Kindle Fire

Monday, July 13, 2009

Obedience, orthodoxy and the Holy Spirit


Emperors, kings, presidents and prime ministers have always demanded obedience over truth. It is a more comfortable way of governing even if it leads to more serious problems. This is why heresy has always been the number one sin in the church because it essentially challenges orthodoxy. Governing which respects the rights of others is more uncomfortable than suppressing any dissidence. This is why we have the restorationists led by John Paul II since the council. It is easier to go back to absolute obedience than to be a St Paul and work hard with the churches to bring the life of Christ into the communities.

The whole saga of the Legionairres of Christ show us that we need hard word and indomitable spirit (not dominating) to build the church. It is easier to use the guillotine than the carrot. A leader who ends up crucified is not a model but is considered a failure. Yet look what he built. He clearly had many problems with orthodoxy.

In defense of an honest Catholic history


Isn’t this the problem we face within the church where so many Catholic historians, present and past, have fudged or altered history in the name of preserving the faith. We have made saints out of some very dubious people to say the least. Up to Vatican II the clergy had us all convinced that most of the popes were good which is doubtful at best. Third, we were lied to about the treatment of heretics until John Paul II officially apologized for their treatment. (Benedict never approved of those apologies) Fourth, the Jews were officially in hell until the Second Vatican Council said no. Fifth, for most of our history Constantine and Charlemagne were eulogized as saints tho thankfully never declared so. The Vatican still believes Europe is the predestined continent and no thank you for the Tukey country. Etc.

The lack of true history colors our outlook, the way we look at the clergy and our overall theology. It is still a prodigious lacuna in Catholic academia.