How can the Catholic Church be a model for unity in diversity?

[catholic1seeks]

From the beginning, the Church was seen as the place where “different tribes” came together as one. In a way, 2,000 years ago, the Church was unique in this regard.

But even today, there is tribalism, racial animosity — oh, and don’t forget all the political fights going on — in the surrounding culture and society. Of course, the church itself is no different, but still — it is called to be different, and has been from its inception (“neither Gentile nor Jew…”).

How can the Catholic Church today be a model for people of very different politics, backgrounds, experiences, etc., coming together as one?

What are your experiences of different Catholics: Do you have any good examples of different people coming together with Christ and Creed as commonalities?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Two examples come to mind immediately. There are multiple Churches, both Eastern and Western, united into one Catholic Church but at the same time retaining their individual practices. The second thing that comes to mind are the myriad religious congregations in the Church, each with their individual charisms but at the same time all united in the Catholic Church.

 

[catholic1seeks]

I think I expressed the context well in the original post.

Everyone exploits terms. This thread will not be bashing “liberals” or anyone else.

As for “truth and error on equal footing,” let me again repeat:

What are your experiences of different Catholics: Do you have any good examples of different people coming together with Christ and Creed as commonalities?

“Christ and Creed” imply allegiance to Catholic Faith.

 

[catholic1seeks]

Yes, many people exploit terms. This is why clarity must be sought. Regarding your statement about “bashing liberals”, I answer that it is not “bashing”, but rather an extremely charitable gesture, to point out the errors of an ideology.

But even today, there is tribalism, racial animosity — oh, and don’t forget all the political fights going on — in the surrounding culture and society. Of course, the church itself is no different, but still — it is called to be different, and has been from its inception (“neither Gentile nor Jew…”).

 

[po18guy]

I think your expectations are unreasonable. We are not clones, not mindless robots, but individuals who retain free will. Look at the crowds that Jesus taught. Some agreed, some opposed, some were not certain either way. Are we to expect that today’s crowds are any different?

Rather look at the one Church which displays “one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:4-6) and which exists in every nation on earth and has but a single unified doctrine.

Examining the big picture, you have your answer.

 

[catholic1seeks]

I think your expectations are unreasonable. We are not clones, not mindless robots, but individuals who retain free will.

Yes, diversity means we are not mindless robots, but individuals, I agree.

The Church is the icon of God’s great gathering activity. The Church is called to be the model of a reconciled people worldwide and in communities.

 

[HeDa]

Move to Sweden. There are between 50-100 nationalities and languages spoken in the parishes. Business owners as well as UN refugees. Bright people with doctors exams teaching at universities as well as those who have never sat a single foot in school in their lives and are illiterate.

Swedish families that have been Catholic for three generations are very, very, very, very rare. 80% of Catholics (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation) have moved to Sweden for work, studies or are refugees. 20% are of Swedish origin and of them 80% are converts to the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church in Sweden is Catholic in the very sense of universal.

We worship God together even if a large part of the people present doesn’t understand anymore than very simple Swedish. Latin would for some be simpler but far from everyone is from the Roman part of the Catholic Church. What kind of Christmas decorations and how much of it are always up for discussion