Friday, March 29, AD 2024 10:33am

Bishops are to Blame!

Michael Voris in the Vortex addresses the problems and opportunities lost by American bishops following the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council which finished in the cultural upheaval of 60s dissent and disobedience within the Church in America.

Souls are at stake and our bishops seem more concerned about the next fundraiser or not leading with boldness and the Truth.  Instead they grovel to political correctness and stand quite on society’s most contentious issues such as abortion and same sex marriage.

Bishop Athanasius Schneider gave an important speech recently where he constructively and critically examined these issues of episcopal disregard.  Especially in the education of the laity with proper catechesis and the lack of defense against modernism and dissent, which have infested chanceries with “yes”-men in which the Pope calls, “professional Catholics”.

Watch this segment of the Vortex to get the full story:

Cross posted at CVSTOS FIDEI.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
19 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Chris Burgwald
Wednesday, January 26, AD 2011 2:27pm

Okay, now what?

Stephen E Dalton
Stephen E Dalton
Wednesday, January 26, AD 2011 6:16pm

Chris, we pray for the bishops, we praise them when they do what’s right, and give them a royal raspberry when they go again 2000 years of Catholic tradition. Sounds like a plan to me!

Zach
Wednesday, January 26, AD 2011 6:34pm

FWIW my almost-immediate reaction to the title of this blog post was

“and so is each and every one of us!”

John Henry
Wednesday, January 26, AD 2011 8:21pm

FWIW my almost-immediate reaction to the title of this blog post was

“and so is each and every one of us!”

As it should be.

Diane
Wednesday, January 26, AD 2011 9:42pm

I suggest spending some time with the full text of Bishop Schneider’s address (link below). There is a lot of substance in it, leading up to the most quoteworthy portions which have been seen on the web. It would be disappointing for people to miss the richness of what is in the full text.

I think it is good to read the document and discuss it, but in a manner that is consistent with how Bishop Schneider does with his audience.

His Excellency is one of the most gentle teachers I know, who works to win hearts with wisdom, reason and air-tight arguments. At the very root of his effort is genuine love, not anger, for those he is trying to win over.

The full text prints very well from the EWTN page.

http://www.ewtn.com/library/bishops/schneider-proposte.htm

Father Z has made a podcast of the full text

Read more about how this full text made it into English. Hopefully, this weekend there will be time to add English text next to the Latin from appropriate sources.

http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2011/01/full-text-of-bishop-schneiders.html

T. Shaw
T. Shaw
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 7:24am

“It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Do whatever you need to do to save your soul.

Orwell wrote, in his piece on Gandhi, that you either are spiritually or worldly oriented. He wrote that the humanist ideal is that we have this one life and it is our job make it as “good” as we can. The Spiritual ideal is that we place primacy on our souls and we need to be sure we obtain (through God’s grace) redemption.

Orwell even goes so far as to state the mildest liberal has embraced the humanist and not the Spritual ideal. The atheist that Orwell was, he may have been more Catholic (here) than some bishops.

St. Paul, loosely: What has a man gained if he wins the entire world but losses his soul?

ron chandonia
ron chandonia
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 9:05am

Sorry, no, our bishops do not “stand quite” on abortion and gay marriage. And they don’t need “Taliban Catholics” telling them how to run the Church either. Vitriol against fellow Christians from self-described “real” Catholics does not build up the Body of Christ:

http://www.ministryvalues.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1430&Itemid=125

Karl
Karl
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 10:08am

Paralysis results from too many varying opinions. I do not
recognize the Catholicism of these days and cannot reconcile
it with what/how I was taught in my youth.

The Catholic Church is reaping what has been sown, in practice.
It is sad, indeed, but it is fitting. I will be held to account for my
words and actions at my final judgement. I try to live as I was
taught but it seems out of sync with most that I see, in my small
world.

I, however, am tired of hearing that homosexuality is the big
problem with marriage. Balderdash.

