(1) Re: HHS Mandate: yes, I’m sure there has been more talk about it because of the HHS Mandate. Perhaps that is a positive that comes out of it. But before then?Well, from what I know, I don’t think the first is necessarily true. Especially after Our Dear Leader pulled the HHS thing, there have been several sermons by the parish priests round here about what the Church teaches about birth control. I don’t doubt that a lot probably haven’t been swayed, but not enough to get out. Incidentally, though, most of the priests that have done this are new to the parish (not necessarily young, one of the Dominicans near where I am is rather old, though he’s relatively new to the priesthood - late vocation and all that)
Irregular marriages, on the other hand…
As to the original topic, the Church isn’t a democracy; what I think is worth about as much as printing costs for a single page, and not much else. Thank God.
(1) Re: HHS Mandate: yes, I’m sure there has been more talk about it because of the HHS Mandate. Perhaps that is a positive that comes out of it. But before then?
(2) New priests: That is very reassuring. I do believe that the newer priests tend to be more orthodox and more willing to teach the tough stuff.
Generally speaking, both in the pulpit and in the confessional, I find priests don’t say very much that is specific. Their counsel is/homilies are more general in nature.
- Before then, it was a once-a-year thing. Not opposed, just unfortunately something that was rarely said. I will charitably assume that they did not contradict what they said at the pulpit in what they said in the confessional.
Thanks for sharing this Abyssnia!!
I think the problem goes beyond that. It’s also a matter of the mass media and culture in general. I don’t just mean CNN and other such news, I mean our entertainment - our video games, our TV shows, etc.It is hard for the Church to be perceived as having the moral high ground when we constantly hear about sexual crimes or sexual impropriety among the clergy. We need priests and bishops who are not easily intimidated and who will not hesitate at standing up for what is right even if it means getting some people mad. You can’t please everyone, might as well do what is right unapologetically.
If we had a charismatic leader in the Church like a Fulton Sheen, I think we would see less Catholics going against Church teaching and actively trying to subvert Church teaching.
And if you look at the second part, It could be interpreted to mean that those who do choose to stay when they don’t believe are doing so to hurt the Church.*“Judas,” said Pope Benedict, “could have left, as many of the disciples did; indeed, he would have left if he were honest. Instead he remained with Jesus. He did not remain because of faith, or because of love, but with the secret intention of taking vengeance on the Master.” *
Did the Pope say exactly the same thing as the Monsignor? No. But is what the Monsignor said an overreach? No. I can see the parallels very clearly.
If I think about the dissenting Catholics I have been in contact, I wouldn’t say that most are *looking *to “hurt” the Church. I think they sincerely believe that the change they wish to bring about/see happen would be progress in and good for the Church. THey definitely do not see it as hurting the Church. In fact, often they will profess a deep love for the Church. I bet Judas thought similarly. He still loved Jesus but He wasn’t doing/acting the way Judas wanted him to behave/act/teach. I bet he also thought right up to the end that He would change His ways.And if you look at the second part, It could be interpreted to mean that those who do choose to stay when they don’t believe are doing so to hurt the Church.
I think tat is true for those advocating Gay marraige, abortion and other “progessive” talking points.Many Catholics today have the mindset of " I’m a good Catholic even I don’t accept church teachings". The poll results does not surprise me.
The thing is, on the latter things a Catholic can have a different opinion on how to solve those problems and still be a Catholic in good standing. Gay marriage, abortion, etc are non-negotiables.I think tat is true for those advocating Gay marraige, abortion and other “progessive” talking points.
However, I also think this is true for people who disagree with the Church on matters such as war, immigration, health care and wealth distribution.
I am aware of this difference. I have, on another site, seen it used as an excuse to run deliberately counter to the Church and the pope’s message.The thing is, on the latter things a Catholic can have a different opinion on how to solve those problems and still be a Catholic in good standing. Gay marriage, abortion, etc are non-negotiables.
What I find interesting is that the document from the USCCB in it’s document on Faithful Citizenship says this:The thing is, on the latter things a Catholic can have a different opinion on how to solve those problems and still be a Catholic in good standing. Gay marriage, abortion, etc are non-negotiables.
Which candidate presented that as an issue?What I find interesting is that the document from the USCCB in it’s document on Faithful Citizenship says this:
42. As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support. Yet a candidate’s position on a single issue that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support.
And yet I never hear “racism” discussed as a non-negotiable.
i also know many atheist, agnostic catholics, catholics who believe in buddah, allah, and various other forms of christanity.Yes, most that I know, too.
I don’t know any Catholics who are similar to those I see here on CAF. And I know hundreds of Catholics.
I am not sure I understand your point. Would it matter?Which candidate presented that as an issue?
Me either…that’s why this place fascinates me. I went to Catholic school and universities, and while I was away from Mass for a while, I still had plenty of family and friends that were Catholic.Yes, most that I know, too.
I don’t know any Catholics who are similar to those I see here on CAF. And I know hundreds of Catholics.