Theology today

[chrysologus400]

Sometimes studying theology as a Catholic in America in the 21st century can be frustrating, stressful, confusing, discouraging, and intimidating. Has it always been that way for theologians and students of theology? To some degree, I'm sure that the answer is yes, but I suspect that today is especially bad. Father Steve once told me that

Comments

[periwinklepatch]

I really did like this post, and I'd like to make a comment on it, but I probably won't get around to it, so this will make sure that at least you know that I liked it.

[panache62]

ditto. i just thought the ending was sad. :( but it was a good read.

[chrysologus400]

Thanks for the encouragement, you two. It has really brightened my mood!

[chrysologus400]

Thanks for the support and Bible verses. They are quite relevant and uplifting.

I definitely believe that Christian unity does not mean uniformity. This would be what I meant by saying that there is a legitimate diversity within the Church that celebrates her unity in diversity. But I do think that the extreme ends of the spectrum (namely heretics, dissenters, and radical traditionalists) cross the line and break from unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Nevertheless, as St. Paul says, it's no one's place except God's to judge anyone and I don't mean to do so in categorizing them. To put it another way, I may judge their actions, but not their intentions, their hearts, or their salvation.

And in spite of all that I wrote, I still get a lot of good knowledge and growth out of my classes. It's probably mostly good, in fact, but it can grow wearisome to have to be constantly vigilant in discerning the bad from the good, especially since it seems reasonable to me that Catholic theologians should be trustworthy and faithful

[tj9582]

The Catholic Church's tolerance for heretics is probably one of my greater annoyances with it, and I'm not even Catholic. You guys have a nicely centralized authority and a perfectly good way of expelling the immoral brother, but for some reason refuse to do so. At least Protestants have the excuse that they just aren't structured properly to do so

[chrysologus400]

I sympathize with your sentiments, though you're harsher than I would be

[smudgealot]

I know it's a little late to be commenting on this post, as a lot of people have already been saying a lot of things that I would normally say, but as someone who has been Catholic and has been outside the Catholic church, I understand where you're coming from, and I sympathize with you. I also think that your point of view on the situation is a good one to have. It's always good not to settle for things that you dont agree with or think should be happening within the Church, but realizing that the only thing you have any effect on is yourself and the way you view things and practice your faith is kind of the only thing you can do. I've had to come to that after many years of being frusterated with church in general