Just read this article on CNN that I thought I would pass along. It is called "Vatican welcomes Anglicans into the Catholic Church." Not a lot of details here, and I'm really not sure what I think about this just yet, but I thought I would put it out there.
Also, if you really want to put your finger on the pulse of religion in America, make sure you read the comment section. My favorite is this: "why do you people who dont believe in anything even comment. i will tell you why, you are possessed by the demon, satan. he is the ultimate in deception and will make you think you know everything, then he will torture you when you die and laugh at you burning. deny god and see for yourself."
I have very confused feelings after reading the story and these comments...I think I need a drink.
Christian Identity and the Hegemony of Mammon
2 years ago
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11 comments:
The article you referenced is from CNN's European division so it's more than likely that most of the comments in the section below the article are from Europeans. It's somewhat of a sweeping generalization and a bit unfair to say that those particular comments somehow reflect "the pulse of religion in America."
Chris - thanks for the clarification. I actually didn't realize it was from the European division, so you very well might be right about the comments.
Also, I was kidding about the pulse thing. An attempt at humor that failed. Still, it can be troubling to read the comments.
That is a bold move but beware of the Catholic Church. I used to be Catholic but then I stopped practicing after I found out some disturbing truth. Some say the papacy is the antichrist. They changed the ten commandments which is the Law of God, the Pope claims to be a god, they have killed innocent people for centuries like the Spanish Inquisition and supporting the Nazis, and the priests have molested a lot of children. Jesus would not approve of any of these, it is not Christian, that is evil hiding behind religion. I pray people really to open their eyes. I know I did!!!
Okay, let's just back this crazy train up a little bit, how about it?
LOL. I'm with Greg.
Oh Greg, I miss you.
Thanks for posting this Nick - I was thinking about this article a lot yesterday, and how IMO it is another example of a "post-denominational" era. I realize that's an ambiguous idea, and tough to really define, but this is a pretty wild move by the RCC, right?! I mean, being willing to look over hundreds of years of conflict, various doctrinal differences, and basically say, "Hey, we agree on the important stuff - let's worship together! You don't even have to convert." To me, it shows that the concerns are more about unity than self-identity. More about God than about our own human constructs. So for me, this was a pretty cool article, and I think a really neat idea.
I didn't have time to read many of the comments, but in my experience they are rarely a proper format for dialogue. Perhaps because good conversation is so rarely modeled for us, especially in religion? Not sure....but I would agree with Chris that these comments are not the most accurate representation of religion in American or Europe - just a smattering of folks who want to "sound off" as CNN puts it.
To clarify also on this point (for those few who may read a comment to an old post), conversion is required for Anglicans to come into the Catholic Church. For most of the Anglicans considering conversion, this will be fairly minor (swearing fidelity to the Pope, accepting transubstantiation, etc.).
Also, all Anglicans coming into the Catholic Church will have to be confirmed, and all Anglican men wishing to be Priests must be approved by a Vatican official, and then must be properly ordained.
The large concession is that Anglicans will be approved to worship in their unique style (the Anglican rite becoming a recognized Catholic rite), and the Priests will be able to be married. Also, maybe the biggest concession, they'll be able to keep most of their church government. The Anglican bishops, if they are unmarried, can become Anglican Catholic Bishops, and the bishops who are married will become Catholic ordinaries (Bishops must be celibate).
Thanks for the clarification Paul - I did indeed check an old post and your contribution is quite helpful.
You are very welcome.
I read it too Paul - thanks for the clarification. I'd be interested to hear your personal take on this decision by the Catholic church. I misstated that conversion was not necessary, but priests being allowed to marry is still a big deal.
Good to have your comments on the blog Paul!
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