Bergoglio's Reform Was Written Before. By Martin Luther

L'Espresso ^ | 04-13-2018 | Roberto Pertici

[NRx]

THE END OF “ROMAN CATHOLICISM?”

by Roberto Pertici

1. At this point in the pontificate of Francis, I believe it can be reasonably maintained that this marks the twilight of that imposing historical reality which can be defined as “Roman Catholicism.”

This does not mean, properly understood, that the Catholic Church is coming to an end, but that what is fading is the way in which it has historically structured and represented itself in recent centuries.

It seems evident to me, in fact, that this is the plan being deliberately pursued by the “brain trust” that has clustered around Francis: a plan understood both as an extreme response to the crisis in relations between the Church and the modern world, and as a precondition for a renewed ecumenical course together with the other Christian confessions, especially the Protestant.

*

2. By “Roman Catholicism” I mean that grand historical, theological, and juridical construction which has its origin in the Hellenization (in terms of the philosophical aspect” and Romanization (in terms of the political-juridical aspect) of primitive Christianity and is based on the primacy of the successors of Peter, as emerges from the crisis of the late ancient world and from the theoretical systematization of the Gregorian age (“Dictatus Papae”).

Over the subsequent centuries, the Church also established its own internal legal system, canon law, looking to Roman law as its model. And this juridical element contributed to gradually shaping a complex hierarchical organization with precise internal norms that regulate the life both of the “bureaucracy of celibates” (an expression of Carl Schmitt) that manages it and of the laity who are part of it.

[metmom]

I guess “do this in memory of me” was just a suggestion, not a command. That is what is “done in memory of Him” at Mass. Interpret it as you’d like; seems fairly clear to me.

And just where does *Do this in remembrance of me* mandate the how, where, and how often that Catholicism has decided on?

Show me where it says that it must be in church, must be once a week, and that not doing it on that schedule is a sin.

[ealgeone]

I’m getting the popcorn out while we await the answers to your questions!

[metmom]

You’re going to need LOTS of popcorn.

I hope you like it.

[ealgeone]

Got lots of butter also!

[metmom]

Actually, I like popcorn with my butter and salt.

Or is that *popecorn*?

[ealgeone]

Throw in a coke and a good movie and that's a good time.

Popecorn! LOL. That's good.

[ealgeone]

Still no answer eh? No surprise.

[metmom]

I’m not disappointed and NOT surprised.