Gentlemen, I sincerely hope that your plan is to print all these wonderful letters into a volume that can sit on my shelf next to my favorite chair. The rich prose, with, common sense, and passion with which they are written have made them my morning devotional. It is uplifting and affirming to read your back and forth every morning; even where I may disagree with some theological points the direction you take your readers is undeniably toward the righteousness that I think God yearns for us to have. Thank you so much for cutting through the gloom of the world to entice us to see the joy to come.
I love that one can be a full participant in orthodoxy while still maintaining that childlike hope, wonderment, and excitement for what is to come. It is far too often abandoned in orthodoxy because of the comfort of “knowing.” A gospel of joy, indeed, is a beautiful approach.
In the meantime, prior to our eyes being opened, how does one recognize the Pharisees? Not all Pharisees were bad; Joseph of Arimathea was one, but had to be a secret follower for fear of his fellows. What are the hallmarks? Hypocrites, those who tie up huge burdens for others but not themselves. Who are they in present day? Those who spend more time declaring that this or that person will not enter the Kingdom of God for whatever reason.
Note that even excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church does not condemn a person to Hell, but states that the person’s strongly held beliefs and actions are so contrary to that of the Magisterium that that person may not participate in the official acts and worships of the church. It is entirely possible that such a person will be saved. Ultimately it is between that person and his Savior. Such an extreme action would take place in an attempt to reach that person, as well as to prevent scandal in the Church, defined as leading others to sin. To give a favorite example, a person who performs and advocates for abortion is not in communion with the Church, but allowing that person to be seen publicly participating in the Eucharist is both a harm to that person (yep, judging actions that have real consequences) and that of the Church, as others may see it and assume that abortion is not a big deal after all. That person may actually participate in the sacrifice of the Mass but not participate in the Eucharist, and may present for a blessing, if they are so moved. His ultimate condemnation will have to do with his relationship with the Savior, however.
Am I a Pharisee? Don’t know, but I do support the teaching authority of the RCC, and believe that it makes salvation easier and more grace-filled, but salvation is not found only in this or any other church. I find it much easier to purchase a computer than build one rather than make the chips, construct the motherboard and write the programs myself. The more components I purchase, the easier the task becomes. The results may be much better than the purchase, or it may fail catastrophically.
I am not a theologian, nor do I play one, but I and everyone is ultimately responsible for their faith journey. Some are blessed with the intellect that can lead to strong faith (both Klavans come to mind; I for one have not read all the books, nor am I unlikely to) and others must trust that guidance will be provided. Human institutions are filled with humans, even if it is divinely founded, and therefore prone to corruption. Reeling but erect is CK Chesterton’s description of the state of the RCC. What will happen with our present social justice Pontiff? No idea, but he has named the majority of the College of Cardinals now, who will have the responsibility of naming the next pope. There may come a time that I can forsee that I may need to break with this Church, but I pray that the day never comes. If it does, it will be my responsibility to make sure my conscience is rightly formed and allow it and the Spirit to guide me.
I give thanks to God for politicians. Some are bad...OK, many are bad,....alright, alright most are bad, but I am still thankful for them because I don't know how we get along without them. It's often down and dirty business. I am also thankful for the God inspired protectors of orthodoxy. It has also been dirty business throughout the centuries, and may God have mercy on their souls, just as I hope he has mercy on me.....and also on all those politicians. Onward and upward !!
I love the high school reference. So often I set as a practice to give up self-righteousness indignation for Lent. It makes sense that for those of us who always got the right answers would fall prey to it, never thought of the connection!
Gentlemen, I sincerely hope that your plan is to print all these wonderful letters into a volume that can sit on my shelf next to my favorite chair. The rich prose, with, common sense, and passion with which they are written have made them my morning devotional. It is uplifting and affirming to read your back and forth every morning; even where I may disagree with some theological points the direction you take your readers is undeniably toward the righteousness that I think God yearns for us to have. Thank you so much for cutting through the gloom of the world to entice us to see the joy to come.
What ☝🏻he said. (Thank you, Joe.)
Yes - a morning devotional precisely, Joe.
I love that one can be a full participant in orthodoxy while still maintaining that childlike hope, wonderment, and excitement for what is to come. It is far too often abandoned in orthodoxy because of the comfort of “knowing.” A gospel of joy, indeed, is a beautiful approach.
In the meantime, prior to our eyes being opened, how does one recognize the Pharisees? Not all Pharisees were bad; Joseph of Arimathea was one, but had to be a secret follower for fear of his fellows. What are the hallmarks? Hypocrites, those who tie up huge burdens for others but not themselves. Who are they in present day? Those who spend more time declaring that this or that person will not enter the Kingdom of God for whatever reason.
Note that even excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church does not condemn a person to Hell, but states that the person’s strongly held beliefs and actions are so contrary to that of the Magisterium that that person may not participate in the official acts and worships of the church. It is entirely possible that such a person will be saved. Ultimately it is between that person and his Savior. Such an extreme action would take place in an attempt to reach that person, as well as to prevent scandal in the Church, defined as leading others to sin. To give a favorite example, a person who performs and advocates for abortion is not in communion with the Church, but allowing that person to be seen publicly participating in the Eucharist is both a harm to that person (yep, judging actions that have real consequences) and that of the Church, as others may see it and assume that abortion is not a big deal after all. That person may actually participate in the sacrifice of the Mass but not participate in the Eucharist, and may present for a blessing, if they are so moved. His ultimate condemnation will have to do with his relationship with the Savior, however.
Am I a Pharisee? Don’t know, but I do support the teaching authority of the RCC, and believe that it makes salvation easier and more grace-filled, but salvation is not found only in this or any other church. I find it much easier to purchase a computer than build one rather than make the chips, construct the motherboard and write the programs myself. The more components I purchase, the easier the task becomes. The results may be much better than the purchase, or it may fail catastrophically.
I am not a theologian, nor do I play one, but I and everyone is ultimately responsible for their faith journey. Some are blessed with the intellect that can lead to strong faith (both Klavans come to mind; I for one have not read all the books, nor am I unlikely to) and others must trust that guidance will be provided. Human institutions are filled with humans, even if it is divinely founded, and therefore prone to corruption. Reeling but erect is CK Chesterton’s description of the state of the RCC. What will happen with our present social justice Pontiff? No idea, but he has named the majority of the College of Cardinals now, who will have the responsibility of naming the next pope. There may come a time that I can forsee that I may need to break with this Church, but I pray that the day never comes. If it does, it will be my responsibility to make sure my conscience is rightly formed and allow it and the Spirit to guide me.
Nicely expressed.
I give thanks to God for politicians. Some are bad...OK, many are bad,....alright, alright most are bad, but I am still thankful for them because I don't know how we get along without them. It's often down and dirty business. I am also thankful for the God inspired protectors of orthodoxy. It has also been dirty business throughout the centuries, and may God have mercy on their souls, just as I hope he has mercy on me.....and also on all those politicians. Onward and upward !!
Homily? Where did you get to preach it? Are there more like this hidden away?
BTW, your book, Light of the Mind, Light of the World is quite wonderful.
Yes, we will one day know the whole truth.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
I love the high school reference. So often I set as a practice to give up self-righteousness indignation for Lent. It makes sense that for those of us who always got the right answers would fall prey to it, never thought of the connection!