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To: IIntense
Why won't somebody here acknowledge that, along with the good academic education we received in the Catholic schools (in my opinion), we absorbed some not-too-healthy mental attitudes also?

I will acknowledge that. I went to Catholic school in the 1970's, and there was still that Jansenistic strand of adherence to legalism and the guilt that went along with it. I think we can agree that many a nun or priest has had a tendency to focus on the legalistic issues, rather than focusing on our relationship with Christ. Not that such legal matters are bad, but they became the focus. It was a sign of the times, though. We must try to remember that obedience to authority was formerly seen as a key issue in society in the 1950's and was being rebelled against as a result of the issues of the 1960's. Thus, we were seeing the remnants of that obedience to authority - which didn't work well for us because of the surrouding culture. The Church must teach the Gospel within the paradigm of the modern society. Thus, for the 1950's, it was reasonable to preach obedience. Now, we must preach a different way to reach people.

As adults, we know the the nuns and priests didn't always know what they were talking about. But then, we accepted them and their teachings as from the Church. This is why it is so important for our teachers to be educated on the faith. Limbo was a speculative teaching. But I don't recall it being taught with the same force that Purgatory was. Even if it was, we are taught to obey those above us, reserving judgment on issues that we are allowed to question (non-dogmatic matters).

I agree, a lot of it is pertinent to when we were being formed in our youth.

Regards

118 posted on 11/20/2005 1:27:55 PM PST by jo kus
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To: jo kus
Thank you, jo kos, for your insights and clarity. Some adults still struggle with issues of conscience ingrained in them as children. The requirement for strict obedience did not allow room for individual thought.

As for the culture of obedience in the fifties, society has steadily declined since then for lack of it. That may turn around in time. Life is constant change.

125 posted on 11/20/2005 2:42:10 PM PST by IIntense (,)
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