[cantabile]

Yes, there are a number of catch-phrases that are readily identifiable as Protestant boilerplate. And, as you say, they're obvious mis-statements of what the Church actually teaches. The issue of merit is not easy to understand, but the upshot is that Protestants need us to be Pelagians or Semi-pelagians for some of their arguments. The obvious problem with this is that the Church has always condemned these ideas as heresies, so she can't possibly be teaching them.

I don't think Bennett is actually speaking to Catholics, but to a Protestant audience, and is simply confirming them in their prejudices. Knowledgeable Catholics wouldn't fall for these assertions, and, as you say, it's surprising that any priest would.

Charles Chiniquy was a Catholic priest who went over to Protestantism. He did it for the money. Maybe that's the motivation here? I'd hate to think so.

I can't agree with you that the Church is in ruins, though. Things are actually improving in many ways. Mass attendance is increasing. Some of the sillier ideas that were put forth in the wake of the last Council are in decline. Only a small percentage of priest were involved in the scandals. And I know a number of young Catholics, strong in the faith, who give me hope.

I've seen some people dismiss hope as Panglosian optimism or Pollyanna nonsense, but it's the second theological virtue after charity. So chin up, friend. The Church always does well under persecution, and we've been through much worse than this. It's when times are "fat" that she tends to fall into corruption.

Oh, and welcome home!

[caww]

......."I don't think Bennett is actually speaking to Catholics, but to a Protestant audience, and is simply confirming them in their prejudices. Knowledgeable Catholics wouldn't fall for these assertions, and, as you say, it's surprising that any priest would."........

Odd you would say Bennett is not speaking to catholics...did you really read the whole article? His Ministry is TO Catholics...and aside from that denial of thought that he is doing just that, I would imagine if Catholics weren't listening and there weren't changed lifes for that, he likely would not be doing so.