I have mentioned it before, but being Catholic has had a mellowing effect on me. While a lot of guys from my former theological circle (Old School Presbyterianism), when they convert to Catholicism, tend to seek out an equally staunch Roman version of what they left behind (conservative Latin Masses, for example), I didn’t really follow suit.
In fact, the ecclesiological elitism I embodied as a Protestant hadn’t been sitting well with my cultural sensibilities for quite some time, sensibilities that included things like openness and the idea that love-of-neighbor might be a better touchstone for meeting God than Calvin’s Institutes or the Genevan Psalter.
So rather than going from one form of fundamentalism to another, I ended up opting for a posture that is truly, well, Catholic (and for my part, I think Catholicism is most healthy when its spokespeople cease flexing their authoritarian muscles and instead assume a posture of meekness and acceptance of others, knowing that “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him”).
So yeah, this whole we-are-the-world shtick might not make me a very effective religious apologist, but I do hope it helps make me a better and more accepting human.
And seriously, isn’t that enough?
I dont think that traditional latin mass=staunch fundamentalist elitism. I dont really have a strong liturgical passion like some people, but I prefer TLM parishes because of the people that attend them. Its pleasant to be surrounded by people who are passionate about their faith. Even if that often breeds a kind of pharasaical attitude from time to time.
There is no need to choose between being an effective apologist or being a loving and understanding human being. One can be loving and understanding while still giving witness to the truth of Christ and His Church in a firm and uncompromising manner.
The force is strong in you. Why hide out like yoda and live out your life in some secluded swamp planet? Come back to the light and lets raid the “death – star”, make hay with some storm troopers, and overthrow the sith. Apologetics is way more fun than eating hot dogs and roasting smores with the world.
I guess what I meant is that my obsession with proving my point of view correct has abated quite a bit since becoming Catholic. Which makes one’s apologetical efforts somewhat halfhearted.
I remember Frank Beckwith saying something very similar. Whatever, I’m a fan either way. Rooting for you all the way bro. Good luck with the new site.
Beckwith has made a career out of parroting the stuff I say. . . .
KW: Come back to the light and lets raid the “death – star”, make hay with some storm troopers, and overthrow the sith.
Which seems to be precisely what Jason is not on about.
For my part, I’m happy to kick back and let people be people. But when you start targeting our elders for conversion …
In other words, Ken, the apologetic strategy creates enmity where there need not be.