Thank you, Mark. Those last two paragraphs were superb!!
Chris Molter | 04.30.08 - 11:03 am | #

Non-denominationalism and emergent Christianity are meaningless. What's the theological point of view, other than one's own? Hasn't the era of one's own little, personal church finally exhausted itself? It's like asking a high school class what each member thinks of Jane Eyre. It might be interesting, but ultimately it's meaningless, because none of the students are grounded in anything. They're just giving their personal opinions. The fact that emergent christianity might be "open" to some Catholic traditions is neither here nor there, because everything is a result of self-selection, just opinion. How is any of this anything other than the final, exhausted gasps of the Protestant tradition?
Marjorie | 04.30.08 - 11:06 am | #

“Acknowledgement of the Christ in the poor is a centerpiece of our Christology since the Evangelists.”

I read a brief part of “God and The World” last night, which is from Peter Seewald’s discussion with then Cardinal Ratzinger”, and this excerpt, quoting Cardinal Ratzinger, discussed how Jesus’ birth revealed God to the world first to the poor, i.e. shepherds, and that there is a fundamental lesson for all of us in this revelation.

I am uncertain if or to what extent Benedict “lacks contact with the poor or folks who work with the poor”, though I believe he is not suspect of those who care for the poor. Perhaps even in his old age he has more to grow in this aspect of his life—I don’t know—though he is a man and like the rest of us has shortcomings and weaknesses. Your reader can send Pope Benedict a letter…no harm done.

I think there is an obligation of our hierarchy to teach and lead us to care for the poor; however, those of us who are well off materially are consumed with acquiring and having things and more things. So there is a longing we have that easily tempts and distracts us from the Gospel life. In that same book, Cardinal Ratzinger made an observation about the commercialization of Christmas and how it was overtaking the true meaning of Jesus’ birth and revelation to the world. He commented along the lines that we would a great achievement if we took things more simply (i.e. not consumed with gifts, etc.) then we could better experience and contemplate the true meaning of Christmas.

This seems true to our life the other 364 days that are not Christmas Day.
dpt | 04.30.08 - 11:27 am | #

pisses off and frighten[s] mom and dad

bingo
Pauli | Homepage | 05.01.08 - 8:16 am | #