And yet, I've been blamed for my being poorly catechized. It's *my* fault (allegedly) that I didn't check out everything I was told to confirm that what I had been taught by priests and nuns was accurate and correct Catholic doctrine.
Aside from the fact that one was conditioned to NEVER, EVER under ANY circumstances challenge the authority or teaching of the clergy (after all who was I to think that I knew better than they or to second guess them) if the authority I went to was no better catechized than that priest, checking out the teaching I received to ensure that it contained no error, would not have been worth the effort.
Ma'am, that is false. I do think there is some small blame for an adult not doing his own homework, but when I adduced your lousy catechism it was not to blame but only to account for the difference between what you were taught and what the Church actually teaches.
The Church in which Aquinas and Bonaventure are held in high respect does not discourage independent thought. The Church of Eckhart, Catherine, and Ebner does not turn people away from a personal relationship with Christ.
We are privileged in our time to be encouraged to read the Bible and to study. We Lay Dominicans are required to study, and happily shoulder the easy and delightful burden, even though among our older members are those who felt Sister Mary Yardstick's wrath.
If, however, you insist that the cruelty and heresy inflicted on you is what the official teaching of the Church is, I must disagree. It simply is not so, and you were indeed horribly catechized.
if the authority I went to was no better catechized than that priest, checking out the teaching I received to ensure that it contained no error, would not have been worth the effort.
Did you not hear of Aquinas, of Dante, of Chesterton or Belloc? Did no one speak to you of Newman? Did you not read Augustine or in the sermons of Gregory the Great? Who told you not to? Did they make you afraid or tell you you were unworthy to go the the great and clear springs and restrict you to the muddy water of the local priest? Why did you listen? I don't get it.
What I do remember is being a child told by my mother that the nuns were close to God like the angels. To calm my fears about first days of school.
Well that all changed when the pre Vatican council two nun threw chalk at me. I was in shock that she would do that so I threw the eraser at her. sShe then came came over to hit me. I pulled her habit off. To say the least. I got left back. She did not want to teach me proper or go out of the way to help in my childhood view.
Next year I had the greatest teacher and nun. She would sing the abc's with a guitar. She was a real "saint " in my view. What a woman. I believed she always was on fire in the Holy Spirit love. I always wonder what happen to her. She reminded me of Julie Andrews in Sound of Music. Like the way she love the Von trapp kids.
I never would of met this woman who helped changed my young life. Our Lord allows somethings for the greater good of our souls. Metmom it does not have to be our faults at times in life. We are only human and simple sinners at times in need of the Savior' s love every day. I always get that beautiful presence of peace with prayer.
Praise Jesus to you!