I went to the Midwest Conservative Journal's website and read the postings there. Very very interesting.
Submitted by Ken at 8/3/2005 6:21:24 PM
This guy reminds me of the Manhattan liberal that doesn't know anyone who voted for George Bush: Mr. Todd really needs to get out more. But you know, this was the theme of the mainstream media in the papal transition last spring. The Catholic Church is dying and must conform to American concerns and beliefs. They actually believe this stuff aided and abetted by Catholic liberals, who spout the same garbage. In fact, one of the many pleasures of having Benedict XVI as pope is watching the likes of Fr. Richard McBrien and Sr. Joan Chittister drool on themselves in sheer apoplexy.
Submitted by KC at 8/3/2005 7:03:29 PM
Well , I have been standing at the edge, contemplating swimming the Tiber, and ole Sam has just about convinced me to jump on in!
Submitted by Sasha at 8/3/2005 7:07:14 PM
I totally agree with Ken. Another "liberal" who ought to be on that list is "Sr." Wendy Beckett (whose books on art are just as anti-Romanist and anti-Christian in fact as anybody else's - she's a worthy 'disciple' of Spong!!!).
Submitted by Katherine at 8/3/2005 7:19:18 PM
Unlike Matthew Fox's drivel, which is published on his private website, this article is published in the official Diocese of Texas newsletter. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns!
Submitted by Peter C. at 8/3/2005 7:19:29 PM
I've discovered a surefire method for churches to be inundated with new members: if ECUSA does it, don't.
Submitted by Allen LKewis at 8/3/2005 7:34:54 PM
Sam obviously has a lot of time on his hands. Guess he does not have too many calls to minister to his "flock." They are so obviously happy, wealthy, well-adjusted, etc.
Let's face it. This was nothing but a "hit-piece" on the Roman Church. No documentation to back it up; no scholarship (how Episcopal is THAT?).
Just the opinionated drivel of another Episcopal Church "liberal" who is probably unfit for gainful employment outside the church, other than, perhaps, as a reporter for the liberal media.
Submitted by Sue Martinez at 8/3/2005 7:53:31 PM
I keep this bookmarked just in case I ever start getting homesick for ECUSA. And we all know what "reproductive rights" is an euphemism for.
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_37993_ENG_HTM.htm Submitted by David Loving at 8/3/2005 8:00:11 PM
Just confirms my opinion that about any moron can get ordained in ecusa.
Submitted by Sonetka at 8/3/2005 8:01:01 PM
So the Magisterium can "mandate fertility"? Truly their powers are beyond the scope of mere mortals! I'm looking forward to hearing how Opus Dei personally supervises the sun's rising in the East every morning. They control EVERYTHING! Yes, yes, I know what he's trying to say, but he's doing a lousy job of it.
Submitted by Jody at 8/3/2005 8:16:17 PM
All I can say is I've waited a long time (18 years), been through so much for the sake of this lost cause called ECUSA. On August 24th (St. Barholemew/Nathaniel), our ship sails for Home. We're going to cross the Tiber with joyful hearts that evening. We don't expect perfection from humans who "run" the Catholic Church (and no one else should!) but we look forward to living within the fullest expression of the faith available, and to be able to have a backbone to steady us (Magisterium, Church Fathers, Tradition, the Pope) I can't wait! Even our kids (PK's) are sensing the peace and relief! Poor Sam, the road he chooses to travel is a sad one, which we all know, all too well. Some (maybe even many) Catholics will actually choose to listen to him and not even know they are losing their faith which is even more sad. Didn't Pope Benedict XVI say we should expect to lose some chaffe along the way? A smaller, more fruitful Church will be much more useful to Christ!
Submitted by David Loving at 8/3/2005 8:25:00 PM
The "Sam Todd" link above shows the article. At the bottom of the article an e-mail address is given, inviting comment. Here's what I sent: Your viewpoint surprised me. Surely Pope Benedict does not need our help. I guess then your point is that the RC Church should catch up with the times, kind of like our Episcopal Church, with 815's guidance. How can we all keep up with all the societal fads? Why would the Romans want their membership figures dropping like a stone, like the Episcopal Church? We are plenty clerics and disappearing laity, and the Romans are fewer clerics and billions of laity. Let's guess which way the church would like to go. I think you have missed out on recent history, since Pike's heresy is alive and well; witness Spong and his spawn. Our direction has us out on a limb with the Canadians. Frankly the Romans seem pretty healthy to me while our church is in a freefall. I guess that's just how it looks from my seat in the stadium. If you are of a mind to, and have time on your hands, why don't you let this guy have it?
Submitted by GB at 8/3/2005 8:45:57 PM
He pinpoints some problems the RC Church is having, but how imitating ECUSA would help matters for them is not made very clear. I see this article as a very feeble attempt to discourage disgusted episcopalians from going over to Rome. It would not have any influence on my thinking in that regard.
Submitted by Ken at 8/3/2005 8:46:24 PM
Sasha - I've not read Sr. Wendy's books, but have seen some of her TV shows, and haven't noticed any modernist religion in her commentary. In fact, I don't recall her commentary having religious content at all. She does have a penchant for modern art, it seems, but then, so do I.
If I got the story straight, Sr. Wendy started life as a traditional nun in a teaching order. As the community modernized, she withdrew to a hermitage behind a convent of Dominican nuns, where she prayed and fasted. Art was sort of an avocation - her recreation - until she decided she needed to earn money for the sisters, and so she began lecturing. Again, I have never noted an modernism in her talks.
Submitted by frcorny at 8/3/2005 8:49:05 PM
Christopher, Wacky tabbaco indeed! I think it is a case of waaaaaaaaaay too much acid! I actually went to seminary with boneheads like this!I'm surprised I have any faith left at all!
As a practicing Catholic, I found this topic very amusing and enlightening. I find that my Missouri Synod Lutheran friends have much more in common with my beliefs than they do with the ELCA. I suspect that, as the numbers decrease, we'll see more conservative Lutherans coming back home too.
The Anglicans, well, they certainly are reaping what they are continuing to sow.