too defensive as well. However, your argument offered me the chance to further clarify my point just as you have done above. I believe we are both the better for this encounter and for that I thank you.

 

[chewchoo]

I wasn’t implying we need to be complacent. Being aware of our sin and evil in the world is very important. But it shouldn’t be the only focus to the point where we are becoming paranoid and looking around every corner for evil. The secluar world is also filled with love and understanding even from those who have not found God yet. If we cover our heads in the sand and hide away in caves then how can we go out and eat with the tax collectors as Christ did and spread the word or model our faith? In my opinion, Fr. C creates a tension with the outside world when we should be finding ways to reach out. his preaching style would have caused me to run in a different direction as a convert.

Not everyone has to like his style. We are all still Catholics under the same big tent

just to keep a friendly debate going here
i don’t agree that fr. corapi instills paranoia, i believe he promotes understanding, especially understanding of ourselves. and part of understanding ourselves is to see that we are all tax collectors. yep, it’s true. so we need to be aware of our own personal sin. i think it is a good thing to focus on, that way we can work to avoid it in the future.

i’m not sure what you mean by covering our heads in the sand tho.

and style is style, yes, we don’t all have to like him. his message is good tho. has he made mistakes in his message sometimes? sure. but he is the one that pulled me into the church

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

So let’s recap: I’ve pointed that Fr. Corapi’s arguments are logically flawed, that he is a fear mongerer, that he exploited the victims of 9-11 to his own ends, that his shameless self-promotion elevates himself at least equal to or even above his message, and that his battlefield imagery devalues non-Catholics/non-Christians paving the way for prejudice and persecution against them. In response, the pro-Corapi-ists proclaim: “So? We like him!” In other words, it doesn’t matter a tinker’s dam about the validity and soundness of a position (or lack thereof) as long as it re-enforces one’s own preconceived biases. OK, fine, but I do hope you can now see why you might be accused of not thinking for yourselves when you respond to critique with essentially “blah blah blah, I don’t care. My mind is made up.”

I can’t speak for anyone else on this thread, but I just don’t think YOUR asssertions re Father Corapi have any validity.

 

[anamchara]

just to keep a friendly debate going here
i don’t agree that fr. corapi instills paranoia, i believe he promotes understanding, especially understanding of ourselves. and part of understanding ourselves is to see that we are all tax collectors. yep, it’s true. so we need to be aware of our own personal sin. i think it is a good thing to focus on, that way we can work to avoid it in the future.

i’m not sure what you mean by covering our heads in the sand tho.

and style is style, yes, we don’t all have to like him. his message is good tho. has he made mistakes in his message sometimes? sure. but he is the one that pulled me into the church

Friendly I say we get out the boxing gloves JK! let’s see, the tax collecting comment was meant at those who do seem so scared about the evils of the secular world that they avoid nearly everything and see anti-Catholic at every turn as well. A good example is this lady that lives in our neighborhood. She homeschools her three kids. It is amazing to me how horrified she has made herself about any secular. She keeps them nearly shut in. It’s scary. I guess I’ve dealt with that type and it concerns me. So, what I meant was if we don’t learn how to embrace the outside world and focus on the good then how can we reach out as Christ did? I didn’t mean to imply we are not full of sin ourselves. Sorry if it came off like that.

I’m glad he pulled you into the Church Chew and I didn’t know he had a message board, interesting.

So, some like him and some don’t and we are all entitled to our opinion

 

[anamchara]

I can accept this position without problems. Maybe I have sounded too harsh on this.

My reaction is not with the intent to offend, but from a sincere concern that I have developed since visiting many of the traditionalist forums where people seem to feel very free to attack every priest who does not do things to their liking.

When you explain to them that some priests are religious first and that their first commitment is to their religious congregation, then the parish that they serve or you explain that religious priests must often get permission to do certain things or not do others, people go on the attack.

There is a large group on CAF that doesn’t understand the whole concept of religious life and the difference between that and the priesthood, much less how a priest who is a religious has to submit to his superiors, even when he works in your parish.

