Responding to Anti-Catholic E-Mails
I recently got an another e mail from my evangelical friend pointing me to that recent video by Michael Voris on Real Catholic TV showing how the USCCB has been financially supporting some pretty nefarious causes, or at least uber-liberal organizations that , upon deeper probing, have been found to contribute to Planned Parenthood and other causes that are in direct opposition to the Church and it's teachings. (I was already aware of this connection and have chosen not to financially support the USCCB collection a few years ago.)
After 5 years, I have not left the Catholic faith after my umpteenth e mailing about a gambling priest or a pedophile or Mother Teresa's supposed abandonment of faith etc etc. I joined the Church in 2004 just when the priest scandals were finally starting to move from page one to page two of our local paper so if that didn't deter me from converting, I don't suspect the e mail campaign from my friend will either.
I have decided that for every negative e-mail I receive about the Church, I will respond with a positive story or video about the Church. I don't really think it will change my friend's view of Catholicism but it may cause someone on his e mailing list to think a bit. You never know who could be touched and what the Holy Spirit could use.
I just responded with the Epic by Catholics Come Home which is a professionally made video that is absolutely beautiful in its simplicity and elegance.
After 5 years, I have not left the Catholic faith after my umpteenth e mailing about a gambling priest or a pedophile or Mother Teresa's supposed abandonment of faith etc etc. I joined the Church in 2004 just when the priest scandals were finally starting to move from page one to page two of our local paper so if that didn't deter me from converting, I don't suspect the e mail campaign from my friend will either.
I have decided that for every negative e-mail I receive about the Church, I will respond with a positive story or video about the Church. I don't really think it will change my friend's view of Catholicism but it may cause someone on his e mailing list to think a bit. You never know who could be touched and what the Holy Spirit could use.
I just responded with the Epic by Catholics Come Home which is a professionally made video that is absolutely beautiful in its simplicity and elegance.
| "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" |
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 9:33 PM
9 Comments:
Scandal in the Church is nearly as old as the Church itself. Let's remember that two of the twelve apostles betrayed Jesus. One killed himself in vainglorious dispair. The other repented and once again became a great fisher of men, entrusted with the keys to Heaven by his Master and Lord.
It isn't his scandal that defines (un)fitness of the sinner, but his response to the call to repent after. Pray for the repentance of the USCCB.
"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" . . .
That verse of Holy Scripture also brought to mind, for me, Colossians, chapter 3, especially v. 13, "Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Russ, I appreciate the link to the video on Catholics Come Home and especially appreciate your efforts to respond to attacks with goodness. It's a choice.
Will remember you, with thanksgiving, in my prayers today.
God bless you. I know that I very much appreciate your efforts in this. You are right. Perhaps a seed will be planted.
We cannot judge the Church by her sinners, but only by her saints.
Great way to respond TJ!
Tiber...I know this comment does not exactly relate to this post, but I wanted to ask your thoughts on something.
I followed the link from the Commentary section of the website The Catholic Thing for the article "Benedict XVI: an Evangelical view" and found the following opening paragraph:
"When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, much successor speculation focused on the global South, where the Roman Catholic Church continues to grow. By elevating a cardinal from Africa or South America, Rome could have highlighted a success story. Instead, the church reached into the heart of secular Europe for Pope Benedict XVI from Germany. His selection sent a clear message: Rome will not give up on Europe without a fight."
It was always my understanding that God directed through divine inspiration the selection of a pope. I remember being quite frustrated at the time of Pope Benedict's election that so many...nay, nearly all...were talking about this as if it were no different from appointing a CEO of a major corporation. The opening paragraph in this Christianity Today article is no different, suggesting that any papal election has more to do with geography and politics than the will of God.
So which is it?
Thanks as always!
Dear Magister:
I think your answer may actually be in your question;
"It was always my understanding that God directed through divine inspiration the selection of a pope."
Despite the rumblings and "papabile" comments by both Catholic and non-Catholic commentators during a papal conclave, the ancient process is divinely inspired and we trust that God uses the process as human and imperfect as it is, in giving us the next shepherd in the shoes of that original fisherman Peter.
Folks like to say 'the Church needs some one from the African continent, or someone younger from S. America or another third world country, yet at the end of the day, God knows and decides who should be the best successor.
We think of the 11 disciples sitting distraught after the defection and betrayal of Judas, knowing they had to pick a successor. They did something so human and secular- They cast lots!
Catholicism is this mysterious intersection of the human and the divine. The incarnation continues to make his presence and way known to men , through men!
So when the sideline quaterbacks begin to comment about the papal selection as if it is a CEO selection process, the difference is that there is a Hand bigger than all of us that ultimately is involved in the process. He draws straight with crooked lines throughout salvation history.
Oh well. The Church is always in crisis.
To leave Peter because of Judas is stupid. That may have been too blunt. I sometimes am. Let's put it another way...it's not wise and it is dangerous to think that there's a perfect 'church body' out there without scandals. You know you're in the right one, when she's REALLY hated! Satan knows the ONE TRUE CHURCH and he knows it is not the little independent fellowship meeting in the movie theatre or the store front on the corner. There's a reason satanists steal vestments, chalices, and desecrate hosts. It's not for "Black Bible Studies" or "Black prayer meetings"...but for "BLACK MASSES." Satan copies the "real thing" where the "Real Presence of Jesus is. End of story. Jesus said we'd be hated, because they hated Him first. Who hates Joel Osteen, or "Rick Warren nearly as much as the Pope?
Susie : You have a way with words and are not afraid to tell it like it is. I think your comment about the satanists is spot on. Thanks for the comment.
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