What does it mean to speak badly of the church?

[fakename]

To avoid this possible fault I want to know what “speaking badly of the church” means. How does one specifically balance criticism with respect (or does one criticize at all?). Can one be said to be honorably speaking about the church by examining it as an earthly institution subject to earthly influences, since the church is not simply earthly it seems improper to speak of it without any reference to its spiritual side…

Can one criticize a Borgia w/o mistreating the church?

 

[baltobetsy]

Maybe it would help you to remember that the Church, called the Bride of Christ, is a spotless bride. It is also called the Mystical Body of Christ - the extension of the Body of Christ in space and time - also perfect.

The Church itself, as Christ founded it, is indeed perfect. The trouble comes when we put imperfect humans IN the Church. The Church is protected from error by the Holy Spirit; people are not prevented from sinning.

So, to speak badly of the Church would be to deny that the Church is perfect. You do NOT do this when you point out the sins and errors of humans making up the Church. However, you must be careful to do this with justice and charity. In some cases, that might mean not criticizing at all.

For example, when certain priests commit terrible sins against the people in their care, and the bishops mishandle their response, that tells us of the weakness of those particular priests and bishops, not that the Church herself is imperfect and to be cast aside.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Betsy

 

[Elijah_Baley]

To avoid this possible fault I want to know what “speaking badly of the church” means. How does one specifically balance criticism with respect (or does one criticize at all?).

Discern always whether you speak with self-righteousness and indignation, or if you speak with humility and concern. Further, discern whether you are fully informed on the reasoning behind a decision you disagree with. Never criticize a conclusion if you don’t understand or don’t know the major and minor premises.

Criticize only in the abstract sense. Criticism is not out of snobbery or anger. Never criticize the hearts of men, as except for your own you never know them, but only criticize the actions of men.

Can one be said to be honorably speaking about the church by examining it as an earthly institution subject to earthly influences, since the church is not simply earthly it seems improper to speak of it without any reference to its spiritual side…

To criticize the Church is to criticize Christ. However, I feel you mean to say that you would criticize the actions of the earthly members of the Church hierarchy — when appropriate and truthful and necessary, this is not only allowed but obligatory. Note that it must be necessary.

I find that it is rarely necessary for a Catholic to criticize the actions of the earthly members of the hierarchy because I guarantee you that someone else is already busy minding that ministry.

Can one criticize a Borgia w/o mistreating the church?

Yes. Borgias are not the Church. Even within the Borgias, recognize that there remained holiness within the spiritual body of Mother Church, as no Borgia spoke ex cathedra and changed existing teaching of morality or faith, and so the spiritual body of Mother Church remained without contradiction or blemish.

I don’t mean to speak with authority, as my understanding is only partial. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[fakename]

thanks for the replies I’m really learning a lot.

 

[RachelKH]

youtube.com/watch?v=hEG7BQaAh_w

check this out for help too