[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

[johnb2004]

I am not looking for an argument. It just seems self evident that a lack of catechesis is a fundamental problem. I know of no way to prove or disprove your assertion that Catholics today are as catechized as in previous periods.

The point is many, if not most Catholics, today do not know their faith. Pop culture has a bigger influence in forming their conscience than the Church does. I blame those in charge for faltering, compromising and spreading error to the faithful. You can't disagree that if there were better catechesis, the Church would most likely better in better shape?

Your inference about my argument is correct.