Insight into Why Catholics are Leaving


Catholics have not always argued by running quotes for Catholic Encyclopedia up the flag. Nor have they always argued their case by quoting from the organization of U.S. Bishops. This practice of legalistic argument has been labeled "The New Apologetics."

The link author, who formerly made his living as an apologist in the Catholic hierarchy, explains that the current practice of answering a question as to what or why Catholics advocate is to swamp the questioner with answers from many Catholic sources has not always been the mode of operation. In the past there have been questions about the origin of some beliefs. Today, it's as if there has never been a debate or question about the sources. 

In today's world of skepticism, this doesn't cut it. People scoff and leave. The author points out that quotes in the Bible attributed to Jesus does not find Jesus handling questions in this way. While there is some reference to the Old Testament and such, Jesus is portrayed as addressing the questions and problems of individual people. The personal touch appeals to people. Legalistic mumbo jumbo and big words from the esoteric and isolated-from-society pointy headed scholars does not. 

The Catholic Church, especially the Pope, wants to present itself as a kind and welcoming institution. A very wealthy benefactor funded an ad campaign aimed at fallen Catholics called "Come Home." The message is the fallen away must have missed the cozy Catholic Church should return.

Return to what? To an institution of strangeness? Clergy prohibited from marrying? Why would such a person understand or be an authority on marriage? Prohibition on birth control? It is said nearly all Catholics ignore this ridiculous rule.  The rules and the clergy that enforce the rules have not lived family life under the rules they have invented. Add to that The New Apologetics that use the language of theology and legalism to explain the reason for it. 

I like the way the Pope sometimes says his church should be one of priests doing parish work. In parish work I'm sure there are many joys and tragedies the priest experiences along with those in the pews. 

A big swath of the denomination does not see it the way the Pope does. The see the denomination as one which sits atop a mountain of authority passing judgment to those below. It is not a narrative most Westerners relate to in this century.  

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