January 28, 2009 5:01 PM
Note to Catholics: on criticism in the pews
While I was prepared to keep an open mind about Obama, my definition of open-mindedness does not include letting my brains fall out as so many previously self-identified conservatives seem to have done. In just one week in office, Obama - while professing to seek bipartisanship - has thumbed his nose (or worse) at Catholics (no priest at the Inauguration), pro-lifers (underwriting funding for Planned Parenthood to export abortion internationally), and anyone who dares to criticize him.
Tripp and I have had two separate run-ins in the past few weeks with Catholics who think we are not "nice" enough, who have actually accused us of being unChristlike because we dare to draw attention to some dangerous trends which are threatening our nation. Because we haven't sipped the sacred Obama Koolaid.
We have explained that while yes, indeed, Jesus did love each of us, He loved us enough - for example - to tell the woman at the well the truth about her destructive lifestyle. And He loved her enough to tell her to go and sin no more. I guess some would say that he was jeopardizing the future of the church by his forthright approach.
In both instances where Tripp and I were chided for not being nice, what I saw were people who'd built a self-image based on their ability to befriend and love diverse people. In both cases they assumed that because Tripp and I had strong opinions and were involved in the calling of communication that we were unable ourselves to love diverse people. It was almost as though we were the bad guys in the private drama they had created for themselves of being the "nice" and "reasonable" Catholics.
Ironically, they were unable to extend the same acceptance and tolerance to us - even when gently reminded that we might have different callings - that they accorded the "pagan, homosexual and atheist" or "liberal" friends they boasted of having.
I was reminded of Luke 18:9-14, in which Jesus used the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to speak to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. I would remind those who have created a schema for themselves in which they can feel superior to fellow Catholics who are in the trenches that they may be like that Pharisee - only in this case feeling superior to those God has called to be actively engaged in the culture wars.
Myself, I can identify with the tax collector. I am a blessed woman because God took the wreckage and destruction of my life - which I offered him without reservation - and somehow, miraculously, was able to create something new. Not a day goes by that I am not amazed at His goodness and His grace.
Look, I am no holier-than-thou person. I have lived many alternative lifestyles. Even as a Christian, I have struggled with sin and destructive impulses like alcoholism. I have only sympathy for individuals - whom in serving as Christ has taught us, we are enabled to serve Him. I would count anyone as a friend.
But I do make a distinction between individual relationships and resisting a political agenda which I see - from the vantage point of raising two generations of children 8-39 - attacking the foundation of our culture. There is a reason that homosexual activists hate the Catholic Church - and it's not because some people like me aren't "nice" enough. It's because like Jesus with the woman at the well, the Catholic Church has refused to compromise its message. For that they have seen gay activists actually disrupt Mass and trample the Holy Eucharist under their feet.
As a former political activist who was crazy enough to have participated in that kind of demonstration had there been one nearby, I will tell you that "nice" Catholics are not really respected any more than those they try to censor. In some cases they are distracted and used and manipulated to tear down Catholics who are pursuing the truth.
While I have no problem with those called to befriend and love individuals into the Kingdom, I do ask that you not presume to judge the calling of those who are politically aware and active. If you are so full of Christlike love, then practice what you preach in the pews as well. And watch out for pride - it can be so subtle.
Posted in Catholicism, Church Issues | Permalink
Comments
I am so glad that you wrote this when you did because, as a blogger, I was really in need of a dose of it. I have a very small group of people that read my blog and most of them are family. Many of the people in my family lean a bit to the left of some of these issues, and in the interest of family peace I generally have tried not to be too judgmental. During the election I suspended that policy, because I felt it was just too serious. I feel like lately, though, I have been too concerned with feelings and less with Truth. The other day I posted something after the Nancy Pelosi/birth control debacle that I felt was very truthful, but later, I thought about it and felt that it might offend, and I am ashamed to say I took it down.
Now is not the time to be uncertain. I have to be loving, but I do not have to skirt the Truth. It can't set people free if nobody is telling it. Thanks so much for this very timely post and for being a courageous force for change. I am going to forge ahead and use my blog the way I am called to.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 28, 2009 6:52 PM
Barbara,
It was not Jesus, but Pontius Pilate, who said, "What is truth?"
Jesus stated, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."
Jesus, apparently, had no trouble telling the truth even when it was uncomfortable for the people around him. His pronouncements about marriage and about His Body and His Blood caused many believers to turn away!
I know I am preaching to the choir here, but I am so tired of Christians who think they can 'love' people into the church without the Holy Spirit and truth. Love is not about license, it's about truth! It's not the messenger who upsets people, it's the Message, and Jesus made sure we knew that it would ever be this way. A Christian can be as nice as he or she wants, but the real message of the church will always be a stumbling block to those who don't want to hear truth.
When does nice cross the line to being "ashamed of the Gospel"? You can certainly be nice and yet stand firm on Scripture and church teachings. If you do not, then you are not being a true witness, you are deceiving people about the real nature of the Gospel, and you are placing those people and yourself in danger of eternal separation from God.
Please continue to be the salt and light to a fallen world.
