Even in the midst of easing its long-criticized opposition to condoms as measures against AIDS, the Vatican seemed to set off as much head-scratching as applause at year’s end. Were Pope Benedict XVI’s quotes in the new Light of the World book really the best way for him to reveal such a momentous shift? Couldn’t the Vatican have better clarified the portentous implications for health workers, priests and others tasked with implementing Catholic teaching on contraception?
Under the weight of these problems and others, some are probably more convinced than ever that it’s time for the Catholic Church to fade into history. But as a non-Catholic paying attention to the church’s travails, I am struck, too, by the steadfast faith of the Catholics I know, and the principled public witness of the Catholics on the ground ”” the nuns, community activists, volunteers and everyday parishioners who keep on keeping on in the face of adversity.
Because of them and the principles that inspire them, count me as one rooting not for the church’s decline and death, but for its recovery and renaissance. May Catholicism’s best days lie ahead.
[blockquote]Even in the midst of easing its long-criticized opposition to condoms as measures against AIDS[/blockquote]
as they say on the internet.. <headdesk>
Yeh — I saw that too, Chris. You really just have to smile, though.
You realize that the next time the Pope casually reminds everyone about the prohibition against condoms, the headlines will scream “Confused and Searching Pope Flip-Flops On Affirmation of Condoms.”
; > )
On a slightly different note, I really do wish that Catholics would stop referring to other Chrisitans……especially Protestants……as ‘non-Catholics.’ It’s demeaning.
#4. I didn’t find it demeaning when I was an Episcopalian. I don’t now that I’m Catholic. Are you in communion with the See of Peter? If yes, you are a Catholic. If not, you are a non-Catholic. Do you also feel offended that the Orthodox consider you to be non-Orthodox?
I for one, am proud to be a non-Muslim and am okay with being a non-Jew as Jesus’ Jewishness is sufficient. As a non-non-Catholic, being non-Irish is a bit sad, but I try not to let it get me down. It took me years to develop my non-Protestantism, which for me has born hard won good fruit. Being a non-Northerner always leaves me a little homesick for decent biscuits and gravy and other hearty victuals, but it hasn’t cost me too much personally as I can easily pass as a non-Southerner. I don’t give much thought to being a non-Vegetarian, though I must confess I am one. So, take it from this non-non-Catholic, I don’t hold anyones non-Catholicism against him.