I come from doing a lot of battle in defense of these poor priests who get bashed on some of these threads, because people feel certain entitlement to demand what they can’t demand.

I apologize if I came on too strong and failed to recognize that your question was whether or not one liked this particular preacher’s style and content, not an assualt on his spiritual charism.

I am sorry if I did any harm or was rude to anyone.

JR

You are far from rude JR. I’m sorry if I seemed to be sorta jumpy/sensitive about the whole thing. My biggest concern is more about his content and bit of his style yes. It worries me for reasons I don’t want to debate but strummer touched on it a bit. So as you said, I will turn the channel or takes notes and come on here and debate more

 

[chewchoo]

Friendly I say we get out the boxing gloves JK! let’s see, the tax collecting comment was meant at those who do seem so scared about the evils of the secular world that they avoid nearly everything and see anti-Catholic at every turn as well. A good example is this lady that lives in our neighborhood. She homeschools her three kids. It is amazing to me how horrified she has made herself about any secular. She keeps them nearly shut in. It’s scary. I guess I’ve dealt with that type and it concerns me. So, what I meant was if we don’t learn how to embrace the outside world and focus on the good then how can we reach out as Christ did? I didn’t mean to imply we are not full of sin ourselves. Sorry if it came off like that.

just so i understand, your neighbor that home schools does so because of fr. corapi’s preaching?

I’m glad he pulled you into the Church Chew and I didn’t know he had a message board, interesting.

So, some like him and some don’t and we are all entitled to our opinion

i don’t think fr. corapi has a message board. i just listened to him on the radio

 

[ba_bustanti]

FIND THE GOOD IN ALL YOU DO AND ALL YOU MEET!!! WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS. SO ONE PERSON ISN’T TO FOND OF ONE STYLE BUT THE OTHER IS. SO WHAT???

IF A PERSON IS ABLE TO GET SOULS TO HEAVEN WHOM AM I TO PREACH AGAINST HIM. YET BE A PRAYER WARRIOR AND DO IT.

PEOPLE WAKE UP ITS ABOUT GETTING TO HEAVEN. PERSONALLY I NEED WAKE UP CALLS OFTEN AND I NEED LOVE. I do feel Father’s love when he is preaching. I also have found a very deep love for God that I never experienced. Mother Mary is my mother and I am growing closer to her through prayer. Father Corapi strongly reminded me she is my mother and yours. I am a cradle Catholic and met and listened to many. Also I would rather give my money to Father Corapi and his ministry than to Amazon.com.

I JUST FIND IT RIDICULOUS THAT PEOPLE GET INTO IT. THE QUESTION WAS DO YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE FATHER CORAPI? ALL YOU PARTICIPANTS THAT ARE TALKING ABOUT LOVE AND HOW PREACHERS SHOULD PREACH JUST ABOUT LOVE, HAVE NOT LEARNED ANYTHING FROM LOVING PREACHERS. READ THE BIBLE DARLINGS. BOTH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. I am a sinner and I have found many that are making my soul healthy. It could be a loving giving way or a strong wake up call and usually when the wake up call comes to me its because I am LOST!!!

By the way does anyone know anything about Father Corapi’s health. I understand the tumor was not cancerous but I would like to know how he is doing.

The Lord’s Peace be with all of you!!! I love you Jesus, I love you Mary, save souls. “Mother Angelica”

ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE AT EWTN GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU WELL!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSALIND ROSS WHO IS GOING TO BE CALLED MOTHER MIRIAM SOON!!! I SEE THE LIGHT AND HOPE I ALWAYS WILL, You too are responsible for how I live my life. THANK YOU!

 

[ba_bustanti]

Sorry I meant Rosalind Moss. Instead of Rosalind Ross. Ross is very common around here.

 

[Jimmy_B]

:knight1: What Do You Think?:knight1: %between%

 

[mom4truth]

I have just jumped in on this thread and am wondering why there is even a discussion regarding Fr. Corapi? Why is he controversial? I think he’s pretty down to earth and to the point.