Interesting reactions from both sides on last weeks Blog entry on different forums. Both liberal and conservative seemed to read more into the post than was there. Extreme liberals considered it an 'angry' post. Extreme conservatives GOT angry AT the post.
As I stated earlier 'Conservative' and 'liberal' can mean a lot of things, politically, socially, and theologically. There are many political and social issues that I would come down on either side.
So perhaps those labels are not appropriate since they have come to be mean different things to different people in the course of history. FDR and JFK would not be considered 'liberal' in the modern sense of the word.
So, forgive the baggage I picked up from my days in fundamentalism.
It disturbs me that our society is becoming more and more divided politically and is driven to extremes by ideologues. Robert Bork observed once that in his day (WW2 era) two political opponents could disagree and still remain great friends. Today, if one disagree, you’re not just wrong, you’re evil for thinking the way you do.
In the Catholic Church however, orthodox and unorthodox I believe is better terminology. As one fellow commented: “You are just a true Catholic. We just believe in the Teaching and authority of the Catholic Church and do not pick or choose as the liberals (unorthodox) do.”
The terminology might change, but commitment to our Lord does not.
Friday, April 11, 2008
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2 comments:
Although I think it's pretty easy to spot obvious dissenters against a plain, pronounced dogma, the whole "true Catholic...just believes what the Church teaches" thing can be a little more tricky.
That phrase instantly puts me in mind of a phrase I often hear from everyone from Protestants, Evangelicals and even fringe groups (all of who disagree with one another on vital issues): "We just go by what the Bible says, not like those other people."
While I think a Catholic who accepts the Nicene Creed has every right to call themselves "orthodox" when compared to a heretic who doesn't, on other, more subtle issues it might be more useful to say "I'm doing my best, with the help of God, to submit to the teaching of Christ, which I believe is given int it's fullness by the Church."
I think there a folks who may not agree on the details of many issues who agree that is it our duty to THAT.
It can be tricky Jason, that is why it is important for me to shed the fundamentalist mindset of 'us' against 'them'. I have met many Catholics who believe in evolution and do not believe in the literalness of, lets say the Genesis flood. Yet they are still solid Catholic Christians. I would not have made that statement a couple of years ago.
On the other hand I cannot understand a doctor who performs abortions who considers himself a Catholic.
But, you are correct. Submitting to the teachings of Christ through the Church, is a goal we reach for day by day.
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