Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
February 6, 2002
Letters
Culture of convenience
I most respectfully disagree that we are moving toward a culture of life (Jan. 16 Register). It is the right to choose that this culture celebrates. The Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade encourages the continuous attempt to persuade one side to accept the ideas of the other. It is this challenge which the pro-life forces have embraced, at the same time abandoning a direct legal assault on Roe.
We no longer work to pass a Human Life Amendment. We applaud opinion polls and market data that suggest pro-life views are gaining in popularity. But we fail to note that regardless of polling data, partial birth abortion remains legal in every corner of our nation. Minors do not need parental permission to abort. The decline in the number of abortions is more accurately attributed to the use of more effective contraceptives, such as those which are injectable. We live with Roe because it is easier and politically comfortable. That is not a culture of life; that is a culture of convenience.
Joanne Marie Roll
Denver
Theologian wrong
Regarding "U.S. priest calls for new sainthood process," a Catholic News Service brief in the Jan. 23 Register: Father Richard P. McBrien's call for a moratorium on canonization "until a process could be devised to identify models of holiness more relevant to the lives of most
Catholics" is sad but understandable given Father McBrien's liberal orientation. It is also wrongheaded.
He criticized plans to canonize Blessed Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, Blessed Padre Pio, and Blessed Juan Diego on the
grounds that the "popularity of each within one country or one Catholic movement is not enough." Father McBrien goes on to state, "These are not bad people, they are just bad models for the universal Church." What a sad statement. By
canonizing these individuals the Church proclaims that, "They practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God's grace ... " ("Catechism of the Catholic Church" article 828). We should all aspire to the heroic virtue of these individuals — "not bad people," indeed.
Father McBrien is a theologian from Notre Dame University. He has written that he will not seek a mandate from his bishop in accordance with "Ex Corde Ecclesiae." That Church document was issued so that parents who sent their children to Catholic universities could be assured that religious education at those universities would conform to Church teaching. One aspect of the document Father McBrien would be asked to sign, if he sought the mandate, would require him to attest that he believes in the teachings set forth by the Nicene Creed, the same creed that you and I attest to every Sunday. In addition, he would have to accept and hold everything that is taught by the Church.
Father McBrien is a prolific writer. Unfortunately, according to some reviews, his works can be misleading. For example, on April 9, 1996, the National Council of Catholic Bishop's Committee on Doctrine(www.cin.org/users/james/f iles/mcbrien.htm) said this about McBrien's book "Catholicism": "Nevertheless, this review concludes that ... `Catholicism' poses serious difficulties and in several important respects does not live up to its ambitious title."
Among other things, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Doctrine takes issue with Father McBrien's contention that Jesus "could have sinned" and with McBrien's questioning of the virginal birth of Jesus and the perpetual virginity of Our Lady.
Lastly, it is interesting that Father McBrien's "Lives of the Saints," referenced in the Register article, contains biographies of non-Catholics who, apparently, Father McBrien has canonized as saints. While I have no contention with the greatness of these people, I am concerned that Father McBrien is trying to usurp Church authority for himself.
Harry F. Kempke
Denver
Music message needs heard
Regarding the discussion on music in the Church: I was raised in a church that inspired awe. There was a special aura entering church with the clusters of little red and blue candle lights glowing in the soft light and the sanctuary light flickering at the altar. It was easy to understand how Moses must have felt when God told him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.
People were at prayer and those entering respected the holy place. We had been invited by Christ to a religious ceremony, not a social gathering. There was no boisterous chatter and laughter or banging of kneelers. We were there to worship, which is the purpose of all of us being there. We are there for God not ourselves, not to have our ears tickled. God is not our "buddy," he is God.
Somehow "Kumbaya" or "Shall We Gather at the River" complete with bongo drums accompanying the piano does not create the same reverence nor inspire a worshipful attitude as does "Salve Regina" or "Panis Angelicus" accompanied by the organ and choir. Those who say they haven't heard nor do they care to hear any Latin music must not have heard "Ave Maria" or "Adeste Fidelis."
Vatican II said that some modern music may be used — not must be used. It also says that the needs of the faithful should be considered and that the music should be sacred in keeping with the sacredness of the Mass and have the qualities of holiness and good form. How many letters are needed before the message of the people is recognized and acted upon?
Charles Stanley
Denver
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