The argument: If the Church blurs its teaching on abortion, euthanasia, and marriage to accommodate secular culture, it will lose a generation searching for a deeper alternative.
Hi Daisy -- I am an 84 year old grandmother of 10 --staunchly conservative, very patriotic--some of my father's family managed to escape Nazi Germany and worried about the world in which my grandchildren..and all of thier contemporaries will inherit. I learned from observation over the years...boundaries are important for people of all ages, having goals and working hard to acheive them makes strong citizens
.
You said it even better: conviction, purpose and a moral compass are needed. I hope there are more young people moving in that direction.
Regrettably, this Pope does not appear to be another Benedict or John Paul. He appears to be another Francis. He is not the solution to the problem, he is a symptom of the problem. Devout Catholics should pray for his early, relatively painless death, for the good of tbe Church.
2/300 years ago we wouldn’t have known who the Pope was, it’s a modern phenomenon that they have “celebrity” status which gets scrutinised - times were probably easier for the Church then! It’s still early days for Pope Leo, let’s pray that he is guided to lead this flock that is so desperate for direction.
Remember the Jesus Movement in America in the 70’s. It sprung up among the Boomer teens, called Jesus People . It lasted for about a decade and built the church that lasted decades more. (I was somewhat involved but left for college.) It was head by youth, not adults.
That’s a bit harsh. I think devout Catholics have begun to realise that the Pope is really for show and after 2,000 years of teaching, there isn’t anything really new that needs to be said.
nothing to do with Spain, but after 22 years in Catholic schools, my son has seen more of Jesus now that he’s in Arkansas at med school than he ever did in the expensive Catholic schools we paid for. He goes to Mass every Sunday with a group of friends he met there. These kids are conservative—they’re thoroughly sick of all this filth and lies.
Thank you! Groundwork laid in those schools for sure. I'm so grateful we were able to send him there. However, it wasn't without dangers. Have to watch every little thing they attempt to expose your child to.
Thank you for this – it is so, so true. We see an example of what not to do here in England, where the Church of England has entirely sold its soul to secular values, promoting 'be kind' at all costs, rather than 'be good' and uphold Christian teaching. As a consequence, it faces extinction, while converts to Catholicism and orthodoxy increase year on year.
There are many good conservative evangelical ministers in the CofE faithfully preaching the gospel to their congregations and seeing growth. Likewise amongst non-conformist churches (I worship at a Baptist church) many are seeing significant growth. We had 40 non-Church relatives of a young couple who have recently come to faith in Church yesterday for the dedication of their baby son. That would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
Thank you so much for this – it is very encouraging. It must be hard, though, when so much guidance issued by the Church of England is woolly, ambiguous and in some cases, very hard to reconcile with gospel teaching – particularly guidance for schools. My issue is not so much with individual churches, some of which are undoubtedly doing a great job, but with the institution as a whole, its priorities and utter failure to speak out clearly on the great moral issues of the day.
In France, the number of conversions to Catholicism is on the rise, and young converts often turn to the traditionalist liturgy. If they’re after self-righteous, ‘humanist’ nonsense, they certainly don’t need the Church....
Ms. Inglese makes a good point about something that I think both clergy and the faithful struggle with. A really good book about the inside baseball in the Catholic Church is "Jesus Wept", which profiles a number of recent popes and the battles on this issue within the Church itself.
My own view is that the words and example of Jesus Christ have uplifted the lives of literally billions of people, and have set a tone for progress, responsibility and fairness that has dramatically increased human flourishing. On the other hand, the history of the institution that is the Catholic Church and its popes has been rather a two-millennium disappointment.
It has to be said, even with disappointments and scandals, it’s miraculous the Church still stands firm - a sign for me that God is involved somewhere!
I think the author is making some valid arguments. On the other hand, I look fearfully at Catholics like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens and the resurgence of antisemitism. As a Jew, I sure can't find anything good about The Spanish Inquisition.
Hopefully, not. But the Catholics I know have been observant Catholics for a long time. Looking at the rise in antisemitism especially among the young and reading that this trend back to Catholicism is also especially among the young, your comment is not enough to reassure me.
You may be right, I just don't know and I hope that's not the case. Most of the anti-Semitism I read about is from the Left and militant Islam. I certainly hope it doesn't take hold in the Catholic Church, among young people or anywhere else. Obviously Carlson and Owens aren't helping, but I think their wacky views are costing them support, a problem they brought on themselves.
I see the same thing. My people are heavily liberal so, when they hear the word "antisemitism," they reflexively look over their right shoulders to see the threat. For way too long, they remained oblivious to the the threats (in plain view over their left shoulders) from the left and from Muslim immigrants.
It's always puzzled me why American Jews so often vote for politicians who would disenfranchise them, or worse. They seem to have a weakness for communist ideologies, and I don't think they understand Islam's end game. A third of NYC Jews voted for Mamdani and support him still. Hard for me to understand.
