shannin:
What is the proper response to garbage like that?
While it is true that the commentator was trying to score points in his argument that such a statue proves Catholicism is pagan, it may also be true that this statue
did exist before the time of Christ and was rededicated by the Church to the honor of Mary and the child Jesus. The question to the commentator becomes: So what? What is wrong with taking an ancient piece of statuary that is a beautiful piece of artwork depicting a mother and child and rededicating it to the honor of the child Jesus and his Virgin Mother?
If this commentator found a lovely piece of artwork at an estate sale, or at a dump for that matter; fixed it up; and hung it over his mantle for the inspiration and enjoyment of his family; would he be wrong for converting a nice piece of art from whatever its original purpose was to its new purpose of beautifying his home?
For more information, these articles should be helpful:
“Do Catholics Worship Statues?” by Catholic Answers:
catholic.com/library/Do_Catholics_Worship_Statues.asp
“Is Catholicism Pagan?” by Catholic Answers:
catholic.com/library/Is_Catholicism_Pagan.asp
shannin:
How can they get away with this on public television?
Because the producers arrange for it to be shown on television and because their speech and religious expression are protected liberties under our form of government. We can only hope for their sake that they are innocently unaware that their anti-Catholicism is wrong, and pray that they will one day be enlightened by God’s grace. Such incomplete and misleading statements are frustrating to be sure, but should encourage us to more deeply study our faith so that we might share it with those who disseminate the programs and with those are misled by such claims.
