Why is the U.S. Catholic-Lite?

[SuscipeMeDomine]

It’s the old sabbath made for man vs man made for the sabbath argument. We shouldn’t have to mortify ourselves to the point of passing out in church… easier to have a rule that fits 99% of people rather than a tougher one that requires exceptions, dispensations, etc.

Just this week the Pope mentioned in a homily that he went to confession about swallowing a drop of water before communion: en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/12/15/pope_francis_rigidity_is_a_sign_of_a_weak_heart/1114830

He also said in his homily: They were a very observant people, very secure in their habits.’ Yes, it’s true – but only in appearance. They were strong, but on the outside. They were in a cast. The heart was very week [sic], they didn’t know what they believed. And because of this their life, the outer part of their life, was completely regulated, but the heart was otherwise: a weak heart, and a skin that was plastered over, strong, harsh. Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us that the Christian should have a strong heart, a firm heart, a heart built on the rock, that is Christ; and then, in the way it goes out, it goes out with prudence… The rock is Christ, it is not negotiable”

I love this! It’s not about externals that are imposed on us. It’s about putting our heart on the rock of Christ and living our lives accordingly.

 

[Tigg]

All you have focused on is some external things and using that as a basis to call Catholics in the US “lite”. These are baseless connections and bigger issues as play than if one or two knees are used in genuflecting.

THIS I agree with; however looking at the bigger picture, the Church has loosened many disciplines with more possibly yet to come. Overall, I could speculate that the OP makes a point when other factors are considered. Does Catholic-Lite correlate with the tremendous loss of numbers attending obligatory Mass and those leaving the faith; does our lax attitude toward the liturgy produce a weakness of faith (it is there is some instances, I *assure *you); are the decreasing numbers in the confession lines indicative of a spiritual sickness or deprivation, etc. You get the point that these things could all be described as Catholic-Lite in that piety and primary focus on God is so lacking in daily life. As to the why…well