Thoughts from Aaron of Court House

Monday, April 04, 2005

Church

So here's my thought. There are absolutely millions of people mourning the popes death. Millions are making a pilgrimage there to pay their last respects. At the Catholic church back home the one church in town was packed out. . . for the first time to my knowledge ever. Which is what kind of bothers me. The same people who will go to church the Sunday after the pope dies in rememberance of the pope, wouldn't go to church the Sunday before in rememberance of Jesus Christ dying and resurecting. Does that seem odd at all? I don't want to sound cynical because I do like the pope, and I do respect him, and you can read my reponses to other people to see my support, but it does bother me a little bit that the church is going to ride this for all it's worth. Once again a man died and people are going to exploit it for all they are worth. To all who care I give my prayers and condolances. . . and hope that this new wave of love for the Catholic chruch stays around.

posted by Aaron at 9:28 PM

4 Comments:

  • I understand what you are saying and I agree. The situation you have described does seem a bit awry; hopefully the passing of John Paul II will inspire those who may have previously been straying from the Church to once again find the reason that the passing of the Pope is something to be mourned: he was a man of God who dedicated his life to the cause of Christ. Perhaps their devotion to Christ will be renewed by witnessing the end of a life which was devoted wholly to Him.

    An equally disturbing problem that has vividly grasped my attention is the general apathy which many Protestants I have encountered lately feel towards the passing of John Paul II. In my Wesleyan church back home this past Sunday the only reference to the death of the Pope was wrapped within language that protected the person praying from outright proclaiming that Catholics are Christians (considering the theological discrimination that is extremely prevalent in my home town I understand his reluctance but despise it). No mention of the Pope's death was made in chapel this morning. Are we afraid that we might step on some toes by admitting that not only are Catholics Christians but their theology is more orthodox than some Protestant theologies (I note especially Calvinism)?

    Being a Christian "hybrid" I have been able to stand on both sides of this sad yet joyous event and I must say that I am unbelievably appreciative of people like you, Aaron, who are willing to mourn the passing of such a godly man. Catholic, Protestant, at a time like this I simply do not care. May God continue the work which he accomplished through John Paul II.
    In Christ,
    ~Ben

    By Blogger Ben Robinson, at 10:39 PM  

  • Maybe the Church should strive to make Christ more touchable. If people could see Christ, hear Christ, and touch Christ like we could the Pope, it may be easier to celebrate Him. As it is now the church seems to obscure Christ and keep Him an ethereal state. The church should make Christ real so He is as easy to remember as the Pope.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:27 PM  

  • Well said Kurt...but it is really easy to say that, and another thing to do it. Perhaps our generation will be the one to start the latest "revival" and show Christ to the world. Although, I hope this revival doesn't look like the ones of the past. I don't feel like barking at any trees or shaking uncontrollably.

    Ben, not to take away from Aaron's blog, he has a far great mind and is a far better writer than I, but if you want to check out another hybrid Christian that is a closet monk/Catholic, check out my blog post on the Pope. I think you will be pleased

    By Blogger Mike Cline, at 1:27 PM  

  • Mike thanks for the compliment but I feel it is ill-placed you hold your own in any discussion.

    Ben, I agree that it is sad how many portestants seem to not care and I'll be honest I didn't even notice it wasn't brought up in chapel. . . shows my bias eh?

    Kurt. Well said man. Catholics have always been better at represnting something (eg communion with sounds smells so forth) so the people can experience. I hope the church as a whole will make Christ more lifelike to those around us.

    By Blogger Aaron, at 1:43 PM  

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