tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8781753636089506134.post1731212030855889695..comments2023-08-22T09:35:36.716-04:00Comments on True Confessions of a Prodigal Daughter: Catholicism and the Trap of Social JusticeMary Rosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04107504165449607702noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8781753636089506134.post-31461036747341499042008-09-09T06:50:00.000-04:002008-09-09T06:50:00.000-04:00Laura, your journey toward Catholicism is fascinat...Laura, your journey toward Catholicism is fascinating. I've always had a respect for the Quakers.<BR/><BR/>As I've mentioned, it's not that I don't believe there is a time and place for speaking out and pursuing social justice (for instance, where would our society be without those who labor so tirelessly to protest abortion and spend time praying outside the clinics?). I'm not sure if I made it clear, but I was speaking about the more liberal Catholic churches who want to focus on the "social justice" of ordaining women while neglecting the fact we're also to share the Good News with others. It seems that all their energy is spent on furthering their own will.<BR/><BR/>I believe in a "blend" but admit it's not easy to achieve. Usually our passions carry us to focus on one aspect of our faith to the exclusion of other facets. Volunteering, for instance, may not be on the menu for many Catholics.<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't mind hearing more about what we as Catholics can do regarding say, stem-cell research. And since Pope Benedict has encouraged us to not remain silent about our faith and the public square, I certainly don't want to do that. So I'm still figuring out how to walk this thing. My non-denominational church was actually very absent on social issues. <BR/><BR/>To tell you the truth, I think what concerns me is the image I have of those concerned with social justice. Sadly, I've seen more liberal folks involved, complete with the rage, the sense of entitlement, and the bullying. That type of behavior absolutely irritates the heck out of me.<BR/><BR/>I think I just may need better role models. :-)Mary Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04107504165449607702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8781753636089506134.post-60374169776691643612008-09-08T18:37:00.000-04:002008-09-08T18:37:00.000-04:00I got a craw full of social justice when I was a Q...I got a craw full of social justice when I was a Quaker. Catholics forget that our Faith is like a TRIPOD - Social Justice (i.e., living out the Works of Mercy) is only one of those legs; another is the Mystical (which includes the prayer life, devotions, etc.) - and our sadly-neglected foundational aspect: the Juridicial.<BR/><BR/>Most Catholics are appallingly ignorant or defiant of Church teaching on the various controversies being fought over by the "socially-just" minded; consequently, we have people who are fighting the wrong battles, for the wrong side. <BR/><BR/>Kyrie eleisonElisabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596161738655132279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8781753636089506134.post-73789749479864416062008-09-08T10:00:00.000-04:002008-09-08T10:00:00.000-04:00Thank you, Adrienne. Flow is key. I also believe i...Thank you, Adrienne. Flow is key. I also believe it comes as a natural progression from the "teach, lead, and sanctify" focus.<BR/><BR/>I know serving others is important, but I think I've heard more of a strident, condemning voice from those who think they should "speak out" and little love. That just sets my teeth on edge...Mary Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04107504165449607702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8781753636089506134.post-81470537513113939012008-09-07T20:43:00.000-04:002008-09-07T20:43:00.000-04:00Spot on, young lady!! The Church has one job. Sim...Spot on, young lady!! The Church has one job. Simply put - to get us to heaven (teach, lead, sanctify).<BR/><BR/>Any social justice should flow from the laity who, as you said, had their own house in order.Adriennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01562944653624224107noreply@blogger.com