When a bishop has the data, excommunications should be flowing
for unrepentant adulterers and unjust marital abandoners, as
well as for those in positions of influence in the Church, both
clergy and laity, who go out of their way to find ways to
“justify” divorce but do not work 10X harder to help heal
wounded marriages, especially wheh their help is sought.

ma

Phillip
Phillip
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 10:34am

ron,

I think Pope Benedict’s advice was to be respectful in the blogosphere in the spirit of Christian charity. Comments like “Taliban Catholics” fly in the face of that advice.

A Tucson moment seems to be evolving around Benedict’s comments on proper behavior in social media. Unfortunately, some of the most vocal in commenting on it have also been those who have been quite prolific in not demonstrating respect and Christian charity in their posts and comments.

T. Shaw
T. Shaw
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 11:10am

Try the below for ” . . . respect and Christian charity . . . ”

“The road to hell is paved (not just with good intentions) with the skulls of erring priests. The sign posts are skulls of bishops.”

“Goggle” which saint said that.

Christian charity also may be zeal for the salvation of souls, in contrast to ardor for secular humanism or Dr. Phil/feel good here and now psychology.

PS: I love you’all’s new campaign slogan: WTF!!!

Phillip
Phillip
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 11:24am

T. Shaw,

I don’t have a problem with people speaking the truth. I also believe that there are priests and bishops who have, are, and will lead souls to Hell. My point is that for most people, honey does better than vinegar. So we can call a spade a spade, but with respect. That includes our clergy. They are not automatically free from error and may very well be the tip of the spear when it comes to error. But, a la Catherine of Sienna, we should approach them, and all men, with respect.

My more blunt point was that, there are many Catholic bloggers now attempting to make a Tucson moment out of the Pope’s statement. As with that moment, this only serves to point out the hypocrisy of many of those blaming “conservative Catholics.”

TemplarofTruth
TemplarofTruth
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 11:26am

Does anyone think that Catholicism in America has thrived in the last 40+ years? What changed and what went horribly wrong? Who here doesn’t cringe at the rotgut modern culture that’s shoved down our children’s throats? And who’s OK with over 50 million unborn babies murdered? Considering the wholesale damage done to so many souls over the years forces us to do more and face the TRUTH. I’m truly sorry if it hurts feelings but aren’t the alternatives are far worse?

So, Mike Voris quotes bishops, the Pope, and documents several facts as a basis for an analysis. Where exactly is he wrong?

Hasn’t the Body of Christ suffered enough?

The hypocrisy of the left both after Tuscon and in the phrase “Taliban Catholic” would be funny except we’re dealing with truth and the spiritual realm. We all answer to God and “shut up you’re stupid” rebuttals may help one’s self esteem but I respectfully submit they do not help you get into heaven.

In spite of the obvious scriptural basis for a pro-life position there’s a Methodist church next to our Catholic church that would be more than willing to accommodate cafeteria Catholics whose self esteem is uncomfy–they may have even put out the ad below:

Chris Burgwald
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 12:10pm

Templar, it’s not so much the analysis which I’m concerned about, but the fact all we get is complaints about how bad “the bishops” were and are. It’s *almost* playing the victim card… “Woe is we!” How about instead *we* do something about it! The laity aren’t exactly helpless these days to spread the Gospel… these “bad” priests & bishops haven’t stationed the Swiss Guard at our doors to prevent us from evangelizing.

At the *very* least, we could have a call to prayer for our hierarchy, but we don’t even get that.

In her amazing story of conversion from Planned Parenthood clinic director to pro-life advocate (and very soon, Catholic), Abby Johnson explains how it was the quiet, friendly, prayerful approach of the Coalition for Life and that helped win her over, while the more combative approach (people in grim reaper costumes, others holding placards of aborted babies) that only hardened opposition to hearing the pro-life message.

“Honey attracts more flies than vinegar” isn’t just a cliche… it actually works.

Pinky
Pinky
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 1:30pm

The fact that sometimes the truth hurts =/= the idea that anything hurtful is the truth. Quoting a saint or pope chewing out someone who deserves it isn’t proof that every time you think someone deserves it, you have the right to chew them out.

