In a provocative act with religious and cultural implications, Pope Benedict XVI has created an ordinariate ”” similar to a diocese ”” for disaffected Episcopalians who are converting to Roman Catholicism. It will be headed by a married former Episcopal bishop, and it will allow congregations that make the switch to retain aspects of the Anglican liturgy, including the majestic Book of Common Prayer. The defection of Episcopalians en masse might seem of interest only to students of religion, but it illustrates a larger point: that the culture wars that rage outside stained-glass windows have come to dominate debates within and among Christian churches.
“defection of Episcopalians en masse …”
I guess this makes the defections to non-TEC Anglican groups a ‘flood’ then!
[blockquote] Of course, combatants in the clerical culture wars would insist that these differences are rooted in theology. [/blockquote]
Well yes, we would.
[blockquote] Nevertheless, there is a striking similarity between sacred and secular debates over what the news media call “hot-button” issues.[/blockquote]
And, of course, that’s because religion is just politics in a chasuble. It’s the secular that counts. It’s the secular that’s real.
The self-serving arrogance of the LA Times demonstrates in this editorial is stunning. This is a secularist broadside attack on Christianity (that the subject is Catholic is incidental) by the Brights, notable for some errors (who needs facts when you have the Truth?) and a smug superiority that is their trademark.
Charles52, well said.