Posted by: Renee P | January 28, 2009 6:54 PM
It pains me greatly when I read and hear folks panning those who do not have the same opinions that they hold. In my case, living in a very liberal area, I hear many derogatory comments about the stance of the Catholic Church and fundamental Christians. It hurts to see our political parties look at things so differently that we see the strides of one administration completely wiped out quickly by the next. What particularly upsets me is that there is a total revision, instead of some moderation. There seems to be vengeful motive in the extremes that these acts are done.
For many moderates, the Republican platforms which were very much in line to the Catholic views, were too extreme. A lot of backlash resulted in that. Many who voted Democrat do not support all of FOCA, and fear what that the bill will be taken to the extreme. And yet, the direction that things were going were also too extreme.
Obama is fulfilling his promises in this area. Though he may not do everything he said he will, when it comes to women's rights for abortion, stem cell research, gay rights, he has been very clear where he stands. He isn't going to waver in that area. The main opening he has left is for the grass roots movements to work to reduce the need for some of these practices to be legal. If more women chose to have their children rather than abort, for example, the number of elective abortions would decrease.
Gay rights? I don't think most moderates understand the impact it could have on our society if gay relationships were to be considered a norm. Those who are gay, and there are many here in my area, seem to refuse the see the issues at hand when gay sex is just another rite of passage. This area is one where most people just don't want to come right out and say what the problems are in having a society where gay relationships are considered part of the norm. I don't want to go into it either, but it is something that needs to be aired as there are many who back off from supporting this movement when those facts are put forth to them.
We are not going to be able to reach those who are at the extremes of opinions. It's that middle area that is going to determine how things will go. The Republican party had it in their power to bring about many changes and get the support of most of the people for them. They did not do that, and much of the reason is because they did lose those who were in the middle.
How do we talk to those who have different opinions from us in a way where they can see views and maybe change their minds? The "preaching to the choir" is not creating change. To do so we have to get the attention of those who have not so totally committed to the extreme views but cannot swing over completely to the other side either.
Posted by: Cath Young | January 28, 2009 7:44 PM
When terrorists have more rights and consideration than the innocent unborn...
This is a train of thought I have pondered a lot since Obama's decision to close Gitmo, review all cases, and disallow military tribunals for terrorists. Interesting that he wants to portray himself as being identical to Lincoln, yet, Lincoln allowed military tribunals for Americans who supported the confederates.
What follows then ... is likely not good for our country because of what we have allowed to happen. Consider these Bible verses:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves..." Proverbs 31:8
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..." Deuteronomy 30:19
Have we as a nation invited curses upon ourselves?
I enjoy your pro-life blogs. While I tend to agree that extremes are usually not where we should be, Obama has taken an extreme on the life/abortion issue that is not in line with the majority of our country. When you claim while campaigning that you want to bring the two sides together to try to find common ground and the one of your first acts after getting elected is removing a ban on federal money to fund overseas abortions, you show that you speak out of both sides of your mouth, which too many Americans turned a blind eye to during the campaign.
No way funding abortions is going to reduce them or help the two sides find any common ground. As I read in a news article tonight, it will only energize pro-lifers (sad it took THIS) and intensify the fight.
As far as truth versus love... only exercising love is also an extreme. God is equally holy and detesting of sin as he is love. The challenge for every believer, in my humble opinion, is to find the right balance between the two. I think we all probably err more on one side, but I have come to realize that I must seek God's wisdom and direction in finding that balance so that Christ can truly shine through in my life and be glorified.
Posted by: Anne | January 28, 2009 9:02 PM
Love ya, Barbara... that's all I can say...Your blog always puts a smile on my face...To see you telling the truth...
((HUGS)) keep up the work, my friend..Keep up the work...
Posted by: Lisa | January 28, 2009 9:53 PM
Barbara, I was always told that converts to the Catholic faith are going to make more of a difference than the cradle Catholics...thank you for all you do. Keep the faith...you will be richly rewarded. I am very grateful for converts like yourself.
Each one of us in our own little world needs to speak up about these issues....it is a white martyrdom.
Posted by: carolyn | January 28, 2009 10:35 PM
Barbara,
Thank you for expressing your frustration with other Catholics who supported and continue to support anything that Pres Obama wants. I dont get it. If the freedom of choice act passes, Catholic hospitals and Catholic doctors will be required to perform abortions. Their "freedom of choice" is thrown out the window. Our priest this past Sunday in explaining the postcard campaign to stop FOCA made a direct appeal to those Catholics who supported Obama. He said they had a special duty to help undo this expected legislation. He was very pointed and I wanted to jump up and clap. He implied that they had been complicit in moving forward the most egregious lack of respect for life in our lifetimes. We have to fight this and if not being "nice" is what is called for, well, so be it.
Posted by: ceil | January 29, 2009 6:41 AM
Like the tagline on my blog says: "When someone asks you to think about what Jesus would do, remember that one of the options is to freak out and turn over tables".
Sometimes you need a good knotted cord to help people see the light. If someone is driving toward a cliff, is it "nice" to be non-judgmental as they drive off of it?
Posted by: Tony | January 30, 2009 4:16 PM
Barbara, Thank You for writing this.I have often struggled with this. As Traditional Catholics, our family has had a difficult time "fitting in" with the main stream Catholic crowd. I know we must be charitable, but the truth must be spoken.
Posted by: Kathy | February 1, 2009 11:58 AM