Bill Sr.
Bill Sr.
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 1:33pm

Spiritual Leadership

Truly it’s time for the Bishops of America to stop pretending to be shepherds of the faith among god’s people with messages to the flock that merely reflect “concern”, “regret” and “dismay” at the heretical behavior or extreme positions taken by catholic politicians and their “prominent” catholic supporters which betray the teachings of the church.

We have literally stripped ourselves of the identity as “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic” church. We are now the diversified, progressive liberal, independent thinking, and apologetic church of America with sentimental ties to Rome.

Just look at us. We’ve produced the likes of Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Chris Dodd, Charles Rangel, and many other “distinguished” members of congress along with a host of “intellectual” clergy and prominent individuals who ALL gave their unbridled support (honorary degrees) to the most pro-abortion candidate ever to run for president. What does this say for the church in America? Especially when these same people often state and expound that their positions and values don’t conflict with or reduce their standing within the church as they boldly file in line at the communion table.

Remember when Nancy Pelosi told a reporter that (her) church was not sure when life begins and that it was “debatable” only about 20 of the approximately 150 catholic members of congress willingly signed a letter of admonition to her.( None of the above mentioned). And to realize that these officials are continually reelected by large portions of catholic laity speaks volumes for the guidance the laity are receiving from their shepherds.

Add to this the fact that we are closing parish schools at a record pace and there is little or no voice in Washington on behalf of VOUCHERS coming from the largest single religious group (29% catholic) of representatives. Clerical Compassion needed for catholic education and faith based initiatives is cautiously reserved like holy water to sprinkle on secular approved issues like gay “rights” or hoped for embryonic research or cloning for medical technology. Need we say more?

We are in moral disarray here and our spiritual leadership for the most part does not speak forthrightly to us for fear of “politically” advocating Christian values thus overstepping the bounds of “separation” or at worst governmental funding reprisals.

We can’t be “children” of God without being men and women of honor and deep faith before the sword of separation if we intend to follow Christ.

Today, as in the time of the early church as the Kingdom of God was being thrust upon the kings of the world, “Martyrdom” needs to be revived in the public arena and a part of our faith life so that the people can witness for themselves that our eternal souls are of more value than political capitol, catechetical compromise, or “apostolic” appeasement which is reducing Christ and His church to the status of “community (ritual) organizers” within a purely secular society. May the Lord have mercy on us if we choose otherwise!

TemplarofTruth
TemplarofTruth
Thursday, January 27, AD 2011 4:37pm

Chris, you’re absolutely right that we the laity must do more and especially pray for our church leaders. We must support them, empower them to preach the truth. Let it fly! We and our families can take it! We love our bishops and priests (our parish is blessed) and it would be very embarrassing for me personally if someone pulled out some register of Christian deeds comparing me to a given priest or bishop–yikes!

Mike Voris took care to praise several bishops and the Pope. How then could anyone say that all they get are complaints? Isn’t Faith the result of reason applied to the world we live in? Please don’t ask me to leave my reasoning at the door in order to be a better Catholic Christian. I never will because it allows me to see the truth in an ever more beautiful light. It also allows me to see the vulgar hypocrisy of leftists supporting abortion, gay marriage, global warming, Keynesian economics, socialism, etc–and stupid shallow labels like “Taliban Catholic.”

If God’s truth is honey that attracts ‘flies’ then the vinegar out there is from the alleged Catholic groups that deliberately deviate/distort Catholic teaching. Just wade through the ‘National Catholic Reporter’ or ‘America’ and you’ll have enough vinegar for barrels of pickles.

With respect, I submit that the overall efforts of the laity and the clergy have failed in the past 40 years. So whatever ‘we’ did ‘we’ may want to review it. I would also agree that I’m part of the problem but I’m working on that! I would also agree that kindness and charity are key in changing minds–and I’m working on that too!

Cardinal DiNardo gave such a beautiful homily this weekend at the Basilica in Washington. I think I could’ve listened better but my knees where killing me from sitting on the floor for so long. The march the next day was great as well–what a great weekend!

