Hence it's funny to read in the New York Times that…
““Hence it's funny to read in the New York Times that liberal Catholic activists are pushing for a change in Church teaching on issues relating to -- well, let's admit it, sex. Nobody is out there demanding the popes revisit the condemnation of Jansenism (don't ask), or settle the question of whether divine grace is or isn't resistable. No, journalists want to know what the Church thinks about whether one person should poke another and, if so, where, when, and how. What liberal Catholics and the journalists who love them are really asking for isfor the Church to admit that it was teaching a set of harsh, repressive errors for nineteen centuries and that now it is very, very sorry.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He critiques journalists' focus on sexual morality, arguing the Church should acknowledge past harsh teachings and apologize
In simple terms: He says the Church should admit past errors and express remorse
Key Takeaway
Encourage the Church to own past mistakes and seek reform
Themes
religion
ethics
media criticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
opinion
theological analysis
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- church policy
- media framing
- theological debate
Key Concepts
sexual morality
church doctrine
historical repentance
Questions to Reflect On
- What would genuine repentance look like for the Church?
- How can media responsibly cover religious reforms?
A Different Perspective
The Church may resist admitting error due to doctrinal authority