Actually, this blog supplies a lot of the answer to your question. One is born Jewish rather than declaring oneself one based on belief. The majority of Jews have no idea what their religion is about, and in their search for something larger than themselves they latch on to ideologies that are in opposition to Judaism. It's not a coincidence that the branches of Judasm that treat Judaism more seriously and follow its rules and constraints are more politically conservative.
I do share the concern about new converts to Catholicism wanting to affiliate with a more serious Catholicism and including hatred of Jews in that religious revival. I hope more experienced Catholics push back.
I don’t think Carlson is Catholic and Owens is a recent convert and not really a role model for anyone. The Inquisition was of its time and place, and most Catholics are still trying to make amends for this and do remind themselves that without the Jews there would be no Jesus.
You're right: Carlson identifies as Episcopalian. As for Owens, as I said before, it's the newly religious Catholics (mostly youth) who worry me. I need to add that I know many Christians who think as you do (appalled at what was done to Jews under the banner of Christ, working hard to create a new relationship between Christians and Jews based on love and support, and saying that without Judaism, there would be no Christianity. They are among my dearest friends. (In fact, I had a front-row seat to them coalescing into Christians United for Israel. CUFI is now the largest pro-Zionist organization in the country.)
Daisy Mae has accurately captured the problem limiting engagement and growth in the modern Church. I would add that the problem is not limited to Gen Z, and not to Catholicism.
Sadly the church is a shell of itself today. Very glad the interest is growing in Spain! First we must keep explaining what the gospel (Gospel) means and why it is Good News. Jesus, The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world, did for us what we could not do for ourselves--pay for our sins. He offers Salvation to all who repent of sin, ask Him to save them, trust in His payment on The Cross for sin. "He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." Young people are looking for hope, authenticity, a real daily faith that works in marriage, single life at work school in the neighborhood. I can go through the motions on Sunday and live another life during the week. The hope is eternal life w/God in the future and hope and help for today with The Holy Spirit's power and help. Jesus said, "I must go so the Spirit of Truth can come. He will lead you..." Hope and help for today, tomorrow and the promise of Heaven. The church never explains how we get to Heaven. Every minister, priest should be able to tell us if we ask. God did not want us to worry and wonder if we make it. He told us clearly. Conversions to Jesus need to be made not to Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Orthodox etc. Young people also want community, honesty love and support.
Daisy Mae is correct,. Young people, all people, search for comviciton and are drawn to purpose, and moral direction.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Hi Daisy -- I am an 84 year old grandmother of 10 --staunchly conservative, very patriotic--some of my father's family managed to escape Nazi Germany and worried about the world in which my grandchildren..and all of thier contemporaries will inherit. I learned from observation over the years...boundaries are important for people of all ages, having goals and working hard to acheive them makes strong citizens
.
You said it even better: conviction, purpose and a moral compass are needed. I hope there are more young people moving in that direction.
Wow! What a legacy, I pray to be blessed to see the generations after me! Pray for your grandchildren 🙏
Ypu are already as wise as many of my generation.
Regrettably, this Pope does not appear to be another Benedict or John Paul. He appears to be another Francis. He is not the solution to the problem, he is a symptom of the problem. Devout Catholics should pray for his early, relatively painless death, for the good of tbe Church.
2/300 years ago we wouldn’t have known who the Pope was, it’s a modern phenomenon that they have “celebrity” status which gets scrutinised - times were probably easier for the Church then! It’s still early days for Pope Leo, let’s pray that he is guided to lead this flock that is so desperate for direction.
Remember the Jesus Movement in America in the 70’s. It sprung up among the Boomer teens, called Jesus People . It lasted for about a decade and built the church that lasted decades more. (I was somewhat involved but left for college.) It was head by youth, not adults.
Pray for his moral base to be renewed
Revival!
That’s a bit harsh. I think devout Catholics have begun to realise that the Pope is really for show and after 2,000 years of teaching, there isn’t anything really new that needs to be said.
nothing to do with Spain, but after 22 years in Catholic schools, my son has seen more of Jesus now that he’s in Arkansas at med school than he ever did in the expensive Catholic schools we paid for. He goes to Mass every Sunday with a group of friends he met there. These kids are conservative—they’re thoroughly sick of all this filth and lies.
Beautiful, praise God. Thanks for sharing Alicia. Maybe there was some ground work laid in the Catholic schools!
Thank you! Groundwork laid in those schools for sure. I'm so grateful we were able to send him there. However, it wasn't without dangers. Have to watch every little thing they attempt to expose your child to.
Thank you for this – it is so, so true. We see an example of what not to do here in England, where the Church of England has entirely sold its soul to secular values, promoting 'be kind' at all costs, rather than 'be good' and uphold Christian teaching. As a consequence, it faces extinction, while converts to Catholicism and orthodoxy increase year on year.
There are many good conservative evangelical ministers in the CofE faithfully preaching the gospel to their congregations and seeing growth. Likewise amongst non-conformist churches (I worship at a Baptist church) many are seeing significant growth. We had 40 non-Church relatives of a young couple who have recently come to faith in Church yesterday for the dedication of their baby son. That would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
Thank you so much for this – it is very encouraging. It must be hard, though, when so much guidance issued by the Church of England is woolly, ambiguous and in some cases, very hard to reconcile with gospel teaching – particularly guidance for schools. My issue is not so much with individual churches, some of which are undoubtedly doing a great job, but with the institution as a whole, its priorities and utter failure to speak out clearly on the great moral issues of the day.
