Surprising Article

[Brennan_Doherty]

Before the Last Conclave: "What I Told the Future Pope"

Cardinal Giacomo Biffi commits his memoirs to a book. And here’s a preview: the speech he gave in the closed-door meeting with the cardinals. And also, his critical views on John XXIII, on the Council, and on the “mea culpas” of John Paul II

by Sandro Magister

Great article and preview of a forthcoming book:

chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/173182?eng=y

 

[DustinsDad]

**Before the Last Conclave: “What I Told the Future Pope”…**Great article and preview of a forthcoming book:

chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/173182?eng=y

Very good article and isight…here’s a good exceprt on a famous phrase utterd by John XXIII:
“We must look more at what unites us than at what divides.” This statement, too - which today is often repeated and greatly appreciated, almost as the golden rule of “dialogue” - comes to us from the era of John XXIII, and communicates to us its atmosphere.

This is a practical principle of evident good sense, which should be kept in mind in situations of simple coexistence and for decisions on minor everyday matters.

But it becomes absurd and disastrous in its consequences if it is applied in the great issues of life, and especially in religious matters.

It is fitting, for example, that this aphorism should be used to preserve cordial relations in a shared dwelling, or rapid efficiency in a government office.

But woe to us if we let this inspire us in our evangelical testimony before the world, in our ecumenical efforts, in discussions with non-believers. In virtue of this principle, Christ could become the first and most illustrious victim of dialogue with the non-Christian religions. The Lord Jesus said of himself, in one of his remarks that we are inclined to censure: “I have come to bring division” (Luke 12:51).

In the questions that count, the rule can be none other than this: we must look above all at what is decisive, essential, true, whether it divides us or not.
Very interesting article indeed,

Peace in Christ,
DustinsDad

 

[Brennan_Doherty]

Very good article and isight…here’s a good exceprt on a famous phrase utterd by John XXIII:“We must look more at what unites us than at what divides.” This statement, too - which today is often repeated and greatly appreciated, almost as the golden rule of “dialogue” - comes to us from the era of John XXIII, and communicates to us its atmosphere.

This is a practical principle of evident good sense, which should be kept in mind in situations of simple coexistence and for decisions on minor everyday matters.

But it becomes absurd and disastrous in its consequences if it is applied in the great issues of life, and especially in religious matters.

It is fitting, for example, that this aphorism should be used to preserve cordial relations in a shared dwelling, or rapid efficiency in a government office.

But woe to us if we let this inspire us in our evangelical testimony before the world, in our ecumenical efforts, in discussions with non-believers. In virtue of this principle, Christ could become the first and most illustrious victim of dialogue with the non-Christian religions. The Lord Jesus said of himself, in one of his remarks that we are inclined to censure: “I have come to bring division” (Luke 12:51).

In the questions that count, the rule can be none other than this: we must look above all at what is decisive, essential, true, whether it divides us or not.
Very interesting article indeed,

Peace in Christ,
DustinsDad

Yes, I think all of his comments have been first rate. I really hope this book gets published in English.