Explain how you can be a pro-gay, pro-Choice Catholic? Wouldn't proclaiming yourself a Catholic just be an oxymoron?That's a great question, which I'm glad to answer.
I believe that Jesus Christ set forth an Apostolic church, and that the Catholic Church is the embodiment of this idea. With that said: it's also painfully obvious that, throughout history, the Catholic Church has screwed up the message, tried to fix itself, then screwed up the message again. Over and over.
Why? Because it's run by humans.
I mean, the Pauline church was much more inclusive, gender-neutral, and otherwise "liberal" than the Church that wound up dominating those early days. And we shouldn't forget things like, say, the inquisition, the mutual excommunications of Urban and Clement, etc., etc.
The Church hasn't always been channeling the will of God, that much is certain.
My answer, then, is this: I believe in the message of Jesus. I believe in the overarching goodness of the Catholic Church... especially at the local level. I do not believe that the Apostles were perfect, just like I don't believe the Pope is infallible. If you doubt me, read the Gospels. The Apostles were well-meaning, jealous, egotistical, loyal, frightened, and ultimately human.
So I disagree with the Catholic Church on its positions on gays and abortion. And Jesus loves me for it, whether those thoughts are sins, or not.
Love to all. Even you, the woman who put the doughnut back in the box.
12 comments:
I'm not a catholic, but I'm glad that you brought up the fact of the church making mistakes.
It was the catholic church who sentenced Galileo to house arrest. He wasnt pardoned until 1992! It took over 300 years, when even in the 1700's an 1800's his theories had been proven.
Rich,
That is a really good viewpoint you hold there regarding the Catholic Church's history.
Of course, it focuses only on acknowledging the bad that was done by leaders of the Church at various times thoughout its history. But that's not your fault. Just what your Church has had to face.
Any reasonable person would also know that a great deal of good works for the benefit of humanity have been accomplished by the Catholic Church as well.
But, the detractors of the Catholic Church don't want to discuss those issues, only examples of corruption.
While I am not myself Catholic, I stand on the Catholic Church's side when it comes to dealing with her disengenous critics.
Having said that, while your attitude is really quite admirable, your transition into,
"Jesus loves me for my position on gays and abortion" is quite sneaky and deserves criticism.
That Jesus loves you, is an undisputed comment. That He loves you for your liberal stances is quite another and quite frankly, a bit too much.
Jesus was not a liberal. Jesus was not a conservative. Jesus was not a feminist. Jesus was not an ecologist. Jesus was and is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came here to teach us how to behave amongst ourselves and with His, and our Father, God. And of course to die for our sins and give us the way to enter the Kingdom of God and live eternally with Him, God and everyone who loves both Him and God.
Please consider holding to your liberal viewpoints without dragging Jesus into it.
All that aside, you are definately spot on! Good job.
Great site Rich - I like the balance in your views. The message of Christ is inclusive of all.
Clay,
What was Jesus' answer when asked what was the most important commandment? Didn't he say that first, love God, second, love your neighbour.
It might hurt you to think it, but he was a political figure, and expressing opinions that don't sit well with the "God loves us, except you, and you, and you, and you" beliefs too prominent in modern "Christianity".
Rich, I love your site, and have linked you. I might not be a stronglt religious person. But I like your non-dogmatic writings and wish you well.
Even you, the woman who put the doughnut back in the box.
Not so sure I could forgive someone who did that. LOL.
Anyway, thank you for that post. I always wondered myself how a seemingly mismatch of beliefs could coexist but as you point out we are all human and if God exist (because ya know I'm the A word. No the other one!) then he loves us all the same despite what we may or may not believe.
Keep up the good work and love to you :)
Aurelis,
How do you go from "Didn't he say that first, love God, second, love your neighbour." to the assertion that Jesus was a politician?
I haven't found anything political in any of Jesus' actions or sayings. In fact the one time he had to make a political stand against Rome, he didn't.
Remember when he was asked whether or not you should pay taxes? He took the neutral side.
Jesus mission was from God, and his focus was on God's Kingdom not the reform of human goverments, but rather the reform of human beings relationship to God.
Sorry, but as much as it might hurt you, Jesus wasn't a politician.
That was beautiful. Thank you for being so wise.
Rich,
How about you tell us, the REAL reason you are a catholic?
Like a certain someone who gave you three beautiful children?
cheers,
Thanks for the nice comments.
ITS, I think I'll explain that in my next post.
:-)
You are the bomb, Rich. I left the Catholic church years ago because I felt it didn't embrace those beliefs which I hold dearly. I love how you are a Pro-Choice, Pro-Gay Catholic! I dig it.
I'm a recovering Catholic, and I say amen to that. Thank you! And BTW, the gay community could use a lot more straight friends like you.
Excellent post and great blog! Definately a great way to look at this issue.
Post a Comment