Should I Change Parishes?

[Donald_Ramsey]

My priest-pastor is a VERY, VERY nice guy. He’s also a strong believer in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and he believes in all the New Testament Miracles. However, I’ve heard him mention Father Raymond Brown a lot. And in his sermons, he makes it pretty obvious that he doesn’t believe that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, doesn’t believe God took Elijah up into heaven like the Bible says, etc. He also seems, from the content of his sermons, not to believe in the existence of Demons although he DOES believe in the existence of angels. I really like my pastor, but I don’t know how I should reply to these things. Should I keep silent? Should I get him into a private conversation? Perhaps change parishes? I want my mother to start taking RCIA because she’s really interested in the Catholic faith, but if the RCIA teacher (usually my pastor) starts talking about the non-reality of Adam & Eve, of Sodom & Gomorrah, of Demons, etc., I can tell you that my mother will bolt from the Catholic church quicker than you can say WOW!, and I don’t want THAT to happen…Any advice from anyone?

 

[renee1258]

I would go to him privately and let him explain himself in further detail.

 

[MariaG]

I would go and talk to him. Talk to him of your concerns. Ask questions. If you have a choice, I would certainly look into a different parish for your mother’s sake.

 

[cmom]

Talk to him.
The Church has not changed any of its teachings on these subjects and Raymond Brown is not infallible and does not speak for the Magisterium of the Church.

 

[renee1258]

No matter your decision, you know that you made it well informed.

 

[Fidelis]

renee1258:

I would go to him privately and let him explain himself in further detail.

I agree. And if he makes it clear that he does hold a non-traditional understanding of the Old Testament and intends on teaching it, I, personally, would look for another parish, if you can find a better one, all things considered.

If not, I would instead discourage your mother starting RCIA until you can thoroughly prepare her for what she’ll hear in this particular RCIA class by showing her that this priests teachings on this subject do not reflect the orthodox and traditional understanding of the Scriptures by the Church. Impress on her the point that one man in a pastoral position with erroneous opinions does not negate the truth of the Church as a whole.

 

[martino]

**I will talk to him and tell him that your mother is thinking about joining the RCIA group but you want to know exactly what she is going to be taught there. If he openly intends on teaching error then I would not only find another parish but inform the bishop’s office so that they know what is going on there. They may not care but that is about all you can do. **

**In the mean time I would keep feeding your mother some of the great books that are out there that teach authentic Catholicism. **

 

[Faithful_2_Rome]

Putting aside the Old Testament and things he dont believe…for him to NOT believe in Demons (how he can accept Angels and not the other,…blows my mind) means he is rejecting the TEACHINGS of the Catholic Church…frankly…he has no right to NOT believe in Demons if he wants to be a priest in good standing…this means he also dont believe Satan fell…that there is NO HELL…that the wicked are somehow gonna be “forgiven” at a later date and allowed into Heaven…its only logical to presume this…and I cannot recall what heresey he is practicing, but there IS a name for it. Bottom line…if you cannot change his mind…contact the Bishop and change your Parish.