Dear MNGoldenGophers1- I just can't let your arrogant and ignorant post go unchallenged. Just who are "the Catholics" of whom you speak? There are about 65 million of us in this country. Do you really believe that we all think alike and are eager to excuse the scandal to which you refer? The truth, sir, is that the great majority of us find the behavior of these priests to be disgusting and appalling. Plus, I believe it is reasonable to say that millions of us feel the additional pain of betrayal and the humiliation of being somehow linked to these criminals. I am hopeful that you have more intelligence than you exhibited in the pathetic post to which I am replying.
Dear Nomellini – Denial is a defense mechanism which probably explains your defensiveness to my post. To answer your first question, I’m speaking to you and the other 65 million but decreasing number of Catholics. As a former Catholic myself, I kicked this church to the curb years ago. If you want to know my reasons, go take a look at the Penn State/Sandusky thread and read where GopherInPhilly nicely articulates his reasons for abandoning the church. I could have never said it better. And just so we’re clear, I’m sure GopherInPhilly would likely have nothing to do with my post here.
I know it must be hard for you and other well-intentioned Catholics to receive criticism, but let’s put this is a different context. Let’s say you started playing on softball team and learned that it had a history of very bad behavior. For example, the team was known for lacking transparency along with a history of persecuting others based on race, political and religious beliefs. You also found out past and current members exhibited negative behaviors ranging from opposing equal rights for the opposite sex to committing heinous crimes against children. And this was just the tip of the iceberg. My guess is that most people would find a new softball team unless they’re stuck playing for Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary.
Okay, a softball team especially one at LFP and a religious organization are two very different things. Furthermore, it would be much easier to walk away from a softball team than a religious institution someone has probably belonged to their entire life. I realize any organization or group can have undesirable members. But in the case of the CC and in particular many of their leaders, they have been dismal when it comes to their behavior and addressing/correcting it. Given the CC’s history, I don’t get how any educated and rational person can justify being a member?
I understand how difficult it is for some to walk away from something they have invested so much time, money, emotional and, worst of all, spiritual energy. In my opinion, no amount of good could possibly erase the bad in the case of the CC. For many CC members, I’m sure it would be a difficult thing to admit after so many years of making it perhaps the most important thing in their life.
Consequently, I could say it is you who is ignorant and pathetic for continuing your membership in the CC. But that’s your choice. I have happily moved on and will leave it at that.
BTW – I have always despised the sanctimonious Domers even when I was a Catholic.
