NotebookThe Catholic Church: Evil?
The video below is Stephen Fry, an actor and writer, giving the Catholic Church a most thorough dressing-down. Sort of like what St. John's did to Duke the other night, only while Duke had a bad night, the Catholic Church has had a bad millennium or so.
I've watched the video once. I don't have time to watch it repeatedly and dissect it, but my initial reaction was a positive one. Thinking more about it, I'm going back and forth. Some comments around the Internet say Fry sounds like the hysterical one, not the Catholic Church; others say the opposite.
I appreciated what sounded to me like a reasonable, if not pointed, case against the Church. Which saddens me, but we can't act like the Church hasn't made grave mistakes.
However, those mistakes aren't what I want to highlight. Agree with Fry or not, I was impressed—and at the same time, humbled—by the humility, balance, and fairness with which he introduced his statement. He said,
"... I do not believe that, to put it at its mildest, the Catholic Church is a force for good in the world ... But I want first of all to say that I have no quarrel and no argument, and I wish to express no contempt, for individual devout and pious members of that Church. It would be impertinent and wrong of me to express any antagonism toward any individual who wishes to find salvation in whatever form they wish to express it. That, to me, is sacrosanct as much as any article of faith is sacrosanct to any one of any church or any faith anywhere in the world. It is also very important that I have my own beliefs ..."
Fry goes on to list some of his beliefs: That it's all about this eternal journey to find morality, or something along those lines. Which is really admirable and noble, but I'm not sure it's possible. When I lived like that, it just made me arrogant.
However, I don't believe that the answer is confessing my sins to a man, righteous may he be, and hailing Mary. No ... life, for me, has become mind-blowingly simple: I accept that we're all just amazingly imperfect people, and so I laugh when I try to be perfect, and remember that life's really just about love.
Anyway, I'm curious what others' thoughts are on this Stephen Fry/Evil Catholic Church thing. Just drop them in the comments. I'm not looking to spark a yelling match here, or anything of the sort, and ... I don't know ... maybe nobody will have much to say. But I'm curious what you think, and I hope we can have a little discussion about it.
Be honest. Just be nice. You can say what you have to say in the comments by clicking here.
Reader Comments (5)
Most southern fundamentalist would probably readily jump on the bandwagon that the Catholic Church is the arch nemesis of real Christians. However, in listening to Mr. Fry I believe his viewpoint is not just the Catholic Church is "evil" but anyone who would hold others to an authoritative moral code. I believe he picks on the Catholics because they are the biggest target at work in the areas he works, specifically Uganda. When he references his search for morality and enlightenment, I think he is expressing his desire to live life according to what he believes is correct which is simply humanism. Although I would identify the Catholic Church as incorrect, it would be on a different basis than Mr. Fry. Certainly the Catholic Church is guilty of reprehensible acts, however; it seemed his main quarry stemmed from their condemnation of his sexual choices and lifestyle.
Thanks for stopping by, Josh. You make some good points, too. Would you mind elaborating on why you find the Catholic Church incorrect?
In a religious debate in order to prove if one is right or wrong, we must establish common ground. Seeing that the Catholics claim to believe in the Bible, one can establish that this must be the authority in which all actions of individuals and churches must be governed. To try to identify and denounce every fallacy in the Catholic church would be monumental task to which I will not endeavor to complete. Therefore, I will not address the simple minded Biblical inconstancies considered "doctrine" in the Catholic Church such as: infant baptism, last rights, transubstantiation, confessionals, purgatory, the Index, the Popes power of "ex-cathedra", holiness of Mary etc....
Let's boil the matter down to its base form. What defines any religion as correct? Based upon the Bible, it would have to be the belief systems adherence to the Scriptures. John 14:6 clearly declares that Christ is the singular way to heaven. To suppose or believe in any other path to heaven is to deny Christ and the Scriptures. Luke 1:68 identifies Christ as our Redeemer; none other. The Catholics recognize that Christ plays a part in redemption, but it is not solely of him. Christ will share his glory with no man (including his mother) he is a jealous God-Duet. 4:24.
Admittedly, this is brief evidence of the Catholic error. However, I make no attempt to try to start a yelling match; this is simply my opinion based upon the Word of God. If anyone is interested, more proofs could be easily provided. I would shy away from the title "evil" in reference to the Catholic church. Although I disagree with the Catholics beliefs, some are sincere people who are blinded by sin and centuries of false religion. They are no more evil than anyone who denies Christ. Were it not for grace we would all be enemies of God.
Can't ask for anything more than your opinion. Thanks for that, Josh.
I just think, honestly, we need to be careful labeling anybody as "evil." Focusing on that stuff ... it's mostly just harmful. We're meant to love, and to love God. Focus on that, and the unimportant things—in our own religion and in others'—fade away.
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