[johnb2004]

Well, you may have a small point. However, in my opinion it is a misreading of history to think that the influence of the Church is the same today as it was in years gone by.

For example do you think it is fair to assume that most people who identify themselves as Catholics would find artificial contraception as acceptable as the culture at large? Go back 60 years, would the same same Catholics agree with popular thought?

Catechesis does not insure all will abide by the Truth, but at least it would provide many with the Truth. Today many do not even accept that the Church has the right to speak for the Truth. Yet, we demand more lay involvement.

[sitetest]

Dear johnb2004,

I don't think I said that the influence of the Church is the same today as it was in years gone by.

I think I said that folks were as inadequately catechized in the past as they are today.

Part of why that was less deleterious in the past was the very fact that the Church had more influence at other times in history. Aside from the theology of it, prior to 1930, pretty much everyone who considered themselves Christian disdained artificial contraception, or at the very least, understood that it had been the constant and unanimous teaching among Christians from the beginning.

Western civilization was built on the foundation of a Catholic culture. As we move into a time that is post-Catholic, post-Christian, the support provided to the Church by the culture fades.

One may argue, then, that better catechesis is even more important than before. That seems implied by your post. I won't argue with it.

But one must take into account the fact that people today are not especially poorly-catechized compared to times past.

As for increased control of the Church by the laity, I think you're preaching to the choir, here. Heck, I know my friend sinkspur will likely blanch, but if it were up to me, I'd even get rid of "parish councils" and the like.


sitetest