As a Jew, I freely admit that some aspects of Christianity are alien to me. The recent public debate about whether or not pro-choice Catholics should be allowed to take Communion brings to light one of them.
Here's one example: Catholics who feel so at odds with their church's ideology - who don't they just go worship at some other church? What makes them stay committed to being a Catholic even if they vehemently disagree with what their church is doing? Is it an unwillingness to let go of their tribal identification? Fear of the unknown? Do they sincerely feel that Jesus won't love them if they go to the church across the street? Is it a love of the liturgy they grew up with? Or do they think that if they wait long enough, the church will change and become more in line with their own beliefs? It could be pure politics - nobody wants to be accused of flip-flopping on moral issues. Or something else entirely that I'm overlooking because I'm not Christian.
I've heard the phrase "cafeteria Catholics" and it's a term that could be applied to a lot of other religions, Jews included. I'm guilty of the practice myself. But I do think you have to draw the line somewhere. Not agreeing with every aspect of a religion is one thing. But if you disagree with enough key points, sooner or later I think you have to ask yourself what you're really doing there.
I'm also aware that the Catholic church is not monolithic on this subject. There are bishops who would excommunicate anyone who is pro-choice and there are those who would not. And perhaps that diversity of opinion is enough to give Catholics hope.
It would make for some big headlines if a few high-profile Catholics switched affiliation to other denominations. I doubt it would change what the Catholic church is doing though. If the morass that is the wholesale molestation of children by priests has not overly upset the Vatican, I doubt a few politicians changing affiliations would.
Side note - Andrew Sullivan has a good article on this issue. His focus is partially on Bob Novak and some snarkiness about an Opus Dei priest, but it's worth a read.
Comments (1)
From the word "go" the Catholic faith as been full of controversy and contention. There are so many sects within the Catholic faith that I'm not sure everyone could name them all. But if you look at the early formation of the Catholic church there was disagreement at almost every turn. Paul for one was a rebel and argued heavily with the original apostles regarding Jesus' teaching, even though he never physically met Him. Can you imagine having walked with Jesus and then have someone 20 years later show up and start telling you how they think Jesus would want things? Man, that HAD to be a scene.
I for one revel in the discord and discourse because it forces you to think hard on the core issues of your faith. When I hear two Catholics going at it, it's music to my ears. Instead of just blindly following the precepts, you give pause, think, study the Bible and form a true understanding of your beliefs. Well, at least that's how it SHOULD work, regardless of the faith.
Of course it's not just Catholics that have their discord. Just take a look at protestant churches. The name alone says it all - protest. Most were formed as a protest to how the Catholic church were doing things.
Posted by mashby | May 15, 2004 10:10 PM