Thanks for your comments Chris, God bless.

Angie
Angie
Sunday, January 30, AD 2011 12:01pm

We need to stand up and “correct” misstatements. In the Sacramento diocese there is a gravitation towards socialism. It has gone so far as to ask “fair distribution of wealth” in petitions of the faithful. This is unacceptable! I have communicated the wrongs in promoting socialism with the Bishop. This issue is not one he objects to.

To correct this I am printing off ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII
ON CAPITAL AND LABOR exert….

And in addition to injustice, it is only too evident what an upset and disturbance there would be in all classes, and to how intolerable and hateful a slavery citizens would be subjected. The door would be thrown open to envy, to mutual invective, and to discord; the sources of wealth themselves would run dry, for no one would have any interest in exerting his talents or his industry; and that ideal equality about which they entertain pleasant dreams would be in reality the levelling down of all to a like condition of misery and degradation. Hence, it is clear that the main tenet of socialism, community of goods, must be utterly rejected, since it only injures those whom it would seem meant to benefit, is directly contrary to the natural rights of mankind, and would introduce confusion and disorder into the commonweal. The first and most fundamental principle, therefore, if one would undertake to alleviate the condition of the masses, must be the inviolability of private property.”

This will be placed on bulletin boards and I am considering handing it out to parishioners …. I do not know what to expect for my actions….

antonio caetano
antonio caetano
Tuesday, February 1, AD 2011 11:29am

Nothing Michael Vorhis says sounds anything like what Jesus said. Jesus never codemned except those Pharisees that are the hero type Bishops Mr Vorhis hungers for.

Jesus didn’t tell the publican in the temple pounding his breast and repeating, “have mercy on me a sinner” that it was his sins that would condemn him but rather his submission that would justify him. He never told the woman at the well to repent or do anything more than to believe in him, He never asked the criminal on the cross, once he’d submitted to our Lord, that there was anything more left to do.
The condemnatory rant of bishops and speakers like Mr Vorhis is the catholic ship that is sinking.

Sadly, it is a secular government, The US government based on principles of Fairness, Freedom and Equality, caring for the poor, the hungry and ignorant and victimized that sounds more like Jesus than Mr Vorhis or his hero bishops.
antonio

TemplarofTruth
TemplarofTruth
Tuesday, February 1, AD 2011 10:17pm

Soooo, the US government is is more moral than US Bishops speaking the truth in line with the Bishop of Rome? Didn’t the POPE bring up the term “professional Catholic”, indicating that their bureaucratic modernistic notions are causing great harm to the church? Is the Pope one of your Pharisees too? I know many leftists think they’re morally superior to him as well–heck, I literally heard our “Christian Service” (aka recycling, fighting globo warming, blablabla) ‘director’ say that she wished our current Pope would “hurry up and die” during a RCIA class. That’s the ‘vinegar’ trying to sink the ship. Didn’t JP2 tell us all that LIFE is by far the most important issue, i.e waaaaay ahead of the social justice concerns?

So again, I guess we shouldn’t use reason to try to figure out God’s wonderful infinite truth. We should just blindly submit and believe…. but wait… is it faith alone that gets you into heaven? What did James call those who rely on faith alone? But alas some on this board may be Protestant so they wouldn’t know the book of James since Luther–the original modernist, threw it out of their ‘bible’. What about the Sacraments? Don’t we believe in DEEDS as well especially in a Sacramental life?

With respect, I reason that Michael Voris cites scripture in a coherent context and in line with our wonderful encyclicals, those wonderful encyclicals that prevent us from cherry picking scripture to suit our individual needs. Isn’t that true submission to God’s truth?

I feel we should all ask Mary to intercede to give our beloved Bishops and Priests the strength to proclaim Christ’s will to us (like me) who really need it. I know I have a long way to go and I appreciate everyone’s understanding.

As far as my government’s good intentions go, I’ll cite a favorite recent link from TAC:

Discover more from The American Catholic

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Scroll to Top