Absolutely, couldn't agree more.
In France, the number of conversions to Catholicism is on the rise, and young converts often turn to the traditionalist liturgy. If they’re after self-righteous, ‘humanist’ nonsense, they certainly don’t need the Church....
I recently visited the traditional Catholic Benedictine monastery in Fontgombault and was blown away by how many young men had become monks there!
The righteous are as bold as a lion...
Very true.
Look at the first apostles - they confidently proclaimed the message of Christianity in a hostile Roman Empire and they converted a lot of people.
Have conviction, proclaim the truth.
Ms. Inglese makes a good point about something that I think both clergy and the faithful struggle with. A really good book about the inside baseball in the Catholic Church is "Jesus Wept", which profiles a number of recent popes and the battles on this issue within the Church itself.
My own view is that the words and example of Jesus Christ have uplifted the lives of literally billions of people, and have set a tone for progress, responsibility and fairness that has dramatically increased human flourishing. On the other hand, the history of the institution that is the Catholic Church and its popes has been rather a two-millennium disappointment.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It has to be said, even with disappointments and scandals, it’s miraculous the Church still stands firm - a sign for me that God is involved somewhere!
I think the author is making some valid arguments. On the other hand, I look fearfully at Catholics like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens and the resurgence of antisemitism. As a Jew, I sure can't find anything good about The Spanish Inquisition.
I wouldn't consider either of those people you mentioned to be representative of Catholicism.
Or young, for that matter!
Hopefully, not. But the Catholics I know have been observant Catholics for a long time. Looking at the rise in antisemitism especially among the young and reading that this trend back to Catholicism is also especially among the young, your comment is not enough to reassure me.
You may be right, I just don't know and I hope that's not the case. Most of the anti-Semitism I read about is from the Left and militant Islam. I certainly hope it doesn't take hold in the Catholic Church, among young people or anywhere else. Obviously Carlson and Owens aren't helping, but I think their wacky views are costing them support, a problem they brought on themselves.
I see the same thing. My people are heavily liberal so, when they hear the word "antisemitism," they reflexively look over their right shoulders to see the threat. For way too long, they remained oblivious to the the threats (in plain view over their left shoulders) from the left and from Muslim immigrants.
It's always puzzled me why American Jews so often vote for politicians who would disenfranchise them, or worse. They seem to have a weakness for communist ideologies, and I don't think they understand Islam's end game. A third of NYC Jews voted for Mamdani and support him still. Hard for me to understand.
Actually, this blog supplies a lot of the answer to your question. One is born Jewish rather than declaring oneself one based on belief. The majority of Jews have no idea what their religion is about, and in their search for something larger than themselves they latch on to ideologies that are in opposition to Judaism. It's not a coincidence that the branches of Judasm that treat Judaism more seriously and follow its rules and constraints are more politically conservative.
I do share the concern about new converts to Catholicism wanting to affiliate with a more serious Catholicism and including hatred of Jews in that religious revival. I hope more experienced Catholics push back.
I don’t think Carlson is Catholic and Owens is a recent convert and not really a role model for anyone. The Inquisition was of its time and place, and most Catholics are still trying to make amends for this and do remind themselves that without the Jews there would be no Jesus.
You're right: Carlson identifies as Episcopalian. As for Owens, as I said before, it's the newly religious Catholics (mostly youth) who worry me. I need to add that I know many Christians who think as you do (appalled at what was done to Jews under the banner of Christ, working hard to create a new relationship between Christians and Jews based on love and support, and saying that without Judaism, there would be no Christianity. They are among my dearest friends. (In fact, I had a front-row seat to them coalescing into Christians United for Israel. CUFI is now the largest pro-Zionist organization in the country.)
Daisy Mae has accurately captured the problem limiting engagement and growth in the modern Church. I would add that the problem is not limited to Gen Z, and not to Catholicism.
Good point Allison!
Sadly the church is a shell of itself today. Very glad the interest is growing in Spain! First we must keep explaining what the gospel (Gospel) means and why it is Good News. Jesus, The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world, did for us what we could not do for ourselves--pay for our sins. He offers Salvation to all who repent of sin, ask Him to save them, trust in His payment on The Cross for sin. "He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." Young people are looking for hope, authenticity, a real daily faith that works in marriage, single life at work school in the neighborhood. I can go through the motions on Sunday and live another life during the week. The hope is eternal life w/God in the future and hope and help for today with The Holy Spirit's power and help. Jesus said, "I must go so the Spirit of Truth can come. He will lead you..." Hope and help for today, tomorrow and the promise of Heaven. The church never explains how we get to Heaven. Every minister, priest should be able to tell us if we ask. God did not want us to worry and wonder if we make it. He told us clearly. Conversions to Jesus need to be made not to Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Orthodox etc. Young people also want community, honesty love and support.