Posted on 02/16/2013 12:47:21 PM PST by San Rafael Blue
The very notion that His Holiness, The Pope, way over there in Rome (Vatican) would ask me anything at all is of course, somewhat ludicrous and highly unlikey, to say the least. That is my initial disclaimer and statement of humility before I even start my excercise of answering questions I have not been seriously asked. Still, in the privacy of my home, I hold opinions, and by the miracle of this internet connection, I can speak to you by the press of a button. So, with that said, let's talk for a bit. Anyone could hold a valid point of view, other Catholics, other Christians, other spiritually anchored inhabitants of the planet, plus the leigions of scientists, teachers, and those who study knowledge for it's own sake. We are all entitled to form, hold and express a point of view when appropriate.
If The Catholic Church took a few years and asked it's millions of followers to give their opinion of how we could attract and keep more followers, plus how could we Catholics have a greater positive influence within this earthbound shared state of existence, there would be a variety of responses. Some would say, change nothing, let the new converts to our religion change to suit our requirements. Others may say, let's consider areas where being flexible would be beneficial and not necessarily a sign that Catholics are over-compromising or abandoning their core beliefs.
I would fit into the second catagory for the most part. I would have the Catholic Church consider the benefits of allowing women to become priests. I did not always feel that way. Take a good look at the momentum of christianity in the western world, for the most part, christianity is either in retreat or in a state of slowed growth. The severe economic struggles of europe has weighed heavily on the old, traditional lifestyles. Many in europe are told not to think of themselves as citizens of any particular country anymore, rather they are part of the European Union, a faceless formless blob of ever-expanding bureaucracy. When there is less parochial ownership, there is often less community participation. Much the same phenomena of lost identity is encouraged here in the states. Less of the really qualified, worthy people are willing to take leadership positions, because they may not want to deal with the personal attacks that come from being contrary.
All this is to say fewer men are training to be priests. If there are qualified, enthusiastic christian women who wish to offer leadership, willing to teach the highlights of a Christian life made of love, compassion, honesty, hard work and personal responsibility, I say let them do it, with a full heart and ready support from the Church.
We should also open the priesthood up to people who are married, have been married. This is not an easy world to stay alone in, if one wishes to lead a pure life. Not easy being prayerfully alone in a society that is lined with temptation, benign rationalisation of behaviors and opportunity to act out suffering no apparent consequence. I'm not saying one should surrender to the ID, live as a libertine and be held to no standards of behavior at all. That's not what I mean. Rather, I see that an update, an adjustment of expectations is long overdue. We catholics should widen the tent, not narrow it.
I think we catholics have three choices in a particular area of discussion, that being Gay Priests or Gayness in general. We could become more inclusive without showing prejudice, meaning the entire Catholic Church may be given the option, but not the obligation to observe Gay Priests or Gay Marriage or that lifestyle. We could form a version of the christian faith that allows for this. Or we could continue to not support Gay christians in any way except to pray for their presumeably lost souls. That is or right as a private organiation. If we decide to keep the Gay out, as it were, we need to be ready to become heavily devested of finances by many sources. Laws and social mores have changed in ways I would never, ever have predicted. I do not think there will be a great reversal anytime soon.
The Catholic Church has given much to the world, with its' churches, schools, hospitals and social agencies. One would hope Our Church will continue to help this world. This is not simple predictament. The Catholic Church has had to drop hundreds of foster parents and close many adoption agencies because they did not allow gay adoption. This is truly a difficult problem, where I can see both sides. Could we not have both kinds of families in some manner, without needing to destroy the other lifestyle?
There should be room for both. Adoption agencies already have certain foster familes that care for children with certain needs, be they physical or psychiatric. Perhaps the same can be done with sexuality, once the child is of appropriate age that it must be dealth with.
I chose to examine the consideration of officially changing some aspects of The Catholic Church in order to make it easier to include more good people, and spend less time, money in keeping them out of the faith. In future writings we will explore other ways in which this could occurr. I'd be very interested to get your point of view, pro or con (just be respectful).
Thank You; California Christian
Too, many commas, ruin the stew.
Imagine Jesus and the apostles sitting around trying to figure out how to make more people like them.
I took an artistic liberty - I could stand to NOT use the pic.
Me too.
Crap not on the territory of RelMod the terrible for thy bones may be used as stirring straws for terrible concoctions and unspeakable ointments.
There is a real cute one right now on Cheezeburger with a kitten dressed in papal clothes. It’s adorable. I wish I could post it.
My kitteh knocked my laptop over its in the shop. I’m trying to use an iPad. Not too successful. My own dear kitty thinks its a toy! Or the greatest invention for a Viking kitty to have since catnip flavored mead was invented.
I hear there are iPad games for cats. Don’t know how kittehs are supposed to get credit cards, though.
Either Bank of America or Wells Fargo had a card with ceiling cat on it.
Yes!!!!
You rock!!!!
Ceiling Cat rules the heavens, but Basement Cat rules the earth.
And Happy Cat rules the LOLs/Cheezeburgers.
There would be no Ceiling or Basement Cat if Happy Cat did not exist
In the Name of Ceiling Cat, Happy Cat, and Hover Cat, Amen.
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