I’m not talking about an apology even. Just an acknowledgment that it was wrong without finger pointing.
A simple, *Yeah, that sure was wrong. It’s unfortunate that it happened. Good thing we’ve moved in from there.* would be nice to hear.
I’d hazard a guess that it would also effectively shut down any further opportunity for further accusations by those pushing the issue.
But it comes across as denial when the first reaction is *Yeah? So? Well, what about this, that, or you guys?* sounds like you’re defending the actions and not taking it as seriously as it warrants.
And there are some Catholics who I’ve never seen condemn the Inquisition. It’s almost like if they admit that it was wrong, that they are betraying their faith or being disloyal to Catholicism. What it comes across as is telling people that nothing has really changed in the Catholic church in that regard; that if the opportunity presented itself, it would happen again because nobody seems to see anything wrong with it.
A little good solid condemnation of evil even if it’s within your own ranks, can go a long way. Others see it for what it is. Admitting it is only going to come across as being more honest to a world looking on.
Just letting you know the impression it gives to non-Catholics.
I’d hate to see you turn blue from holding your breath waiting.
SO now we go from being guilty before the evidence is examined to being asked to apologize for we know not what. We should make an apology because it gives a bad impression otherwise?
What kind of impression do you think it gives to insist that one issue a blanket apology before it's clear what he is supposed to apologize for. TO the one insisting on such a thing I can only say that I don't care much for the impression you insist on taking because you prefer feeling abused to looking into the truth.
Shall we apologize for providing BETTER due process and a more merciful sentencing record than the secular Spanish courts?
Shall we apologize for being in the government business at all, when we got into it because of a desperate plea from the Eastern Emperor when no one could be found to keep Rome safe?
And how many times, pray, should we apologize? I'm guessing that even if were abjectly to apologize and to make some kind of reparation, the charge would not go away, the demands for apology would get louder, and new and more difficult reparations would be asked for.
And what's this "you" stuff? our ancestors were just as involved as mine -- probably more since mine were backward northern Vikings and were probably still worshiping Wotan at the time.
We ALL mess up. Sometimes horribly, even with the best motives. I don't think anybody is especially proud of the abuses of some parts of the over all Inquisitorial process.
But when one compares it to contemporary secular courts, maybe it wasn't quite so awful as your side makes it out to be.
A simple, *Yeah, that sure was wrong. It’s unfortunate that it happened. Good thing we’ve moved in from there.* would be nice to hear.
I’d hazard a guess that it would also effectively shut down any further opportunity for further accusations by those pushing the issue.
But it comes across as denial when the first reaction is *Yeah? So? Well, what about this, that, or you guys?* sounds like you’re defending the actions and not taking it as seriously as it warrants.
And there are some Catholics who I’ve never seen condemn the Inquisition. It’s almost like if they admit that it was wrong, that they are betraying their faith or being disloyal to Catholicism. What it comes across as is telling people that nothing has really changed in the Catholic church in that regard; that if the opportunity presented itself, it would happen again because nobody seems to see anything wrong with it.
A little good solid condemnation of evil even if it’s within your own ranks, can go a long way. Others see it for what it is. Admitting it is only going to come across as being more honest to a world looking on.
Just letting you know the impression it gives to non-Catholics.
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This issue has been discussed ad nauseum for years and years. Catholics have offered dismay and concern about the past, even though neither side has clean hands. I ask you again, how many times must this issue be addressed by the same Protestants, over and over and over again? The impression it gives to non-Catholics? Like those who claim to be former Catholics?
Will it ever be enough?