Right, as insane as mainstream media and pop culture seem to you and me, there are still people who very much believe in them. Low-IQ, low-ethics journalism can still be effective as virtue signaling to its in-group.
More traditional Catholics don't get much positive press in the mainstream, but I do see a lot of folks with views that are mostly similar to Butker's within the Church.
I've said for years that Pro-Life was invented so Christians could justify voting Republican, and Social Justice was invented so Christians could justify voting Democrat. Of course, nether is justified in an authentic Christian sense. But like the mainstream media, the movements served their purpose to signal to those people who essentially "demand a sign."
My perspective on the personalities of clergy and whether or not they pander too much to the laity is colored by my not having the clergy on a pedestal (like you). I respect that ordained ministers answered a call and made a commitment, and that through their sacramental experience, they can in turn bring sacrament to others. In that vein, I attend Mass and other sacraments because I'm seeking my sacraments, not because I want the wisdom of the clergy (indeed, there isn't always an indication that the clergy have such insight). I can't remember the last time I found a homily to be wisdom-heavy, and I also don't much care; that's not why I'm there.
I agree on Butker being more like the wheat, hopefully without glyphosate :-)
Yes, there are shifts in incentives that are present over nearly 2,000 years. Constantine and his cronies do the most damage, switching Christianity to something that was outcast from the world of imposed, hierarchical social order and its accompanying high-status opportunities, to one in which the label of "Christian" was rewarded by such structures and systems.
The elevation of formal credentials from institutes of higher learning seems to be an outgrowth of that: the seeking of status symbols, rather than the deep development of a vocation to servant ministry.
God-as-status-object never leads to the genuine goodness revealed by Jesus.
The great thing about this is all the scuttlebutt around this speech has been a case of the non supporters (liberals?) giving so much attention to it that his platform is growing and the word is getting out.
I love that you are playing on your citizen theme- keep going!!
Right, as insane as mainstream media and pop culture seem to you and me, there are still people who very much believe in them. Low-IQ, low-ethics journalism can still be effective as virtue signaling to its in-group.
More traditional Catholics don't get much positive press in the mainstream, but I do see a lot of folks with views that are mostly similar to Butker's within the Church.
I've said for years that Pro-Life was invented so Christians could justify voting Republican, and Social Justice was invented so Christians could justify voting Democrat. Of course, nether is justified in an authentic Christian sense. But like the mainstream media, the movements served their purpose to signal to those people who essentially "demand a sign."
My perspective on the personalities of clergy and whether or not they pander too much to the laity is colored by my not having the clergy on a pedestal (like you). I respect that ordained ministers answered a call and made a commitment, and that through their sacramental experience, they can in turn bring sacrament to others. In that vein, I attend Mass and other sacraments because I'm seeking my sacraments, not because I want the wisdom of the clergy (indeed, there isn't always an indication that the clergy have such insight). I can't remember the last time I found a homily to be wisdom-heavy, and I also don't much care; that's not why I'm there.
I agree on Butker being more like the wheat, hopefully without glyphosate :-)
Yes, there are shifts in incentives that are present over nearly 2,000 years. Constantine and his cronies do the most damage, switching Christianity to something that was outcast from the world of imposed, hierarchical social order and its accompanying high-status opportunities, to one in which the label of "Christian" was rewarded by such structures and systems.
The elevation of formal credentials from institutes of higher learning seems to be an outgrowth of that: the seeking of status symbols, rather than the deep development of a vocation to servant ministry.
God-as-status-object never leads to the genuine goodness revealed by Jesus.
I love this well written commentary, Dom!
I love your energy!
The great thing about this is all the scuttlebutt around this speech has been a case of the non supporters (liberals?) giving so much attention to it that his platform is growing and the word is getting out.
I love that you are playing on your citizen theme- keep going!!
Thanks, Maria! And welcome to the Substack :-)