What's in the name anyways?

[MichaelTDoyle]

Can one consider themselves a “good and faithful Catholic”,

Matthew 16:17
Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

peace

 

[setter]

Give milk to some and solid food to others. Be all things to all people, that you might win some. Speak Greek to them if that is the language they understand. If they require touchy-feely, gentle language, use it.

Again, another very useful post.

While too often lacking in the acquired versatility of St. Paul in giving testimony to the truth, I would think and hope that with the variety of poster styles and personalities present on these CA forums, one in search of Catholic answers to their queries of personal situations/moral dilemmas, would gravitate toward and receive those posts that appeal most to where they are at. We tend to like that which is most similar to our own liking.

However, I am often left scratching my head over the offense that fellow Catholics take when one simply points out what the Church teaches. Why the offense when one gently challenges a fellow Catholic who is persistently defending taking a position/course of action that locates one on the wrong side of the line [in matters of faith and morals] or precariously close to slipping/falling off the narrow way that leads to life? I am likewise disturbed by the behavior of the fellow Catholics who run to the emotional aid of the one offended and offer finger wagging support and redirection to find credible, credentialed and caring sources other than those who presented orthodox Church teaching.

 

[fix]

However, I am often left scratching my head over the offense that fellow Catholics take when one simply points out what the Church teaches. Why the offense when one gently challenges a fellow Catholic who is persistently defending taking a position/course of action that locates one on the wrong side of the line [in matters of faith and morals] or precariously close to slipping/falling off the narrow way that leads to life? I am likewise disturbed by the behavior of the fellow Catholics who run to the emotional aid of the one offended and offer finger wagging support and redirection to find credible, credentialed and caring sources other than those who presented orthodox Church teaching.

I think you raise some important points. I particularly enjoyed the posts by dulcissima and Pug as they were very insightful and helpful.

Without side tracking your thread I am wondering if the points you make can be related in any way to the seeimg inactivity of those in authority in the Church to curb dissent and public rejection of Church teachings?

I mean it may not seem a stretch to imagine bishops and others feeling the same way you do in that they perhaps they believe by “appearing” overly strident many will feel rebuffed and turn farther away. I am not saying this belief is legitimate, only that it may be widely held. Perhaps it is the result of the age we are in. Mostly authority is seen to reside only in ourselves. “Thinking for oneself” is perceived as a mark of intelligence and maturity. “Feelings” trump truth. Political correctness is perceived as one of the few absolute truths.

And when speaking about religion there are less than a handful of bible quotes that are seen as the entire Gospel message. Judge not…, Pharaseeism…, Christ ate with sinners… none of which are reconciled with all the rest of Scripture most of the time.