For American Catholics, I foresee an accelerating exodus. But that, remember, is the plan. The Ratzingerians want to empty the pews in America and start over. They will, in that sense, be successful
I was inclined to dismiss it as hyperbole and slight paranoia. Then I see this post by Feddie at Southern Appeal which literally is cackling at Sullivan while advising him to not "let the door hit your hindquarters on the way out, Sully." Professor Bainbridge is (just) slightly more conciliatory, saying of reformist Catholics
"If I were feeling uncharitable today, I'd tell those folks not to let the door hit them in the ass on their way out of the church. Since I'm feeling sort of charitable at the moment, however, I'll simply advise them to get over themselves."
SA and Bainbridge (whose direct response to Sullivan's protests is worth a read, anyway) should remember that the conclave is not a political election, and the outcome should not be seen as an opportunity to take political cheap shots, much less hopefully looking toward a purge of one's philosophical opponents in the church. If Michelle Malkin can rightfully denounce "the vile Pope-bashing on the Left," then we should be as quick to attack the conclave results being used as a front for liberal-bashing by the right. Forgive this non-Catholic for saying so, but does that not miss the whole point of this day of joy? This whole exercise has been in bad taste, and it is utterly appalling that the election of the Pope has managed to bring out the worst in everyone.
The Moderate Voice's second round-up of coverage is even better than the first go around.
2 comments:
I think it is perfectly acceptable for the good professor and I to take Sullivan to task for his outrageous comments about the Holy Father and his insistence on promoting his sexual desires over fundamental Church teaching.
You're right. It's not about politics. And neither the professor or I said as much. That's simply how you choose to characterize our righteous indignation at the ravings of a heretic.
That may or may not be true, Feddie, but might I venture that today, of all days, is not the time to label people heretics and encourage their flight from the church? There will be plenty of time for theological warfare, I assure you. Perhaps the election of the Pope might be one day worthy of a cease-fire (and that includes liberal doomsayers as well).
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