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novusCatholic
Guest
Many conservative, traditional Catholics are bothered by some of the things that Pope Francis has said. I ask them to consider the full context of his approach.
I find that I am not bothered by the things that Pope Francis has actually said, but I am often quite frustrated at what people say that he said.
I’ll read commentary or a news article and become concerned, but then I go and read his actual words. I refer to the question or situation that prompted his remarks and then read his full response. It sometimes quickly becomes apparent that the report of what he said is a bit different than what he actually said. Context matters.
I agree that his casual approach and outreach can lend itself to misinterpretation and purposeful twisting of intent with flash headlines and out of context snippets. Unfortunately, there are many (including many in the Church) who do this to advance their own agendas, but at least the conversation is ongoing.
I also consider his audience. His approach is different when speaking to atheists, fringe Catholics, or other Christians. He is more direct, quite clear, and orthodox in his homilies, but he is speaking to people already in the pews.
The Gospel is being proclaimed. Now that the conversation is ongoing, it’s up to the faithful to help make new disciples. And remember, as Pope Francis said, it is from the Gospel that moral consequences flow. These new disciples will need to be properly catechized.
I find that I am not bothered by the things that Pope Francis has actually said, but I am often quite frustrated at what people say that he said.
I’ll read commentary or a news article and become concerned, but then I go and read his actual words. I refer to the question or situation that prompted his remarks and then read his full response. It sometimes quickly becomes apparent that the report of what he said is a bit different than what he actually said. Context matters.
I agree that his casual approach and outreach can lend itself to misinterpretation and purposeful twisting of intent with flash headlines and out of context snippets. Unfortunately, there are many (including many in the Church) who do this to advance their own agendas, but at least the conversation is ongoing.
I also consider his audience. His approach is different when speaking to atheists, fringe Catholics, or other Christians. He is more direct, quite clear, and orthodox in his homilies, but he is speaking to people already in the pews.
The Gospel is being proclaimed. Now that the conversation is ongoing, it’s up to the faithful to help make new disciples. And remember, as Pope Francis said, it is from the Gospel that moral consequences flow. These new disciples will need to be properly catechized.
