Pope Francis Puts Finger in the Eye of Conservative Catholics


In life, we all encounter the two kinds of people. One group I'll call the "Rules People." This group spends its time going over rules and looking for tiny violations. There may be other rules the Rules People themselves ignore. The Rules People, for example, would be outraged if they got a speeding ticket going 36 mph in a 35 mph area. "This is ridiculous" we would hear.

The Rules People consider themselves to be quite reasonable. If people don't like the rules, they say, change the rules. But don't violate any rule they happen to like.

The other group is the Overview People. This group believes rules are to be followed but only insofar as the broader population supports them and they serve their intended purpose. They admit not following rules leads to uncertainty and maybe even chaos. Yet, they believe, so long as there is some consensus and the rules serve some broader purpose they should remain and be followed to the extent practical. This group would criticize a 36 mph ticket but defend the 35 mph law because holds down speed in general.

Recently, a handful of Catholic Cardinals wrote a blistering letter to the Pope demanding a yes or no answer on gay marriage. It must have said something like, "Does the church condemn gay marriage as a sin? Yes or no." The Pope refused to say yes or no. Instead he wrote a longer explanation I would paraphrase as "Gay marriage between two good church members should be encouraged by their priests. Local priests may use their own discretion as to how what role they play in the marriage ceremony and their married life."

Something similar just ended in the Methodist church. A long "trial" over some alleged infractions by a liberal Bishop just ended. Ultimately, the denomination's "jury" of 15 people all voted to exonerate Bishop and she is continuing to hold her office. Rules People did not prevail. 

The Evangelical Covenant Church, now leaving the rural Midwest and moving into urban areas of California. It is one of the few denominations still growing. It has a rule against its churches hosting gay weddings. However, it approves of a preacher "being present" at a gay wedding. Sounds like Pope Francis.

Christianity is leaving behind the Rules People and moving on. It has no choice.

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